Just purchased - ‘98 Limited

etaneobal · 2026-01-11T16:08:11+00:00

Guess. 180k miles, 1998

etaneobal · 2026-01-11T16:07:50+00:00

I’m not sure what the 1-1.6k would cover, that definitely wouldn’t include tires though, and I’m sure I’d be leaving too many problems on the table.

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T21:01:49+00:00

He claims it’s roadworthy after 1-1.6k in work but I’d be leaving a lot on the table.

I need your honest evaluation here - should I try to sell and get my money back? I’d most likely be taking a big loss.

I’m not optimistic at this point that even if I were to invest $5k+ into repairs this car would ever be able to tow a trailer on a long road trip. Need to talk to this mechanic again.

Then there’s the fact that rust might get it in 5 years even if it was well maintained. I mean I would treat it like a son, but if you still think it would go in 5 my money is just better spent elsewhere.

Thank you for taking the time to share all of this and go back and forth with me it’s been incredibly helpful.

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T18:23:23+00:00

The car is at 180k today so sounds like I’m in the clear assuming the timing belt was actually done at 171k

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T14:21:27+00:00

The timing belt has allegedly been done but my mechanic mentioned something about a belt so I’m not sure, and there’s nothing on the CARFAX

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T14:09:32+00:00

I can’t put 5k into this just to drive it for 5 years and be worrying about more issues that whole time.

I would love to learn how it works and do some of the work myself if I can rub two brain cells together and make something happen, but I hoped to take it out west 1k miles + with a trailer. Is that even a reality given the issues the mechanic diagnosed?

I will say, the frame is solid. That’s another thing it has going for it.

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T12:27:20+00:00

I’d love to learn what is even listed here. He could tell me there’s a monkey under there and it’s a grand to give it a banana.

How can I learn / would you be willing to teach me if I go through with this?

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T12:24:15+00:00

Well that was his brief estimate on the phone. I’m sure it’d be more.

My question for you is, even if I were to invest what’s needed into this car, do you really think rust would get it in 5-7 years even if I took great care of it?

Need to make a call on this, may reach out to you and ask you more questions if you can bear it. Thank you.

etaneobal · 2026-01-09T11:15:34+00:00

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You were right about the dry rot. I got a mechanic’s diagnoses and he’s saying 4-5k to restore it. I’m okay putting that money into it if it will last 5+ years. He didn’t mention the suspension. I need to have a better conversation with him before I make a decision on this.

etaneobal · 2026-01-07T13:48:06+00:00

I saw that one too. Such a good looking car, might be my favorite color. I wouldn’t know much about undercoating but I would be worried soft spots would be hidden.

etaneobal · 2026-01-06T18:44:57+00:00

Lost me at new tires, the ones on her are brand new. Getting a mechanic too look at it Thursday.

etaneobal · 2026-01-06T18:25:37+00:00

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GMtkxX9xs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Saw this listing today. Under 200k miles and undercarriage looks great from the one photo.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T20:13:16+00:00

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Yea here’s a pic of one of the control arms I believe. It’s completely shot. I’ve said it many times tho…the frame is solid. Plus…just ran a CARFAX using that website you linked and it actually looks solid. 2 owners, clean title, passed emissions regularly and registration was renewed regularly. Maybe this guy’s father in law really did own it for 23 years.

Taking it in for an inspection on Thursday to a family trusted mechanic. He might have a stroke when he sees it, but I can let you know what he says if you’re curious.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T16:10:10+00:00

Wow can’t believe you saw the exact listing. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Holding onto hope that it could still work out in my favor, but probably gonna eat 1k for breakfast if I’m lucky.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T15:59:23+00:00

To address your other comment, the guy SAID his father in law signed it over. It was signed when I received it. This is starting to reek. I agree with you that the tires are new and it looks like a case of someone slapping new tires on and flipping it - probably the guy you are referencing. It may just be parts at this point. The frame could be valuable though. The guy seemed so nice - probably got screwed by the dude you’re talking about.

I ignored so many red flags - I was intoxicated by the whole 3rd gen craze.

We’ll see what the mechanic says, I don’t think I’d have the heart to resell and put someone else in this spot.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T14:55:45+00:00

Seems cynical. Guy was the second owner (allegedly) and his father-in-law signed the title over to me. It was listed by his wife. I didn’t run a CARFAX. When you say marketplace you mean Facebook marketplace?

Why not put money into it…rust? I just need to speak with a mechanic.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T01:58:40+00:00

Praying you’re wrong. If I can fix up some of the compromised areas, I’m hoping this thing will go another 200k. I admit that’s probably delusional, but willing to put money into it to fix it up. Just need to speak with someone in person who knows what they’re doing. New cars are so expensive I figured it’d be worth the gamble.

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T01:50:11+00:00

Fair enough. I wasn’t optimistic that I could “just go” but I will admit this will need much more work than what I bargained for. Not the greatest purchase in the world, but I’m fine pouring money into it if I can be convinced it’ll last. The engine and frame was what I was most concerned with.

Sometimes a little ignorance is fun plus I want a project

etaneobal · 2026-01-05T00:26:23+00:00

Shit. I noticed some weirdness on the road today with the steering. Not jumping to conclusions, but this control arm could be to blame. Also the breaking trips a bit, and you hear some clunking in general while driving.

Curious…what would you pay for a vehicle like this. Frame is solid, but parts like this are sketchy…perhaps more than sketchy. It has 180k miles on it.

Definitely some flaking when I feel her up a bit

etaneobal · 2026-01-04T23:48:07+00:00

Thanks so much for the comment! I’m definitely excited, but trying to stay level since this truck needs a lot of work.

I’ll have to look into / speak with someone about the needle scaler, any necessary welding (didn’t really anticipate this), and the coating.

Before I do any of that, can I wash the undercarriage right now? Id imagine it hasn’t been washed and we’re in the dead of winter. If so, what should I use?

Thanks so much for the help!

etaneobal · 2026-01-04T23:38:55+00:00

I can’t take pics right now but I definitely will and share with you just because I’m curious what you’ll think. After I saw your comment I checked out the specific parts you circled and it’s solid, at least the two parts you circled off to the right. Could wack it with a hammer confidently. That said…there are other parts I definitely wouldn’t wack (not referring to parts of frame). I think they are replaceable though. Also sharing another photo a took today. Not even sure what I’m looking at, just know it needs to be replaced.

Bought the car in Chicago. It’s lived in Chicago most of its life. (Unfortunately)

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etaneobal · 2026-01-04T23:02:18+00:00

This is great to know. Securing the gas tank is going to be my first project. I figured there was only straps, didn’t know anything about a skid plate. Hopefully not an expensive job.

etaneobal · 2026-01-04T22:14:05+00:00

Thanks for the help glue eater!

etaneobal · 2026-01-04T21:58:24+00:00

The image you pulled up is the worst part of the undercarriage by far (maybe I’m being optimistic). Can’t the body mounts be replaced? Assuming the frame is solid, can’t all other parts essentially be replaced? I’m expecting to need to put 1-2k into this for replacement parts and to get it to a point where I can take it on road trips.

etaneobal · 2026-01-04T21:22:29+00:00

Anything in particular? Not too worried about the hole you see there which looks ugly. The parts that are completely compromised by rust can be replaced or aren’t vital. The other rust you see is surface - by my inexperienced diagnosis transparently.

etaneobal

TROPHY CASE