Coupe seeking question: is lack of AC a big negative?

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twistinglane

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I know many of euro cars lack AC. How do these fare in market compared to AC cars? I'd miss AC but maybe not miss upkeep of the old AC system;-) But how does market treat non AC cars - maybe a guesstimate about effect on value?? Thanks! Paul
 
IMHO a/c adds value unless you never drive in hot weather with your wife :razz:

I rebuilt my a/c components with new hoses etc and have not needed to touch it for 2 years and still blows ice cold.
 
It's possible to add AC to a car that didn't come with it, so I'd be more concerned with getting a car that was otherwise in good shape than whether it came originally with AC.

That said, as a bay area resident, if I were to do my project again probably the only change I'd make would be to leave the AC off.
 
twistinglane said:
I'd miss AC but maybe not miss upkeep of the old AC system
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Don't know how the presence/absence of A/C impacts the $ value of coupes, but I would rate it as essential. The large glass area of coupes turns them into solar ovens on sunny days.

There is nothing difficult to maintain about e9 A/C systems - substitute a modern Sanden compressor for the old York, replace any leaking hoses or fittings, and it works surprisingly well.
 
I took out my AC when it conked out. The wife hates cars, any car, without AC and won't drive without it (despite the AC in her Benz presently being on the fritz).

As for me, that's what electric windows are for, and a gas pedal. You want to cool off, stick your head out the window.

Around here, if there's a car that looks like a good deal on craigslist, guaranteed the AC is dysfunctional. If the car has AC, it's almost always prominently advertised as ice-cold. Here in Honolulu, temps rarely get below mid-70s or above high 80s. It's really nice to have if you drive in traffic a lot in the middle of the day, but my work has always chained me to a desk.
 
If you have a sunroof ...

If you have a sunroof and you live north of the Mason-Dixon line, you should be fine without AC. Just open the SR and one rear quarter window and you'll get a nice circulating breeze in the car. If you're still sweaty, throw fashion to the dogs and get a set of real sheep skin seat covers. Ugly, but your butt and back will thank you in all four seasons. And they'll keep your new leather pristine for when you show your garage queen.

People lived all their lives without AC in their cars till the late 1990's. Unless your E9 is your only driver, you can afford to pick and choose nice days to drive.

Finally, for some of us, the cold/heat, smoke/fumes, and general effort required to drive old cars is a good thing. If your wife doesn't get it, get a girlfriend, daughter, son or pal who appreciates the oldness the way you do.
 
bfeng said:
Finally, for some of us, the cold/heat, smoke/fumes, and general effort required to drive old cars is a good thing. If your wife doesn't get it, get a girlfriend, daughter, son or pal who appreciates the oldness the way you do.
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Oh how true!

My last personal blog entry is how couples suffered together before air conditioning, but with air conditioning we fight over the temperature setting.

Staying married can only tolerate so much delta in the temperature. I call it "degrees of separation".
 
Stevehose said:
IMHO a/c adds value unless you never drive in hot weather with your wife :razz:

I rebuilt my a/c components with new hoses etc and have not needed to touch it for 2 years and still blows ice cold.
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My AC is of the original piston type, and I have not touched it in the four years I have owned the car, and it still blows cold. In Florida, it is essential, although at times I drive with AC on AND all four windows open! The AC is limited by the fact that there are only vents in the center console, none outboard.

Scott
 
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