1. A 1980 242 GT with significant rust around the windshield corners, that burns a quart of oil 'tween changes, with 230K miles, no radio or a/c, decent Virgos, for $700

OR

2. A nice-looking non-flathood '83 turbo 242 with aftermarket intercooler, an as-yet unproblematic wiring-harness problem, minimal rust, super interior for the most part, 195K miles, no a/c, for $1900?

I don't know which should be scarier: oil consumption or a bad wiring harness.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

A wiring harness isn't that big of a job. Fixing the rust properly is a much bigger job in my opinion.
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Thanks everyone for all the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, turbo bars and wheels, M46; 86 244, B230, 150k , auto.

A wiring harness rebuild might set you back an afternoon, and under $50 for wire, shrink tubing, solder, and beer.
An engine rebuild and bodywork could set you back untold millions.



Having said that, here's what you should, nay must, do:
Purchase the GT for $400-$500. The owner will cave. Just keep mentioning engine rebuilds and bodywork.
Lowball the owner of the Turbo. Let him talk you up to $1200 - $1400, and then buy it.



You should be able to pick up both for less than the asking price of the Turbo.

DO IT!

May the force be with you...

I doubt I'm up for buying two cars at this point. Actually, I'm not even sure I want either of these. But if I do buy one, it will probably be the turbo.

Really appreciate the advice.

Wiring is a nightmare for me every time I have to go there. OTOH I LIKE to rebuild engines...

Besides, I'm cheap.

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Mike!

I think the rust is the scariest; I vote for the 83.

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Daily drivers: '97 855, '88 244 Project: '87 765t

oil consumption no question about it, a harness change is way easier than a rebuild. I'll bet you can get the price down on the turbo, that seems high, at lease based on what they go for around here. A quart between changes isn't that bad for a car that age, I'd worry more about the rust.
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Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
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