DeTomaso Mailing List: November 97, Message #246
     



From: 	pantera@shiseis.com (Shane F. Ingate)

Subject: Re: Prepurchase insepction

Date: 	Fri, 7 Nov 1997 18:06:51 +0000



Leo Rodriguez wrote:

	> I AM LOOKING IN PURCHASING MY FIRST EXOTIC AND WOULD LIKE SOME ADVICE.



Leo,



	First off, there is no need to yell.  Writing in uppercase

is a sure way to ensure that your email will not be read.



	Having said that, lets look at the car.  From your description,

it appears to be more of an "entry-level" Pantera, meaning that it is

largely stock, probably not abused, and now in need of some attention

(some things do decay after 25 years, eg suspension components).

Without seeing the car, I would say that the price is somewhat high.

Perhaps $22K - $25K may be more realistic.  To command more, the car

has to be either unique (eg post 1974 cars) or demonstrate that the

owner(s) has put in some serious R&R money.



	Asking a mechanic to look over the car may reveal faults

in the engine/drivetrain/suspension/brakes/body, but may not reveal

either a) the true cost of attention that the previous owner(s) have

put into the car or b) the true cost of attention you will have to put

into the car.  Pantera ownership can become very addicting, especially

in the sense that you may wish to personalize the car, which can become

very expensive.  So look first at the budget you have allocated to

"fixing" the car the way you want it, and then look at the price of

cars that approach your dreams.  This is usually a pretty good reality

check.



	For example, the engine rebuild you speak of will cost nominally

$3K, unless you want to keep the motor stock.  The paint job too is $5K.

Shipwrights disease settles in very easily.  Just ask Mike Drew how much

has car has cost him, and it is yet to move under its own power!



	Yet on the other hand the Pantera is a true exotic.  Maintained in

stock condition, it will give boundless driver satisfaction.  Gazing at the gorgeous

curves on this car is enough to make one forget about watching the Super Bowl.



	For tips on purchasing a Pantera, check out my web page at

www.horizon.com/pantera



	Good luck!



	Shane Ingate in San Diego