OK, as I said a week or two ago, I REALLY want an 87.5 CGT. Well I found a white one close to me. Please let me know what you think a car like this is worth. Below is the e-mail the owner sent me with details on the car:

I have had this car for 5+ yrs, and has run like a top the entire time. My job has been increasingly getting busier and busier, the effect being I have not been 'primping' it as much as I used to , so a few things do need a small amount of attention.
I have ALL records of work done since my ownership of which include regular 2000-2500 mile oil changes<50wgt>.A complete tune up w/timing belt was done w/in the past 6mos.Both power window regulators have been replaced.The car sports 3yr old Boge Turbo gas struts all around, along w/ newer 195/50/15 Fuldas<German tire>, and TSW Evo alloys.Very sharp Car.
Also a removable face Pioneer cd player is equipped inside.
Car has never been raced or abused with my ownership.It still gets 18 in town and 28 hwy, just like new.
Here is what needs the car has :
1>receiver/dryer and ac compressor.......went out last spring<receiver/dryer>. Good guess the compressor might be seized from non use.
2>The car has been painted on drivers side rear quarter panel from some accident prior to me, and because it has not been sufficiently detailed in some time, the paint diff. is more visible than usual. This car cleans up amazingly well.
3> both door handles need replacing, and I have the FULL kit w/ new blanks waiting to be installed.
4>the fabric than surrounds the sunroof on the outside is frayed and needs to be restitched.
5>Psngr seat tilt back handle needs replacing.
6>new springs, not shocks. should be replaced as they are most likely the original, and the car would ride even smother.
7> rear decklid struts are needed, as the originals are not propping the deck when opened.
The parts needed above can be found from lots of sources including my fav place, GPR and Rapid Parts.The decklid struts can be had for around 30.00 each as can the receiver/dryer. Most will be inexpensive to buy, its just the labor in some cases that makes up the difference.
This list should not be intimidating, as they are relatively minor as compared to the main mech. parts that run like new, so pls take above w/ a grain of salt.
The car burns NO oil and still shows great youth from the engine.
Also has digital dash, per 87.5 yr model stats, however the original did die, and was replaced by me a few yrs back. Mileage now shows 128, 000 and in actuality it would be closer to the 190,000 range.


So, what do you think?

Actually, it sounds quite nice. At 190k I'd have a mechanic check the fuel lines and hydraulics (clutch & brake systems).

After test drive, some other uncommon things to check:
- does the clutch pedal return after being depressed (possible master/slave cylinder failure)?
- how well do the power windows work? power mirrors? Wipers in all three positions?
- heater core/ control valve (knob on dash) how's the heat? Any smell of coolant? check the floors in footwells for any sign of dampness. Heater core replacement can be a pain.

That's what I can think of at the moment that are common to cars with such high mileage (like mine). Otherwise, the car sounds nice if the guy isn't asking a mint for it. High mileage does scare some people.

I have a few comments about his 'info':
1) Fulda tires...had some years ago, thought they were decent.
2) A/C is R-12, now is the time to change to R134a. That, plus compressor, drier, etc will set you back $400-800 for new stuff.
3) fabric around the sunroof needs REPLACED; you can't fix it. I just bought one, list price was $64.15
4) springs need replaced? For a smoother ride?? He's smoking crack. Either his Boge struts are shot or there's nothing wrong with the car. I beat the snot out of my springs on dirt roads and the track and it's as firm as ever. I LOVE the ride.
5) those damn trunk struts...they always go bad. Cut a broom handle to the right length, or buy replacements on Ebay when they come up for sale
6) miles are unimportant to that engine, but it gives you great bargaining power. A 190k mile car is nearly impossible to sell.

Good luck!

1. Are those 195/50/15 tires the right size for this car?
2. With almost 200k miles on it, how much longer does the engine have before needing a rebuild?
3. Any serious issues that you think will be creeping up in the near future?
4. IS the 1987.5 CGT reliable enough to be used as a dailey driver? My 1981 Audi 4000 5+5 sure was...
5. He says the door handles need replacing and he already has the FULL KIT with BLANKS. Huh? Can soembody explain this to me? Would it be a hard DIY fix?
6. What do TSW Evo alloys look like? I really like the look of the stock white painted alloys I've seen on some 1987.5 CGTs.
7. What, if any, mods are appropriate for this car?

Any/All comments on this are welcome...

1. No. 185/60/14 is stock, the TSW's are "plus-one" sized, but the overall diameter should be the same.

2. Like Dwight said: With proper maintenance, 200k is nothing to this car.

3. Probably not. Always be prepared with a 14-year old car, though.

4. Yes.

5. Door handles are easy to replace, there are two screws to remove and it just pops out. Takes all of a minute and a half. I'm not sure what he means by 'blanks', I assume he means key blanks.

6. Are you sure they aren't TSW Revo? Anyway, go to www.tswnet.com, click on "North America", and you can view all their wheels from there. They don't list an Evo, but the Revo is a 6-spoke star wheel, they'd probably look really good on a CGT.

7. Anything you can think of. Have fun with it.

If the car isn't alrady running synthetic oil... should it be done this late in the game (almost 200,00 miles)? If so, shoul I get the engine flushed first then switch? What weight? (I would use Mobil 1)

Check out the Imola's...do those remind you of anything? I bet they would look neat also, hehe

Well, you could find better. I'd keep looking. Ebay has featured two pristine examples in the last month. You'll be able to find a beaut for about $3,000.

1. 195/50/15's work great for this car.
2. Who knows? I had over 400k on my '85 5k before replacing the head gasket.
3. Crapshoot on a 14 year old car.
4. My '85 GT has proven to be.
5. It's not a hard fix, but tight to get one of the rods on if you have big hands.
6. Evo's are a nice wheel. Too bad they are NLA.
They look sort of like a Borbet Type "C", but with the center "racing nut" look on the cover that hides the 4 bolts, and more flat on the face.
7. The mods all depend on what your looking for and what you feel the car needs. I'd suggest driving it awhile.

Cello

People have mentioned the detergent capability of the Synthetic that takes out the sludge that accumulates on the seals. I didn't have a problem when I switched with leaks. Though, really, the car is quite happy with a good dino 20-50w oil, which is what the owner's manual recommends. If Mobil 1, 15-50w. Your lifters will love you for it.