96 Toreador Red Base Purchased in Sept 2006 112,000 miles $1750
4-Kumho ECSTA AST 245/50R16 $330
4-used 10 spoke chrome directionals $130
Mercon5 change, 1-2 and 2-3 accumulator fix about $150
Transgo shift kit $65
26,000gvw Hayden trans cooler, $60
Deleted 3rd cat/mufflers, 2 1/2 true duels with x-pipe and round tips, $125
cold air intake with home made icebox about $50
Plugs, wires about $175
Sniper tuner (waste of money IMO) $300
Ultragauge, $70
drilled/slotted rotors, ceramic pads about $250
DieHard Platinum $220
220 amp DB Electrical alternator $225
Aftermarket HID's in low and high w/wireless relay $125
JVC headunit w/12 disk trunk mounted CD changer $400
spare (used) front and rear airsprings, $150
Field Service Manual set, $75 (priceless)
New (improved) door handles $100
Junkyard-found items (spares, for a 96):
ECM's (3)
IMRC's (3) L+R sets
VLCM's (3)
Strutmaster Springs
various other parts like engine covers, headlight housings sets (at least 4 good sets), corner lights, air ride compressors, compressor/ABS relays, spare alternators, complete console and radio/ climate control surround, ETC's (2), about $500 total.
Currently has about 126,000 miles (only 14,000 miles over 5 years), runs and drives great, perfect interior and (almost) flawless original paint, garaged and immaculate.
Total $5100, and I couldn't find an nicer, better looking/ running vehicle for twice that in my opinion. No leaks, issues, or problems at all. Mostly a weekend and nice weather car, rarely driven in rain and parked in Winter.
I do wonder at and admire those on here who use these cars as a daily driver, but think because of the complicated systems (air ride that can and will fail) and availability of parts (especially a 96), it will always just be a toy to me.
While I'd drive it anywhere, I also know that I would be on my own if I was far from home and it broke down-like most on here, I would have a real hard time trusting anyone to work on it, so I do all my own work.
Cutting through the clutter here, I have picked up on a lot of the cars' strengths and weaknesses and have made changes to get it where I want it. A Field Service Manual is essential and was one of the first things I bought, saves me from having to guess or ask and get bad information.
