Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » So the wife wants to buy a classic 1 2 3

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  March 8, 2011 2:22 p.m. TR8owner Reader

  I suggested to her to get a Triumph TR7 but she said no way, rightfully complaining that it would likely end up as a parts donor for my TR8.

  My response was just don't get something that I'll have to be continually maintaining. We're trying to think of a decent older car to get her, but one that is relatively maintenance free which eliminates most British stuff and also cheap to maintain which eliminates most German cars. For her it shouldn't be too old either, probably 1980's might be a good era. I'd try and keep the price under $6000 if possible, but can do more for the right vehicle.

  I've suggested an early model Miata or RX7.

  Any other suggestions?

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  March 8, 2011 2:26 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

  Miata or E30 cabrio.

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  March 8, 2011 2:40 p.m. MadScientistMatt Dork

  C4 Corvette?

  "Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer

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  March 8, 2011 2:42 p.m. bludroptop SuperDork

  A1 VW Cabriolet or Scirocco.

  If you're willing to go older - air cooled VW Type III.

  $6k will get you nearly the best available example of any one of these.

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  March 8, 2011 2:44 p.m. BoxheadTim SuperDork

  Cheap to maintain on a C4 is only true when you do all the work yourself. They're a bit of a PITA to work on...

  6 grand should buy a decent late 80s one, though, maybe even an early 90s with the six speed.

  Sanity is vastly overrated.

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  March 8, 2011 2:44 p.m. imirk New Reader

  Miata <- the only answer?

  Now with classic looks

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  March 8, 2011 2:51 p.m. bastomatic Dork

  Miata, VW Cabby, droptop BMW are all great choices. A droptop SAAB 900 might be lots of fun for her too, you not so much.

  A stranger choice but one she may actually enjoy a lot is an older Volvo like the coupe on Bring a Trailer today. My wife loved hers. Funky enough to be fun and noticed in, reliable, and surprisingly easy to have fun in.

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  March 8, 2011 2:52 p.m. tuna55 Dork

  911SC - that's what I wish I had the cash for. Datsun 2000 roadster would be sweet. Very nice to drive, from what I hear.

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  March 8, 2011 2:52 p.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

  MKii Supra

  SCAVENGE THE SEA FLOOR FOR NUTRIENTS

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  March 8, 2011 2:53 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

  Don't know about the Datsun, $6k for a good one seems possible but maybe not? I do know from looking around that a 911SC sold for $6,000 is going to be a pile of rust wrapped around a tree in a bad neighborhood.

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  March 8, 2011 2:57 p.m. amg_rx7 HalfDork

  The RX7 Convertible is one of the nicer convertibles I have owned from a comfort and sporting perspective. The wind doesn't beat you up too badly in the RX7 like in the Miata.

  The Mercedes SLK is also an awesome 'vert and can sometimes be found at a reasonable price when higher mileage. Mine had 140k and drove like a champ.

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  March 8, 2011 2:57 p.m. Raze Dork

  Mitsu Starion, Porsche 944, you can buy alot of really nice shape 80s car for the money

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  March 8, 2011 2:58 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

  pres589 wrote: Don't know about the Datsun, $6k for a good one seems possible but maybe not? I do know from looking around that a 911SC sold for $6,000 is going to be a pile of rust wrapped around a tree in a bad neighborhood.

  Yeah, that sound about right. What about cruising the local ads for something cool but not in super-high demand--Fiat or Alfa Spider, AMC something, Ford Falcon, Olds cruiser, etc. You could also find a decent MGB for that kind of money. Air-cooled VW?

  Yes, we now have signatures.

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  March 8, 2011 3:00 p.m. racerdave600 HalfDork

  What about a 240Z or early MR2? Others: Saab Sonnett, Karman Ghia, 924S, early Celica, Fiat X1/9, and $6k could pick up a fairly decent Datsun Roadster.

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  March 8, 2011 3:01 p.m. pres589 HalfDork

  If a project was acceptable, $6k should put together most if not all of a convertible RX-7 + engine swap, something like the aluminum 5.3. Might be a little low but should be close.

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  March 8, 2011 3:07 p.m. tuna55 Dork

  Sorry - I didn't see the budget cap when recommending the 911SC. I still would go with the Datsun though, a torquey motor stock and a five speed! Nice combo. sportscarmarket did an "affordable classics" article on them not too long ago. Made me drool. If you want, send me your E-mail and I'll mail you a copy of it.

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  March 8, 2011 3:10 p.m. triumph5 Dork

  Air-cooled VW Convertible with two-tone paint!

  Buick Reatta

  Spitfire with Petronic distributor and overdrive.

  Jeepster

  What has she mentioned?

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  March 8, 2011 3:14 p.m. Keith SuperDork

  I would avoid heavy modifications such as engine swaps or anything too old. An MGB is going to require a lot of maintenance, for example.

  But you're missing the most important thing - what pushes her buttons? You can't just go and buy someone an older car and say "here's your classic, have fun with that". Does she want a convertible? Chrome? Sports car handling?

  Square left in 50 caution ocean!

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  March 8, 2011 3:21 p.m. tuna55 Dork

  I have another pair of ideas that are both very good and very cheap and easy to buy and maintain: Volvo 122 (amazon) and 1800. Both beautiful cars and super simple and easy to work on. Both drive nicely and keep up with modern traffic, not to mention, 6K will buy you the best ones around.

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  March 8, 2011 3:38 p.m. Javelin SuperDork

  SA/FB RX-7, Porsche 944, or Datsun 240/260/280Z.

  $6K would buy you the world's nicest GSL-SE RX-7, or even better a cherry 79 SA with fender mirrors and the JDM-only turbo 12A...

  Michael Pinto - 73 AMC Javelin 360 / GoKart / 86 944 Sport / 01 Grand Prix GT / 06 Mazda5 M5

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  March 8, 2011 3:43 p.m. spitfirebill SuperDork

  BMW 2002 with a five speed.

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  March 8, 2011 3:44 p.m. forzav12 Reader

  An early Mustang coupe. Most of the others listed aren't classics yet, just beaters and used cars.

  Some Ferraris,Musclecars and other junk.

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  March 8, 2011 3:51 p.m. Keith SuperDork

  spitfirebill wrote: BMW 2002 with a five speed.

  Like the one that Bill at Flyin' Miata bought! It's not requiring any maintenance to keep it on the road, because it's not on the road He's finally got it running well now that he's figured out a Tii dizzy was retrofitted, but his clean example still needs the bottom foot of the bodywork replaced...

  Seriously, low maintenance is not going to be an old, old car. It will be a modern classic like a Miata, MR2 or RX7. But it all depends on what she likes.

  Square left in 50 caution ocean!

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  March 8, 2011 4:04 p.m. Duke SuperDork

  E30 ragtop jumped instantly into my mind as well.

  Junior Brown is my hero.

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  March 8, 2011 4:08 p.m. wearymicrobe Reader

  912 if you can find a decent one.

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