The time has finally come... I'm looking for my first car

"TheJWT" (thejwt) 06/10/2014 at 15:37 • Filed to: None

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And I need your guys' help! My criteria are relatively simple, and are as follows-

1. It's gotta be around $2000. I can go a little higher, but I want to save money for gas/repairs/insurance/etc...

2. It's gotta be a Manual! Okay, I guess if you find a LaFerrari for under two grand, I'll consider it, but I'm pretty set on rowing my own gears.

3. It's gotta be remotely near me. I won't set a limit for how many miles I'll go to look at a car, but I want to stay in the Northeast Ohio/Cleveland area. My zip code is 44136.

4. Most importantly, It's gotta be fun! I have no fanboy loyalties, so I'll check out just about anything fun or interesting. I'm looking for something probably from the 80s or 90s, which I can wrench on with relative ease, and won't cripple me with insurance payments. Luckily, my mom doesn't use her car much, so it doesn't necessarily have to be the most reliable car in the world. That being said, I am looking for a driver, and not a project car.

I'll post whatever I find in the comments, and if you guys have some time on your hands, your suggestions are very welcome!

jkm7680 > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:38

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Geo Metro, I'd normally suggest something involving Audi until I read numbero uno.

Mainly, the reliable ones are over $2,000. In my case, sorta.

Maximum_Odyssey > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:40

1

Well, you don't exactly say what you are looking FOR in the car, other than it has to be fun. Therefore, I'd say a Miata, as it's fun, reliable, easy to fix, and decent on gas. Insurance isn't bad either.

$1,5000, probably would sell for $1k.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/4510785735…

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:40

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E36

TheJWT > Maximum_Odyssey 06/10/2014 at 15:41

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Miatas are definitely in the running

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:42

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Ford Focus ZX3, manual. They are fun little cars and when they break it's pretty easy to fix just about anything yourself, I learned a lot from that little car.

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:42

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95 F150

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:42

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91 Talon turbo

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:43

3

This Saab.

Actually, this Saab.

YSI-what can brown do for you > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:43

4

Miatas, S13s. . . crappy S13s.

TheJWT > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 06/10/2014 at 15:43

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Those both look way too good to be that cheap!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:44

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It seems very cheap, who knows though.

jack > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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I just bought an acura integra for 1300 Manuel it's pretty awesome so far

TheJWT > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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This guys is taking offers on this CRX , does anyone know what one in this condition should go for?

yamahog > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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Find yourself an XJ (cheap, easy to find, the 4.0L will outlive you, easy to work on everything else) and have your fun offroad!

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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03 Saab 9 3

I Hoon Therefore I Am > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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A mustang would probably fit the bill. There are so many out there in that price range you just need to find one that is mechanically sorted. Also having one of the biggest aftermarkets out there lets you customize it how you want down the line.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:46

2

So many horrible ideas, so little time.

http://meadville.craigslist.org/cto/4478738069…

http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/4512561316…

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/446414…

http://mansfield.craigslist.org/cto/4482448720… Included despite being auto, because Hurst, and because Maverick

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4446566240…

RacecaR > CAR_IS_MI 06/10/2014 at 15:46

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That's not a Talon!!

Roberto G. > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:47

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...well, you could get a reasonably priced, used Bimmer or I may sell you my car...

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:47

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Mini Corvette....

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:48

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Miata

MIATAAAA > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:48

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An awesome, manual car that's not a total piece of crap for $2000?

It's a Miata.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > yamahog 06/10/2014 at 15:48

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See, now, that's a sane suggestion. I'm trying to trick him into buying a Maverick or an AMC. Ssshhhh.

Party-vi > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 06/10/2014 at 15:49

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Want him to buy a GM-era SAAB for under $2,000? You monster!

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:49

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I mean who dosen't want a 3 Wheeler for their first car?

TheJWT > I Hoon Therefore I Am 06/10/2014 at 15:49

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I'd love a Fox body (or an F-body Camaro), but I'm afraid the insurance would kill me

CAR_IS_MI > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:49

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The only truck you'll ever need

area man > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 06/10/2014 at 15:50

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That's too good to be true.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Party-vi 06/10/2014 at 15:50

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But Sweden...

TheJWT > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/10/2014 at 15:50

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Lots of tempting ways to go broke...

CAR_IS_MI > RacecaR 06/10/2014 at 15:51

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Dammit my links got mixed up. fixed now

trmoore09 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 06/10/2014 at 15:51

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+1 for E36

JEM > yamahog 06/10/2014 at 15:52

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I have to agree with the XJ rec! Only thing is good luck finding a decent (non-rusted to shit) one with a manual for under $2K in the rust belt.

I Hoon Therefore I Am > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:52

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How old are you? It might be wise just to go through your parents, you can save a bit of money that way and they probably wouldn't mind if you are up front with cash.

Party-vi > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:52

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A RELIANT ROBIN. Needs work. Like, all the work.

Dukie - Jalopnik Emergency Management Asshole > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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Supra 1

Supra 2 Better of the two

TheJWT > I Hoon Therefore I Am 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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19, and I'm not sure if they'd go for it...

