1999 GMC Jimmy SLT

The 1999 GMC Jimmy SUV is the thirteenth vehicle owned by me. Once again, within the last year, I was checking various auto dealer lots for a late model vehicle. At this one particular dealer I was walking around and the salesman had mentioned they just received an one owner vehicle as a trade-in that's in very good condition. I checked out and road tested the GMC Jimmy, it appeared to be in good condition other than some minor problems I initially seen needed correcting.
Several months later, after purchasing the vehicle I had took it to the shop for oil change and general service work. After inspection of vehicle, the service shop informed me that it still had original engine parts such as spark plugs and wires, coolant system badly needed flushing and water pump is leaking, front brakes had to be replaced. Plus, the transfer case seal was leaking. When they total up the estimate for repair cost, I received a "sticker shock." I felt maybe I should have had the vehicle inspected a little more through or closely. And the previous owner had traded-in the vehicle at the right time. Since the repairs were made it has been dependable with minimum problems.



1999 GMC Jimmy SUV



1989 Cadillac Sedan Deville

The 1989 Cadillac Sedan Deville was the twelfth automobile owned by me. I had purchased the Caddy in February 2010 and was a unexpected purchase in buying this auto. It just some happen that I was browsing the newspaper classified section for a late model auto to buy. I came across the advertisement for the auto as "one of the kind, one owner and a must see." Well, I made arrangements to check out the auto to see if it was as nice as they had advertised, and it was. It was hard for me to resist the automobile that was in immaculate condition. All the equipment and components of auto operated 100%.
Outside of failure of both front windows power motors failure and routine general repair work that has been performed on an auto 22 years of age and approximately 125,000 miles on it, to date I am very pleased with the service of '89 Caddy has given me. Also, I have updated the Caddy with a new stereo system (CD with blue tooth and all new speakers). Plus, I had a new alarm system installed wit remote engine start.




1989 Cadillac Sedan Deville
(note: this is not the actual car owned by me)



1986 Volvo 740 GLE

The 1986 Volvo 740 GLE was the eleventh automobile that I had owned. Prior to the Volvo, I had no intentions on buying a used foreign auto. But, it just so happen that I was walking through the church parking lot when I noticed the Volvo. It was very clean both the exterior and interior, it just appeared to be well kept auto and I learned it was for sell. I made arrangement with the person that owned it to further check out and road test it. I was real pleased with the mechanical condition and handling.
After purchasing the Volvo, I decided to perform several upgrades to make it look like a newer model style auto with installation of factory style spoke wheels; front & rear padded head rest cushions; fog lights and wiring; new car stereo system; and a new exterior paint job.
The Volvo 740 GLE served me well for several years and was a realible auto. The only re-occuring maintenace problems or issues were the engine had difficulty passing the Ohio AIM Test (exhaust emissions); front brakes appeared to were prematurely due to the calibers freezing up; radio power antenna mask assy. (motor) malfunctioning; sunroof leaked and had to be resealed every couple of years. But, overall I liked the Volvo 740 GLE a lot, and would not hesitate to purchased another one again that's in excellent condition.



1986 Volvo 740 GLE
(note: this is not the actual car owned by me)



1980 Dodge Aspen

The 1980 Dodge Aspen was the tenth automobile owned by me. I had purchased the auto through a sealed bid auction from the company I worked for at that particular time. The purchased the auto with the intent of driving back and forth to work. But the Dodge turned out to be somewhat dependable other than carburetor problems from time to time. I later decided to get a Maaco paint job to upgrade the appearance of the exterior body. Also, I had a complete new stereo sound system and nice floor mats. After those updates were done I drove it all the time. Even though the body style was plain and boxy looking, it was nice and clean in appearance. I have driven the auto for about three years until the differential (rear axle assy.) went bad. I eventually gave the auto to a co-worker that wanted it.




1980 Dodge Apen
(note: this is not the actual car owned by me)



1978 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe

The 1978 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe was my ninth automobile owned, and the very first I purchased brand new as a young man. The auto was simply gorgeous looking and it was champagne in color with light beige pillow style leather seats. I had a factory style moonroof installed shortly after purchasing the auto. The roof was a lovely addition to auto. The '78 Lincoln was a quality built auto for the most part, and I felt that the road comfort and quietness were unmatched by most other American automobiles.
At the time, when I purchased the Lincoln it was a little bit unexpected because I was checking out other types of full size luxury autos to purchase. And I felt a new Lincoln was somewhat out of my price range that I was willing to spend. But, after hagging back and forth, and the games some of the dealership pay with you on bottom-line pricing. I had gotten tired of it and called one of my employers that drove a different new Lincoln practically every year. I had spoken to him about the treatment that I was experiencing at dealerships in trying to purchase a new auto. He immediately called his friend that owned a Lincoln dealership in Cleveland, Ohio, and he suggested for me to go and speak with his friend at the dealership. After I arrived at the dealership, the owner informed me to check out the vehicles on his lot I liked, if not they could order the color and type auto I wanted. I ended up ordering a Lincoln and received it approximately a week later.
For the first couple of years, I just drove the Lincoln on weekends or evenings because I was so busy working as a mechanic. I had owned the auto for several years until I had an unfortunate major accident on the freeway with it. I had the collision repairs done, but it wasn't the same auto to me afterward. I drove the auto for that evening after picking up from body shop, and it has been parked for years since then.




1978 Lincoln Town Coupe
(note: this is not the original car owned by me)



1974 Plymoutn Gran Fury Coupe

The 1974 Plymouth Fury Coupe was the eight automobile that I had owned and had acquired from my father after he purchased another new auto. The exterior body color was a nice blue with vinyl top to match, and interior was leather-like vinyl in which was blue in color as well. I remembered the FM radio stations reception were lousy, they kept fading in and out. It was just due to a lousy low quality factory style radio unit.
The primary maintenance issue that I had was that it stalled frequently and bogged out when engine was cold. The engine had performed in this manner for the most part since it was brand new. Even after taking it back to the dealership to service the problem under warranty, it still existed. Eventually, I decided to check out the cold start engine problem to make certain that all components were operating to factory specifications. I had found a defective air cleaner thermostatic sensor that I replaced. The purpose of this sensor is to block the flow of cold outside ambient air to carburetor until the engine is able to reach normal operating temperature of 160-180 degrees. The corrective action of replacing the sensor did aid to minimize the stalling when cold, but the problem had returned awhile later. After approximately two years of owning auto, I had bartered it to an individual who needed an auto for some interior work that I needed done at a rental property.

1974 Plymouth Gran Fury Coupe
(note: this was not the actual car owned by me)

1975 Ford Elite

The 1975 Ford Elite was the seventh used auto that i purchased from a co-worker. I'm not completely sure why I purchased this auto at the time other than wanting to own a late model sporty looking auto. The exterior was white with red leather interior. It was a sharp looking auto, and mechanically I can not recall too many maintenance issues other than air conditioning problems. But, one thing that I can say for sure it was a true "gas hog" with the 351 V-8 engine. My older brother would totally agree about the poor gas mileage because when I loaned him the auto to drive from Cleveland, Ohio to California he really complained about how much if cost in gasoline to make the trip.
In approximately a year or so after owning the '75 Ford Elite, I notice the body door rocker panel were developing surface rust spots. I suspected the rust areas was possibly due to improper or poor preparation prior to exterior body being repainted by co-worker whom I brought auto from was a body man.
After about 2 years, I gave the auto to one of my uncles that needed an auto. He drove the auto for at least a couple years, and eventually he had to replace the transmission.



1975 Ford Elite
(note: this is not the actual car owned by me)