IMO, mustangs have too much of a flatbiller douchebag image to be something id want to drive, especially with the law enforcement attention they attract. I think a BMW would probably be the nicest to drive, or a VW cabrio if you want something more unusual.
If you intend to autox it, then why not Miata?
What about something with (shudder) t-tops or a targa roof panel, like an MR2?
I have to tell you, I like the Corvair way more than I thought I would. Being practical, I would take a Miata or E-30 if I needed a slight back seat.
has the 1.9 and 2.3 Z3 fallen into that price range yet?
Fiat parts are NOT hard to get. Same with Alfa.. even body parts are availible
todd900ss wrote: However, homeowner, single dad of teen that plays baseball = zero time for dad. All good ideas.
Then you MUST consider a classic.
You are correct- no projects.
But for $6K you can buy a reasonable example that needs very little to be a good driver. You won't find a pristine '58 Impala, or a showroom Mustang, but a nice driver 'Vair shouldn't be too hard. A car like mine could be bought at a price that would let you drop it off at the local shop for a few improvements, pick it up 2 weeks later, and still stay under your budget.
It will make you a Dad hero.
Oh- look for a back seat.
It will allow you take a nice lady along for the ride while slugger rides in the back, or to haul other members of the baseball team while slugger is riding shotgun- more Dad points.
Vair still scores.
SVreX wrote: Oh- look for a back seat. It will allow you take a nice lady along for the ride while slugger rides in the back, or to haul other members of the baseball team while slugger is riding shotgun- more Dad points. Vair still scores.
E30 scores big. I fit very comfortably in the backseat, and I'm 5'10'' 200 (albiet with only a 30 inch inseam)
E30's are great cars. Wouldn't mind having one.
But they are just a boring car to a teen and his friends, none of whom probably care much about handling and performance.
But everyone gets excited about a classic.
Besides, the world simply looks better when viewed through the windshield of a classic.
todd900ss wrote:ZOO wrote: You may be able to find an early C4 convertible in that price range. What is the intended purpose?The intended purpose would be a weekend car, autox if I ever get the time. Driver a few days a week. I think it is down to a Mustang or RX7. But keep the ideas coming.
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/ctd/1522430327.html
Too much for that C4. They can be bought at Challenge price in that condition.
But nice background cars. I'd rather the Gremlin, the Mustang, or the '72 Challenger.
Oh wait, none of you care.
Sorry- proceed. 
Datsun1500 wrote: There is a very nice Corvair on Ebay right now. Item #220528909153 Looks like one of those cars you can just drive for a few years and not have to keep fixing it
The Corvairs are talking to me, but IIRC the '62 had the poor designed rear supension.
Love them but how reliable are they. Would like to do some roadtrips. Great mountain roads north of Metro Atlanta. The BRP would be great in a vert.
Just going to have to keep looking & see what talks to me.
I would suggest that any American made vehicle that can be repaired at the roadside with nothing more than a rubber band and a pocket knife will do when it comes to reliability.
You are right about the mountain roads in N GA. Great ride. Almost every shade tree mechanic in those hills can fix anything on a non-injected American vehicle with parts laying in his backyard.
I think you'd be happier with the later models from a handling perspective. Look for a '67 Corsa. Oh, wait, that's mine. Look for whatever you like in a 2nd gen.
Spend a little money on suspension. Won't take much.
If someday you want a project, install a Subie motor, or flip the axle and install any motor you want midships with a Kennedy adapter.
SVreX wrote: Too much for that C4. They can be bought at Challenge price in that condition. But nice background cars. I'd rather the Gremlin, the Mustang, or the '72 Challenger. Oh wait, none of you care. Sorry- proceed.
Where have you seen a $2010 C4 vette vert that looks that good? Find me one in a with a clutch please :)
Ummm... the Challenge?
Several GRMers have bought better looking C4's for at or near Challenge prices. MadScientistMatt comes to mind.
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Worn interior, missing trim pieces, bad re-paint, 120K doesn't equal a $6000 car in my book. But, hey, if you love it, that's all that matters.
93celicaGT2 wrote: 240sx convertible.
But budget for the 5-speed swap. Also, there was never an "official" vert S13 IIRC, they were all US market cars modified by American Sunroof Corporation. A buddy of mine had one for a short while, he lost his job and the car shortly after. I'll admit that if I'd had the money to pay off his loan (he only owed $2K on it), I would have bought it.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/199318
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