Does this car seem like a good deal pending PPI?

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/1195031186.html

One of the lower cost 308s That I have seeen recently.
Thanks Mike

 

Yes, it is a fantastic deal. You would be kicking yourself if you passed it up. If the PPI is good, you should buy the car.

 

The speedometer on that car is from a 1980 model (85MPH), and must have been replaced at some point in the cars history as the car is definitly an early 1978 model year based on the chassis number. Also, beware of no service records, and there are no engine bay pictures?

I would proceed with extreme caution! Get a pre purchase inspection performed. You are so much better off buying a car in the best possible condition at a higher price. Trust me, it will be worth it as soon as you have the car serviced.

 

Wow, that's weird I have sn28589. My only concern is that I think the speedo is wrong for a 78 308. I thought that the 80mph speedos came later.
Good Luck!

 

I saw this car too.....really interesting if you want o get into an early 308 and in classic colors. let us know how your PPI goes if you pass on it or after you buy it.

I'm looking at 355s but I was really tempted to jump on this just because it 'could' be a good find if all checks out.

 

Maybe it's an optical illusion, but it looks like the front wheels are 8" wide (or the same as the rears)? In any case, they sure don't look like stock 14" wheels so it's strange the seller doesn't mention what they are -- but maybe I'm just not seeing that correctly.

 

get a ppi and a compression and leak down test you'll be crazy if you don't,a bad engine could cost you k's of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to fix

 

Love that "T-Top" description. Just like a 1982 Pontiac Firebird. You know the one - actually has the bird on the hood, slightly rusted chrome Crager wheels, metallic beige paint, venetian blind rear window treatment, wife beater T with rearward facing ball cap optional......

 

It doesn't seem that the seller knows a lot about 308's. If the car really is as great as it looks he would A. show the engine and details regarding service, B. He would mention if the suspension and all hoses have ever been replaced C. He would mention wether or not the car is rustfree. In my opinion if those three things check out you can't really go wrong.

It looks like a good deal but I would be worried about the things he doesn't say.

Helmut

 

Like the 1980s 80-MPH speedo... not a small detail, IMO, as others have posted. How in the world
can one believe that mileage? That gauge did NOT come with that car!!

 

Don't even consider without a PPI.

 

Cliffbeer do you think that maybe the "T" was short for Targa??

 

+1 Definitely 8" wide wheels in the front, should be 7". Also no engine compartment photos on a car that is priced agressively is deliberate. Who knows what lurks under the decklid. PPI for SURE!!!!

 

Hi Michael, anything is possible. I've certainly never seen "T-Top" used as an abbreviation to describe a targa top before as far as I know. However, I certainly have seen "T-Top" used many times to describe the t-top configuration present on a firebird of that vintage.

Do you think that maybe the "T" was short for "Totally awesome removable roof?"

 

Before you decide to have a PPI done I would call the seller and ask a few questions. Prepare yourself by making a list of questions first. No need to go through all the trouble and expenses of a PPI if you're not satisfied with his answers.

 

Did a '78 come with a centre-console in a different colour than the seats?

Were these the original rearview mirrors, or did a '78 have Vitaloni California's?

I had never seen a pic of the 80mph speedo, just heard of it. Definitely looks very funny

 

My 79 came with a 85 MPH speedo, why do you say it is a 1980?

 

I think the dashboard, console and arm rests were black as standard. Colour choices were an option for seats and carpets. I think because this car has tan seats AND carpets the black console stands out a bit more. Maybe that's why you noticed it.

 

If the car is local to you go look at it yourself.

why does everyone say get a PPI yet you hear all about PPIs that were worth nothing and they still end up with a turd.
Do the dirty work yourself.

A compression test isnt something that only ferrai people know how to do and its not hard to find rust its the brown stuff and rubber thats bad its the stuff thats cracking, oh and the fuel/coolant hoses I would change them no matter what so I know that they have been changed.

 

I think that car is a late 79 going by the sn. The late 79 models came with the 85mph speedo I believe.

 

Perhaps you have a late 1979 model? The 85 MPH speedometer was installed as a result of U.S. DOT regulations in 1980, and was later recalled. This is documented in both the Keith Blumel Original 308 book, as well as The Complete Guide to the 308 series by a British author I cannot recall.

 

I saw the car - They are 14" wheels with Goodyear Eagles - 215 70 VR 14 front, 235 VR 14 rear

 

My car is chassis #25XXX, and it's a 1978 model. The price is interesting. ~ 8k more seems to be the market for these cars that are known items. This could be the cheapest or most expensive 8k depending on how you look at it. Get a good PPI.

 

+1. Well said. Couldn't agree more.