Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
Volkswagen popularized the concept of the hot hatch in the 1970s with the GTI, but they moved the chains in the 1990s when they shoved the newly introduced VR6 engine under the bonnet of the Mk3 GTI. Mazda got the jump on Volkswagen in the six cylinder hatchback game by a few years with their MX-3, having a 1.8 liter V6 as an option. But the GTI VR6 had much more brawn and that famous, baritone exhaust note. This 1997 GTI VR6 for sale in Oregon is a two owner, unmolested car.
Aside from the iconic 500E/E500, fewer Mercedes-Benzes from the 1990s get my attention more than a well-equipped R129 SL roadster. This 2001 SL500 with the Sport package replete with AMG wheels looks supremely fresh, as so it should having covered just over 23,000 miles. Not a fan of the new age styling from the house of the Three Pointed Star? Here is your chance at a like new R129.
The Audi RS4 is quickly becoming the performance bargain the German cars; with revised and less understeer-prone all-wheel drive, a 6-speed manual and that unbelievable sounding V8 in a practical 4-door sedan, it’s easy to see why the RS4 would be popular. But it’s also an expensive car to maintain, and residual values from the first and second crop of owners has dropped down towards the point where third-tier owners are getting into them. The problem is that if you’re thinking about buying one of these long term, you may be better suited buying one before the typical scenario occurs with these cars – prices drop, people that can’t afford to maintain them well buy them, and when you finally get one it’s an uphill battle to try to keep it going. Today I have two examples of the venerable RS4, and the question is would you choose the popular color over one with lower miles? We’ll start with the popular color – Sprint Blue in this case:
The R107 SL had one of the longest lifespans of any model in Mercedes-Benz history. From 1972 to the dawn of the 1990s, this two-seat roadster represented the style, performance and durability that were hallmarks of the Three Pointed Star. Curiously, Mercedes decided the V8 versions were enough variety for the US consumer, leaving the six cylinder models, some with manual gearboxes, to other markets. This low mileage 1986 300SL for sale in is now eligible for importation to the US under the 25 year guideline. Signal red over black leather is a classic combination for these cars. The 5-speed manual coupled to the 3.0 liter inline-6 makes for an involving experience. Look a little closer and there is one option that had me ogling over this car. The very rare on-board computer. I have never before seen this option fitted to an SL.
There is something to be said for a great interior in any car, but especially in a convertible. With the top down and the sun shining every little detail tends to stand out not only for the world to see but even for you as the driver. The interior is what we see and feel and it is what connects us to the car and provides immediate sensory feedback. A terrible interior can make a great car seem boring, and a great interior livens up even pedestrian models. Thus, it should come as little surprise that I really love the interior on this 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Other than the steering wheel, I have always loved the layout and look of the classic 911 interior and when presented in this shade of Tobacco leather I find that everything fits together perfectly, especially on a car in a shade of dark blue like the Marina Blue we see here. The contrast works to make the car seem more alive and driving more enjoyable. As we continue our slog through the variants of the 3.2 Carrera, this Cabriolet with 106K miles provides us another look at this escalating market and the current demand for driver-quality examples.