I am saving to buy a Pantera by early next year. Will I be able to get a decent shape one for around 25K? All my wife is willing to let me use for now. I would appreciate any info on buying one and what to look for?
Thanks,
Randy
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
If you could persuade her to let you throw another $5K into the ring, you would stand a much better chance of finding something that is not going to have issues that need to be dealt with in the short term. At $25K, you will be extremely lucky to find something that doesn't need oneor more of the four costliest areas addressed (rust, transmission, motor or paint( or a lot of little stuff. Ask yourself: does that $25K include tax, license & registration? How handy are at working on a car, and willing to do so? Are you in an area where you will have a good Pantera support group to answer questons and show you around your car? How much are you able to budget yourself down the road for anything else, other than the areas mentioned above, that will need to be dealt with?
I did find a good car for $25K that only needs a few things, they are out there. You're off on the right foot by doing your homework, but at that price you need to decide when you are ready and be able to jump, and include up to about $1K in inspection and retrieval costs, depending on how far the car is from you.
If you haven't already done so, join POCA and PI now, and join the forum at realbig.com/detomaso and search the archives; study all you can. Welcome to a great club, you are embarking on a ride you will never regret!
I did find a good car for $25K that only needs a few things, they are out there. You're off on the right foot by doing your homework, but at that price you need to decide when you are ready and be able to jump, and include up to about $1K in inspection and retrieval costs, depending on how far the car is from you.
If you haven't already done so, join POCA and PI now, and join the forum at realbig.com/detomaso and search the archives; study all you can. Welcome to a great club, you are embarking on a ride you will never regret!
I somewhat agree with the above - $25K is about the lower limit of where you really want to be looking. If your initial investment is much below that then you'll probably spend more in the long term to fix the little problems that such a car may come with. I would expect a solid car for that money, but one that needed a little fixing up.
That being said, since you aren't in a hurry you have a certain luxury. Occasionally bargains do pop up, and a decent car can be had for less. If you look hard enough, have enough patience, and have someone knowledgeable to help you look at these cars then perhaps you will get lucky.
Keep your eyes open, look at a lot of cars first and you'll start to see what you can purchase for how much $$. Good luck, and ask lots of questions!
------------------
Charlie McCall
1985 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S #9375
"Raising Pantera Awareness across Europe"
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/gt5s_1985
That being said, since you aren't in a hurry you have a certain luxury. Occasionally bargains do pop up, and a decent car can be had for less. If you look hard enough, have enough patience, and have someone knowledgeable to help you look at these cars then perhaps you will get lucky.
Keep your eyes open, look at a lot of cars first and you'll start to see what you can purchase for how much $$. Good luck, and ask lots of questions!
------------------
Charlie McCall
1985 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S #9375
"Raising Pantera Awareness across Europe"
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/gt5s_1985
One suggestion is get real familiar with Mike Dailey's website http://www.panteraplace.com
Pay special attention to:http://www.panteraplace.com/page58.htm and http://www.panteraplace.com/page57.htm
Right now there appears to be a bargain on e-bay. Are you anywhere near New York? Or maybe someone on the deTomaso list could look at it for you. You may want to check this out. If this is a decent, solid car it may be worth adjusting your timetable. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2479038136&category=6057
Pay special attention to:http://www.panteraplace.com/page58.htm and http://www.panteraplace.com/page57.htm
Right now there appears to be a bargain on e-bay. Are you anywhere near New York? Or maybe someone on the deTomaso list could look at it for you. You may want to check this out. If this is a decent, solid car it may be worth adjusting your timetable. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2479038136&category=6057
Due to relocation I will be selling my 74 L #6661, This car is in great shape, Fresh motor, Fresh paint, all rust repaired, suspension updated, ready to go in San Diego area... contact me for more info @ crumpetskorr@cs.com