Realistic Dream Garage

"JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!" (jqj213) 11/16/2013 at 13:37 • Filed to: realistic dream garage, garage, dream garage

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We all dream of incredible garages filled with rare and exotic cars worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. But lets face it, very few of us can afford it. So, what is in your realistic dream garage?

The requirements are that you must pick 5 cars. Each one can not cost more than $10,000.

1)

Subaru Baja. Every since I was young, I loved this thing. Never knew why. I almost got one for a first car, but my grandma said it was too redneck. Good examples run about $8000.

2)

Isuzu VehiCross. Again, a childhood favorite. The body is so unique and the truck itself was useless, which makes it great.

3)

Volvo 240 Wagon. I love this. Big, practical wagon that is so ugly it is awesome. Get it with a manual and it is incredible.

4)

1992 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible. My father owned the same car (minus the turbo). I grew up in it and loved it. He loved the car too, until it lit itself on fire in our driveway. Just love the styling.

5)

2007 Honda Ridgeline. Everyone needs a more modern car in their garage; one that will always start and be easy to repair. This truck is that for me. I had a great experience in one at a dealership, so it means a lot to me. Decent older ones are around $15,000 now, but since my other choices are so cheap, it kind of off-sets it (see, gear head logic there)

So, what is in your (realistic) dream garage?

Hindered23 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 13:50

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2005+ s model Audi pretty much any
Yamaha r6
focus st or mustang gt

MykePagan > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 13:56

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My real garage is my realistic dream garage. In it:
Lotus Elise SC (bought used)
Ducati 996 Biposto (bought used)
Bell XB12x Ulysses (bought used)

Total cost: $46K accumulated over a decade

Outside the garage in the cold harsh driveway sit the Ford Taurus SHO and Volvo XC70 that are the family daily drivers.

Ian Duer (320b) > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:03

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E46 Wagon: Fun but practical

Locost: because obvious

Eagle Sx4: because the world needs more lifted 4x4 hatchbacks

Corvair Greenbrier: just because you're going to the hardware store doesn't mean you shouldn't bring a little weird with you

Autozam Az1: will soon be legal for import and you can put those Fiat hipsters in their place

twinturbobmw > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:06

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A 330i

Because the ZHP is slightly out of budget, I have to go with a 330i E46.

A mini S

RSX Type S

540i

SVT Cobra

davedave1111 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:06

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Realistic dreaming says that I can buy one $50k car - the right one - and have fun with it for a few years before selling it for $250k+. Five-baggers in a decade aren't too uncommon in the world of classic cars, and there's the odd ten-bagger to be found.

It's definitely easier to pick one or two more expensive cars with that in mind than five cheaper ones, but let me see...

1) Lotus Elan - original, natch. Ridiculously cheap at the moment, and can only go up.

2) Citroen CX - you can still find a few around cheap, although they're getting more expensive fast. XMs are perhaps a better deal, but not as desirable a car to own. But I'd get an Avantime instead of an XM, I think.

3) BMW E30 4-door. E30 M3s have gone through the roof, as have all the coupes. The four-doors don't handle noticeably differently - yes, they're not quite as stiff, but who can tell? - and go for a whole lot less money.

Alternatively, an E34 540i Touring.

4) I still want my diesel-swapped mid-engined rwd kei pickup.

Most of the above come in well under $10k each, which frees up a bit of extra cash for:

5) Ferrari 308/328 - just about, with $10k and the change from the others. Yeah, I cheated, but it's in a good cause.

If that's not allowed, I'll have an Alfa 1750.

Saracen > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:09

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When I have more garage space (i.e. sell the condo and move up to a house in a couple of years) I will sell the Golf R and acquire:

997.2 Carrera

Beater SUV, probably FJ60 Land Cruiser

E28 M5 or M535i

I will keep the E28 around until it is legal to import the Audi RS2.

drunkenup2 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:11

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1. BMW E39 540i. Awesome body style, good handling, punchy engine and pretty dependable once you make sure the cooling is working. Plenty of good one's for under 10K and was really considering buying one!

2. 3rd gen Chevy Camaro Z28 (?) lol I like this body style a lot but know not much at all about these. cars.com shows a 50k mi example under $8K.

