Help on 1991 Possible Purchase and do we have anybody in INDIANA that can take a look

[Guest BJM]

I spotted a 1991 Reatta coupe in Indiana without a photo and I called the seller. He was very helpful and I believe honest.

He stated it has a brake leak on the right rear but it is driveable. He has purchased the brake line but not installed. He stated it has a PS leak and has purchased the hose and all goes with the car.

Stated it has new tires and a new battery.

Said the dash went out. He hit a pot hole on the way back from the casino (I can't make this stuff up) and the dash lights went out. He said he pressed a button and some warning lights came on.

He said it is black with tan interior and the paint is nice and the seats have sheepskin covers on them but he believes there is a seam split or tear in the drivers seat. He stated the audio unit and the deat/ ac unit work, and headlights work.

Wants $1200 so he can buy a 4x4 so he can hunt. Stated he bought for $2500 off a Muncie Indiana car lot. Stated it has about 130,000 miles on it.

So -

Do we have a member in Indiana near ELWOOD that can take a look at it and act as a liason, maybe store it for a couple of weeks so I can go get it?

Is the dash issue normal so to speak and is the fix just getting a rebuilt unit as Barney has noted is available?

Is the PS pressure hose a fairly straight forward fix?

He states the brakes are OK but that the line is presently leaking. I can't do a drive way fix , so would this car make it back to Iowa since it's a rear brake line?

I would prefer to pay someone there to fix these issues BEFORE driving it back.

He stated no other issues mechanically so at $1200 this doesn't seem too bad of a deal. What do you guys think, for a 1991?

[Guest steveskyhawk]

This car is NOT driveable with a leaking brake line. If this car were knowingly driven and there was an accident it could be considered criminal. I wouldn't drive this car one block. The fuel tank must be removed to replace the brake and fuel lines. Not a "driveway fix" for sure.

When brake lines are leaking in the back there is a strong possibility that there are bad fuel lines, bad fuel tank and a bad fuel filler neck. Southwest cars do not have these problems but we do sell these parts all the time to people in the rustbelt. This car is a candidate for subframe issues

I would pass on this car

[Ronnie]

Have him take photos of the bottom side of the car. That might change your mind about purchasing it.

[Guest BJM]

Have him take photos of the bottom side of the car. That might change your mind about purchasing it.

Agree with you two. However, he has no photos on the ad because he has no camera or ability to post. I need a personal visit by a Reatta owner. However, with what Steve notes, this sounds like a big problem I can't easily fix from here. I'm not afraid of the described repairs, but can't do much from so far away.

[NCReatta]

Fuel lines will most likely be ok since they changed to plastic in '90. Brake lines, gas tank and filler neck probably are toast like Steve said.

There's a reason it's cheap. I would suggest you pass on it, and spend a little more ($3000) on a nicer car that needs way less work.

I like that silver coupe up near you. I'd jump for that one.

[Guest 48buickkid]

I would help but that is a 2 1/2 hour drive one way for me. All I have to say is that around this area( ohio, eastern indiana, southern michigan) that anything that truly runs and drives with this few issues and even rust problems someone who knows nothing about reattas will snap it up just because it's a cheap car. Used cars here are gold right now. $1000 for anything that runs and drives is a great deal here as long as there isn't enough rust to fall in half. I bet you can find a much nicer one closer to home. I guarantee it. heck 1999 Grand prixs with blown motors or transmissions and high miles sell for 900-1400 here.

Edited April 13, 2013 by 48buickkid (see edit history)

[Guest BJM]

Fuel lines will most likely be ok since they changed to plastic in '90. Brake lines, gas tank and filler neck probably are toast like Steve said.

There's a reason it's cheap. I would suggest you pass on it, and spend a little more ($3000) on a nicer car that needs way less work.

I like that silver coupe up near you. I'd jump for that one.

I 100% agree on the Silver coupe. I am selling some cars to raise money and space for that one. But I keep looking too....

[Guest BJM]

Thanks everybody. I have decided not to purchase the car or have it shipped. It would not be purchased before another lower mileage one in much better shape.

Still, a 1991 with 130,000 miles, good body and decent interior for $1200? If it were closer I would have it transported and do the fixes.

[Guest 48buickkid]

I would think that with shipping costs involved and whatnot that would bring this car at least into the $1800 range? I think you made the right choice. Rotted brake lines are a sure sign of rust elsewhere here also. I've seen a few garage kept 80,000 mile cars that where everything was good to go for 2200-2800 depending on paint and interior condition. I'm a huge craigslist hound and look all over the state for things. So if you're really interested I can do some searches in my area and help you out?

[padgett]

Agree, that is in the middle of the rust belt and without examination of the underside cannot tell much. Might ask if the brake leak is in the caliper, rubber hose, or the line. First two are easy.

Personally am spoiled by no rust cars. Will say that with a good tow car and a dolly, Reattas are one of the easier cars to tow.