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Jan. 2, 2012 10:51 a.m. emccalment None

I know there's like a million of these. I've read quite a few of them over my year long deployment. I'm headed home soon, and might be in the market for some new wheels. There's going to be quite a bit of explaining my situation in here so that I can get the best feedback possible. Sorry about the length.

It has to be RWD. It has to be cheap. It has to do daily driving when it's cold and I can't ride the motorcycle and don't want to shell out for the truck's 11mpg. I'm in the Army, so while Tennessee offers a nice climate most of the year, I could easily end up somewhere else. It has to be trackable. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to track, and I never have before. I want to get into it while I'm still relatively young so I can enjoy it for years to come.

I'm a really cheap guy. My wife has the new car, I have an older motorcycle and a beat up truck. I've looked at Miatas. I like them well enough and my wife says I don't need a back seat. (The truck doesn't have one.) However, she has a daughter and we're planning another one in the not too distant future, so a backseat isn't something I would hate having.

I'm not the kind of person to cycle through cars very often, so it would be something that I could keep for a lengthy period of time. Garage space is currently at a premium, so I'm not likely to go for a dedicated track car. Financially speaking, I make plenty of money, but I'm more focused on starting to save for retirement and college funds right now, so I'm looking for the best cheap and awesome!

Any ideas? Cars I have considered include the usuals. e36 M3, Miata, Porsche 944/968, even a Lincoln Mark VII LSC. They're heavy, but I love those cars. Bring on the ideas!! I expect from previous posts to see as many ideas that would make me gag as those that wouldn't. I think it's half the fun, lol.
Jan. 2, 2012 10:57 a.m. JFX001 SuperDork

Fox body (or chassis) Mustang....or Fairmont/Zephyr (bonus for wagon.)

There is an LSC around here with a 5 speed...pretty cool.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:01 a.m. dj06482 HalfDork

As I was reading, I was thinking E36 M3. Pick up the best example that's within your budget, and you'll likely get one that already has many of the major issues (cooling system, suspension bushings) addressed. Plus, the near 50/50 weight distribution and LSD will be a big help if you ever are in snow country (you'll likely need dedicated winter tires, though).

The rear seat has some pretty good room, although I'd look at the 2 door and 4 door to see which fits your situation better. In some cases, it might be easier with kids with the two door as the front seat folds out of the way. The 4 door M3s were only made for two years (97-98), so they're tougher to find, especially with a manual transmission. If you're going to hold onto the car for a while, I wouldn't compromise on any non-M E36, as you'll miss the LSD, better suspension, track-ready brakes, etc. that the M3 provides.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:04 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork
1. P71
2. 8 zylinder mutdang (preferably a fox body)
3. Welcome home, bro.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:17 a.m. jrw1621 SuperDork

While I was reading I was thinking P71 which with a trailer (owned or rented) could replace the pickup.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:35 a.m. emccalment New Reader

I'm curious about this P71. The first time I read something about it was right before I posted this. Wouldn't the Crown Vic be a bit... boat-like?

I've always hated the 80's/early 90s fox body Mustangs. It's the reason my brother talked me into a Mark VII instead. If I ever contemplated a fox body stang for even a second, I'd pick up a Mark VII easy.

What's the cost difference between consumables for an M3 and a Miata? Like I said, I'm cheap... real cheap. Like lived-on-ramen-for-a-semester-so-I-could-drink cheap, lol.

As for replacing the truck, the P71 would leave me desiring in a few areas. Mainly the lack of 3 inch lift and ability to go wherever whenever. It's not in the best shape in the world, so I don't feel bad about taking it places people with newer trucks would never go. :)
Jan. 2, 2012 11:39 a.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

Drive a 99 or up P71 and you won't wonder about the likeness to a boat.

As for something with a lift, expect to pay truck gas prices (or at least less than 18 mpg.)
Jan. 2, 2012 11:44 a.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

emccalment wrote:

I'm curious about this P71. The first time I read something about it was right before I posted this. Wouldn't the Crown Vic be a bit... boat-like?

Absolutely.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:49 a.m. ThePhranc Reader

Monza ( I really like the coup sedan)

Astre

Vega

AMC Spirit

AMC AMX

Save these cars from the crusher and 1/4 mile hooligans.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:59 a.m. emccalment New Reader

As it turns out, shortly after posting this I heard back about a Miata in nice shape that I offered $2,000 on and forgot about. Did I mention I'm cheap? Can't pass that deal, lol.

I'll probably have to get rid of it eventually, but after a bit of work it'll get me on the track, and that's what I'm really going for. That and a heater. After the weather turns south of 50 for a high I'm off the motorcycle.
Jan. 2, 2012 12:07 p.m. emccalment New Reader

The truck gas prices... yes... any kind of road trip in the truck is an investment. Drove it from Arizona to Indianapolis 3 times within 2 weeks of owning it. Lots of gas money, but it's the most comfortable road trip machine I've ever driven.

I need to find someone with a P71 to let me drive it. :)
Jan. 2, 2012 12:08 p.m. N Sperlo SuperDork

emccalment said:

Did I mention I'm cheap?
Jan. 2, 2012 10:49 p.m. thunderzy Reader

What about a g-body. Cheap, easy to find, can be found with a v8, decent back seat huge support, huge aftermarket, and plenty of parts bin interchange. Can even be had in ute and wagon versions.

I'm looking for a manual Malibu wagon at the moment.
Jan. 2, 2012 11:14 p.m. rotard HalfDork

emccalment wrote:

As it turns out, shortly after posting this I heard back about a Miata in nice shape that I offered $2,000 on and forgot about. Did I mention I'm cheap? Can't pass that deal, lol.

I'll probably have to get rid of it eventually, but after a bit of work it'll get me on the track, and that's what I'm really going for. That and a heater. After the weather turns south of 50 for a high I'm off the motorcycle.

You don't understand what the word "cheap" means to people around here. There are people that sharpen and reuse disposable razors, refuse to buy new boots when their old ones smell like something died in them, and still wear the clothes they owned 40lbs ago. Most of these guys walked 200 miles uphill in the snow to purchase their Miatae for pocket lint.