Guest njtom Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 I am looking at my first reatta it is a 1991 with 75000 miles one owner with owners manual craftmans log and pen set the color is burganty and gray interior asking 5995 what can you tell me to look for and what questions to ask? and how much would you pay for a clean one owner 91 coupe? it has a sunroof and cd player. Only proplem i see from pictures is the sterring wheel looks worn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Welcome to the forum! This will help you with making a decision on buying your first Reatta. What should I check when buying a Reatta? - Reatta Owners JournalTake a good look around Reatta Owners Journal while you are there. It was built with new Reatta owners in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 Tom,Welcome aboard! Sounds like you have a fairly nice deal there, 1991 is arguable the most desired year of Reatta. Not only for it's rarity, but for the incremental improvements (notably the ABS system and slightly upgraded engine/transmission) that it had over the previous three model years. You are looking at a rather rare color combo too, especially for 1991. The Claret Red (burgundy) is a really sharp color on the Reatta, and I would like one myself (someday). Mileage on the one you are looking at is very reasonable for the age, and the price is not too far out of line with the market. It might be a touch high at almost $6000, but of course I don't have pictures to help judge whether this should command a premium based on condition. The fact it has the sunroof and CD player probably account for a bit of a premium. Speaking of which, make sure both options are working, especially the sunroof, as these units are proving to be a bit problematic on our cars given the age. If it slides fully open and closed as well as to the vent position without binding up, then you should be ok, Also be mindful of rust formation on the underside of the sunroof panel as it is a painted steel panel. The CD player, while nice to have, is not a deal breaker if not working. It can be repaired or replaced with aftermarket gear easily enough. A big thing to look for is the condition of the undercarriage especially the front end engine cradle and it's six (three per side) mounting bushings. If these are rusted or the rubber is deteriorated, it is a real job to replace them and parts are not so easy to come by presently. I assume from your screen name you are in New Jersey, so if that is where the car has spent it's life give it a good check out in this regard, since you do get snow and such up there and this exacerbates the problem. On the steering wheel these can be recovered to as-new condition by a couple of outfits for around $300 (they put new matched leather on it) if you are really obsessive about the appearance (like I am) and you can get a spare wheel to send out from one of the parts vendors on here, or possibly from a salvage yard.Hope you can pick this one up, sounds like a nice car.KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dship Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 If its the 1991 on Autotrader in PA, it was lowered to $5995 from $7995 about a month ago. Looks like a pretty good one from the pics. I was considering it until I found my 1991 not more than 40 miles from my house, thus avoiding any potential shipping costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest njtom Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 yes its the one in west chester hoe long has that been listed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwack Posted February 3, 2013 Share Posted February 3, 2013 That car has been for sale since last July/August. Since so few serious buyers have probably looked at the car (I'd guess five or less), I'd offer $4,800 and see where things go. It's a buy in the early $5,000s. Car probably needs the radio/speakers serviced, new struts/shocks and I would change all the fluids (keep these expenses in mind as you negotiate). Just remember that less then a handful of people in the last few months have shown any serious interest in the car which gives you that 'extra' upper hand (seller ready to let go). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue90 Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 The fact that no one has shown much interest in this car should make you think at least twice. I would highly recommend you take KDirk's advice and check the undercarriage and the bushings for rust.Check the sunroof for leaks. Sometimes over time the drainage tubes get stuffed with gunk and back up. Not easy to fix.It'll cost at least $150 from M&R Electronics to fix the CD player.The costs of a poorly maintained, low mileage, pretty car can add up quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bushwack Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 The fact that no one has shown much interest in this car should make you think at least twice. I would highly recommend you take KDirk's advice and check the undercarriage and the bushings for rust.Check the sunroof for leaks. Sometimes over time the drainage tubes get stuffed with gunk and back up. Not easy to fix.It'll cost at least $150 from M&R Electronics to fix the CD player.The costs of a poorly maintained, low mileage, pretty car can add up quickly.Valid points. My experience after buying a few Reattas (and seeing twice as many) that unless a potential buyer is specifically looking for a Reatta, practically nobody is knocking on the seller's door. As I mentioned earlier, most likely only a handful of buyers (if that many) took the time to inspect the car during the past few months of availability. And as it is in PA, undercarriage & bushings inspection is a must. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnemac Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 This thread awoke me to the fact that when looking for another Reatta is to not forget to ask if the craftsman's log is still with the car and how complete it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest njtom Posted February 6, 2013 Share Posted February 6, 2013 yes its the one in west chester hoe long has that been listed.I have called this guy three times and sent an e-mail still no reply. Guess he is not in a hurry to sell so i will keep looking do like the idea of the 91 though so the seach will continue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 3rdReatta Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 John, If you have not found a 91, I have a white coupe with 88K. 16way seats & CD. Send me a PM if you are interested.Don, dv2@arvig.net, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest njtom Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 John, If you have not found a 91, I have a white coupe with 88K. 16way seats & CD. Send me a PM if you are interested.Don, dv2@arvig.net,Sent you a email dv2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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