3S vs Starquest

[Kougar]

Ok, I figure this site will be one of my best resources for helping me figure this out.

I just sold my civic. So, my one driveable car is a starion. Now, a guy on the starquest boards is selling a 91 Dodge Stealth RT/TT 5sp, and is very interested in my car. Offered me what I want, and I brought up the idea of driving half way (he is from springfield, IL) and swapping cars + cash (on my part). I drive home with the stealth, him my starion. Everyone would be happy.

However, to do this, I'd have to pull about 2k of a loan out. That isn't too bad, but it'd put me in debt again, which I don't necesarily enjoy, and it'd force me to do full coverage. 21 year old male, full coverage on a 91 stealth RT? Red to boot. Insurance + loan, and I figure it'd cost me about $400 a month just to 'own' this baby.

Now, with the whole money situation explained, I go to car vs car. RWD Turbo 5sp I4 vs AWD Twin Turbo 5sp V6. Stealth has got quite a bit more power to boot, but is also 800lbs heavier. A lot more stuff to break on it too, and there's 160k on it already. Recent tune-up/120k service though. Compared to my starion, where I can do TONS of stuff by myself, and do it FAST. Less parts to break, cheaper parts to replace, and easier to do it? From a mechanical standpoint this choice is obvious.

Basically I'd just like some advice or tips from others. I know a few people here are owners of VR4/3S's, a few owners of starquests, and a lots of people that have been around them anyway. I know in the end it's up to me, but I like consulting other people about this kinda stuff

- Tom

[92EvilTalon]

If you want too. Call up your insurance company and see how much it will cost for the 3/S on full. That will give you a standpoint on it all. I say if the Stealth is well taking care of go for it. You are up grading anyways. But call and see how much more it will cost ya. Good luck man.

[AJ]

Keep the Quest.

[Kougar]

Well, it's pretty well taken care of. AWD doesnt leak, 120K service done at 142K, rear valve cover gasket, spark plugs, and wires all done fairly recently. New tires (all seasons ) . 1st and 2nd gear synchros are blown, but it's got BG Syncroshift II in it and he says it's fine, you just can't race through the first two gears. A/C works, all power stuff works, and no rust. No accidents, and paint is good on 95% of it, just needs a good meguiar's 3-step.

So yea, pretty well taken care of, but high mileage still. Kinda scaring me, but the price is right.

[Hoffer00]

If you are considering it. Can you replace the motor and tranny (ability and afford).

If not keep what you got, take the 2k loan against the starquest and built it a little more.

[DSM_421]

keep what you have

[Kracka]

Don't get a '91 car if you need a loan to be able to afford it. You will not be able to get an auto loan on it so you'll be stuck with a personal loan at a higher interest rate (you won't need full coverage insurance though).

I would much rather have a 3/S than a Starquest though, thats a no-brainer for me.

[FattyBoomBatty]

You change cars more than Denny Hecker.

Well, how fast do you want to be with the least mods and money invested?

[curt_gendron]

I think you should probably keep your Quest for now. It sounds like its a bit of a financial stretch right now for you to get the 3/S. And the 3/S still sounds like a gamble to me. That high of miles it could be a diamond in the ruff or a complete pile of crap. If its grinding in two gears and the owner hasn't done anything about it, I'll bet its got some other issues. Parts will also cost more on the 3/S, but if you've worked on a Starquest, you'll figure out how to do the work on a 3/S too.

I'd say wait until your money situation is a little better.

later,
Curt

[Matt D.]

Just think of it this way, you're only 20k from another timing belt and related maintenance on that stealth. That alone would make me shy away from that car if I was in your shoes.

[DoughtCom]

Yeah I agree with most of the people on here. If you're worried about finances I wouldn't get the Stealth. Like you said there's a lot more stuff on the Stealth to go wrong plus it's 16 years old and has high miles.

If I were you I would just chill and enjoy the Starion.

[Kougar]

Yea, I pretty much reinforced the financial standpoint that most of you are saying. Doesn't make sense to push my limits with money and run on "hope" that the stealth doesn't break.

DOHC timing belt cars are something I refuse to do. I would bring it somewhere, and that means even more money. I guess the mechanic in me shows too much when I consider cars. Who else, other than tuners, negotiates how easy a car is to fix into their decision? Haha.

I still kick myself for getting rid of my first 87 sometimes. Andrew is right, I'm a car whore - 11 vehicles in 4 years. Maybe I should just keep one for a while, haha. Oh well, you live, you learn. Thanks for the input guys!