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2005 Smart Roadster
After the introduction of the original Smart Car in 1998, Smart diversified their lineup by adding the Roadster and Roadster Coupe in 2003 and the Fourfour in 2004. The first generation Smart Car wasn’t officially imported to the US and neither was the Roadster or Forfour. Powered by a turbocharged, three cylinder engine mounted in the rear, this car was likened to a modern day incarnation of the cheap sports car popularized by UK marques such as MG and Triumph. With a low curb weight of just over 1,700 pounds, this car has a power to weight ratio normally found in many exotics. Sadly, due to warranty claims stemming mainly from leaky tops, the Smart Roadster was a failure for parent company Mercedes-Benz and production halted in 2006.
2005 Smart Roadster for sale in Hemmings
The seller states:
Here’s a rare one. A Smart Roadster with large Michalak wheels, low profile tires and a new tuned exhaust system. This sport roadster gets 50-60 mpg on the highway. Never imported into the U.S. and 1 of only 5,000 produced. Heres your chance to own a sports car that can actually save you money on gas!
This car presents an opportunity to be one of the very few in the US to own one of these. Even so, the $18,000 entry fee seems a bit steep. After sifting through eBay UK, the highest priced Smart Roadster I came across was a 2006 Brabus edition for just shy of £10,000 (about $15,000). Given there are probably zero others on the US market right now, the seller is obviously thinking he can name his price. The only lingering question I have regarding a car like this is how difficult it might be to register it in certain states.
-Paul
1969 Volkswagen VW Short Bus
This sort of fits into the SUV theme week.
This bus looks like it has been languishing in a junkyard or perhaps it is an extra from the set of Lost. Some clever person decided to shorten up this bus, but it looks like they never really finished their project. I’m sure there is some non-PC joke in here somewhere about the person who thought this was a good idea and this being a “short bus”. It looks a bit of a mess. There is some interesting iron in the background of some of the photos.
The seller says it hasn’t been driven and with a wheelbase like this perhaps that is the safest thing. $3500 to give yourself a new nightmare. If you really were to take this on, why not go nuts and mid mount a BMW V12 engine.
1969 VW Short Bus on AutoTrader Classics.
~Evan
2003 BMW Dinan X5 4.6is Custom
I’ve seen a few X5 4.6is models for sale over the years with the full monty fender flared, engine beefed up, stage 3 Dinan package. I haven’t seen one on the market this week, but in lieu of that here is a slightly less modified Dinan optioned X5.
This one has Dinan throttle body and air box, Dinan engine and transmission software upgrade, and custom dual exhaust.
The owner has also added aftermarket HIDs and angel eyes. The monster 20″ chrome rims and 315 width tires out back hint at the trucks street, not off-road, performance. Dark tint all around compliments the blacked out look.
The SUV, with 94K, is in San Diego and the seller is looking for $17,000. If it is in as good condition as it looks and an inspection and history checks out, that seems fair priced.
2003 BMW Dinan X5 4.6is on Craigslist
~Evan
1 owner 2007 ML63 on Craigslist
Clean looking Mercedes ML63 with 31,000 miles out in Portland at a dealer. For anyone who thinks you are driving something that looks like a minivan, just let the 503 horsepower do the talking. Lots of options included on this one, like rear camera and head rest TVs. I like the looks of the ML, much more than the larger GL. The grab handles in the center console are an nice design touch. This one looks unmolested so there is room to add your own personal flair.
1 owner 2007 ML63 on Craigslist
~Evan
Three X5 4.8ises for sale
Around the turn of the millenium, German car companies flipped out and decided they had to make SUVs too. Mercedes went first, then BMW, then Porsche, the last causing the most uproar. Whether you think it’s a pointless dilution of the brand or a worthwhile cash cow that supports the rest of the line, there’s no turning back now. The BMW X5 was most attractively styled of the German suburbans, more interesting than the bland M-class and less ugly than the Cayenne. This was underscored with the sport editions, first the 4.6is and then the 4.8is. Unique rims, some bodywork, and beefy rectangular pipes alluded to the strength within, the 4.8l V8 pushing out a healthy 355hp. There are 3 great examples on eBay right now, varying in price and mileage but sharing the great engine and looks.
