I have been looking for a daily driver that is reliable, comfortable, good fuel economy and appeals to me as a “cool” car. There is an 1989 Toronado for sale locally that is near mint(original paint, zero rust, perfect interior, FE3, no VIC etc) with only 54,000 miles. They are asking well over any book value or recent similar sales figures, $6,900. If you look at rust free, economical, comfortable cars in that price range it’s ones like 2000 Jettas or Impalas with over 100k and who wants that? I can afford almost any car I want but looking to be cheap.

I don’t plan on paying what he’s asking but I guess I am looking for someone to talk me into or out of it. I have made emotional car purchases before and most were never a wise investment.

 

how much more than blue book are they asking?

 

This is one of those cars that if it's cheap and no electronic dash or HVAC, can be a stylish driver.

One of the biggest cons is low production meaning if you need used parts they are nonexistent. Mechanically they're tough.

 

Kelly Blue Book says $3,000 NADA was like $4,000 but they never relect real value. Most times they are high and don't account well for older cars.

 

Yep. Been there, done that. Every vehicle I have is low production one year body style or just plain obsolete. The garage of missfit toys.

 

You didn't mention if this is a Trofeo or not. According to the Old Cars Price Guide, a non-Trofeo '89 Toronado in #3 condition ("car show" condition but not showroom condition) is valued at about $4700. In showroom condition, which I don't think describes a 54,000 mile car no matter how nice it looks, the value is about $7400. But the condition could be somewhere in between. So maybe a value of about $5000 or $6000 isn't unreasonable.

If it's a Trofeo, things change considerably. The OCPG values one of those in #3 condition at about $6100, while in #2 the value is almost $9500. So if it's between these two condition levels, at least according to the OCPG, a value of $7,000 or $8,000 wouldn't be unreasonable.


If I were you, I'd buy it!

 

Not a Trofeo. Or a least it does not have a badge that says so. What was the Trofeo options? Is does have FE3 and I could get the rest of the RPO's.

 

I don't know offhand what made a Trofeo a Trofeo. I'm sure someone on here does.

 

Hi,

The Trofeo was a Toronado featuring goodies Olds hoped would boost low sales by who were looking at Mid/Small European autos Trofeo was born. Good plan, not so good execution. Some available options were Fe3 Suspension, leveling, power everything, the dreaded onboard electronic computer, yaya.

So when I got the chance to get a 88 Trofeo with slightly under 90,000. I jumped. I'd do it again in minute, yes the problems exist. but at the price I paid. like the one you're considering, you bet. Finding parts, certain electronic issues, and other flaws both mechanical and design aesthetic (the small trunk makes me crazy) So if you still think its cool. Have a trusted mech give it a look. cross your fingers, pay the price and start driving your cool new car. I will tell you, There aren't many on the road, a well maintained, detailed Toro gets noticed just like any vehicle that is owned by a car lover.

 

My first time in this forum and I have somethings to share. I bought my '88 Trofeo about 10 years ago. I took the best of care of it and it responded great! However, I had a problem at 200k miles with the crank sensor magnet on the camshaft and had to do something. I put a 1985 Buick Supercharged engine in it and have finally given up trying to make it right. It is for sale. The dash, the quality sound system, trunk latch, head light covers and motors, it has 17 inch Alloys with new tires, and I need to get it out of my garage. Make an offer for all or part and I will listen. Really hate giving her up. I truly think using synthetic oil hastened its demise. After using synthetic oil, I had oil pressure off the charts, and blew out two oil pressure sending units. When I was at the gas station people would come up and say wow, what kind of car is that? I had removed the badges with cat gut. With the remote control I could pop open the gas cap cover, and open the trunk as well as the doors.
All this, because of losing a magnet on the cam.