3. 2003+ Mercedes-Benz W220 S500. I owned a 2002 S430 before my 335 and I sorta miss my land yacht. 03+ examples don't rust, and overall reliability is actually pretty decent (unlike the top most models). Lots of space, they possess road presence/authority, very luxurious and just enough power. I found some sub-100k mi cars for under $10k

4. 2003+ Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Coupe. Small, fast, pretty-ish, and I maintenance wise, I think the biggest problem is the 3rd brake light lense falling off. Cheapest ones go for right under $10K

5. BMW E92 328i.. I've run out of ideas. There's one on cars.com for under $10k

I think the real question is whether you'd rather have 5 cars worth $10k, or one $50k car. I'd rather pick up a C63 AMG, S4, or 335is for the $50K while spending a lot less owning and maintaining one car

oldirtybootz > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:15

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JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > twinturbobmw 11/16/2013 at 14:16

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I really like the Acura... but the BMW is sharp too!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > davedave1111 11/16/2013 at 14:18

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I love those Citroens too... so special looking

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Saracen 11/16/2013 at 14:18

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Land Cruiser. nice!

GhostZ > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:18

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Fun

Daily Driver

Off Road

The CJ5 can be a bit of a stretch, but I believe they can be had for under 10,000$.

Going Fast

Going really fast, but in one direction

I'd take the Fury W/ a 440 swap out of a junkyard, since I doubt you could still find a Police-equipped 440 one for less than 10k, especially after selling the chrome off of the car. A Fury Coupe would be preferable too, but probably more expensive. Other options include a Lincoln Cotinental, Ford LTD, Mustang II, or Mercury Comet from the same era.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > drunkenup2 11/16/2013 at 14:19

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True... I just always dreamed about having a basket on my counter full of keys and just picking a random one each day so i have new car every day

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > GhostZ 11/16/2013 at 14:21

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Those are some great pics.. really like the old Dodge and Jeep.. and I've seen very few CJ-5s in this price, but they do come up

drunkenup2 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:28

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I'd love to have this many cars to choose from but I feel like I'd end up picking a favorite and driving one car far more than the others. Out of my list I'd probably end up whoring out the CLK 55 and leaving the others to dust up. I made a list of 10 new cars I'd buy tomorrow with the cash and realized I'd drive 3 of them far more often than the others.. so three cars is probably the optimal amount for most people, or at least me

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:28

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1. 1973 Alfetta saloon with a 3.0l V6 for a 4-door saloon. £7500 + engine and drivetrain parts from a 75

2. Reliant Scimitar for hauling bits and pieces. £4000

3. Lancia Fulvia, 1.3 or 1.6, for a small displacement fuel efficient runabout. £7000

4. Lada Niva, for offroad larks and heavy snow. £1000

5. Triumph Spitfire 6, for top-down rocketship sports car kicks. ~£6000 (estimated budget for my build)

GhostZ > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:29

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They'll resale the best (240z excluded maybe) of the bunch too.

Your boy, BJR > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:38

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Triumph TR-3
Citroën 2cv
Any VW bug
Toyota tercel
A yellow 2nd gen range rover

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Your boy, BJR 11/16/2013 at 14:43

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Out of curiosity, why a Tercel?

twinturbobmw > drunkenup2 11/16/2013 at 14:43

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I like your style. Nice picks.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 11/16/2013 at 14:44

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Love the Reliant and Lada... really want that Lada.. can I import it to the US?

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > drunkenup2 11/16/2013 at 14:45

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That probably is true.. I could see myself driving the Baja and Saab more than anything else...

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:47

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Not that one in particular as it's ours :) but otherwise yeah. They're popular in Canada as well, so you don't even need to bring them very far.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 14:54

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1) Mazda MX-6 (V6)

Probably among one most underrated cars of all time, my father owned a 1994 model in white over a decade ago, when I was young and still in elementary school. I loved getting rides in the passenger seat and hearing the rumbling of the 2.5 litre V6 under the hood. Not the most practical vehicle, but it was fun all year round. expect to pay $1000 for one in decent shape, and $4000 for one in excellent shape.

2) MK IV Jetta TDI

Another vehicle my father has owned, this one in particular is a 2004 model year TDI Sport Edition, a Canadian exclusive. The 1.9 litre turbodiesel four banger under the hood makes a nice rattle. I learned how to drive stick with this car, it's really easy to drive. The car is currently in the hands of my brother, and he's driving it to university daily. A good example costs around $4000-$6000.

3) Mini Cooper Classic

The newer BMW Mini is a good car, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I'm just a purist, and don't accept anything new. The original Mini proves you can go quick while not having a lot of power, and you can go around corners at higher speeds than other cars, it also gives you an unadulterated driving experience. This car has been on my bucket list ever since I watched Mr Bean for the first time as a kid. You can get a good example for $5000-$8000.

4) E46 BMW 3-series

The E46 is on it's way to being a future modern classic, and has aged well. Any model from the 3-series family can easily be bought for less than $10,000.

