Worth $1300?

[davew833]

I'm looking at a '93 AE with a failing trans. (won't shift out of 2nd. gear but drives). 187k miles. Body in good condition except for clearcoat failing on the roof & some chips on the spoiler, interior fair with tears in the driver's seat and the ecsaine on the door panels has been replaced with REAL suede that doesn't match very well(!). Seller says car has a replacement engine with under 100k and referred me to the mechanic that did the work, also new timing belt, new brakes/rotors, rebuilt ABS system, New tires (wrong size- too tall!). Seller wants $1300, I offered him $800 and he flatly refused. What do you say- is it worth asking price? I'd love to have an AE, I think.

[SilverSpear]

Well it needs paint, mechanical repairs & interior TLC. How bad you like to have an AE? Especially that you are SVX-less...

I say if you insist, get back to him with a $1100 offer... something in between.

[michael]

Wrong sized tires might be why the trans isn't working properly

[RojoRocket]

I'm with Danny on this. Offer something in the middle. This looks like a prime candidate for a black roof/trunk and wing respray! Meanwhile, have someone with some experience with the car look at the tranny. That's key to worth of the car imho. If you should pick up this car I have all F&R seats (no tears), belts, etc from my '93 available.

Glenn

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by michael

Wrong sized tires might be why the trans isn't working properly

If the tires are all the same size, this really shouldn't be a factor.

[TomsSVX]

Its a whole car, it is worth 1300 with no trans at all.

Tom

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

If the tires are all the same size, this really shouldn't be a factor.

Unless the tires are taller than stock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:ro lleyes:

[davew833]

Oh, they're DEFINITELY taller than stock! They look like the tires on my Outback.

[FriendlyTurkey]

The tire diameter doesn't matter as long as they are all the same. The problem you run into with dissimilar tires diameters causing binding in the drive train.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by FriendlyTurkey

The tire diameter doesn't matter as long as they are all the same. The problem you run into with dissimilar tires diameters causing binding in the drive train.

Larger diameter tires will cause more strain on the transmission though. It effectively lowers the gear ratio even more and takes more torque to get moving.

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Larger diameter tires will cause more strain on the transmission though. It effectively lowers the gear ratio even more and takes more torque to get moving.

Unless they're so large that they can't fit in the wheelwells, it shouldn't be any different than if you were bringing a friend and a set of tires to the track.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Larger diameter tires will cause more strain on the transmission though. It effectively lowers the gear ratio even more and takes more torque to get moving.

AND raises the transmission temperatures!!!!!!!!!

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

AND raises the transmission temperatures!!!!!!!!!

more strain=higher fluid temps

[LetItSnow]

Outback tires are 7% taller. That's about the same (math being math) as ~270 lbs worth of stuff in the car with you - a light friend and a set of tires, then.

Maintain what stand you will, but 270 lbs. of cargo killing a transaxle is a pretty depressing concept.

I surrender to speculation and hearsay. Back to topic!

[ensteele]

If you get me the VIN, I can check it against any that I have registered and see if it has issues or I have record of it. I would say that as long as the engine is good, the price is not too high. It would be better to get it for $1,100 though. Let him know that you need to get new tires and work on the tranny. That is why you are offering him that. Good luck.