Hive... I have been looking for cheap cars and ways to make money to fund my own projects through cars.
Looking locally, found a 1990 hardtop Reatta listed for $500 needing a fuel pump, but with 97,000 miles. Still have both keyfobs/sets of keys and the owner's manual.
Just got home from looking at it it.
Turns out, it's been parked in this garage since 2004. Kinda rusty on the rear subframe and all of that side.
Engine cranks over (they put a fresh battery in) and runs on carb cleaner. Trans shifts through all gears sitting still. Radiator is full of green antifreeze. Digital Dash works.
Radio didn't put out any sound, and some of the other interior electronic controls didnt do much, but the battery wasn't fresh and ready either.
Is there a market for this? Either whole (with a replaced fuel pump and running) or parts? Pictures to show condition .
Tell me if I'm an idiot or if there's money here - I see the lower end ones here going for ~$2k.
nterior
Problem areas
Shame it doesn’t have the touch screen crt.
I’d expect you’d make more money parting it out. Considering it’ll need tires/hoses/belts/brake work to be road-worthy, I think you’d be in it for $3-$4k for what would only be a $3-$4k car.
Well, I hope I can make some more money parting it. I made an offer earlier, and just got the text it's accepted. So, looks like I actually have to follow through now. Crap! Anyone know someone who needs parts for a Reatta??
I've always been kind of fond of these things. Not sure why....
But no, I don't want to buy this one.
In reply to classicJackets :
I know someone who has one, and his friend had two last I knew, so if you need any info I’d be glad to relay any questions.
If you race it in Lemons, you'll probably win your $500 back.
In reply to Pete Gossett :
Tell your friends that if they need any parts, I'm planning to sell them at "yeah, I'll go ahead and pick that up as a spare" type of prices, at least compared to what I'm seeing on fleabay for some of this stuff!
wonder if the CRTs can be replaced with LCDs?
RossD
MegaDork
5/9/18 9:43 a.m.
Check the price on a new/replacement ABS pump. I recall those being either a big dollar item or that there were able to be put into some Euro car who's pump was a big ticket item to replace.
Well, dragged it home today. Got to talk to the actual owner, and turns out its been in their family since 1992. It is a remarkable complete car, with owners manual and both keyfobs, so I think I will try to get it sold as one complete piece.. Again, if you all know anyone looking for one, It's now for sale!
They were really nice looking cars and the look is still elegant, but FWD and heavy didn't make it a popular car.
These are pretty cool and they check off plenty of 80's GM 'goodness' boxes for me. However I prefer the Trofeos a little better. Pretty sure they probably share all the same drivetrain and electronics to some degree whether good or bad.
Robbie
PowerDork
5/15/18 8:51 a.m.
A twin engine awd reatta would be a solid challenge contender.
With good parts and recoup abilities I bet you could be in under a grand.
Robbie
PowerDork
5/15/18 8:51 a.m.
You could do twin supercharged 3800s.