5) Fox body Mustang

I like the looks and the 5.0 engine from of the Fox body Mustang, You get a big V8 for less than $10,000.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy 11/16/2013 at 15:07

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I love the TDI and the classic MINI... both great choices

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 11/16/2013 at 15:09

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Kinda jealous now... and Canada... good to know. I could drive it home! The vinyls and olive paint are my favorite part.

syaieya > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 15:10

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Im gonna stretch it here and use a couple cars that can be had on the low end for this amount but would require some work and most likely put them over the 10k limit.

My first car, a 1988 190E Mercedes with a 3 liter conversion.

A 1993 Mazda FD3S RX7 ( i've seen them down to 9k)

An infiniti G35

A second W201 Mercedes that I want to make into a project car involving an AP2 engine.

And a grey market G class Mercedes to tow.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > syaieya 11/16/2013 at 15:14

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The G35 is pushing it a bit. I see them around $12K..the RX-7 is just there.. I've seen a few in my area for around $8500... a grey market G class, nice pick.. and classic MBs are nice but can be high in price

syaieya > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 15:25

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I've seen a higher mileage G35 down to 10.5, it wasn't anything of what I wanted though. Wrong color, transmission, options.

The two 201 chassis can be easily had for under 3k but getting them to where I want is going to require quite a bit of time, money, and creativity.

And Im aware of a grey market 280 GE with a manual transmission with cloth interior and red paint that's in the 8 to 9 range but it's needing work.

So I could own my dream garage for 10k each. But that doesnt mean they'd be moving very far very fast.

Your boy, BJR > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 15:28

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My mom's first new car was a blue '89 5 speed coupe. First car I ever remembered.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 15:40

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They're excellent aren't they? One of them proudly proclaims it to be a 'Hussar', despite that being the base trim for these :)

Shooltzie > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 15:57

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There's currently a GMC Typhoon on Autotrader for $5k. Needs restored.

Then I'll take....well there's a C3 in my garage that may or may not have $10k on the loan. So that. (Let's not go into details on the money here).

So I'll daily the Typhoon (and we can look at a manual swap, so I'd be pretty much the only manual Typhoon in existance)

Then I'd drive the C3 on the weekends, and probably beef it up into a drag car or something over time.

Then for something that I could use the rest of the time, go pick up an old Sierra Classic with 4wd and a 454 (there's actually an 8.1 Vortec and tranny on my local C-list for $2000, so drop that in there for more efficiency) with some 35's on it and a 5th wheel. Use that to tow both the Typhoon and the C3 to the track, autocross, strip, etc etc. Could diesel swap it because I won't use it that often, but for the amount of times I'm going to use it the gas engine would actually be better. If something breaks it's cheaper than the diesel and oil changes are cheaper. Just get the underside rhinolined and you're good.

I do have a special spot in my heart for all things Volvo, so if I could get a good 242 with a manual I'd daily that instead. Maybe even a 244. Either way it'll probably end up with an engine swap for either an L block turbo or the atypical LS powerplant.

Dann > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/16/2013 at 17:18

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1. '03-06 Saab 9-5 Aero SportEstate

'96 VS Clubsport Series 2 manual

3. BMW M535i E28

4. '03-04 Ford BA Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute

'85 Jaguar XJ6

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Your boy, BJR 11/16/2013 at 21:23

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That's funny... my moms first car a '89 Tercel 5 speed coupe in maroon.. but I wasn't born at the time she had it

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Dann 11/16/2013 at 21:24

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Nice Wagon! And I actually saw the same Jaguar ealier today and loved it

Your boy, BJR > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/17/2013 at 00:43

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OMG, like, TWINSIES!!!1!!

ozkar0rtiz > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/17/2013 at 01:38

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The 206 if it was available in US

911e46z06 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/17/2013 at 03:54

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Well, first we're going to need a daily driver. We'll also need something with a big, grunty V8. We can knock out both of those with a last-gen CTS-V.

Then we need something to tow and haul all our shit. That's going to require a 3/4 ton diesel truck. I'll take the newest Chevy I can find for 10 grand.

Then we're going to need a go-anywhere type of rig for activities. I'm torn between the M1009, and a plain old K5 Blazer.

Then, of course, we need something old so we can hang out with the crusty old guys at car shows. We also need a grand-tourer for road trippin'. It would also be nice if we could get a convertible here too, but the e24 is the only way to go.

Finally, we need a serious performance car, and the e36 m3 is the best you can get for under 10 grand. The coupe would be ideal, but since we don't have a vert in the stable yet, I'll take the drop-top.

This is looking kind of a lot like my real-life garage, so yeah, at least I'm consistent. Good post.

