![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:39 • Filed to: project car hell | ![]() | ![]() |
Well, after a long time of hinting and nagging, my wife relented and said I can get a weekend/fun/project car as long as I clean up the garage and it’s no more than $2000. So now I need ideas of what I can expect for this price.
Only requirements:
Manual transmission
Fun to drive
Not too large
Easy-ish to work or learn to work on myself
A runner with decent bodywork
What are some good options besides the standard !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ? A !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! perhaps?
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:42 |
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AW11 MR2s can still be had cheap. They’ll all be beaten to hell, but I think they’re more interesting than a Miata.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:43 |
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What are your interests? Small 2 seater?
My vote is Fox Body, but that’s because I am a V8 guy.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:45 |
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2 or 4 doesn’t matter. I always lean towards sporty smaller sedans but i don’t want to tie myself to anything, trying to keep options open. By “not too large” I meant more no land barges.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:52 |
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I got my beater e36 for $1400. It did have a few problems though
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:52 |
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Is that $2k just purchase price, or does it include any work that needs to be done?
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:53 |
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A renault le car.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:58 |
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How about a nice 1980 Commuta-Car for $1000?
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthr…
![]() 08/28/2015 at 15:59 |
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THE ANSWER IS MONTEGO
OK it’s kinda big, but it’s really not that much longer than my Mercury Milan.
I bought mine for 2500 and I bet if I really pushed the guy I could have got it for 2k flat, the terrible negotiator my wife was with me and ruined that move.
(Crowmolly’s answer of Fox body is a great answer too btw, it gets you V8 power and parts are everywhere)
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:03 |
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I’m going to cheat (but still meet all the criteria) and say motorcycle.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:49 |
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Problems that could be fixed with $600?
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:50 |
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DONE
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:50 |
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I do like the Fox body idea. It’s such a great sounding engine and resources and parts are plentiful.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:51 |
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For that reason i was thinking of staying around 1500 and leaving myself 500 for “startup repairs,” if necessary.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:51 |
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and advice.
I have a Ford 5.0 all the way back in my 68 Montego. Sure they’ve modernized over the years, fuel injection, etc, but still.
You can modify them until the end of the world, and parts all over. what region are you in?
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:54 |
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Northern VA. I see plenty of foxes out and about on the road so I know they exist in decent supply here.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 16:57 |
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To some degree. I bought good replacement shocks, but other than that it should be less than $600. I neglected my motor mounts which caused some other damage
![]() 08/28/2015 at 17:15 |
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I’m actually waiting to hear back from someone nearby who is selling an aw11 that is clean but doesn’t run. Hoping for the best! They’re among my all-time favorite cars.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 18:51 |
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RWD Volvo wagon. Preferably a 740, 760, or 940. Turbo recommended. Plus it can carry a set of track wheels/tires in it. So many parts and upgrade options and community support.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 20:40 |
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Tons of practical applications! It’s an intriguing option that will be on my list!
![]() 08/28/2015 at 22:19 |
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E36 m3 brah. Dont overthink shit.
![]() 08/28/2015 at 23:58 |
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Don’t tempt me, homie. I can’t get that shit for 2k...
![]() 08/29/2015 at 00:17 |
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Sorry bud, im real drunk and my reading comprehension isnt comin up aces. How about an old lexus sc? Im thinkin about one for lemons.
![]() 08/29/2015 at 08:26 |
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That’s a good one! Added to the list.
![]() 09/02/2015 at 13:58 |
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What’s that W20 MR2 going for nowadays?
![]() 09/02/2015 at 14:17 |
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Haven’t looked, but I’ll have to talk to Sn210.
![]() 09/02/2015 at 14:37 |
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Just be sure to get something with some sort of retractable roof, your e90 probably gives enough pleasure when it comes to handling and power so you just NEED that extra dimension. MR2, MX5, both good and solid choices.
![]() 09/03/2015 at 00:21 |
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You know I like my fox bodies!
![]() 09/03/2015 at 00:23 |
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What about going the FWD route and getting a Civic? Fun, cheap, handle well, not big, easy to work on. I’d like a clean CRX myself
![]() 09/03/2015 at 06:05 |
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A crx is a definite candidate.