I'm looking for the pearl white car. ( No hurry-a year and a half hunt will be ok.) Swore I'd never buy an '87 or '88 'cause the 4.1 scared me. Don't really know why! There are many of these cars showing up within driving distance.

Many of you own them and seem extremely pleased with them. Please give me your thoughts on year to buy. as I said, I don't have a time line as I'd like to turn in my leased vehicle and have two Allante's that I own. One with a hard top that is a daily driver (year round in Ohio) and one that will never see the top up/on. Currently have a '89 with 69k on the clock as the starting point. Looking for thoughts from owners of all years. Can an Allante really be a daily driver in Ohio?

What, things have been slow around here so you want to poke Stealth?

First, define (at least for yourself) what your daily driver requirements are. Since you are currently in a lease car, I assume that the mileage is not excessive. If your daily driver is down for a few days, do you have alternative transportation you can use (even in foul weather) or ways to avoid driving? It may be something as simple as a few hundred $$ stashed for emergency rental car use. There are people driving much worse POS vehicles that manage to get to-and-from work everyday. There's no reason you couldn't use an Allante as a DD. Plus, you have a leg up since you already own one and have some understanding of the beast. As for using it as a DD in Ohio, my wife used to drive a 92 Miata for a DD. Every fall I'd put the hardtop on, add 100 lbs. of weight to the trunk, and put on a set of Pirelli snow tires. As long as the snow wasn't too deep, that car always got through.

In my situation, my changeable commute is the defining factor. My current commute is about 100 miles/day, but could range from 50-130 miles/day if I change assignments. Annual total driving mileage can range from 16-35K miles per year, usually in the mid-upper 20K range. I'm currently driving two lease cars plus the Allante strictly on weekends while I sort out the issues. Over the next 20 months, the leases will end and I'll buy a single primary daily driver, probably Cadillac or Lincoln CPO. The plan is to use my Allante as a 2nd daily driver plus weekend car. I'll target 5-10K miles per year, probably toward the lower end of that. If the Allante turns out to be unreliable, I'll probably replace it with something small, like a 2010 Mazda3, that I would use more for commuting.

I'm looking for the pearl white car. ( No hurry-a year and a half hunt will be ok.) Swore I'd never buy an '87 or '88 'cause the 4.1 scared me. Don't really know why! There are many of these cars showing up within driving distance.

Many of you own them and seem extremely pleased with them. Please give me your thoughts on year to buy. as I said, I don't have a time line as I'd like to turn in my leased vehicle and have two Allante's that I own. One with a hard top that is a daily driver (year round in Ohio) and one that will never see the top up/on. Currently have a '89 with 69k on the clock as the starting point. Looking for thoughts from owners of all years. Can an Allante really be a daily driver in Ohio?


Only in your dreams !



.

Well the money is on an airplane and tomorrow baring any unforeseen circumstances she'll be my new phase two pearl white. she's in California and I'm in Ohio. Sort of like adopting. Can't wait to see her!

Seriously, Stealth was an unbelievable help, being my eyes and ears in California. I owe you big time! Some of you know I've owned Vettes over the years but never was helped like those of you in the Caddy Community. It's been fun.

Son wants us to fly out and drive back. Bad news is he can't do it 'til Sept 20th. anybody up for a Road trip?

Thanks again Zal for all your help!

wait till then .. weather will be better for driving top down for 1,700 miles.

it will give you extra time to check it out for the trip, and replace a couple parts that are needed.

ps .. take spare RAD hoses, serpentine belt, ABS relay, wipers .. they arent exactly easy to find on the road. everything else, you can duct tape if needed.

you got the 1,000 mile tow program with AAA, right? :stirpot:

hey, how is the O.C. Pearl coming along?

Zal,

moved your question here with a cut and paste as it seems to fit here better than in the "color thread", hope you don't mind.

Ok how is the Orange County Pearl coming along? Actually at the present time it isn't. Have been advised by legal counsel ( knew I sent daughter to law school for some reason ) to keep car there until we get a problem worked out. Won't say much until it is resolved. For those that don't know, Zal was a huge help with the owner in sorting out the mechanics before purchase. Had an acquaintance look at car who reported on body and general care. Should have had items covered right? WRONG! will report again after resolution but suffice it to say, I violated a rule of going to the car with money in pocket. Two previous Ebay purchased cars worked well. This one didn't but still can hopefully worked out. car in California with convertible days decreasing in Ohio makes this a bummer.

Will advise again after conclusion..... Advice on buying a car 2000 miles away sight unseen. DON'T!!!!!!