911e46z06 > drunkenup2 11/17/2013 at 04:02

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I have 12 cars. I drive the shit out of all of 'em. It's nice having choices. Like not having to drive an over-powered rwd car in the rain, or befoul your leather seats with a bag of mulch from Home Depot.

exizeo - still loving fourza > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/18/2013 at 23:41

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Euro e36 M3 sedan, Technoviolet, 5mt

Volvo 850r wagon, 5mt

any 964 I can find <10000

Saabaru

Evo 8 (bad condition, but I'd strip it and fix it up)

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > exizeo - still loving fourza 11/19/2013 at 08:26

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Always did have a soft spot for those Saabarus

bpromersberger > drunkenup2 11/21/2013 at 13:32

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1) I am fortunate enough to own an E39 540i, with dual exhaust strait pipes, purchased for $5k. And god I love it. Fun and easy to get sideways under control, very torquey, smooth as silk and a great highway cruiser (I do a lot of highway commuting). Not to mention it's a sleeper (aside from the exhaust) that scares mustangs.

The other cars on the list I don't know much about, but I highly suggest the E39.

drunkenup2 > bpromersberger 11/21/2013 at 19:50

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If I had to have one I'd have a hard time choosing between the 540 and the benzes! I'd love to have one, muffler delete and all! $5k is impressive, good luck with it!

Desu-San-Desu > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/21/2013 at 23:12

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Alright, cool, so by gearhead logic, I got $50k to play with. I can definitely work with that.

1) The Daily Driver: 2005/2006 Saab 9-2X Aero

This car just will not leave my Top 3, haha. I just love everything about it. I love that it's the Subaru WRX wagon with upgraded styling, interior accouterments, steering, and cheaper insurance rates. I love the quirky layout of the boxer engine. I love that it's a turbo. I love the unbeatable AWD system. I love the versatility of a wagon. I love of the massive aftermarket. I love the fact that most people don't know anything about it past the Saab badge, making it an awesome sleeper. I just love it. All of it. And it will be mine. And it will be my daily driver, no matter the weather or the season. Because Saabaru.

The Truck: Older Toyota Hilux V6

Every man needs a truck. Any Jalop worth his salt needs the truck.

3) The Weekend Toy: Toyota MR2 AW11

I just cannot stop lusting after this car. The styling, the light weight, the rear mid-engined layout, the supercharger, the aftermarket support, the...the everything. I can't get this car out of my head and it'd easily be one of the first purchases I'd make...after the Saab.

4) The Track Day Moneypit: 1995 Mazda MX-5 1.8

The essential Jalopmobile- to the point of nearly being requisite before one can be called a Jalopnik. $4k for a clean example. $6k in modifications (suspension, brakes, wheels, supercharger, intake, exhaust, seats, steering wheel, widebody fenders, headlights) and tires. And yes, I'd have it in black with the hardtop.

5) The Love Affair: 1977 Toyota Celica GT RA29 18-RG W50

Why the mouthful of a name? Because I know what I want and I want this exact combination: 1977 year, with the liftback body style, with the 18R-G engine featuring the Yamaha twin-cam head and the W50 5-speed manual transmission. Since the 18R-G was never offered in America, it means I'll be importing this beauty, therefore limiting the search to the RA29 body style, as the RA28 was the version that came to America without the 18R-G. Why do I love this car so much? Just fucking look at it! It's a masterpiece! All the style and presence of everybody's favorite fastback Mustang, but with 2/3 the size, half the weight, twice the reliability, and three times the handling!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Desu-San-Desu 11/21/2013 at 23:22

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Some of your choices are incredible.. Always loved the Saabaru... almost bought one as a first car but it was just out of budget. And I am in love with that Celica. Never seen it before until right now and I love it. The mirrors. The hatch. Everything.

SpeedSix > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 11/27/2013 at 10:43

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Volvo 850 R Wagon

Mercedes-Benz 280SE

Volvo 780 Bertoné Coupé

Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

BMW 2000 ti

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > SpeedSix 11/27/2013 at 10:57

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Saab buddies! I love that Volvo coupe BTW... and those classic Mercedes grilles are just so classy and awesome

real127 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 12/22/2013 at 21:06

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Daily Driver: 1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD

Weekend Toy: Some E30 (not sure if I want an inline 4 or inline 6)

The "Truck": Subaru Baja (5-speed and plenty of STi upgrades)

The Honest One: Volvo 240 wagon with B230F, quad headlights, and a manual

The Love Affair: I want to say a P1800ES so badly but the rules are under $10k so I'm at a loss...

You may ask where the modern reliable one is, and I may point to the Baja but I'd like to do as much of an WRX STi conversion as possible so I suppose my answer is "Dream Garage."