MR2. SW20 or Spyder.
MR2. SW20 or Spyder.
How ahrd is it to find a decent Volvo 240?
How hard is it to come up with $2500? I tried to sell a 4-5k 242 for $2500 a while back and ended up trading it for 3 cheaper cars because apparently noone keeps $2k around for buying underpriced antique volvos. Go figure.
So far the winners are XR4TI, Alfa and 944. Although i like the Dart idea, it is not exactly auto-x friendly.
Of the above, Alfa is the Idea I like the most.
Thanks!
Chris
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:
It seems like I never see a z32 anymore.
Vigo wrote:How ahrd is it to find a decent Volvo 240?How hard is it to come up with $2500? I tried to sell a 4-5k 242 for $2500 a while back and ended up trading it for 3 cheaper cars because apparently noone keeps $2k around for buying underpriced antique volvos. Go figure.
You should have called me. In fact, you should call me whenever you're divesting something weird. Or not weird. Or anything at all really.
Fixer upper fj40?
carbon wrote:Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:It seems like I never see a z32 anymore.
Exactly.
Be sure your budget includes maintenance items. All of your winners are fairly maintenance intensive. I've owned both the 944 and GTV6 variants, and they are about the same. Every two years you need to rebuild the front of the motor with new seals, rollers, water pump and timing belt. These are not options. If you treat them as such, your ownership experience will be painful and costly.
And never under estimate the cost of getting the maintenance up to date. The 944 in particular is likely to be abused and neglected and all those expenses you will have to cover first. The Alfa has been collectible for a longer period and is likely owned by an enthusiast already. 944's have the habit of being owned by teenagers or people that think they are a Civic. Demand paperwork supporting any claim of timing belt replacements, etc. Never take the previous owner's word for it. Been there, done that, paid the bill.
OK, on to the recommendation part. I'd second the MR2 option, as it is probably the best all around bet here, but also add in a Fiat X1/9.
A lot of cool suggestions here, but some of them won't fit the "run forever" part...unless your definition of forever is 3 weeks. 
Definitely agree with AW11 and 1G Integra if you can find one not rusted away. Throw a few more out there for you that are fun, hard to find and won't die (well, at least shouldn't...).
carbon wrote: Fixer upper fj40?
Weekend Autocrosser? 
Please. Saab Viggen hardtop.
1975 Opel Manta.
That year for the efi and better brakes, but a Weber on an older version would be fine. Figure $500 for brake hoses, electronic ignition, shocks and suspension bushings, and think about swapping out the alternator for a US GM one and drive it for years.
oldopelguy beat me to my suggestion +1 on the Manta. Or my vote for Corvair.
DrBoost wrote: Classic mini. If you search hard you can find a decent driver for 5K. I had one, I auto-crossed it. Mostest favoritest car I ever had. Do yourself a favor, get a RHD mini.
Where on earth do you find a decent driving one for 5k?
I've seen 'needs work' type trashed examples for close to that.
Not so odd, but E36 M3. They'll be odd if in good shape in a few years. Rock some pearl jam and a flannel.
They aren't everywhere, but they are out there. $5K will get you a 998 that's not perfect, but even my 998 on A008's was GREAT fun!
even better.... http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/4362595784.html
If I were looking for an odd drive forever car, I'd be looking For 80s toyota goodness like the AE86, Supra, MR2 or Alltrac Camry, corolla or 4wdTercel. I would say the Alltrac Celica but it is not nearly as reliable as the rest.
I think that $500.00 Fiesta is still available...
Not sure how many miles you plan to put on it, but what about something air cooled from Europe?
I'm thinking VW, maybe Karmann Ghia, or type 3 fast back, or wagon?
Are you single? From what I understand, Minis are a bit of a magnet stateside, if you catch my drift
VW Corrado might be in the $5k range (been a while since I've checked)
Honestly, if I were feeling exceptionally brave I'd get a Lada 1200 from Eastern Europe and have it shipped over. Then drop in that beautiful 2.0l Fiat twin cam 4cyl mated to a 5spd and have myself a nifty little commie mobile
Except I promised to never ever ever try to ship another vehicle again.
Good times
Mk1 Rabbit GTI end thread/.
92dxman wrote: Mk1 Rabbit GTI end thread/.
I hate to be a fanboi but.... ^this^!
Oooh, I like the squareback suggestion!
Also, BMW 635. I've seen some pretty nice ones for under $5k.
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