Party-vi > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 06/10/2014 at 15:53

2

More like Butt Sweden.

Dsscats > area man 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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That's the bid, not final price

JEM > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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I was also going to suggest an 80/90s Mustang. Cheap, reliable, extremely mod-able, easy to work on, and there are always a ton for sale.

Call a few insurance places and get a quote for say, a 1996 one and see what it is.

RyanFrew > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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Nice. I'm from Hudson originally and used to work in Strongsville. There's a thread that was posted a couple of days ago that I can't find. Someone wanted a $2,000 car and had similar needs. Got a lot of responses. Frontrunners were a 4.0 Cherokee and a Saab 900 if I remember correctly. Here is a Saab 900 that Beechwood Porsche probably desperately wants rid of. If I were in your position, I'd probably be chasing a Fox Body.

TheJWT > Dukie - Jalopnik Emergency Management Asshole 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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I've been looking at the white one for a while, it looks pretty good

D > YSI-what can brown do for you 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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Hey, I thought you might like this: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/450908…

mcseanerson > Maximum_Odyssey 06/10/2014 at 15:53

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Was about to post this one. Miata is about the most reliable fun you can get under 2k

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > area man 06/10/2014 at 15:54

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Not really.

TheJWT > RyanFrew 06/10/2014 at 15:55

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I live in Strongsville! I love Fox Mustangs, but the insurance on one scares me...

mcseanerson > Maximum_Odyssey 06/10/2014 at 15:55

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$2100 for a red one

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/4472929933…

Nate-964 > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:55

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I have been lusting after BMW E30s the past few weeks and have been checking Cleveland CL a lot for them. I am actually from Cleveland too and I saw this guy pop up this morning (for sale in Columbus). Not much info on it though

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4513168942…

I have also seen a few E46s at decent prices too

Good luck on the hunt!

cazzyodo > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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Dammit I just found that first one, too.

Chris Clarke > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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I use to have that same car in black. Its got an SI badge, so its got that going for you, but you'll need to spend some money cutting off the fart can, so I'd say between $800 and $1200.

TheJWT > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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This is nice, but 7.2 Million is a bit out of my price range...

I Hoon Therefore I Am > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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You never know unless you ask and I don't see why they wouldn't want to help you out although I have seen some cases where they don't want to help at all. Just FYI no matter what you pick up the insurance will be like you getting tossed to the wolves at least until mid 20's so might as well try some way to keep costs down.

BlythBros. > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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Alfa Milano.

area man > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 06/10/2014 at 15:56

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If it goes for less than $2000 it is.

yamahog > JEM 06/10/2014 at 15:57

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I bought mine in Michigan with zero body rust for $2300, within 3 days of starting my search. It's an auto, but if I had more time to look, I would've waited for a 5spd to pop up. That was in late October and daily driving a motorcycle was not going to cut it much longer!

RyanFrew > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:57

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lol - be wary of the deceptively nice looking dealership photos, young jedi.

TheJWT > BlythBros. 06/10/2014 at 15:57

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There's one down the road from me that I desperately want, but it's not for sale

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 06/10/2014 at 15:58

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Sometimes I wonder about you...

Then I remember you have more Series Land Rovers lying around in various states, and *STILL* have not replaced the turbo on your 300D.

area man > Dsscats 06/10/2014 at 15:58

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Yeah but there's no reserve. If it stays around $2000 it's a hell of a deal. Wondering about the accident on record though.

mcseanerson > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 15:59

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If you don't want to go miata my next recommendation is a Volvo. 240 wagon with a manual http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/ctd/4500564498…

TheJWT > Nate-964 06/10/2014 at 15:59

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An Un-modded e30 on Craigslist? What is this world coming to.

Party-vi > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 06/10/2014 at 15:59

1

Pixels and good taste in aftermarket lights not included.

Chris Clarke > CAR_IS_MI 06/10/2014 at 15:59

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Because they also don't want it to be their last car.

mcseanerson > Nate-964 06/10/2014 at 16:00

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That's not bad. Last time I was car shopping I was looking all around Columbus for an e30 under 3k and couldn't find one even this good. Ended up with a miata for 2k.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:00

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88-00 Civic (or if you can find a slashback 84-87 Si, super-sweet)

Integra

1st gen Miatae

B13 Sentra SE-R

Escort GT/Mazda 323

Ford Festiva (these regularly receive 1.8 Mazda swaps)

Roberto G. > CAR_IS_MI 06/10/2014 at 16:01

1

My grandma: she usually goes around in a wheelbarrow...

Full disclosure: "Si, mia nonna in carriola!.." (yes... my grandma in a wheelbarrow!..) is a popular Italian interjection, basically meaning "no shit, you're kidding me!".

mcseanerson > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:02

2

That can. I always look at things like that as signals to what the previous owners drove and performed maintenance like. Never bought anything with a fart can, neons, or a spot where there subwoofer and amp used to go before the car was repoed.

