$18k, modern, special....help me.

mazdeuce wrote:

Joe Gearin wrote: Ok, this is a little out of left field, but I figure you have the RX-7 for track / rallycross, the 911 for a bit of upscale sporty driving, and the Ford wagon for funky utility. It seems your fleet is missing a comfy cruiser with a bit of class. Now these aren't sports cars, but they are perhaps the best built cars ever-- yes ever. Taken care of, they will outlast you, are respected in any environment, and are reliable and satisfying to drive. As a bonus, they are at the bottom of their depreciation curve and are likely to become more valuable. Soft top-- and hard top are usually included, and you can find a nearly perfect one for $10-$15K. I'd go with a very early car (small bumpers), or a very late car (more powah). The 107 Chassis Merc------ early car late car

I was always under the impression that these were cars that would eat you alive with maintenance. Are they still in the DIY friendly era of MB? Did they ever come with a manual? A cruiser would be nice.

They are DIY friendly, and won't hurt you with maintenance as long as you can find a decent Merc guy in your area. Of course the dealer will gut you, but there are tons of reputable / reasonable Merc specialists around. There is also a huge support network online for the 107 cars. No manuals in the U.S., but as was said, they were offered abroad, and plenty of grey market cars made their way to the states.

In reply to Vigo:

Can I fit a tuba in the back of a Magnum with all of the seats up? Legitimate concern. Really.

mazdeuce wrote:

JFX001 wrote: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4375640562.html

Holy load of yes.

Why is this thread not ended because you bought this?

mazdeuce wrote: Holy berkeley. I just read more about the R63. It's a 500 HP mini van. How did I not know about these. I can fine one for sale nationally. One. I might need to pursue this.

They are rare but I do see one on my way to work fairly regularly. I have not heard of anything other than the normal R class issues for those. The one I see needs new air bags but man one of those would be fun.

Vigo wrote: If i was spending 18k on one car right now it would be a modified 2008 Magnum. I dont expect that to make sense to most people.

It makes perfect sense to me

Junkyard_Dog wrote:

mazdeuce wrote:

JFX001 wrote: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4375640562.html

Holy load of yes.

Why is this thread not ended because you bought this?

I do not know why Mazduece isn't buying that RIGHT NOW! I really wish I hadn't burnt up all of my car buying power for the year already...

Because I have to finalize things which probably won't happen until tomorrow because my salesman quit yesterday (really) and now I need to finish sorting it out with a new guy. Once that's clear, I'm good to go, though the R63 is really pushing my buttons right now.

I agree that the R63 is SWEET! However, IF you can find one, it will be damn near 30k. However, I guess it seats 6 and therefore, your budget is bigger.

In reply to Vigo: Can I fit a tuba in the back of a Magnum with all of the seats up? Legitimate concern. Really.

No. At least, i dont think so? And they don't have a 3rd row option, either. Honestly, the way the Magnum tapers at the back makes the cargo area smaller than you'd probably think. Still big with the seats down, but nothing exceptional. Like my Prius that you saw, but about 6-10" more depth. Most of the appeal comes from other aspects.

The r63 is kind of in a class of it's own. There's basically nothing else like it on the road.

The magnum is on my list. Too cool and affordable to ignore. Lots to sort through and clearly I'm all over the place on this, from two seat sports cars to six seat minivans. Nothing is really off the table as long as it's awesome.

I have this '05 GTO with ~35k miles on it and tasteful upgrades right in your ballpark. Turns out it doesn't really make sense for me. Just throwing it out there ;)

Did the Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever come with a third row?

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: Some assembly required?

QFT, this wins the thread. Bonus points if you shoehorn a Dove 427 Cammer into it.

http://dovemanufacturing.com/index.html

All that money could just go into the engine alone.....but how many of your friends could say they had one?

If I get a 427 cammer it's going into Fergus. Might need to go floor shifter, but I'm OK with that.

In reply to mazdeuce:

Nah, put it in the 65 coupe......then go LSR racing with it. Should be able to easily beat the top speed of those pesky hennessy venoms.

Is giving Fergus the pro touring treatment out of the question?

Could that be done and tick all of the boxes for 18k?

Fergus will get his day, don't worry. This thread is because I've been denied a dream car and I'm bummed and all I get to drive day to day is my truck beause my wife stole the 911. I clearly don't NEED anything except for phychological reasons.
That R63 I found for sale isn't actually really for sale. Bummer.

What about a SAAB 97x Aero?

GCooper wrote: What about a SAAB 97x Aero?

I've been looking at these myself. Do want.

GCooper wrote: What about a SAAB 97x Aero?

Like. Good value. Problem is that it has a LOT or overlap with the FJ and my truck while only seating five. If I could find something that would seat six then I could send my truck down the river. It's useful and all, but it doesn't excite me even a little tiny bit. Never has.

I'd be looking hard at E39 M5s...

E55 AMG wagon? Hmmmmmmmm......

Nothing is really off the table as long as it's awesome.

That is the best possible attitude ever, in the world. Viva GRM Forums.

SRT8 Jeep never had a 3rd row. The 3 row grand cherokee was called the Commander, which was never given 'the treatment'.

Here are some pics of Commanders with fancy exhaust and SRT wheels to commemorate what might have been.

I wouldn't touch a Commander or a WK, even an SRT-8. Built like absolute dog crap and their interiors suck.

Ever thought about a boat? Any water near you? My dad had a boat when we were kids(up until I was about 10-12 years old) and I have so many great memories of being out on the water with my family/dad because of it, as well as the appreciation of freshwater vs saltwater.

I like the Magnum also, which is strange because I've never been a domestic fan previously. Now I own a Corvette. I'd like to say something about how they're not E36 M3 but I'm in the garage right now and it's got a leaking radiator pulled out and a flimsy crank pulley on it's way out. Which required the steering rack to be pulled. Which was the worst job I've ever had to do on a car. Moral of the story is buy Japanese for that trouble free point you originally mentioned. I've owned lots of Japanese stuff and several American vehicles. It seems like the American vehicles just nickel and dime you to death. My Hondas, Acuras and Toyotas needed almost nothing but my Bronco, F150 and Corvette have always needed something.