1987 244. Advertised for $650 (paid $750.) low miles (95k), good body (true) and always garaged. (certainly believable)

It was 2 hours from home situated in Burlington, VT and owned by (wouldn't you know) a little old lady who passed away some 5 yrs ago. going through the records she had amassed some 30,000 miles before her son aquired it in 2000. He's not a kid, either. Was told it probably needed tie rods due to a bad shimmy goin' down the road.

When I got there, I was taken to the shop where the car was up on a lift with all the wheels pulled. (this can't happen too often) Turns out it needed tires and the front end was as tight as if new. The mechanic was friendly and let me have a close look. (brand new exhaust, brakes good, no rust, no apparent leaks) I was shown the old tires and the belts had separated from the tread. (I'm guessing the shimmy was due to this)

The son, who had put the other 65k on the car wanted it to drive right for whomever bought it. Cool! (I paid the extra hundred here to split the cost of new rubber - total bill was approx. $300.) It drove fine. Closed the deal and drove 2 hours home without a current sticker or valid plate. No problems. The temp guage went to midpoint and stayed there. I am impressed with this car. Dark blue, with the royal blue interior. (I'll get used to the interior color - I hope) everything is perfect. It has a new cd player, new battery and most stuff works. I don't expect the a/c does and without wheelcovers it kinda looks like a squad car. But I know where I can find some covers tomorrow for 20 bucks. All is well. The windshield washers and heated seats don't work (not a fuse problem) but that's it! Old reliable crank-down windows and, oh, a broken antenna. Looks pretty good parked next to my '89 245.

Anyhow, thanks for reading. I just wanted someone to know. I feel like a kid again!