'95 T-5R - Am I about to make a horrible decision?

[erikv11]

Nope. I have only owned the 95 but given the choice I think I would prefer a 96 or 97, I like the seats better in those. 98 has the best interior but the AWD is just a nuisance for me.

[Euro_Hobbs]

I'd pay 2500 but not 3200, assuming that is not a rear main seal leak underneath, and that the evap core is OK. I agree with mika, it has more issues than the original posting suggests but they appear to be the typical ones, easy to do but will keep you busy.

I was thinking, if I made an offer, it would be $2500 but he told me in passing last night that he was offered that amount on trade for a BMW and turned it down. He said the evap has been done in the past couple years and I just got a text saying that the shop who is looking at the A/C current says it's a hose, but they're trying to source the part currently. He also said last night that the car was inspected not too long ago and the shop claimed the RMS was actually not leaking....? I'm honestly really concerned about the heater core, I'm not afraid of the job, I'm afraid those lines are corroded (I believe the '95s still had steel lines?) I'm not looking for this to be a total DD, I've got my 4Runner for that, but I would like to drive it often in the summer if possible. The paint does seem to fade like single stage as well and he said it hasn't been waxed this season yet.

[Euro_Hobbs]

IMO, you can get a non R in much better shape (without your aforementioned issues) for half the asking price of the T5R. Personally, a zippy NA might be the best if you need it for daily driver and quick winter warm up since your in ohio.

As much as I'd like an R I'd also be willing to get a regular T-5/Turbo but I just don't see them, at all. I haven't seen a single worthy one locally since the one I came across last July.

[erikv11]

There is a good chance the oil is just from the turbo, it is pretty unusual for a T5 to be bone dry underneath, so that is not so hard to believe about the RMS. Oil cooler lines and turbo commonly leak, etc. Does the seller seem to be totally straight about the other info he has provided? Can you talk directly to the shop looking at the AC or is it just the seller? I would want to talk to them myself.

I don't think the 95 has steel lines at the heater core. I could be wrong but I had to replace the heater core in my 95 when I got it and I don't remember them being anything other than the aluminum I have seen so many times before, it was a routine heater core job.

[Euro_Hobbs]

He does seem to be pretty straight about everything, although I'd say it was definitely described better than the actual condition, he's a mod on another site and is very active in other forums as well. He and his kids have owned multiple P80s over the years. Seems like a good guy and honestly wants the car to someone that will keep it maintained. The shop the car is at is the same shop that did work on the A/C a few years ago so he was hoping for potential warranty work.

Edit: I guess the shop cannot find the A/C hose readily and will not use one found off of a wrecked vehicle but when charged everything works and does not look to be the evaporator at all.

[mika]

I'm honestly really concerned about the heater core, I'm not afraid of the job, I'm afraid those lines are corroded (I believe the '95s still had steel lines?).

The heater core is prob least of the worries;, simply way to check if carpet is wet to know if the heater is leaking.

It sounds like this might be your first 850: a lot of us travel to find the right car once they find it (few hours), sometimes it takes some time to find the correct one for you. If you find yourself an NA or even a low pressure turbo, you will have less problems and keep the car for much longer. The T5-R is an advanced machine IMO Frankly, keep your eyes on ebay and CL and you will find the right one for much less, with much less issues. Even if you spend 2.5k, the axles and other odd bits will quickly add up. I have found 2 Volvos now for under 1000 dollars that needed nothing else except some rotors or a tuneup.

that being said, I would still do it. 2.5k or even 3 is the cheapest I have seen them and I would love to rehab one and enjoy it, even at this mileage.

[rspi]

The yellow cars are getting harder and harder to find. I have a '95 wagon (black) with about 275,000 on it and it still pulls strong and had no oil leaks at this time (nor has had any oil leaks in 80,000 miles). I've put about 35,000 miles on mine in the past 11 months.

[Ozark Lee]

My guess is that at some point we will be seeing restored Yellow Rs rolling across the block at Barret Jackson and bring the kind of money that my old '69 AMX is bringing now. The price is at the upper end of the scale but Yellow Rs are just rare. It is rare enough that I wouldn't have one as a daily driver.

...Lee

[matthew1]

^ true

I'd buy a yellow wagon with problems for $5k I think. I think. Yellows of any type are rare.

[m491]

Ozark Lee has a point. I too think the yellow T5R's will hold their value in years to come but daily drivers will still need all the care and feeding of less expensive T5's. It really comes down to what you want to use the car for. If I was parking one in the garage it would be the yellow T5R. Daily driver, I'd go for a T5 or any manual 850 (NA) as they are the best kept secret in the 850 model range.

I also agree with Matt that any T5R wagon in yellow is a buy. They come up so rarely that if you get one for $5000 grab it. I kind of kicked myself in the head for not buying the yellow wagon that was on the forum last year for around $9500. The boss didn't give me approval for that purchase so I had to pass on it.