by "JasonStern911" (JasonStern911)
Published 12/25/2017 at 14:16
by "JasonStern911" (JasonStern911)
Published 12/25/2017 at 14:16
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STARS: 0
I love motorcycles and cars, Oppo. And something it seems like I have always done going back to my college days was have a beater car to enjoy. I’m older now, and my last beater (an AE86 SR5) was sold so I could buy a baby-friendly Infiniti G35X. But that was years ago, and the desire to own something new for the experience is back. And while the wife might eventually put a stop to this, it hasn’t stopped me from at least planning it out. So here are the low cash options my local craigslist has to offer:
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1998 Ford Mustang Convertible, 102k miles, V6, Automatic, $1500
Pros:
Holy crap is that cheap
Huge bonus points for being a convertible as that gives me a unique reason to drive that over my 996 or G35X
I’ve never owned a Pony car before and would love the experience
Reliable for the most part and cheap to fix should something go wrong
Cons:
When a car is that cheap...
Rental car special anemic V6 engine + automatic transmission
Have to constantly explain to everyone why I own a Porsche and am driving around in a base model fox body
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2001 Pontiac Firebird, 89k miles, V6, $3200
Pros:
Solid, reliable Buick 3800 putting out reasonable power with a 5 speed manual transmission
Huge bonus points for having T-Tops as that gives me a unique reason to drive that over my 996 or G35X
I’ve never owned a Pony car before and would love the experience
Reliable for the most part and cheap to fix should something go wrong
Most baby friendly option - back seats, hatch, etc. Practical.
Cons:
Well past my ideal $2500 budget
Not a Trans-Am
Have to constantly explain to everyone why I own a Porsche and am driving around in a base model F-Body
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Porsche 924, [?]68k miles, I4, Manual, $2100
Pros:
Quite possibly the last chance to buy a decent 924 for around $2k
Porsche handling
Retro car quirks
Parts are still available
Don’t have to explain to people nearly as much why a Porsche guy bought an old Porsche, even if I have to deal with 924 jokes
Highest chance of appreciation - Magnus Carlsen bought a 931. While the 924 will never bubble in value, I can see decent ones fetching $5k in a few years, which I can’t see base model 1990s/2000s Pony Cars doing
When I get sick of it, my parents might hold onto it for me.
Cons:
A rear-wheel drive coupe makes zero sense. I already own one
German engineering nuances
German engineering prices
German engineering reliability
Least baby friendly option due to a complete lack of safety
If the V6 Mustang is anemic, try a car that was slow by late 1970s standards today. Can I even take this on the freeway without a baby?
There’s also a high mileage NA Miata that needs some mechanical work to pass emissions that the owner seems to be asking too much for. But it’s too cold to be wrenching, and I already owned a NB Miata, so I’d like something more different - although I can’t argue against giving an NA a try if I can get it for the right price.
Final option is to be responsible with my money. Invest it or put it into my daughter’s 529 plan. I don’t need 4 cars. I don’t have room to park them, I don’t have time to wrench. If I really want a new car but won’t sell one of my current vehicles, then at least save for a while and buy something nice.
So... oppo-pinions? Thanks!
"just-a-scratch" (just-a-scratch)
12/25/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 0
I assume you already expect repairs for any of these cars. If wrenching yourself is planned, buy the GM or Ford.
My pick would be the Firebird, but I’m not a fan of owning convertibles.
If you’re looking for a different kind of experience, the Mustang convertible is a decent pick.
None of these choices seem particularly fast, so I giess it’s a different type of ride you seek.
If the car you choose is in ok shape you might be able to resell itat minimal cost.
At these prices, they could have bad interiors that really take away from the experience of cruising.
"JasonStern911" (JasonStern911)
12/25/2017 at 18:11, STARS: 0
Beyond “don’t get me killed” levels of under performance, speed isn’t a concern. I have two bikes that can run 11 second 1/4 miles if I need a speed rush. Getting any car to that level of reliable performance is going to be well outside my budget.
Likewise, given the low budget I’m working with, my expectations for a refined, sophisticated interior are fairly suppressed. Urine and/or blood is obviously a deal breaker, but I’m not sure I could call even the most mint 1990s Ford/GM non-luxury interiors “nice”.
There’s also an Eclipse Turbo Convertible that’s a bit outside of my price range if I wanted to go the DSM route again. Tempting, but a lot of the fun of buying a completely unnecessary car is the experience of something new.
I guess I was really hoping for Oppos with personal experiences with these cars to give some feedback. Someone passionate to preach the virtues of one versus the others, or to warn me about issues limited Google-fu didn’t uncover. Oh well. My bad for posting on Christmas day.