Buy or no buy... 88 Fox for $500

[Orange90GL]

Alright I'm sorta torn between what to do. Here's the car- 88 Fox wagon 2dr, 166xxx, 4sp, bbs gli wheels w/ new tires, inspected till june, interior ok, paint dull, a lil rust on the door, roof, hatch and some holes in the rocker panel on the pass side and the clutch is a little worn. Took it for a drive, tight steering, a little noise from the engine (lifter tick i believe), idles high for some reason. He wants 600, I offered 300 and he turned me down, said he won't let it go for less then 500. What do you think?? Is it worth it? My dad doesn't want me to pay more then 300 for it but it runs and drives and i need a car. I have other oppitions, a gti with tranny problems (see post) and a golf w/ 198xxx that leaks a quart every 1000 miles, 400 and around 600 respectively. I think I could talk him down to 450. Should I buy or hold out???? That is the question.

[halfofnothing]

2 dr fox wagons are the best...if you can pull it off for 3 bills i'd hit it in a heartbeat.

[Orange90GL]

Originally Posted by halfofnothing

2 dr fox wagons are the best...if you can pull it off for 3 bills i'd hit it in a heartbeat.

Can you beat the shit out of them and have them come back for more?

[mdwelsh]

Originally Posted by Orange90GL

Alright I'm sorta torn between what to do. Here's the car- 88 Fox wagon 2dr, 166xxx, 4sp, bbs gli wheels w/ new tires, inspected till june, interior ok, paint dull, a lil rust on the door, roof, hatch and some holes in the rocker panel on the pass side and the clutch is a little worn. Took it for a drive, tight steering, a little noise from the engine (lifter tick i believe), idles high for some reason. He wants 600, I offered 300 and he turned me down, said he won't let it go for less then 500. What do you think?? Is it worth it? My dad doesn't want me to pay more then 300 for it but it runs and drives and i need a car. I have other oppitions, a gti with tranny problems (see post) and a golf w/ 198xxx that leaks a quart every 1000 miles, 400 and around 600 respectively. I think I could talk him down to 450. Should I buy or hold out???? That is the question.

In my view, there is one test required before purchasing any vehicle; a compression test of the engine.

A new Fox engine will register 174psi with a compression test. An acceptable reading would be at least 125-140psi and 125 would be too low for me personally. Recently, I tested my 93 with 120,000 miles on the engine and all four cylinders registered 161psi! With this information I can now spend money on suspension, brakes, etcetera and not worry about the engine.

Purchase, borrow or rent the type of compression tester with a hose that literally threads into the spark plug hole, it has an o-ring that will provide a tight connection. They are more accurate and you can do the test by yourself. Remove all four spark plugs. You do not need a remote starter switch because with this type of tester you can turn the engine over from inside the car and then view the results in the engine compartment. Moving back and forth from the driver's seat to the engine compartment will also provide a "little exercise". The tool also has a relief button to release the pressure without removing anything so you can test the same cylinder a couple of times providing consistent readings. Remember to test while the engine is warm.

All four cylinders should read approximately the same. A five pound difference is nothing to worry about. If one of the cylinders, for example, reads 100 and the remaining cylinders register 140 then add a small amount of engine oil into the low cylinder. If the psi increases then this indicates worn piston rings. If this were to occur then you should perform a full "leakdown test".

The question is not what the car is worth but in actuality what will it COST YOU to restore it to your satisfaction!

With some people, including myself, if the engine needs new rings then the old "why I am at it I might as well......". Then a $300 car could cost you $3000 or more depending on who rebuilds the engine. Essentially, if you are going to "ring" it then you may as well do a valve and head rebuild and then so on and so on.

[Corporate_Trash]

Originally Posted by Orange90GL

Can you beat the shit out of them and have them come back for more?

you can beat on them a little, but they're not tanks you have to take care of them

[RED1.8T]

hey mdwelsh i think he just needs a beater.