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Beaters Out Of Choice, Not Necessity

59 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 6:55 AM

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Messages Page 4 of 7

#28 of 59 Re: 177,777 [andre1969] by lemko

Aug 21, 2012 (8:28 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Aug 21, 2012 7:19 am)

 
Here's my 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis LS on May 4, 2012.

#29 of 59 Here's my beater list by oldfarmer50

Aug 22, 2012 (4:28 pm)

Just inherited a 1993 caddy Deville from my younger son ( he needed money) with about 89,000 miles. Rides like a big couch. Has the older (and better) 4.9L V-8. I don't think I would have given him 2 cents for a Northstar equipped car.
 
I have a 1988 GMC van which I use on the farm. Bought it from a neighbor for $900 3 years ago. I used it as my winter beater for my other job but the road salt has taken it toll. I've replaced a fuel pump, gas tank, tie rod, e-brake cable and lower control arms. All rust related items. It is a true hooptie. It has about 129,000 miles.
 
Finally I have a 1984 Corvette that I bought from my older son ( he needed money too). It's not exactly a beater but it's no show car. It has 133,000 miles and various quirks you'd expect from a 29 yo car. Nothing serious. It could use a new interior or at least new seat covers but it drives OK and is kind of fun with the roof removed. I've driven it about 2000 miles since I got it and I'm surprised to see it doesn't burn or leak a bit of oil.
 
I also have a couple of new cars which I like but there's a feeling of freedom driving a bunch of vehicles which if they were totaled tomorrow wouldn't be much more than a $5k loss. Every time they start and go where I point them I feel like I've got my money's worth.

#30 of 59 Re: Here's my beater list [oldfarmer50] by lemko

Aug 23, 2012 (7:41 am)

Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Aug 22, 2012 4:28 pm)
I had a 1994 Cadillac DeVille with the 4.9 V-8. Despite being rated at only 200 hp, the car was no slouch and could effortlessly hit 100 mph. Decent fuel economy was also a bonus. The Northstar is kind of a gas hog.

#31 of 59 Re: Here's my beater list [lemko] by oldfarmer50

Aug 23, 2012 (7:50 am)

Replying to: lemko (Aug 23, 2012 7:41 am)
"...the Northstar is kind of a gas hog..."
 
I'd be less worried about gas milage than the Northstar's habit of blowing the head bolts out of the block at odd moments. Usually totals the car as the repair is super expensive.
 
My 4.9L can get a solid 28mpg on the highway. Of course if you stomp on it it gets 6.

#32 of 59 Re: Here's my beater list [lemko] by henry_n

Aug 24, 2012 (11:55 am)

Replying to: lemko (Aug 23, 2012 7:41 am)
"The Northstar is kind of a gas hog."
 
I have to disagree, and disagree strongly. Years ago, I went directly from a 92 Deville to a 98 Deville. Making the same commute, my average gas mileage went up from 16 mpg to 21 mpg. I am one of those people who keep a notebook in the glove compartment, and record every fill up, with miles driven, number of gallons, and mpg.
 
The Northstar is NOT a gas hog. Yes, it does blow head gaskets. And I can testify to that from direct experience. But until / unless the head gaskets go, the mpg is decidedly better, and the horsepower / performance is dramatically better. A Northstar equipped Cadillac is a fun ride.

#33 of 59 Re: Here's my beater list [henry_n] by lemko

Aug 24, 2012 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: henry_n (Aug 24, 2012 11:55 am)
Oh, I KNOW the Northstar is a lot of fun as I've had two Northstar-equipped Cadillacs - a 2002 Seville STS and a 2007 DTS Performance. I think the issues are with earlier Northstars. I recall there was a lower block seal that would go bad and cause oil leaks ranging from a little seepage to gushing out. The part cost about $44, but the labor would be about $2K as the engine had to be pulled and taken apart to replace it. I believe the seal and head gasket issues were resolved in later cars.

#34 of 59 had another scare by steve_ HOST

Sep 16, 2012 (6:42 am)

Drove down to Lower Michigan a week ago and it rained most of the day. Stopped to get gas and noticed that the driver's side floorboard was soaking wet and water was dripping down around the brake pedal. Told my wife this may be it - heater cores are expensive to replace.
 
The water didn't feel oily and my wife is sensitive to smells and she would have noticed long before the carpet got soaked if the coolant was leaking into the car.
 
I think stopping to get gas moved water in the cowl over to a low spot or something. Got to the campground and borrowed a fan and the carpet was dry by the morning.
 
Rained again last Friday heading back north and got a couple of ounces on the floor. Guess I'll try to find the clog this week. The in-cabin filter is relatively new so will be surprised if it's clogged. It's also odd since the van is parked in the garage most of the time. We do have chipmunks....
 
Rolled over 179,000 miles and really want to see 200k, but the years are taking their toll at this point. The move to salt country isn't helping.

#35 of 59 Re: had another scare [steve_] by hpmctorque

Sep 18, 2012 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Sep 16, 2012 6:42 am)
Let us know what happens next.

#36 of 59 Re: had another scare [hpmctorque] by steve_ HOST

Sep 18, 2012 (5:10 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Sep 18, 2012 4:40 pm)
No hurry; it's a beater and not a commuter, after all. Plus we hit a cold snap and my garage isn't heated. Maybe next week.

#37 of 59 Re: had another scare [steve_] by berri

Sep 18, 2012 (5:40 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Sep 16, 2012 6:42 am)
Had that happen in a 2000 Taurus. Ended up that the technician who replaced the cabin filter screwed up the outside air cabin intake in front of the windshield while removing and replacing the filter. Once they fixed that cowling or whatever it was called, it was fine.

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