Am I being unreasonable?, Is $4000 just not enough? Options

[wrpspddrvr]

Hi all. As y'all may know, I'm looking for a teener for around $4000. I seem to be getting hits on a lot of total junkers that seem to be WAY overpriced. One lady I spoke with today, after assuring me all the typical spots are rust-free, replied to my asking about the battery tray/susp. console by saying "Yep, I can assure you the battery is in there. It's bungee-corded down. I know it's there". When I clarified what the battery tray/susp. console was, she said she hadn't checked it. I guess that's not a typical spot....
But anyway, is it just 'cause I'm on the East Coast? I don't mind if the paint's kinda crappy (Skline posted that Aubergine one FS in CA. The paint looks (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/barf.gif) , but NO RUST, and it RUNS WELL. That looks like a good one, but looks like someone else has spoken for it. ), but I just want a decent engine and good chassis. Am I just execting too much for the price?
Just thought I'd ask the experts.

Thanks!
Cole (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/monkeydance.gif)

[ArtechnikA]

QUOTE (wrpspddrvr @ Feb 21 2005, 07:38 PM)

I'm looking for a teener for around $4000. I'm on the East Coast NO RUST, and it RUNS WELL. decent engine and good chassis. Am I just expecting too much for the price?

you want a local, East Coast car with no rust and runs good, for $4k.
at least you don't want a perfect interior too...
(does it have to be a '73 2,0 as long as you're asking?)

yes, i think you are going to have to give a bit on one of those.
probably 'local.'

there are good 1,7's. i suspect we will see several California '76's "for sale out of state" in the coming year or two as they have registration issues.

an original car will have been kept indoors and driven 3 seasons tops by someone in a position to care for the car. you are going to have to pay for 30 years of indoor storage. or the car has been at least partially restored (at least one paint job) and at least one mechanical overhaul. done right, neither of those is cheap.

there are still cars in CA, NV, AZ, and ID. there are also cars that are being trucked to those states due to their perception of little rust.

i think you may have to dig a little deeper, and get a good car brought in, or rehab a local car (in which case you'll know what you have, but not everyone is excited about project cars.)