ddavidv wrote: Any of these desirable old cars (Datsun Z, Volvo, Fiat...doesn't matter) are going to be a practice in tolerance and increased maintenance.
Hmm... I like the idea, but yeah, I'm starting to lean towards a more modern car if I replace the Miata. CRX Si would probably be the top on the list. Probably the time to get them when they're not really "classic" yet, and unmolested ones can be found, but are kind of special.
ddavidv wrote: The 2002 is much more like a normal car. I don't remember the heating being that lackluster.
Eh, I'm just an old Southern Boy who hates being cold. Y'all with thicker blood probably wouldn't be bothered with it at all.
ddavidv wrote: It's certainly more comfortable and has better ergonomics. They do have fussy cooling systems and have been known to poof head gaskets.
That's true. I've done a few HGs in my time. I probably neglected to mention the cooling problems because I also owned an E3 at the time, and the Big Six was worse (and my E3 still had the original twin Solex carbs with water operated automatic chokes). OTOH, this goes back to what the BritCar fans were saying. A well maintained example that has survived this long probably has those problems straightened out. I think I eventually stuffed an E21 radiator into every 2002 I ever owned.
ddavidv wrote: I've not driven them much on the street but without modern suspension they drive like a car from the 1960s, which is to say they aren't really razor sharp. A new Hyundai Accent handles just as well if not better out of the box.
As much as I love the 02, I have to admit that this part is true as well. And to the best of my recollection, none of mine ever exactly had the stock suspension. Modern springs/struts at the very least. But it seemed that each modification just brought me the same "balance" in that chassis, but at a higher (i.e., contemporary with new cars) level.
And E36 M3 prices have tanked. I do kinda miss my M Coupe. Same engine, better suspension, and more practicality could be fun.
What about a superclean E30? They split the balance nicely between modern driver and classic...
njansenv wrote: What about a superclean E30? They split the balance nicely between modern driver and classic...
An M3 would be awesome, but they're too pricey. I dunno. Doesn't excite me as much for a DD. I really think '91 CRX Si would be the right answer. I haven't had a fun FWD car yet.
I DD a 63 Cooper S with a worked over MG Metro motor (factory electronic ignition is a big plus) It is definitely not for everyone, harsh ride, bad airflow in the cabin, gets hot sitting in traffic. When you get some clear road and are able to just enjoy the ride there is no greater way in my opinion to wind down after a long day of work... You would need to definitely upgrade your cooling system to deal with any stop and go traffic and there are a multitude of other small modifications that improve the little cars manners, it's never going to be as calm and composed as an 02 or CRX but it rewards you with the feeling of always wanting to go. I concur with the recomendation to visit 7 enterprises(www.7ent.com) they got me through the 3 years I spent restoring mine and I haven't found a more friendly and knowledgeable bunch of mini parts salesmen. I guess just take one for a spin and see if the fun to pain factor is worth it for you.
Guess I'll chime in.
I had a 77 mini, 1380, 129 whp., 1400 lbs., gutted. Went like stink but was very well behaved for commuting. I did have a new truck, though, when I needed or wanted it. Very dependable but not for everyone. I like to drive in a hotrod, even to the grocery store. Just makes me smile. This approach would not work for the more pragmatic sensible type. A friend of mine had several minis and drove a stock one as a dd.
My 2002 roundtail, a dd, would have made a better commuter, I suppose, but it was also very light and very low, lol
. My current dd is a gutted lowered 04 Si hatch. Perhaps I'm not the best example.
I've had a few Minis. A twin leading drum braked 998 with a Stage 1 kit is fine around town, but miserable on the highway and overstressed there. Think 1300cc VW.
My current setup is an MG Metro N/A engine (best interation of the A-series save for the original Cooper S) pulling a tall 2.95 diff and running the pricey Cooper S discs under 10" rims. Okay on the highway (not optimal) and is likely as practical of a daily driver as my MG Midgets were back in the day, but frankly I'm getting too old to get beat up like that. A 2002/240Z is a luxury GT by comparison.
A famous journal adult daughter has daily driven a Corvair for years and years. After reading an article her father wrote after a test drive in my Mini, she called me to ask about getting rid of her Corvair in favor of one. Having owned both, I advised her of the advantages of each and in the end she decided to stay with the Corvair for daily use...
My Mini is one of my favorite cars and is my preferred weekend toy... but it would rank way low on the list of daily driver cars in my stable.
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