Looking to Buy an S12

Hello all!  I have haunted these forums for a little while.  I hope that I don't put anyone out with these questions, I have done several searches and queries but finding any info on these cars at all is pretty difficult.  Please bear with me!

First, how much should I look to spend?  The classifieds on this forum tend to not break much above $2k?  Is that about the high value?  What about a ~100k mile survivor?  I would also prefer a turbo model to a V6, and a 5 speed is absolutely necessary.

Another question concerns the IRS.  It seems to be a fairly maligned system, but why?  I understand that it adds a significant amount of weight compared to the SRA.  Moreover, everyone acts as if the handling characteristics of the IRS system is pretty poor.  Other than the fact that it makes lowering difficult without cambering the wheels out, what is the issue?  IRS should technically be superior, should it not?  Is this because the S12 is being compared to the S13 and S14?  How does it compare to older models?

Also, what makes the S12 so heavy?  I am not terrible concerned about power-to-weight here, as I own a sub-ton TE27 Corolla as well.  I am just curious.  (I understand the word "Corolla" is probably a curse word here.  I obviously appreciate a good Silvia too, or I wouldn't be here!)

I absolutely love 80s sport coupes, hence my love for the S12.  Any info anyone can offer would be very appreciated!

I don't think that there is anything really wrong with the stock IRS, it's a pretty typical 80's.
Most of the bitching is because everyone wants to drag the unibody, and the suspension just isn't designed for it... If anything, it's designed to be lifted (which I've actually done on my S12).

I've never thought they're heavy either, mine in stock trim is 2800LBS, stripped is 2300... No problems there. :lol:

A lot of the handling issues are body roll, which can be managed with stiffer springs and maybe a larger sway bar. Mainly springs though, the stock front are a soggy 120LB/in and rear are 90LB/in (IIRC).
I have 300LB/in front and rear, even with a 1.5" lift, it's still pretty tidy.

Edit:
Oh, not really saying the stock IRS is great, it's just not as bad as everyone makes it out to be... It sucks ass compared to the S13+ IRS though. :lol:

Welcome hope you find a gem. Price is subjective.

$2000 is a little on the higher end for an S12 ,though not by much, considering that most of the members on this forum have acquired theres for around 1700 or less. There are a few exceptions obviously. I'm not sure where you're located but here in western Canada, the last 3 turbo models I saw for sale here went for 800 or less (completely stock, running and a little rusty.) On the other hand, you might expect to pay around 1100+ for one of the V6 models you'll find commonly in the US. As for the IRS vs the SRA, I don't think there's too many complaints about the IRS, other than a crapload of body roll, but like Seishuku said, easily fixed with canuck springs, it's just that people seem to compare it to the 240sx's too often. I myself prefer the IRS simply because I want to lower mine properly on coilovers.

Good luck with the buy, be sure to post some pics if you get one!

Welcome!! A bit more then should be expected price wise but here you go!! ;-)

http://evansville.craigslist.org/cto/3637249190.html

Well, the cat's out of the bag now!  The Evansville car is the one I am currently looking at.  It is a bit of a drive from where I am at, (I am in Murray, KY).  3900 seems a bit steep compared to most (any?) other S12 I have ever seen.  It does also look a bit better than most as well, but if I can spend half as much and have eighty percent of the car, doesn't that make more sense?

In fact, that car was the one that alerted me to the model in the first place--at least a month ago, maybe more.  It's been on there for a while at least.

Shoot the guy an offer. What can it hurt? ;-)

Ha!  I take it that your Indiana location and your winking emotes means that your posting that particular listing is a bit more than coincidence?

Lol! Not my car nor do I know the seller. It's as far south of me as you can get and still be in the same state (3ish hour drive). I just winked because it has been listed for quite some time now and he has dropped his price a bit but not enough.
Post Merge

Welcome!  SRA cars are the best,  because I have one.  I kid,  but I think whatever you can find that is the cleanest will be your best bet.

Spec-bre on 03:29:02 AM / 05-Mar-13
Post Merge

---

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3583378201.html

Colonel Gustard on 08:37:32 PM / 06-Mar-13better jump on this one before Cutter beats you to it!