Should I purchase an Aspire for $600.00

[nitrofarm]

Just wanting some input so I don't let my festy project get the best of me. I've found a 94 Aspire for 600. 150k 5 spd & new clutch. Body has a little corrosion,but not to bad. Seller says its popping out of 4th/5th. He doesn't want to pull the tranny again. 600 just seems a little high for a parts car (which i need). I want the front & rear suspension parts,seats motor etc. I've been having a hard time finding anything for under 1 grand here in WI. Jus want a little input. He is VERY FIRM on the 600 by the way. Thanks-Thomas

[Grey Vw]

The aspire brake swap would be around $300 from the jy.Then when your done you could scrap it and get $100. To me it is bearly justifiable.

[TominMO]

Useful parts:
good motor and clutch
transmission possibly
brake swap (with master cylinder)
front seat swap
gas tank (if a two-door)
radio? struts/springs?

then scrap it; or drive it as is for awhile; when it needs repairs, then scrap it.

$300 sounds very high for the brake swap tho. Around here I could probably get one for $100 - $150. Apparently he's not selling it as a parts car, but as a driver that needs some repair (the tranny).

[DriverOne]

I agree with Grey VW. The cost of a good Aspire swap at almost half the car makes it worth it, and without the transmission problem, you've still got an engine, which makes for the other half of the price if it's in good shape. Use the seats if they're good, the exhaust if it's better than yours (you may need to trim it some) and get both the spare and the jack ('cause you bought 'em and could use 2 jacks sometimes). You can bolt the Aspire motor to the Festiva transmission, because it's a B3, so no real loss there. In my opinion, totally worth it. Optionally, you may try and sell the car before scrapping it. Someone else may see an opportunity as well. Nothing like making back some of what you spent.

[mckabe]

Did you talk to that yard I told you about? They have 3-6 aspires.

[nitrofarm]

Thanks guys I needed the input. I just wanted to make sure its not totally to much money. I'm sure you all can appreciate my fear. We've all prolly bought a car that we shouldn't have because of excitement about a project. Then realize we've jumped the gun & paid too much. I've really been lurking around trying to find an Aspire. And this one seems fairly do-able. I'm hoping the tranny might just be shift fork or bushing related? But time will tell. Maybe I should try to fix the tranny before I start parting the car.....Then I wont have that thought nagging me while I'm swapping parts.

[nitrofarm]

Did you talk to that yard I told you about? They have 3-6 aspires.

Yes its a 2.5 hr drive one way,they know what they have. And want top dollar. I want parts but I'm not that desperate yet. But thanks for the input. Thomas-

[nitrofarm]

Well I drove it home @ 85 miles in 3rd gear & she didnt blow. Plus it doesnt look I used any oil. New clutch press plate t/o bearing,Battery,RH axle,Brakes & newer Kumho's. $550.00
Needs frt window, tranny, E brake & front struts. Time to get a tranny in her. Anyone in WI got a good G tranny for sale? And thanks again for the input guys.

[ericsmith32]

The rust on the rear wheel arches looks like the only minus. A little grinding and fiberglass would fix that cheap enough. By the rear tail-lights it's a 94 but that's 97's front end. Must of been a soft hit I don't see any damage on the radiator support. I wouldn't part it out unless it has real issues underneath.. I know some on here are quick to part them. I have both and both are unique in there own ways. If you were closer I'd probably be able to help you get parts

[DriverOne]

That's a good looking car, for the most part! With that rust, I'd be testing the rust intensity around the strut towers and where the rear beam meets the car both in and outside the car. I agree with the accident theory, because they Maacoed the car (and painted over the rear tail light and emblems). That interior looks pretty good. All-in-all, I'd rest assured that you got your money's worth, for a swap or a usable ride!

[93festiva]

Nitro, where in Wisconsin are you located. I have a twin to that Aspire but it's a 97, after we pull the engine you can have the shell. I'm in Bear Creek, 35 miles west of Green Bay.
Bill

[nitrofarm]

Nitro, where in Wisconsin are you located. I have a twin to that Aspire but it's a 97, after we pull the engine you can have the shell. I'm in Bear Creek, 35 miles west of Green Bay.
Bill

Excellent Bill, I'm in Jefferson. 53137 is the zip
PM me when you are ready.

[nitrofarm]

By the rear tail-lights it's a 94 but that's 97's front end. Must of been a soft hit I don't see any damage on the radiator support.

I agree with the accident theory, because they Maacoed the car (and painted over the rear tail light and emblems). That interior looks pretty good. All-in-all, I'd rest assured that you got your money's worth, for a swap or a usable ride!

Yup you fellas are right.Found some very minor sheet metal damage up front. The upper rad support is slightly bowed. The lower is fine. And there is a crack by the head light area where the lense bolts to the chassis. But I've seen worse. I gotta get some headlite lense's though. When they spray bombed the car they screwed up the lense's. Found the left front spring is broken. I could feel it when I hit a big bumps. Sure enough found it broke in pieces. Got it on stands gettin ready to pull motor/trans. Thanks guys !

[91mcnasty]

I have some headlights for you.

[nitrofarm]

I have some headlights for you.

Cool PM me with the details. Mine are junk