by "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
Published 11/29/2017 at 23:20
by "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
Published 11/29/2017 at 23:20
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STARS: 1
My 996 is soon to be stored for the winter. I’m going to save some pennies for a little rattle on the front end, and maybe a new taillight, and a battery. But then, it’ll be close to done. It’ll keep needing work but you know, less and less, and more predictably. Less of a project and more of a driver.
And I’ve been thinking about what kind of project I’d like. I’ll keep my Beetle for daily driving and winters for the time being. 911 can be my fun car or maybe even daily by next summer. But I’d like something older. And honestly, if we end up closer in to the city, then the Beetle might be sold, to make room in the monthly budget for a house payment, and literally room as I’ve only found one house with the kind of garage and parking space I’d like.
Anyways.
I’ve been looking at projects. I’d like:
- older, define it how you want but something pre 1990 is what I’ve thought
- no rust, I don’t know why, just don’t feel like dealing with it
- RWD
- engine swappable, if needed
- manual(or swappable to a manual)
- 4 seats
- some greenhouse/headroom
- like it’s looks
I’m at least a year off from buying something, probably depending a lot on the stuff listed above, the 911, if/when and what home we buy, and if I keep the beetle. But as these things go, I’ve been perusing ads.
I’ve always like the XR4TI but I’m not crazy about it’s looks and just not sure what direction I’d take that project.
Ford Capri also appeals to me. But they are rare, do suffer some rust issues, but I suppose if I could find a nice one, I’d be pretty interested.
Older Alfas are really striking but prices are all over the place, and rust is an issue, but really, reliability is worrisome. The GtV6 is sweet, and some of the older sedans are nifty.
But really, an E30 is such a great match for my wants that I have decided most likely, it’s what I’ll look for. I think I had avoided looking because the market seemed to expensive and they are just too hip. However, I loved working on the mechanics of my old E34 and learned a lot; there are a bajillion mods, tuning options, and swaps; and they aren’t the worst sufferers of rust. Prices on them seem to have flatlined a little and I’d be content with starting with a 325es and swapping it, and ESes are particularly affordable. So, most likely, my next project will be a 0n E30. And
So, I looked on Craigslist right now and maybe the best option near me is this car. Three questionable decisions in one picture:
spoiler, wheel offset, and bumper removal. It doesn’t run(no spark) but once he gets it there he “is asking a lot more”. But it’s also straight, and cheap.
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
11/29/2017 at 23:52, STARS: 0
I’d recommend going with an E36 if you’re on a budget. You can find clean 318i’s for under $2500 with no rust easily.
"Berang" (berang)
11/30/2017 at 00:13, STARS: 0
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
11/30/2017 at 00:32, STARS: 0
Older Saabs are cool as heck but I think I’d just prefer RWD.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
11/30/2017 at 00:36, STARS: 0
I get what you’re saying, e36s are less beat on and a better value. But then I might as well just bide my time and money for some clean survivor e36 328i and be done with it. I’m more inclined to put a year or so into a m52 e30 swap to make it my own. I want something to wrench on.
"SpeedSix" (speedsix)
11/30/2017 at 02:17, STARS: 0
Most cars before the mid-80s precede today’s galvanizing technology, so anything well taken care of and fairly price work well.
That said, since you seem to be in/near Eugene OR, where things don’t rust and just grow moss, I’ll plug the 65-69 Corvair or the 87-88 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe (or even 5.0).
Since you have something in mind, though, you’ll probably end up with it - that’s how people work.
"Berang" (berang)
11/30/2017 at 03:06, STARS: 0
You think you would, but you haven’t driven a SAAB 99 yet.
The SAAB is built more like a RWD car than a modern front driver, because they weren’t cutting corners or costs when designing and building these things.
Longitudinal engine, instead of transverse, wishbone suspension instead of MacPherson struts, it will in fact outhandle most rear driven cars of its class and era.
But they are weird, and certain parts are hard to find. So, I can see being scared of them.
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
11/30/2017 at 04:34, STARS: 0
I can’t help but feel that if you are looking for a ‘no rust’ pre-1990 project you will have a pretty small pool of cars to look at unless you’re somewhere like Texas.
No rust on the visible panels is probably a good line in the sand, but a little patch or two on the underside is nothing to be afraid of :)
That E30 looks kickass though. Definitely go for that :) just get ready to expect ‘no rust/straight’ to mean ‘some rust on the undercarriage’...
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
11/30/2017 at 08:48, STARS: 0
You’re right. I shouldn’t say “no rust” but some cars are better than others and e30s are not particularly rust prone. I’ve never seen one with a panel looking like Swiss cheese
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
11/30/2017 at 08:49, STARS: 0
If I see a decent one, I’ll give a test drive a shot. That was a pretty damn awesome endorsement if nothing else.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
11/30/2017 at 08:53, STARS: 0
I’m actually in MN now, previously in OR. MN is so hard on cars it’s depRessing. Corsair! That’s an awesome suggestion and one I’ve considered before but not recently. It’s be a good stablemate to the 911!
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
11/30/2017 at 09:38, STARS: 0
Yeah absolutely :)
It’s definitely fair to say that an old Bimmer might be a little better than an old Alfa (and I’m an Alfa enthusiast!).
Interesting how E30s seem to be alright for rust. I’ve always found that E36s were pretty shoddy (especially around the rear arches). Wonder what they got wrong between generations (or maybe it’s that the rattier E30s have been weeded out by now).
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
11/30/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 0
Hmm if you want something to work on, here’s an oddball. Sell the beetle, buy an E9x 335i for like $10k. You can swap the turbos to some built hybrids, then just maintain and hoon it. Very easy to mod and make tons of power with. Most m3 suspension components swap right in.