The silver one has extremely low miles, just 23k, but it also carries a hefty price tag at just under $40k. The black one is the other end of the spectrum, with 83k miles and a Buy-It-Now of just under $30k. The Imola Red one seems to be the just-right porridge out of these three bears, with just 48k miles and a Buy-It-Now of $30.9k. And I can’t get over how good that red looks on the 4.8is. If you’re looking for a bargain, there are 4.6is editions out there running at about $10k less than these and you get almost the same power, but they are older and thus come with higher mileage and problems. All of these 4.8s are less than 50% of their MSRPs, and for that you’re getting an attractive and capable luxury SUV with some good punch. And it comes in that red…
-NR
1982 Alpina E21 BMW Coupe on eBay
Over on eBay there is a 1982 Alpina E21 coupe available. At this time there is a touch over four days remaining and the reserve price has been met, meaning this car will sell. The history on this particular vehicle seems to be a bit of a puzzle as the seller goes into great detail about it in the auction post. Long story short, this particular E21 was equipped with a 320i motor to help the buyer, a Air Force Colonel stationed in Germany, import into California while passing emissions. Evidently the seller has been inundated with a slew of complaints as to the validity of the car. This is the downside to the anonymous nature of selling a vehicle in a very public forum, everyone is an expert and nobody has to worry about getting smacked for voicing their misguided and/or uneducated assertions. Anyhow…
1982 BMW 3-Series Alpina on eBay
“Beautiful Alpina E21 BMW coupe. One of the rarest and most desirable 3-series BMWs produced during this time, the Alpina has the handling capabilities of the later M3 cars. These cars were particularly popular in Europe during the 80’s. This particular Alpina is bone solid with perfect gaps. It has never been wrecked and it has zero rust. It runs and drives very well. The engine was rebuilt approximately 60k miles ago, and the compression and oil pressure are good; it runs smoothly and does not smoke at all. While BMWs don’t generally tend to appreciate like Porsches, these Alpina models have the potential to gain value as collector cars. This car spent its life in Northern California, one of the best places in the world to get collector cars from because the cars here remain solid. The undercarriage of this car is perfect. If you would like to see more pictures, please click on the following link: http://picasaweb.google.com/dustycars/1982Alpina.”
If the auction were to end today this would be a steal, I have to think this is a $10k car at minimum. That being said this car has been driven with over 200k on the ticker. The buyer should be prepared to remedy any number of mechanical and electrical gremlins that may occur. However, having the motor rebuilt 60k ago should provide some peace of mind. I will keep an eye on the auction and update you all on what takes place.
~Aaron.
Rare 2004 V10 Touareg TDI for Sale
Came across this 2004 V10 TDI VW Touareg on Craigslist in Boston. In 2004 I purchased a V6 Touareg with the idea I wanted better gas mileage than the V8 could provide and could not come to grips with spending $50k on a Volkswagen. At the time the V10 TDI models were even more costly and virtually unavailable. What made the TDI’s so attractive were the things it did so much better than the other Touareg models. The twin turbo V10 averaged 30 mpg on the freeway while providing 558 pounds of torque which is nearly twice that of the V8. It was basically the best of both worlds, the lack of availability only added to the cache of the TDI.
2004 VW Touareg v10 TDI for Sale:
“VIN #: WVGGH77L34D048571
3 yr 36k mile bumper to bumper Extended warranty included!!!!I am selling a very rare find. It is a V10 Turbo Diesel. 30 MPG Highway!!! STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY!!! This truck could pull a house if it had to but is nimble enough to drive it every day. The car is fully loaded including heated steering wheel and factory navigation. This car was over $75,000 when it was new. The car is in outstanding condition inside and out. This one has about EVERY CONCIEVABLE OPTION INCLUDING FACTORY NAVIGATION!!!! The turbo-diesel engine has better fuel economy than the V6. It also provides 553 lbs.-ft. of torque: almost twice that of the V8 engine. The enhanced low-end power makes the Diesel Touareg better suited for towing, off-road driving, and acceleration off the line. The Touareg can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Its zero-to-sixty acceleration time is 7.5 seconds.”
An asking price of $35k is on the steep side but the 3 year warranty is a nice selling point. With no miles listed I have to assume they are on the high side as many used TDI’s are. People that own these cars are enthusiasts and are not afraid to drive them. If you are in the market for a used Touareg TDI I would exercise patience and wait for the best car you can afford. If high mileage is not a concern you could find a great car for a very reasonable price. If you want to hold out for a lower mileage example it may take more time to find the car you are looking for.
~Aaron.
