Best Muscle Car for Beginner

In reply to Coldsnap:

That's kind of a crap shoot with an old car. Anything can go wrong at any time. On the plus side, they're simple.

Datsun makes a good point. It's a small distinction in some cases, but you did ask about a muscle car. Most of the cars discussed in this thread are not muscle cars. They can all be Hot Rods with some work, but not muscle cars. That's why in my first response I said it would be hard to find a real muscle car in your price range that is anything but a basket case.
None of this is to discourage you from buying the Nova. It looks like a nice car. Just know what it is you are buying.

I see what you mean. Yea, with my budget I don't think I'm going to get anything super duper quick. But if I got a v8 with a nice bench seats that looks cool and can burn some tires I think I might be a happy camper. I never plan to race / drag it.

In reply to Coldsnap:

Then that Nova or the Falcon would probably do you well. As far as two versus four doors, that's purely your decision. A two door will be more marketable when you sell, but the entry price is also higher. I've seen some pretty nicely done 4 doors, so if you like it go for it. And don't let people discourage you about the 307. You can make some decent street power with it.

Lots of good suggestions. Here's another slightly older, lil off-brand from the mainstream suggestion: '65 Mercury Comet Caliente.

I dig these muchly.

Muchly? Me too.

How about these?

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3468089652.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3514162226.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3549860172.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3543747267.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3541826116.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3453795423.html

There's lots of stuff out there.

In reply to bravenrace:

Isn't it kinda hard to find Toronado parts?

There is a ton of stuff out there! I'm going to start test driving a lot of these tonight.. going to see what i like.

In reply to 93EXCivic:

Probably. But that only matters if it needs them, right? Maybe my own lust for one is what made me include that one.

I guess my advice at this point is don't be in a hurry. You seem to want to buy something right now, just for the sake of having it now. As noted, there's all kinds of options out there.

Do more homework, bide your time, then jump only when you find the right deal.

I like that big block Cutlass posted above, though a full engine build might be more than you're looking for from day 1.

Hmm, love for Toronados and Comets... Bravenrace is ticking up several notches in my book.

Margie

bravenrace wrote: How about these? http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3453795423.html There's lots of stuff out there.

Everything in that background is faster than a 301 auto.......
Hell, 301 turbo's were still slow.

In reply to yamaha:

The car itself still has a lot of potential and has aftermarket support, and he has already stated that high performance isn't his top priority.

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Hmm, love for Toronados and Comets... Bravenrace is ticking up several notches in my book. Margie

I could probably use that...

In reply to bravenrace:

True I suppose......it will make v8 noises, but it'll prolly get beat by a slant 6 in a 4k lb mopar.....

like this one...

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3543747267.html I

It seems to have solid floors and relatively unmolested. There's a ton of speed parts available for G(?) Bodies. I'd leave the rusty fender and old paint.

In reply to hrdlydangerous:

That one stood out to me also. Those are pretty good cars with lots of potential. Engine parts can be a little expensive, but they can also make a lot of power and torque.

bravenrace wrote:

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Hmm, love for Toronados and Comets... Bravenrace is ticking up several notches in my book. Margie

I could probably use that...

Nah, we're good. Criticism is hard to take, but when it comes from people who truly have your best interests at heart, it's also a good thing. I'd rather have a friend who will tell me when there's a booger hanging out of my nose than someone who will smile, nod, and let me go out in the world like that.

Margie

Marjorie Suddard wrote: I'd rather have a friend who will tell me when there's a booger hanging out of my nose than someone who will smile, nod, and let me go out in the world like that. Margie

That right there is quote worthy. I spilled some coffee in my lap.

spitfirebill wrote:

Marjorie Suddard wrote: I'd rather have a friend who will tell me when there's a booger hanging out of my nose than someone who will smile, nod, and let me go out in the world like that. Margie

That right there is quote worthy. I spilled some coffee in my lap.

you should sue McDonalds

It didn't come from McDonald's and it didn't burn me.

Hey OP check out the Firebird in the Classifieds

Marjorie Suddard wrote:

bravenrace wrote:

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Hmm, love for Toronados and Comets... Bravenrace is ticking up several notches in my book. Margie

I could probably use that...

Nah, we're good. Criticism is hard to take, but when it comes from people who truly have your best interests at heart, it's also a good thing. I'd rather have a friend who will tell me when there's a booger hanging out of my nose than someone who will smile, nod, and let me go out in the world like that. Margie

You know me pretty well for someone that doesn't know me.

spitfirebill wrote: It didn't come from McDonald's and it didn't burn me.

Since when is that a reason not to sue? Wait, who's sue?

How about this? I wonder how much the asking price is.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3489835776.html