1988 for sale - original owner

[Guest imported_Flash]

Year:1988 Coupe

Mileage: 127,950

Considered Correct? Yes (original owner)

Location: Grand Blanc, Mi (I-75 @ exit 108)

Title: Clear

Any Accident History? No

Asking Price: $3500

Willing to take trade - yes (12' Lund WC with Trailer)

Exterior Color: Red

Interior Color: Grey

Paint Original? Yes

Paint Condition? Good

Belt & Bumper Molding Color: Black

Body Dents: yes, small

Body Rust: yes - small

If Y where - base of the passenger side rear window molding

In General, What items need attention?

AC Compressor. Trunk lock (sometimes doesn't release). Power antena (in down position). Tape deck belt (sticks in winter). Surface rust spot at base (corner) of rear window molding - passengers side. Wheel finish is fair (3) with (1) poor.

My Reatta Drives: Excellent

I have owned this Reatta since Oct 1988.

Contact: flashphotography@comcast.net

Great driver. My preference is for it to go to someone who has always wanted one and wants a little project while being able to drive it immediately. Very Roadworthy. 1988 service manual. Very clean, garage kept vehicle.

This vehicle will be in the local paper. I may drive it to Lansing in September. I am actively attempting to sell this vehicle

[Guest F14CRAZY]

But Flash, that's your car...

[Roadster90]

Something not nice is happening......

EDBSO

FLASH

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Guest F14CRAZY]

-(all the Reatta forum members secretely vow not be interested in Flash's car. He eventually gives up and keeps it)-

[Guest CL_Reatta]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Something not nice is happening......

EDBSO

FLASH

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Sign of the Apocalypse <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Guest EDBS0]

Say it isn't so <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Note to others I have seen this car and it is worth every cent of the asking price.

Flash has maintained his 4th love incredibly well.

Loves in order

1. Cheryl

2. Their Irish setter

3. His Nikons

4. REATTA!

Flash, the second happiest day of a sailor's life is the day he purchases his boat, the happiest day is the day he sells his boat?

I am thinking perhaps we should start a "Former Reatta Owner's Forum"?

The new owner will be receiving a gem, I wish you a fast sale, Robert

[Guest imported_Flash]

Thanks all for the comments. Robert - I appreciate your words. Nic - nothing particular. All items have their time. I have taken (what I believe to be) very good care of this mistress. I hope she finds a caretaker who truly has yearned for one. I believe her to be a good catch.

F14 - I am fully aware of the difficulties that some have had here in selling vehicles. I have no illusions of a stampede. I do hope that word will spread and if an interested party is looking, then they will give mine consideration. She is not perfect, but a finer "small project" car does not exist, imo. I have always enjoyed your posts.

FYI: the plates are coming off her tonight and she will be stored in a locked Garage until sold (with the possible exception of Lansing in September). She will be bathed and detailed and ready for her next residence.

Flash

[manikmekanik]

Have you decided on a "replacement Reatta" yet?

Maybe a convertible?

http://forums.aaca.org/showflat.php?Cat=...true#Post381342

Will you attend the homecoming in Sept. "Reatta-less"?

[Guest imported_Flash]

Current pics

[Guest imported_Flash]

More

[Guest imported_Flash]

Rear

[Guest imported_Flash]

deck lid

[Guest imported_Flash]

passenger side

[Guest imported_Flash]

Drivers side

[Guest imported_Flash]

door panel

[Guest imported_Flash]

engine bay

[Guest MauiWowee]

That is a very nicely kept car, Flash.

Therapy is available for the separation blues. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Flash]

Sale includes....

In addition to all records including original window sticker:

Original floor mats in original condition (grey with both emblems - like new)

Service manual - 1988

Custom sun shade (Reatta only)[grey] - (front window)

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is a very nicely kept car, Flash.

Therapy is available for the separation blues. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Thank you.

Had a fellow stop today to see her. He was 43 and claimed to have bought 45 cars. Said it was the cleanest car he had seen. Said I was very "anal" about my cars.

[Guest CL_Reatta]

Wow!, it looks like a new car, just put it in the European tradin times and say it's a new model by Buick for £25,000 <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Guest MauiWowee]

I have known "anal" people that I never hesitated to buy a car or motorcycle from. (Except for the abuse I got for not taking proper care of "their" car) <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Good luck on the sale.

