Affordable microcar?

Is there such a thing an affordable micro car? I'm getting a hankering for one. Could spend up to $5k or so but less the better. Obviously this rules out things like Isettas and Messerschmitts but what else is out there. I was thinking a Berkeley might be the best candidate. Most seem to come without a running motor so perhaps some sort of bike engine swap or maybe a 1.0L Suzuki motor out of the Swift. Any other ideas? Subaru 360?

might find a fiat 500 that's a little scruffy (or for $500 - really scruffy) - some minis are in that range that are still useable

There are all sorts of micros/minis out there for under $5k... the question is what you want to do with one (how "streetable" it needs to be) and now much you'll stretch the definition.

In the "pure" microcar range (sub-500cc) you'll find 4 wheel Berkeleys, Subaru 360's, the occasional FIAT 500, and all sorts of less usable things like Freeways, King Midgets etc.

In the sub-1000cc minicar range, you will sometimes find a scruffy Mini 850/998, FIAT 600/850 (sometimes in decent shape), Trabant, Austin/Morris, Honda 600Z, King Midget, Reliants (Plastic Pigs), Bonds, etc, etc.. A lot of cars in this category are both cheaper and more practically usable... but may not be "quirky" enough for you.

Head over to microcar.org and take a look at the sorts of cars being discussed there, the classifieds, etc... then check out Ebay, CL (I use searchtempest.com to do nationwide CL searches, etc)

Good luck!

I must be blind - I can't seem to find the classfieds on microcar.org.

Impractical is ok. Not really married to any particular car as of yet. Probably not a Mini as they are somewhat common in Canada.

What about a kei car? They are like a modern day micro car and since you're in Canada, you can get any of them that are 15 year or older. A Suzuki cappuccino would be a great micro car.

Wow, the forums and classifieds are gone! no idea... I wasn't a regualar visitor there, but checked in on occaision. If you are so inclined, it's a good group to join (I like the monthly amazine) but am really bummed the forums are gone. I'll check with Jim to see if stuff is moving elsewhere... there is definitely a need for a microcar froum somewhere!

There is also a microcar-minicar yahoo group (the minicar only group is not moderated and I don't bother wading through the spam), but it's not as active as the .org forum was.

Bill

I'll check out that yahoo group - thanks. Might just join up with the .org too - I wonder if the classified is private.

I love Kei cars but Cappuccino goes for just under $10k! Even Honda Beat is probably out of my range slightly.

Suzuki alto Works? Daihatsu Mira TR-XX? Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ? Subaru REX?

All are interesting possibilities that are much cheaper than a Cappu. The Alto Works uses the same 660cc engine as the Cappu, so upgrades are plentiful, and there are suspension upgrades available, still...sometimes. It's hard to find out much more stuff on the Kei cars in terms of upgrades since...everthing is in Japanese!

From my personal observations, a subaru 360 would be the most likely of the traditional (as in old) microcars to find for cheap.

I'm a member and .org seems gone for me as well... and the inital email from the founder expresses his surprise.... stand by...

I've got an N600 and it's a hoot to drive. I bought it for $1500 and it's probably one of the most reliable cars I have, starts instantly every time I start it! We almost bought another last week for $1250 (in worse shape, but another price reference). Subaru 360s and Honda Z600/N600s go for way less than $5k as runners. Make sure you don't have your expectations too high...remember, these things weren't made to drive fast, corner well, etc. Swapping an engine is a fun idea, but only realistic if you want to get to "I'm going to die" miles per hour in less time...might want to consider suspension, brakes, etc. if you're swapping in more power.

Bryce

Just reading about the N600...

It was technologically advanced for its time, with an all alloy engine that could achieve 9000 rpm. Engine output was 36–45 hp (27–34 kW) and the N600 was capable of 81 mph (130 km/h).

9000 rpm and 80mph, that's not bad! ...or possibly a bit of Wikipedia embellishment there?

Subaru 360s are cute but pretty horrible cars. They aren't as tiny, but Fiat 850s are plentiful in that price range and very usable; they will do highway speeds with no worries. You're going to be hard pressed to find a Mini that isn't a Bondowagon for under 5 large.

What about Croselys?

You should redefine your thoughts on "affordable"

Building anything from a wreck is expensive and seldom returns the investment, plus it takes a lot of time.

Now, lets say you go to the bank and take out a 10k line of credit to buy this micro car. Lets go with a 8% rate.

So, now you get to shop in the range where there are some nice cars. Cars that someone spent 20k on and are moving on. You win they lose.

Buy the car, pay the 800/year interest charge (cheaper than anything you were going to do to this car) and after you have burned up your 5k of cash that you wanted to spend, SELL the microcar. This will have provided 6 years of driving.

Chances are that if you took care of it, it is going to be worth what you paid for it give or take a bit.

Then again, not everyone is in this for the driving, and projects are cool.

a bit OT, but this talk of microcars and kei cars has made me wonder how one would do in autocross? one of the kei sports cars, of course, like the Honda Beat or a Dihatsu Copen or something like that

I almost bought a 360 years and years ago - my son was born early thus putting an end to that.

A N600 would be a decent candidate for sure - they seem to be for sale semi-regularly.

Thanks wcelliot for checking on the .org

I found an Austin Bantam semi close by for sale without engine for $3k. I do have a Datsun 210 1.2L A-series sitting around - I wonder if it would fit. Might be too much power but I suppose I could de-tune it or start in second gear!

seems about the same size as a Legends car... just contemplate that when you consider that Datsun swap

Well seller isn't responding so doesn't matter I guess.

I think they would make a fun commuter car

Probably not what you meant, but i bought my 960cc, 1900lb, 50mpg honda insight for well under $5k