POLL: What to do with my 1991 Dodge Shadow? (pic)

[ZubenElGenubi]

Okay, I'm soliciting ideas for what to do with our 1991 Dodge Shadow (pic attached). It has about 160,000 miles (256000km) on it.It runs okay, but:...has no air conditioning (in Houston!)...needs a new odometer (cable is okay)...needs new shocks/struts installed (have them)...may need new CV jointsInterior is in pretty good shape for its age, but could be improved...same for body.So, put your ideas up here. Photochops are welcome, too!

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[joatmon]

It's nice to have a second car in case one of them breaks, you can still get around, but lets hope that's not an issue with your vibe. What is registration and insurance on it, and is it worth it to keep the car around? A lot depends on how you are doing for time and money. What price could you sell it for, and what vibe upgrades would that buy? I used to take out ads in the paper to sell my old cars, but I started to feel guilty because anymore when I am done with them they are pretty worthless, and the price I was able to get for them was usually paid by someone who couldn't afford anything better. I worried about them in the cars, knowing what was likely to go wrong. I have traded a couple clunkers in to buy a new car, just to get rid of them. The last one I donated to a charity,

[ZubenElGenubi]

That's true (about having a spare car). Car is still registered, inspected in April. Basic insurance is about $35 a month. My guess is that I could sell it for $300-$400. Not having AC is the biggest problem here.I donated my last car to charity as well (Mitsubishi Expo...sniff I loved that car!).

[joatmon]

Those are some nice homes in the pic. Wish I had brick Do you have kids at or near driving age? no use buying a fancy new vibe for a kid's first car, let them have the Shadow to beat around in.I've decided to never again sell or give a computer or car to a friend or relative. you become tech support for it for as long as they own it, you hear about every little thing that isn't perfect.

[Fformula88]

Hang onto it if its not costing much at all! You never know when you will need a car in a pinch to get you somewhere! Do the repairs as you have time! I'd get an odometer out of a junk yard, get the CV's done if needed when the shocks/struts are installed. If it otherwise runs, these repairs shouldn't cost too much. Otherwise, I'd just donate it and take the tax writeoff. I hate selling old high mile cars to people for fear something will go bad and they will be back complaining and looking for restitution. Buyer beware can still create a hassle!

[savedbyzero]

Swap in the 2.2 turbo motor out of a shelby/glh along with wiring harness...and voila, a sleeper!

[ragingfish]

Sledgehammer! Sledgehammer! If I lived nearby, I'd give you at least $20 towards smashing that thing...Because destruction is FUNNNNNNNN!

[JohnC]

Drive it during the cooler months till it drops, then donate it. Might make your 3 yr 36k mi. warranty last longer.

[Psychobroker]

Quote »Drop a small block V8 in it and race it. oooh yeaaahh

[kostby]

I recently donated my '91 Pontiac 6000 LE to charity. Auto, Air, 125,000 miles. Everything but the cheap aftermarket cassette stereo still worked. Recent tires. Minor body damage.It sold at auction for US$375. Actually, I probably could've sold it for at least $500 and donated the full amount to charity. Was it worth $125 to me to avoid the hassle of selling it myself? Probably not.Will the charity miss the extra $125? I hope not!

[AKLGT]

folks donated their astro van couple yrs ago. they allow you to write off book value.. so they gave us a receipt for $3K.. nice.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Oh...wish I could do that! My parents had a Plymouth Sundance (twin of the Dodge Shadow) with the 2.2 Turbo and it was a fun car to drive!

[ZubenElGenubi]

Hard to say about the mileage since the odometer's broken. I'm guessing it's around 23-25mpg though.

[ZubenElGenubi]

(looking at Kelly Blue Book...) Looks like KBB private party value is about $600. Don't think I could donate it for that and have a clear conscience.

[ZubenElGenubi]

I still have some time to decide. We're storing it in a relative's garage for now. Sure don't want to drive it during the summer...I've got THAT T-shirt!

[Merzbow]

i think it needs a v8. its in great shape it looks like. A guy around here has a shadow (not sure of the year) This little car has tires in the back so wide they almost touch eachother! It's got a blown 351. 5 point hardnesses, full roll cage. this car could take on a jet and win.