devanrules

Hello everyone, My name is Devan Jones, I'm a 19 year old Automotive Engineering student in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and here is my story... In 1988, my mom bought a brand new Arctic White Chrysler Lebaron Turbo. I grew up with that car, and when I turned 16, it became mine. I love that car. It's stylish, it's unique it's reliable and it's fun (well it was, until the engine went). I also fell in love with my Uncle's 1983 Shelby Charger, which he won't sell (believe me, I've tried <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> ). Anyway, the point is, I have become a huge admirer of 80's- early 90's Chryslers ad have swore that I would own one again. Anyway, winter is coming and I need to find myself a car, as my 1970 Beetle won't quite cut the Canadian winters. Being a huge car guy, I knew I needed to find the perfect car for me. For me it's not just basic transportation, it's love. During my search, I came across the holy grail of 80's-90's Chryslers... That's right, a TC. FOR THE RECORD- I did know quite a bit about the TC before I even knew one was for sale or saw one. I've dreampt about one day owning one... that's how much of a 80's Chrysler nut I am.... As you can imagine, this came as quite an overwhelming shock to me. Not only did I find my absolute dream car, but I found one in MANITOBA, CANADA none the less... I immediately took the first bus out to see it and I fell in love. It's a 91, Arctic White/Black/Black, obviously with the 3L/4spd. It is NOT safetied, but we took it for an inspection and it won't take much. I told the guy that I won't buy it unless it's safetied As much as I absolutely love it, I still need a proper, useful vehicle. Most of it is just simple stuff, lights need replacing, some screws tightened, etc, so he's going to get it done. The main problem facing this car however, is it's milege. It's got 158,000 Miles on it, which is quite substantial. The engine purrs, and everything is in great shape, but this is my first real car, I need it to be reliable and I need to trust it. The guy selling it has no idea what he has. He knows it's a rarer car, but nothing more. He didn't even know it was a convertible!?!?!?! I asked him how the soft-top was, and he said that it was missing. We took the hardtop off, I popped the Tonneau and pulled out the softtop (in perfect shape by the way). His re-action was "oh I guess it does have one"!!! He's only had it for a few months, he bought it in British Columbia from a guy who drove it in from Florida. He's selling it because he's going back to school and needs the money. He's asking $7500 Canadian for it. I REALLY want this car, but the miles are high and I'm scared of the astronomical repair bills. Any advice you guys would have would help SO much. A few of the more pressing questions: How rough is that milege for a 91 with the 3.0? How astronomical are the repair bills? How good is the hardtop for use as a winter car? (Think -30 degrees C here folks) Am I still going to love this car a year from now? Is the price decent? What should I make sure to look at before I buy it? (problem spots) and obviously the main one, should I buy this car? Any other advice you could give would be amazing. I'm really glad I could find some people who know about the car, have experience with it and can tell me what it's really like... Thanks so much in advance guys, Devan Jones