All this "maintenance" bull

[tudor@tvo.org (Michael Helms)]

Hi guys,

I hate these threads that talk about how unreliable a $700 car is. 
In fact, they push me quite close to that "on the brink of complete
verbal thrashing" stage.

I paid $2000 Canadian for my '86 - and it was a $2000 bag of shit
when I got it.  The body was OK (surface rust in the usual places),
the interior was dirty and grimy, the gas tank had holes, the brake
line was split, the air filter looked like a fungus colony, the tires
were bald, etc., etc., etc.  In short, it was like most other 10+
year old cars that are bought for cheap.  I was happy with my
purchase, though, because I'm not naive enough to assume that a $2000
car is going to be a work of art.

Thinking back (with the mental calculator keeping tally), I've
probably sunk another $5000 into that car.  Everything from a new gas
tank to a new sunroof mechanism to a new clutch (the necessary stuff)
to a Momo steering wheel, Good Year Eagle NCT/2 tires, H&R springs,
and a hundred other performance mods (non-necessary stuff).  I don't
consider myself some sort of idiot - I simply enjoy driving a nice
car, and I'm not prepared to spend the $40,000+ that it would take to
buy a comparable new car.  My options were the Scirocco or a new Geo
Metro (Chevy Sprint) - and I'm sorry, but I'll take the slightly more
unreliable nature of the Scirocco, in favor of driving something that
lacks any sort of kindrid spirit whatsoever.

This is what you get with an old car.  You get something with
*potential* - something that, after a good deal or time and money,
will be a great car to drive.  The Scirocco was an expensive car in
its day - but don't think that it will be the same car after 10 years
of abuse and neglect.

In short, you get what you pay for.  Consider the alternatives (check
out the payments on a new Chevy Sprint - or a new Golf or Civic, if
you want to compare apples to apples, and make sure you get an
insurance quote), and I'm sure you will agree that a few new parts
every month for the 'roc is still the more economical route.

Factor in the fact that the Scirocco is a fun, unique vehicle - and I
don't even think there's a valid comparison here.   I can't think of
any $7000 new cars that come with a Momo steering wheel, Recaro seats
and can top 120 mph ...

Cheers,
-- Michael Helms

'81 Scirocco - the fixer-upper
'86 Scirocco - the daily driver

Web Site:  http://www.continuum.org/helms

"If you don't believe your country should come before yourself, you
can better serve your country by living somewhere else."  - Dr.
Stompin' Tom Connors


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