Whittling down the car choices

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4422034353.html

Hmmm....

How about an MGB, 944, Baja Bug, or Fiero?

If I wanted to turn heads in that budget, I'd paint an early Discovery or Range Rover in challenge livery.

MG doesn't trip the reliability triggers. Neither does Triumph, since a spit was one of my other want. Of course, neither does anything with "rover" in the name.

Had thought about Fiero, but around here they bring a lot more money than normal. You don't get much for what you pay with Fieros in this neck of the woods.

What about a 924? They look pretty. I can't comment on reliability since mine isn't actually functioning yet but the 924 guys I've talked to say they are better than you'd think. Of course... 924 people seem to be rather over-loyal sometimes :D

Buy a Corvette. The worst case scenario is you get some stories about the Corvette you hated. Those are way better party stories than the ones about your reliable cop car.

mazdeuce wrote: Buy a Corvette. The worst case scenario is you get some stories about the Corvette you hated. Those are way better party stories than the ones about your reliable cop car.

Wise advice.

80's VW rabbit?

JtspellS wrote: 80's VW rabbit?

Hell, a Caddy even.

"Truck sold, looking for car."
How about the combination of the two?
This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped.
http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I say that you should go with the Miata. For a C4, I would try to start out with around 6K since they're still the higher end sports car.

curtis73 wrote: http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4436675696.html "needs engine work." That could be scary or could just need spark plugs.

Oh you should totally buy that. The entertainment value for us on the forum would be priceless.

Granted, to be honest... a $3000 Vette has a high probability of doing the same thing.

That $2500 Miata has potential. Looks a bit worn, but useable. Hard to tell from those pictures, tho. Looks like they were taken with a 110 camera from 50 feet away then scanned and cropped...

If I could find a Spitfire than ran decent and wasn't too rusty for $3000, I'd be damn tempted to daily drive it. Wouldn't really be any harder or more expensive to maintain, you'll just be doing it more often. Arriving to work wet would suck tho...

That $2500 Miata has potential. Looks a bit worn, but useable. Hard to tell from those pictures, tho. Looks like they were taken with a 110 camera from 50 feet away then scanned and cropped...

Agreed. I called the number and left a message. If the seller calls back I'm going to scrutinize it front to back. If it looks half decent I think I'll buy it.

JohnRW1621 wrote: "Truck sold, looking for car." How about the combination of the two? This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped. http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I think I love you. Elkys have a big place in my heart. My only concern with them is that the high cool factor is counteracted by the 16 mpg. I could turn it into a 30-mpg car, but only if I spent $2000 on an LS1 swap.

Hi, my name is Curtis, and I love El Caminos.

Uh, yeah. I change my vote to Elky.

That Miata looks like a bargain if it's clean and runs well. I'd jump all over it.

I just put my '97 Miata up for sale asking nearly the same price. But it's not an M and has 200k miles. So if that one isn't sold, go for it.

how far are you willing to look? Check my '94 miata in the open classified here.

curtis73 wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: "Truck sold, looking for car." How about the combination of the two? This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped. http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I think I love you. Elkys have a big place in my heart. My only concern with them is that the high cool factor is counteracted by the 16 mpg. I could turn it into a 30-mpg car, but only if I spent $900 on an LR4 swap. Hi, my name is Curtis, and I love El Caminos.

Fixed for accuracy.

Bobzilla wrote:

curtis73 wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: "Truck sold, looking for car." How about the combination of the two? This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped. http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I think I love you. Elkys have a big place in my heart. My only concern with them is that the high cool factor is counteracted by the 16 mpg. I could turn it into a 30-mpg car, but only if I spent $900 on an LR4 swap. Hi, my name is Curtis, and I love El Caminos.

Fixed for accuracy.

Ya know... I do have a Spec aluminum flywheel, clutch, and a T56 sitting around. This plan might actually have merit.

Bobzilla wrote:

curtis73 wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: "Truck sold, looking for car." How about the combination of the two? This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped. http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I think I love you. Elkys have a big place in my heart. My only concern with them is that the high cool factor is counteracted by the 16 mpg. I could turn it into a 30-mpg car, but only if I spent $9000 on a Cummins swap. Hi, my name is Curtis, and I love El Caminos.

Fixed for accuracy.

Re-fixed for droolyness.

curtis73 wrote:

Bobzilla wrote:

curtis73 wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: "Truck sold, looking for car." How about the combination of the two? This seems cheap for an El Camino and seems like something that could be flipped. http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/4427834904.html

I think I love you. Elkys have a big place in my heart. My only concern with them is that the high cool factor is counteracted by the 16 mpg. I could turn it into a 30-mpg car, but only if I spent $900 on an LR4 swap. Hi, my name is Curtis, and I love El Caminos.

Fixed for accuracy.

Ya know... I do have a Spec aluminum flywheel, clutch, and a T56 sitting around. This plan might actually have merit.

If you already have that, then it's down to a $400 swap ($300 for engine, $100 to fab some mounts).

EDIT: Just do me a favor, get it 90% done, then get tired of it and sell it to me for $1500.

Bobzilla wrote: If you already have that, then it's down to a $400 swap ($300 for engine, $100 to fab some mounts).

I hate to derail Curtis's thread, but have you actually done any LSx swaps for $400? Even if you already have the engine, unless the truck intake fits under your hood, you need a car intake ($). Then if the truck oil pan doesn't fit you need a car pan ($). Then you have to worry about the accessories - most cars need the f-body set-up, not the truck setup - so more $$. What about exhaust? You want to use at least f-body manifolds, if not shorty or real headers - that's $ to $$$. What about fuel - you can run a carb with a $$ manifold, or if you keep the fuel injection (why wouldn't you), then you are into $$ for wiring and upgrading your whole fuel system. Even if you do the carb you still need a computer to run the ignition ($$).

Don't forget that you need to shift your new T56, so that's at least a mechanical to hydraulic clutch setup ($) if the donee was already manual, add new pedals ($) if it was automatic. Or you would keep you mechanical clutch with a special bellhousing ($$). Then you will need a crossmember, which you might be able to fab up yourself, and a shortened driveshaft ($). What about gauges - unless you run a brand-new Magnum T56 you are going to need an electronic speedo ($$), if you want all your gauges to match you are looking at $$$.

I'm not trying to piss on anyone's daydreams here, but I will believe a $400 LSx swap when I see it.

Oh, and Curtis, get the Miata. I love C4's, but a $3k C4 is going to be a money pit.

Since the "fun to drive" isn't at the top of the list, I vote Benz.

You can get either the bomber- extended wheelbase 560SEL or 300 SEL for peanuts, and if you buy a decent one, they can be very reliable.

The 107 Chassis SL two-seaters are also pretty darn nice, and usually available in the $3K range in decent shape. As a bonus, women absolutely go crazy over these cars. I'm not sure why, but otherwise fairly stable females loose their minds around these things.

In reply to SEADave:

this is GRM, where we make our own instead of buying it.

nobody saying E30?

Even the old ones have that badge. Classic simple lines.

Strong enthusiast following, tons of aftermarket, can make them turn some heads on a budget.

Joe Gearin wrote: The 107 Chassis SL two-seaters are also pretty darn nice, and usually available in the $3K range for a POS. As a bonus, women absolutely go crazy over these cars. I'm not sure why, but otherwise fairly stable females loose their minds around these things.

FTFY. "Book value is 9k plus, but usually decent drives sell in the 5k range around here. Mine leaks like crazy in the rain too, hard AND soft top.