eBay 97 Austin, TX 170k

I'll preface with I'm the current highest bid, but I'm limiting mine to where it's at, unless it's a communally agreed that valuation is more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&item=320877755131&redirect=mobile

What I've been told by seller is it does have "both locker switches" and "the gaskets have been done, axles have been tightened" via phone call.

He provided the following under carriage pics, upon request.

 

[Delancy]

 

[Delancy]

My issue is a scheduling conflict made an inspection by a member in Austin impossible before the auction ends, and I'm going to be down to the wire on time.

I'm in no hurry to buy, but this appeared to be a good sampling. What say ye?

 

[ashbrycrys]

You can see the e-locker on the front diff in one of the photos- at least you can be assured that it has lockers

 

[Delancy]

You can see the e-locker on the front diff in one of the photos- at least you can be assured that it has lockers

Couldn't on iPhone.

Hoping schedule opens up today.

 

[Delancy]

Any input as to wether or not this is a viable vehicle to go beyond $5,900 for?

I've spoke with the owner and he seems a very nice guy. He's been very receptive to all my queries and made himself available, but other members schedule conflicted, so all I have are the documents and photos provided in addition to what's seen on the eBay ad.

 

[gcwhitewater]

Did he have any input on the HG or the front axle?

 

[gcwhitewater]

Did he have any input on the HG or the front axle?

Sorry...completely missed that info in your first post. Did he define "tightened"?

 

[Delancy]

Via phone call, he stated "gaskets had been done, and axles had been serviced".

Had no clue on the axle tightening, to be honest, until I received the following.

I requested specifics on the HG and axle, and this is most recent reply.

Quote from seller

"Chris
Here are some of the photos requested. More to follow
Notice 2772, bracket to hold exhaust is broken.
Also some of the larger repairs

Recently in the last 4 months.
Serviced front and rear diffs and transfer case new fluids.
Changes spark plugs, wires, distributer and rotor.
Repacked front wheel bearings

131k miles
Valve cover gaskets replaced, spark plug tube seals, throttle body gasket, new belts and hoses

158k miles
New radiator
Replace all belts

New tires at 145k from Costco. Bridgstone brand

Plus regular repairs to brakes when needed."


All ambiguous. I don't take the seller to be a car guy, or he's a good actor.

 

[gcwhitewater]

Did he indicate why the rad was replaced? Overheat?

 

[Delancy]

Did he indicate why the rad was replaced? Overheat?

It was represented that it hadn't overheated prior to radiator replacement, but a preliminary measure.

 

[Delancy]

I wish that it hadn't come down to the wire, and that a local inspection had taken place. It was planned, but fell through.

I may attempt to have it taken to LCS in Austin, and somehow negotiate terms with the seller, based upon a paid inspection.

I'm betting this will pull before the auction ends.

 

[Delancy]

Update: Verified by a local.

Head gaskets done, seller (they have common acquaintances) verified to be a stand up guy, no rattles, no obvious leaks, exterior/interior in line with a 97, said all seemed to be good EXCEPT rear locker wouldn't engage (no big deal, I don't think). Indicator flashed, heard relay, but wouldn't engage.

Same local (leaving nameless, but on here and another forum. Has ties to the community) has volunteered to drive to OKC Friday to meet, of I fly him home, which is, to some degree a testament to his overall appraisal.

Sounds good to me. 6 hours to go.

 

[gcwhitewater]

Nice to have it verified. Nice transport as well. Good luck with it...

 

[Delancy]

Nice to have it verified. Nice transport as well. Good luck with it...

Thank you. I hate eBay.

 

[greenbeast]

Just got home from soccer, got an update?

 

[Delancy]

Like an idiot, I started running it up too early. Kind of in a quandary, to be honest.

 

[Delancy]

I'm out. Wish the best for the other bidders.

 

[gcwhitewater]

Sorry to hear that. Was it lack of funds or the value of the rig didn't match the bid amount?

Do you know what it sold for?

 

[Delancy]

Sorry to hear that. Was it lack of funds or the value of the rig didn't match the bid amount?

Do you know what it sold for?

A predetermined valuation based upon input from two members in the know, one of which has owned several 80s, the other in the business of Cruisers.

It's sitting at $6,300 now, and I tapped out at $6,100. There's 31 minutes left, and I'm watching for signs of any other activity.

It's not necessarily a lack of $200, obviously, but more the $800 disparity from my opening bid, pics of the interior (which, for my purposes of this caliber 80 really is irrelevant, but...) and general gut feeling, in conjunction with the input from others.

Another member, also in the know, checked it out and said its a solid rig, he drove it, and mechanically the only item noticed was rear locker not engaging. He seemed it viable, knowing full well my intentions.

Thank you, again, Matt.

Still looking. If "for sale" ads were like porn, I'd have to agree that I had a problem.