How did you make out with your Houston Seller? Ran across a '92 Black Johnny Lighting still in original package. Get me a PM with an address and it's yours.

Zal,

moved your question here with a cut and paste as it seems to fit here better than in the "color thread", hope you don't mind.

Ok how is the Orange County Pearl coming along? Actually at the present time it isn't. Have been advised by legal counsel ( knew I sent daughter to law school for some reason ) to keep car there until we get a problem worked out. Won't say much until it is resolved. For those that don't know, Zal was a huge help with the owner in sorting out the mechanics before purchase. Had an acquaintance look at car who reported on body and general care. Should have had items covered right? WRONG! will report again after resolution but suffice it to say, I violated a rule of going to the car with money in pocket. Two previous Ebay purchased cars worked well. This one didn't but still can hopefully worked out. car in California with convertible days decreasing in Ohio makes this a bummer.

Will advise again after conclusion..... Advice on buying a car 2000 miles away sight unseen. DON'T!!!!!!

How did you make out with your Houston Seller? Ran across a '92 Black Johnny Lighting still in original package. Get me a PM with an address and it's yours.

I'm flying out on the 5th to Southern Cal / Corona - Orange Area. I'll gladly take a in-person peek if wanted.

I purchased my 90 Pearl White sight-unseen while I was in CA in August and the car was 2.400 miles away in PA. It worked Ok, but then again I did tell the E Bay seller I would NOT take possession unless it was exactly as described.

http://picasaweb.google.com/AIeradi/1990Allante#5237807904884305874

Thanks Tony for the offer. Mileage issue is the discrepancy in my situation. Car has mechanical issues that I am aware of and can live with. People whom I trust have visually looked an the car and advised that it appeared to have been well cared for and mileage discrepancy which shouldn't normally be a deal breaker, wouldn't allow me to drive it the 4 anticipated years and sell with less than XXXX number of miles. Owners attitude was less than stellar. Some times principles are expensive.

Appreciate your offer and hope to be able to reciprocate in the future. 3 Ebay auto purchases and this still might turn out well but I'll revert to prior practice of not buying w/o a personal inspection.

Thanks Tony for the offer. Mileage issue is the discrepancy in my situation. Car has mechanical issues that I am aware of and can live with. People whom I trust have visually looked an the car and advised that it appeared to have been well cared for and mileage discrepancy which shouldn't normally be a deal breaker, wouldn't allow me to drive it the 4 anticipated years and sell with less than XXXX number of miles. Owners attitude was less than stellar. Some times principles are expensive.

Appreciate your offer and hope to be able to reciprocate in the future. 3 Ebay auto purchases and this still might turn out well but I'll revert to prior practice of not buying w/o a personal inspection.

No problem...good luck and I'm sure you'll keep us posted. :bouncy:

Anybody that buys an Allante across the country sight unseen is a ..............( you fill in the blanks)

Car has arrived. Car was not really driven for over a year and we all know what that means!

Still beginning to love her but want to get physically sick each time I look at the damage the car hauler did. (sat over the cab and he caught the passenger fender in blind spot). Damn near makes me sick to look at her! Might just have to be parted out!

OR, She is probably in the cave on jack stands 'til spring. She will be a lady when she comes out! Have named her Eliza (Doolittle).

Never ever buy w/o a personal inspection.

deceit, small claims court and then hauler damage-I hope means the worst is behind.

Replacing a fender is not that difficult and there are plenty around. The only issue with that will be having a reasonable color match on a pearl white car. That can be tough.

thanks for the supporting comments Dick! That my new Allante friends is why Dick is the most valuable of all Allante owner assets (you're a close 2-3 Zal).

Never really thought of that Dick, you would recommend replacement opposed to repair.

More advise and counsel Dick if you don't mind. Was going to fix and paint new fender, and have door dings repaired and painted from xxxxxx (is there a good break point? ) Does it make any sense to partially paint vs. a new paint job.

Jury still out on fix vs. part. $3500 currently in car with transportation from the left coast. 100,000k on the clock,replaced seals that were leaking badly. Looks like a new MC will be needed. top good. Seems strong but as previously reported was owned by a late 70) plus owner and it sat longer than I was lead to believe. interior good (but filthy)

Door motor and trunk pull down don't work but those parts are on the shelf.

Maybe this is a save me from myself thread! Fix it or part it?

Just got back form the Outter Banks and following up on some threads. Sounds like you got her...have any pics? Would love to see a before and I'm sure an after!!!

The attached is the one that makes me ill. Fix it or replace the fender?

