Nate, Author at German Cars For Sale Blog

2004 Volkswagen R32

Published October 11, 2014 by Nate

It’s been a while since I’ve fantasized about the R32. For a long time, it was my dream car, packing AWD with a sweet (and sweeter sounding) VR6 in the attractive (to me) Mk4 Golf package. They sound great and are very capable, but have had enough mechanical issues to have some detractors. I’ll continue dreaming though, thinking of the VR6’s terrifying growl, the 4Motion’s capability, and the hatchback sensibility. For a long time they were hovering around $20k, and you might still pay that much if you find a cherry low-mileage example, but today’s has covered 117k miles and is thus an extremely reasonable $13k.

Click for details: 2004 Volkswagen R32 on eBay

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1980 Mercedes-Benz LP809 Firetruck

Published October 10, 2014 by Nate

I suppose if I were born in Europe, I might think that firetrucks from the US would make cool cars, but that’s not the case. Alas, I’m born and bred in the US and thus think that the variety of trucks utilized over there are all awesome. While I’m usually looking for ones that would easily convert to a unique RV, you’d have to get pretty creative with this one. With the ability to seat 7 up front, however, I’m thinking you could turn one of the equipment bays into some sliding cots. I’m not a burner, but the top deck looks prime for it.

Regardless of your planned use, it’s only covered 20k miles in 34 years. It is commensurately clean, from the classically utilitarian interior to the sweet roll-up sides. I’m not sure what you’d use it for, but the auction is just crawling along, so get creative. As of writing, you could buy it and have it shipped over for less than $10k, making for a pretty sweet anything-truck.

Click for details: 1980 Mercedes-Benz LP809 Firetruck on eBay

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#FailFriday: 1991 BMW 318is

Published October 10, 2014 by Nate

Unless you’re going to do an engine swap, it seems like part of the charm of the E30 is that their power never outdid the chassis. Even with the range-topping M3, people call it underpowered (right after they sacrifice their first born to the car gods in hopes they might get one). So, if it’s a great chassis with too little power, why not accept it and get a little flingable toy? That’s exactly what the 318is was, a great looking sports sedan with less power than my 1988 Toyota pickup (which are not exactly known for their gusto). So, when I saw a red 318is for sale at $6k, I thought “ooh, great deal on a fun E30!” While not too long ago $6k would have bought a lot of E30, that is clearly no longer the case.

Tread carefully, dear readers, for this ad is full of fail. Happy Friday!

Click for details: 1991 BMW 318is on eBay

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1983 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel

Published October 10, 2014 by Nate

I love MK1 Volkswagens in general, and the Jetta exemplifies the simple rectilinear style of the early 80s. Though weak, the diesel engines are robust and efficient, making them a perfect little around-town or mellow commuting car. Today’s spent most of its life with a single owner, covering just 119k miles – roughly a third of what these cars often achieve. If it continues on this path, it could be a nonagenarian before it needs a rebuild! It’s not perfect, but it has a lot right. Overall, with a no-reserve auction and low bidding, this could be a great deal for a utilitarian sedan.