Approx value of high-mileage 90 SR5?

[czissman]

A friend has a 90 SR5 that I can pick up for a song because it's in need of some repairs and it's got 217,000 miles on the clock. The car needs a clutch (incl flywheel) and an alternator, and it may need some transmission work.

My question is this: Is there anything special about a 90 SR5 DOHC that should cause me to consider paying my friend about $200 for the car, and then repair/resell it? I'm competent with a wrench so the work won't be a major issue.

Thanks!

PS: Here's the craiglsist ad I posted for him. So far we've had only one rather low offer: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1461866124.html

[eage8]

Originally Posted by czissman

A friend has a 90 SR5 that I can pick up for a song because it's in need of some repairs and it's got 217,000 miles on the clock. The car needs a clutch (incl flywheel) and an alternator, and it may need some transmission work.

My question is this: Is there anything special about a 90 SR5 DOHC that should cause me to consider paying my friend about $200 for the car, and then repair/resell it? I'm competent with a wrench so the work won't be a major issue.

Thanks!

PS: Here's the craiglsist ad I posted for him. So far we've had only one rather low offer: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1461866124.html

I bought my '89 with 170k on it for $600 about 5 years ago...

PS. it's a 5 speed, not a 4 speed, unless it ate a gear and that's the "transmission work" it needs :-P

[Ghostyman]

You might be able to make a couple hundred on it if you fix it up. These cars sell pretty cheaply. I bought mine for $260 in running condition (admittedly from a relative, but the highest offer he'd gotten up to that point was $400).

If you fix it up and get it running well and wait until you get a serious buyer, you could probably get a grand for it.

[czissman]

Thanks for your input folks... yes, it's a 5-speed: my bad!

Barring an answer of "oh my God, you can get that car for $200???" then I'll pass and let someone else enjoy the repairs.

Thanks again!

[Ghostyman]

^^^ That's probably best. There are always cheap cars for sale... besides the Corolla, I've recently purchased a '91 Geo Storm (also $260), a '84 Celica ($470), and a '73 Dodge van ($290) all in good running condition and all passed smog on the first try.

Seems crazy to me that a running car is worth less than $500. That's one of the main reasons I can't bring myself to sell my Corolla even though I haven't driven it in about 8 months myself. I just keep loaning it out to friends who need a car temporarily.


EDIT: okay, i'm a sucker for a cheap car and I'm having to talk myself out of driving over from Santa Cruz with my van to haul it back...

[Donald]

Originally Posted by czissman

Thanks for your input folks... yes, it's a 5-speed: my bad!

Barring an answer of "oh my God, you can get that car for $200???" then I'll pass and let someone else enjoy the repairs.

Thanks again!

I am right now working on a Geo Prizm that I got for $600, that I was hoping to fix, sell and make some money.

The body is in great condition, one small dent on the hood, and the paint has been tarnished from sitting under a tree for over a year. A few hours of polish should clean this up.
The story was that it needed a fuel pump or relay. I replaced the gas tank (with pump) for $45. (New pump = $125)

I replaced the timing belt, accessory belts, crank front seal, cam shaft seal, both front brake rotors and pads, one front wheel hub and bearing. I also spent many hours cleaning the interior (window left open)

I need to replace all four shocks, and might need to do a head gasket. I am now $1500.00 into this car and haven't bought the shocks or head gasket set yet.

If I don't include my labor, and am lucky, I will probably just break even selling this car.

Oh, the A/C and stereo don't work.

I am now thinking, this wasn't such a great deal.

[czissman]

Originally Posted by Ghostyman

EDIT: okay, i'm a sucker for a cheap car and I'm having to talk myself out of driving over from Santa Cruz with my van to haul it back...

Coulda picked it up for $150: that's the price he sold it for to a gal from San Jose.

[Ghostyman]

She got a good deal.