Avoid public auctions. Too many people who do not know what they are doing. I've been to a couple (and did dealer auctions for 4 years). I watched a lot of stuff go for near retail.

Generally, I'll point out how much more expensive x, y, or z will be when it finally breaks. Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not.

Driver's an a-hole, but love the nerdy Star Trek reference on the license plate.

I got into the habit of carrying food, water, blankets, tools, etc. growing up in Nevada. While not nearly as remote as places in the Outback, you could still find yourself a long, long way from help.

Was the drifter allowed to try to pick up the spare?

This thing is cool as heck. Way, way too expensive for what it is though.

The hood on one of these actually overhangs the wipers. He had a pretty significant area to grab on to. I owned one of these for a while (great car). I'll admit this was a feature I'd never considered...

If the mods have been done right (a concern with any project), this is a good deal. As with anything else on CL, you can probably talk the guy down a bit. The smog check could be an issue, but not much of one. They test tailpipe only on vehicles this old. Thankfully not an issue where I live.

I've seen 8 of these. I have yet to see someone shaving their crotch or remove the steering wheel. I will eventually as much as I drive.

I feel your pain. Did this with a new car 6 hours after I bought it, still hadn't transferred keys to key ring. All of them were still on that tacky yellow dealer key ring. 2 mind numbing hours in a grocery store parking lot entertaining a three year old while waiting for the locksmith.

Had one of these (a 1986) for a little while. Fun car. I miss the little beast now and again.

And they never rode Greyhound again.

I watched one of these chug through the auction about four years ago. Moved under its own power. I was amazed to see one still running. I think it brought $400. These things were garbage.

Any friend's or coworker's car. You are not used to the car. None of your tools (other than maybe a multitool) are with you. Also, if something major goes wrong, you will hear about it forever.

I drive a company car 60K + miles a year. Before that I earned my paycheck driving a 18 wheeler.

Okay, one of many things wrong:

Ford Aerostar (RWD).

I will.

There is one running around Knoxville. It isn't chromed, but has every piece of stick on chrome from Pep Boys...and a wind jammer, but no 5th wheel hitch. Pick ups trying to channel their inner Kenworth annoy the crap out of me.

Two thoughts here.