I spent my weekend in Edmonton looking for a new car. conclusion: the only cars that I really liked are too expensive. I mean, I can afford it, but it wouldn't be reasonable. (always around 35-40k! ) Anyway, what I like in my Volvo, I can't find it in moderns cars (good visibility, very practical and giving mechanical pleasure) Used cars are just a bet and anyway, they are overpriced. (Even saw a IS300 2004 more expensive than a brand new IS250! ) So I decided to continue with my 740 for some years again. As I don't think I'll find a reliable and honest mechanic here, I'll send my car to Quebec so my brother will try to rebuild and fix what is needed so I can do another 5 years with it without worries.

So: I'm looking to buy a cheap car that is in good enough condition to last 2-3 months without trouble. I don't care what model it is, I just want a cheap car that will last for the time my 740 will be back in Quebec for the time of the rebuild.

Or even if you have a second car that you could rent to me?

Whats wrong with your 740?

Just buy any 20 year old Toyota for 500 bucks, it'll last 2-3 months, probably 2-3 years easy.

- R

If I want to keep it another 5 years or so, it will need a new suspension, a new clutch and some body work. And I need a indepth inspection to find if I need a new turbo and an engine rebuild. And to find out what else need to be done.

In my opinion, your car is in excellent condition. Why fix it if it ain't broke? I'm CERTAIN your car would last another 5 years in the current conditon, and the grandmother way you drive it


- R

And why do you think that I drive like a grandma?

Because you're crazy? I don't know?

I don't know steph, your car has alot of miles, but more importantly, alot of rust for a 700. It's nice that your brother can do alot of the work, but it's going to take ALOT of work and probably you won't get rid of all the rust. Maybe find out how much work (MONEY) it's going to take, but doing any suspension work is going to be a BITCH with all that rust as you know.
It's a nice car, but it's going to be hard to keep it that way. I know there's a lot of sentimental value (hell, I still have the car my uncle bought in 1981) but sometimes you just have to decide when to let go if it's not worthwhile.
Consider the cost, then consider what you can get from the states for maybe a few dollars more. There ARE nice 5 spd wagons available, you just have to find them.
my 12 cents.

buy something else like a cheap 200 series...make the 700 wagon your race car...and be merry!

worked for me!

ciao