The Real Dacia Sandero > CAR_IS_MI 06/10/2014 at 16:02

1

However, that is a Crack Pipe like I've never seen before. You can bring one over from the UK for not a whole lot more. One that runs, drives, and looks even slightly presentable...

CAR_IS_MI > Chris Clarke 06/10/2014 at 16:03

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Just don't turn... ya know, hard, or at all...

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:03

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AW11 MR2, because why shouldn't your first car be a mid-engined RWD sports coupe?!

thisisamazonman > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:03

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Yah.... $2k is a little bit little for manual/fun. Like everyone else says, Miata. The problem with the German or US equivalents, the really old 318is or the really old Camaros, is that they will be reliability nightmares, and/or suck gas like no tomorrow.

A Miata will be cheap, spare parts are plentiful, and they are really easy to work on. So not only do you get fun and cheap, but it will be easy to learn valuable lessons in car maintenance when stuff does come up.

CAR_IS_MI > Roberto G. 06/10/2014 at 16:03

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One wheel awesome!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:04

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You KNOW you want an Audi Quattro with rally lights- http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/451145…

CAR_IS_MI > The Real Dacia Sandero 06/10/2014 at 16:06

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but rarity bonus factor...

TheJWT > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 06/10/2014 at 16:06

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Those are always the first thing I look for on CL...

aebome > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:07

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Here's a ZX3, loads of parts and support available. This one would need alternator work: http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/4513604045…

Here is a Focus SVT. Not sure why price is so low, interior looks remarkably goods from what can be seen: http://fw.to/eZNV9hP . If this isn't a total CP, probably got my vote.

1992 BMW 325i, condition unknown, must be a new listing: http://fw.to/2NnbpPO and http://www.bartscarstoredayton.com/1992_BMW_3%20S…

TheJWT > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/10/2014 at 16:07

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I love the screwdriver as a shifter...

That is seriously awesome though

mcseanerson > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:08

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http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/4511890106…

$1500 5.0 mustang with a manual

Edit: Must've seen the 5.0 on a different ad.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:09

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I just bought my first car, and I cannot believe how exciting it is a) to shop around, which was fun, and b) to actually get something.

For under 2k, I found a pair of cool, underrated Merucys in your area:

Mercury Capri

Mercury Cougar V6

TheJWT > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:09

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I think I'm in love.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/4492146272…

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:10

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I've got an '02 Cavalier coupe 5 speed, and I'm from NW Ohio. Sure it's not fun, but it's incredibly reliable, cheap to insure, great on mileage, and makes me giggle if I spiritedly throw it in corners. Isn't that what a first car is all about?

TheJWT > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 06/10/2014 at 16:10

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I've always had a soft spot for those convertible Capris. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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That first one would scare me. A SAAB with nearly 230k miles on it? Since I'm not a mechanic, I'd pass.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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They Toyota reliability, widely available spare parts, and huge aftermarket support don't hurt either. ;)

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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Miata, MK3 Gti, Ek Civic

D > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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Another vote for Miata. Your only reason for saying no would be that you think it's too cliche, and that a bitch-ass reason.

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Nate-964 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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Oh my, so much want. My brother lives in Grove City too! If only I hadn't just bought a motorcycle.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > CAR_IS_MI 06/10/2014 at 16:11

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From the listing:

Never any rust

Well no shit! The damn thing's made out of fiberglass!

TheJWT > D 06/10/2014 at 16:12

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I'm not saying no, I'd love one!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:14

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Hell, it's a reliable car in OK condition, and they're supposed to be a blast to drive. Why not take a look? It's better that the 40 y/o half rusted AMCs and million mile Saabs other folks are suggesting. Not that either are bad cars, but they sound like horrible budget first cars.

Tripper > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:15

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I have to agree with most of the posts and say miata. They are relatively easy to work on, and miata heads seem to be more than willing to help out. A friend has one and I'm blown away at how many people he has in his back pocket when he encounters a problem, and most of them he only knows through meets/forums. Stay away from most euro cars at that price. While a 3 series for 2k seems enticing 9.5 times out of 10 it will be more trouble than its worth.

ly2v8-Brian > Roberto G. 06/10/2014 at 16:16

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Dat photoshop tho

Cable > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:18

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Yeah its a little ways away but Ranchero....

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/ca…

TheJWT > Cable 06/10/2014 at 16:19

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Oh my god. I fucking love those

TheJWT > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:21

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http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/4443685417…

If only it wasn't an auto

Cable > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:22

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"289 V8, 3 Speed on the Column: Very Quick!"

TheJWT > Cable 06/10/2014 at 16:23

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Stop tempting me!

D > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:27

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My first and current car is a '93 and it truly is ideal for guys like you and I. Way too much fun for $2k, or you can flip a switch in your head and it becomes a gas-sipping, reliable econobox.

M-Powwerr Drives a Ford > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:30

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If you could find it, an e34 535i 5MT should be around your budget and those things last forever

Conan > TheJWT 06/10/2014 at 16:31

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Many choices with a variety of effort attached

http://www.ebay.com/itm/95-Nissan-…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Honda…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…