1976 Empi Sportster for sale by owner - Carson City, NV - craigslist (2024)

This 1976 Empi Sportster is a Volkswagen based dune buggy, that is in good running and driving condition. It features an all steel body, with a 1,600cc single port engine. She fires right up and runs nicely, and drives surprisingly well for what it is. It’s in pretty darn good shape overall. This buggy has been registered for the street with a clean Nevada title - there are no issues or questions about street legality or anything like that, it is good to go. 100% street legal.

The body is remarkably solid, with no rust that I could find anywhere. Pan is very solid. The suspension feels really good, not all worn out or loose. Steering feels really good just the same. The engine fires right up and runs well, with no apparent issues. The transmission shifts well through all gears, clutch feels good, no issues to speak of. Brakes work good, but feel like they may need some light adjustment at the drums. Tires have lots of tread on them, they look good. Odometer reads 61,169 at present, which I believe to include the original mileage of the donor vehicle that was originally used to build this rig. Lights and wiper work, and it has a small front bumper-mounted winch that works as well.

This would make a great little rig to take out on the multitude of trails around here, and it appears that it needs little or nothing to be ready to do so. Just a new owner! I’ve taken it up into the hills up to Virginia City, Jumbo Grade and down into Washoe Valley and had absolutely no trouble at all, cruising it around up there for hours. Suspension feels really good, felt very confident out there on the trails. She’s a good little driver. This little buggy is being sold as part of the owner’s estate, as he passed away last year. Clean Nevada title in hand. No trades, no deposits, no holds - if you are seriously interested, bring cash and be ready to make a deal.

***IMPORTANT disclaimer: I’m happy to answer any legitimate questions you have, but please make sure you have read the ad and looked at the pictures carefully first. Absolutely NO test drives without cash in hand, ready to make a deal. If you need permission from your wife, if you don’t have cash in hand, if you haven’t even decided what kind of vehicle you want yet, you are NOT ready to reply yet. If you have others you want to check out as well, go look at them first. You need to get all that sorted out BEFORE you reply to this ad. Speaking of that, please wait to reply until you are ready to come see it, same day or the day before, not multiple days or weeks before. I am available seven days a week to show it, and I will take the ad down immediately when it sells. If your intention is to lowball, save us both the time and hassle - your tactics do not work. I do have some negotiating room, but I’m not going to discuss price on the phone, period. The ONLY time to talk price is when you’re standing in front of me with cash, ready to make a deal.

The price is $5,600 cash. No trades, no deposits, no payment plans, no nonsense. I’ve dropped my price a few times now, and we’re getting down to the bottom here, so there isn’t much negotiating room left. What are you going to buy that’s any better than this for any less? The dune buggy is located in Mound House (right next to Carson City). Remember, this is not a high speed freeway vehicle, so if you live in Reno or somewhere else far, plan transportation accordingly. I don’t know what its safe top speed is, but I don’t think I’d feel comfortable taking it over about 55-60mph. Obviously it is being sold AS-IS. Please be sure to include your phone number in your reply as I will not be responding to emails. You will NOT get a reply if you do not include your phone number. Thanks very much for looking.