That fender could be fixed but it would be difficult to get it to look right. I would say to get it fixed right would cost more than a replacement fender. So my recommendation is to replace it. The hood could be fixed but only by a bodyman who knows how to work with aluminum. Aluminum cracks very easily and the stress needs to be relieved when it is straightened. Also, that section of the hood is double walled which complicates things even more since it's impossible to get a tool behind it to straighten it. If it was a steel hood, a bodyman would simply use a stud gun to pull out that dent. Did the headlight crack? Anyways, it's too bad that your car happened to be in the most vulnerable spot of the truck. Just about any other car would have been cheaper to repair than yours. Also, I would not be surprised if the cost of repair exceeds what you paid for it.

Anybody that buys an Allante across the country sight unseen is a ..............( you fill in the blanks)

Car has arrived. Car was not really driven for over a year and we all know what that means!

Still beginning to love her but want to get physically sick each time I look at the damage the car hauler did. (sat over the cab and he caught the passenger fender in blind spot). Damn near makes me sick to look at her! Might just have to be parted out!

OR, She is probably in the cave on jack stands 'til spring. She will be a lady when she comes out! Have named her Eliza (Doolittle).

Never ever buy w/o a personal inspection.

deceit, small claims court and then hauler damage-I hope means the worst is behind.


I did offer to go and perform the inspection.
something I said?



.

The attached is the one that makes me ill. Fix it or replace the fender?


REPLACE !

they go for around $75 to $150.
for that, i would never consider hammering a beat up fender that will never ever feel like it should.

there are tons of PEARL whites out there, you can probably find one, bolt it on and you are all set to go.

The attached is the one that makes me ill. Fix it or replace the fender?

Just the fender...I agree...replace it. Do you have a claim against the tow company?

NICE LOOKING RIMS :cool2:

Am speaking with tow company's insurance. they don't seem to appreciate Allante parts pricing.

Tony the rims are Arelli's (never heard of them but the are all over various discount tire sights.) They are on nearly new Michelin 255/45/17 and seem to fit the Allante nicely. Just put them on craigslist in Pittsburgh and Cleveland for $600. Hope they don't sell as that might be the death sentence.

This will be parts or a real lady. Jury is still out!

Body guy I spoke with today says replace , so I am looking for a passenger front fender. He would prefer it to be pearl white to start with. What is the pearl white paint code?

( you guys wouldn't believe what comes out of a fuel filter that hasn't been changed to 100,000 miles--air filter-a disgrace) Hope my Eliza Doolittle can be a lady by spring!
Wheels are growing on me!

Replacing a fender is not that difficult and there are plenty around. The only issue with that will be having a reasonable color match on a pearl white car. That can be tough.

Dick and group
one of the gents that I've met in South Carolina, Jack Ohmsen has a pearl parts car. Willing to take off if it doesn't entail cutting etc. Any help with what it takes to get it off would be appreciated!

Dick and group
one of the gents that I've met in South Carolina, Jack Ohmsen has a pearl parts car. Willing to take off if it doesn't entail cutting etc. Any help with what it takes to get it off would be appreciated!

Fender removal does not entail any cutting. It does take those star type bits but removal is pretty straight forward.

on a parts car, maybe 20 minutes.

more on yours since you got other things in the way.

.

Tony the rims are Arelli's (never heard of them but the are all over various discount tire sights.) They are on nearly new Michelin 255/45/17 and seem to fit the Allante nicely. Just put them on craigslist in Pittsburgh and Cleveland for $600. Hope they don't sell as that might be the death sentence.

This will be parts or a real lady. Jury is still out!

Nice looking rims, saw them up on CL where you had them listed. Any bites? Are you going to replace with stock rims?

Sounds like you may have a fender...

Tony
yes they are a nice set of wheels. I found it interesting that the wheels are 255/45/17 and fit nicely. Yes I will put original wheels on the car 'til it gets sorted out. Only because they have been sitting in the garage since I put 03 CTS wheels on my '89. I also bought a set of highly polished '05 CTS and they sit on the shelf. Two cars- 4 sets of wheels-at least one too many.

No bites except for an obvious CL scam.

Will use your fine looking pearl white car as my standard for putting Eliza back together.

The fender- I hope -we'll see. Found two in yards in Ohio-they want 5 big ones, I don't think so!

Bill,

Do you ever use all sets of rims? The 05's sounds nice. Any movemnet on CL?

No, its a old man insomniac middle of the night bid just 'cause they be cheap. OBVIOUSLY at least one set too many1