[Guest imported_Flash]

SOLD!

A very nice couple purchased her tonight. I am forwarding them to this site and have encouraged them to attend the Lansing Homecoming. Should they start participating here, I'm sure you all will make them feel welcome.

She (Gail) had owned an '89 (red w/ camel) for 10 years and sold it 6 years ago. She has yearned for another since then. I wish them the very best and hope they get as much enjoyment from her as I did.

Thanks all for every comment, tidbit, and good natured discussion. I will lurk around and check in periodically.

Flash

[Guest EDBS0]

Congratulations, I share your joy and sorrow. To the others, you have to have been there and done that to understand. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Time for a new playtoy????

Flash, I was so tempted. Gail is getting a very nice car. I reserved visiting rights with mine, you to? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest F14CRAZY]

My dad wanted an old turbo diesel Mercedes station wagon for plumbing

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Time for a new playtoy????</div></div>

Robert,

Actually I did pick up an item last week. Been pondering the purchase for about a year but truly could not justify the expense. My decision to let the Reatta go was about 2 years in the making. I was tiring of driving a "red" car. I had spent more road time in a Reatta enjoying all her road manners, than many will get in their lifetime. I kept wanting her to be a little different, new wheels, manual transmission, rear wheel drive, a bit more pep, etc etc etc. The bottom line was I had reached a point where as wonderful as she was, it was time for something new. I had concluded at the outset, that should she not sell, I would gladly move her into storage and "fix" all the little things that I never could while she was my primary transportation. That did not happen, as "Gail" fell for her immediately. After bringing the Mr. by to have a second opinion, they drove her home. I hope they have many miles of enjoyment from her.

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Guest wwollet]

Flash:

I understand why you sold the 1988.....sometimes I too would like a manual, rear drive, more power, not so light on the supension. I got a gem...its a 1988 red like the one you sold. My uncle brought this car new in Tucson in Sept. 1988. He loved the car and it has about 126k miles..needs nothing and has a AZ body. But he passed on and I bought the car last April...I only owned this car 6 months the uncle like you bought it new.

I keep thinking about a car you owned for all those years. It would be tuff to part with..because orginal owners are rare today....you know how every dent, nick, or anything that happened to the car.

But again...I like my uncles and will always keep her because it was his...and in today's car world where can you find a car for $3,500? That's what people lose in one year on a new car....but I just wanted to say hi...because yours and my uncles Reattas had very similar lives.

Bill

[Guest F14CRAZY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">sometimes I too would like a manual, rear drive, more power, not so light on the supension.</div></div>

Aw those problems aren't bad to fix <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Flash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Flash:

I understand why you sold the 1988.....sometimes I too would like a manual, rear drive, more power, not so light on the supension. I got a gem...its a 1988 red like the one you sold. My uncle brought this car new in Tucson in Sept. 1988. He loved the car and it has about 126k miles..needs nothing and has a AZ body. But he passed on and I bought the car last April...I only owned this car 6 months the uncle like you bought it new.

I keep thinking about a car you owned for all those years. It would be tuff to part with..because orginal owners are rare today....you know how every dent, nick, or anything that happened to the car.

But again...I like my uncles and will always keep her because it was his...and in today's car world where can you find a car for $3,500? That's what people lose in one year on a new car....but I just wanted to say hi...because yours and my uncles Reattas had very similar lives.

Bill </div></div>

Bill,

Thanks for sharing your story. I believe you have a better catch in that the AZ body benifits from the absence of Michigan Winters. Glad you have a keeper. Maintaining an older vehicle takes effort and your's being part of the family holds additional sentimental value and incentive to preserve her. Some preservation products that have helped me over the years are "The Treatment" cleaner and wax. Eagle One carwash soap. 303 protectorant for the weatherstripping and interior. McGuires Polish #2. A custom (fitted) sunshade to prevent damaging sun rays from destroying the interior. Frequent vacuming, and all around gentle care (like always using the door edge to close the door and not putting pressure on the window). Or when opening and closing the center armrest (or rear compartments) never letting them slam shut and always gently letting them latch.

General care can go a long ways to securing a long well kept vehicle. Wish you the very best in your enjoyment of what was for me a very fine automobile.

Flash

btw, an old car show trick is to use Amorall in the engine compartment. Everything looks great and dirt just rinses off.