1976 Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer
I have to admit, I’m not an SUV fan. For my purposes, at least, these vehicles are of little use. That being said, there are a few I admire for their capability and design. The original Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen come to mind. Oh yeah, and this thing, the Pinzgauer. While this vehicle isn’t German, it’s made in Austria by the same folks who had a hand in developing the Geländewagen, Steyr-Puch. Production of the first generation Pinzgauer ran from 1971 through 2000 in both 4×4 and 6×6 models. Powered by an air cooled inline four cylinder engine with dual carburetors, these vehicles are noted for their durability. Other features include a two speed transfer case, hydraulically actuated locking differential hubs and a 24 volt electrical system. While they don’t have a huge following in this country, you do see them around from time to time. Incidentally, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger owns two of them.
If you are familiar with the 712 Pinzgauer, you know it is a “go anywhere” vehicle! With three driving axles and dash lock-in hubs on all axles and high ground clearance, it truly will go anywhere. I purchase it in 2006, have added 100 miles and always stored inside. Includes tool kit, space tire and English manuals. The vehicle is in very good condition, everything works. Vehicle is” for sale” local, Seller reserves right to end sale at any time. Thanks for looking.
During the last blizzard here in Arlington, Virginia, a 4×4 Pinzgauer passed me on the street. I instantly knew what it was but had to do a double take because I had never seen one in person in the US that I can remember. This beast didn’t miss a beat through snow drifts measuring several feet high. This particular Pinzgauer is the 712, or 6×6 model. I can only imagine what it is capable of. Bidding is currently under $10,000, but there is a reserve. I recently saw a 4×4 for sale at $18,000, so I’m guessing the reserve would be in the $20k range somewhere, at the least. Not too bad for a vehicle that could conquer just about anything you throw at it.
-Paul H.
Pinzgauer’s are awesome. They take the S out of SUV, but sure emphasize the U.
~Evan
Back in Black: 2008 Cayenne Turbo
Here we have a heavily optioned 2008 Porsche Cayenne Turbo on eBay. This Pepper has under 17k miles and comes with $9k worth of Techart wheels and Pirelli tires. Anyone who has driven a turbocharged Pepper will tell you that the performance is rather eye opening. These cars do surprisingly well in the twisties but where they really shine is when you mash the pedal on the highway. Do so and the Cayenne responds with a growl and acceleration that can only be described as violent. In fact the Cayenne Turbo’s straight line performance is dangerously close to that of a 911 while weighing nearly a ton more. If money is no object, and it almost always is, the Turbo Pepper is the SUV to have.
2008 Cayenne Turbo Video Brochure:
This example has the following options:
22″ Techart Wheels & Tires
Soft Look Leather Seats
Light Comfort Package/Memory
Exterior Package Black
Satellite XM Radio
Black Top
Black Full Leather
Custom Tailoring Cayenne
Delete Model Designation
Front & Rear Floor Mats Interior Color
Moonroof
Roll-Up Sunscreen 1/4 Windows
Porsche Entry & Drive System
Non-Smoker Package
6 Disc CD Changer
3 Spoke Multi Function Steering Wheel w/ Light Olive Wood
Interior Package Light Olive Wood Trim
Roof Rails Black w/ Protective Strips
Fender Flares
At a touch less than $74k this Pepper has depreciated almost $45k since new, to put it another way this car’s value has declined an amount equal to that of a new Touareg. Putting that aside these cars are intoxicating to drive and return a highway MPG of 19 which makes this a viable grocery getter. Would I pay anywhere near the asking price for this car, absolutely not. However, in a few years these post face lift Peppers are going to be a good used car buy. If you are looking for an SUV and want 500 horsepower under foot there is no substitute.
~Aaron.
Theme Week: Winter Olympics of SUVs
Since our first theme week was such a success and fun. We are doing another round. This week we are thinking about the Winter Olympics. Heavy snow, cold temperatures, rugged terrain, all things you would associate with the Winter Olympics. Lastly, of course, you have your highly tuned, trained, athletes at the top of their game, ready to tackle tough conditions.
We think that this can be a pretty easy comparison to the top dogs (St. Bernards perhaps?) of the luxury, performance SUV, category.
So be on the lookout this week for Teutonic trucks.
To start things off here is a silly video of a pair of Mercedes G55s pulling a C63 through some snow. Something is slightly off with this video, be it lack of snow tires, lack of driving skill, lack of something.
~Evan
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