"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
02/20/2017 at 11:40 • Filed to: None
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"Jagvar" (Jagvar)
02/20/2017 at 11:40 • Filed to: None | 15
| 14 |
Ever wanted to roll up to cars and coffee in something truly weird? Something that makes people go, “What the heck is THAT?” Well, if you’re in the U.S., you can import pretty much anything that’s at least 25 years old. But don’t be boring and buy an R32 Skyline like every other Fast-and-Furious wannabe. Show you have discriminating taste and brass balls by importing one of these more Jalop vehicles. You’ll have the only one in your neighborhood, if not the country.
1. Volvo 480
Yes, Volvo made a weird, wedge-shaped hatchback with popup headlamps from 1987 to 1995. In fact, the 480 almost came to our shores, but Volvo axed its U.S. sales plans at the last minute. Now you can finally right that wrong and have all your friends saying, “That’s a Volvo?”
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! was offered on eBay a few years back for $9500.
2. Peugeot 504 pickup
Obviously, you’re not going to trade in your F-150 Super Duty for this petite French pickup. But toss a couple of baguettes and a case of Bordeaux in the back, and you’re ready for a picnic on the promenade in this happy little truckster. It’s like a Hilux with twice the style and none of the reliability.
These are !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and can be had for the equivalent of about $3-4K these days.
3. BMW E30 Touring
A few brave Americans have already started importing these !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . But why take their word for it when you can have one of your very own? Maybe you dream of swapping in the motor from an M3, or maybe the 170 horses in the 325i are enough for you. Either way, go ahead. Take a chance on this sporty Bavarian wagon.
Based on mileage and condition, these change hands for !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , but average price seems to be about $7,500.
4. Citroën XM/Peugeot 605
Have a craving for a big, French saloon car? These kissing cousins were built on the same platform, starting in 1989. And the styling, considered ultra-modern in the late eighties, has held up extraordinarily well over time. Whether it’s the space-age looks of the XM or the clean, handsome lines of the 605 that speak to you, import one of these French fashionistas and you’re sure to get noticed. And did I mention that the XM came in a wagon, too? Wagon!!
The XM is a little easier to find, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Prices range from about $1-4K. The first 605 in North America sold in 2013 !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
5. BMW Z1
BMW’s original “Z” car was never offered in the U.S. But as they’ve crossed the 25-year threshold, a few brave souls have started bringing them over. If the aerodynamic styling isn’t enough to get your motor running, just look at those retractable doors! Plus, all Z1s are left-hand drive, so no need to get used to sitting on the “other” side of the car.
While well-kept examples can go as high as $50-80K, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! sold for just $27K in Philadelphia last year.
6. NSU Ro80
This West German predecessor to Audi featured a forward-thinking, aerodynamic shape that would directly influence automotive design for decades to come. Unfortunately, it was also woefully problematic, with engine rebuilds often required after just 30,000 miles. But fear not, for most of today’s survivors have long since had their rotary engines swapped for a much more reliable Ford Essex V4.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! went to auction in 2014 with an estimated sale price of $10-14K.
7. Kei Cars (Honda Beat, Toyota Sera, Nissan Figaro, Suzuki Cappuccino)
When it comes to kei cars, you have plenty of choices, but all of the above have passed the 25-year threshold fairly recently. They’re cute, they’re cuddly, and they’re sure conversation starters. So far, I have seen a Sera and a Figaro at my local cars and coffee, and one Cappuccino on the road. The only one I have yet to spot is a Beat. If you import one, can I be the first to know?
All of these kei cars can easily be found for around $3-10K. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! went for $8,500 just a couple years ago.
8. Audi S2
Americans still have to wait a couple more years for the RS2 Avant, but the S2 is ready for import today. This hot hatch came standard with a turbo, a 5-speed manual, and permanent all-wheel drive. It’s definitely a unique alternative to the GTI and M3 of the era. Frankly, I’m surprised more of these haven’t made it over yet.
The S2 is pretty hot in the market right now, and nice examples don’t stay available very long. It’s also affordable, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , on average.
9. Toyota Century
Want something that says “VIP” without shelling out for a Maybach 62? With a Toyota Century, you can comfortably roll like emperor Akihito, albeit without the police escort. Why even bother with an S-Class or a Lexus when this 4.0L V8 limousine is now U.S.-legal? Best of all, they are stupid cheap these days, but that can just be your little secret.
The late ’80s and early ’90s limos can usually be found !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
10. Maserati Ghibli II
The second-generation Ghibli came out almost two decades after the first generation ceased production. This comfortable, Gandini-styled GT car made its debut in 1992, so the earliest examples are just getting the green light for U.S. import. Unlike the earlier and much rarer Maserati Shamal, the Ghibli can be found with relative ease in the used market, and for a small fraction of its original asking price.
Expect to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for a Ghibli II in good condition.
For Sweden
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:49 |
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This is good #content
Probenja
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:50 |
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It’s like a Hilux with twice the style and none of the reliability.
It’s actually very reliable I wouldn’t say up to par with a Hilux but really close, remember it was the “King of Africa”.
MonkeePuzzle
> For Sweden
02/20/2017 at 11:51 |
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this #content has left me feeling #content
TheHondaBro
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:52 |
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The only Century I’m getting is the V12 model.
facw
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:52 |
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Love the 480, though sadly considering the cost of importing, I’d likely just buy a C30 instead.
Also, neither the Figaro (1L) nor the Sera (1.5L) are Kei cars. On the other hand, just a few more months:
404 - User No Longer Available
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:53 |
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*Looks at list*
We could import all these things years ago.
#JustCanadianThings
PS: that last one, someone sent one to Cash for Clunkers. That thing was just an updated Biturbo.
Milky
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 11:54 |
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None of those are purple.
http://oppositelock.kinja.com/its-fucking-purple-1792550795
AfromanGTO
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 12:06 |
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Why no fun Aussie cars?
Wacko
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 12:14 |
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Top ten things that should be worn on ones Feet:
1. Socks
2 running shoes
3 work boots
4 sandals
5 WinterBoots
6 Dress Shoes
7 Flip Flops
8 Crocs
9 Boots
10 Race Driving Shoes
RT
> 404 - User No Longer Available
02/20/2017 at 12:14 |
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They did fix the formula though.
It’s like Porsche with the 911, fix a tricky formula. The BiTurbo was crap, but I’ve heard lots of good things about the Ghibli Cup, especially in driving dynamics.
Jobjoris
> Jagvar
02/20/2017 at 12:26 |
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Great list! Few remarks:
Be sure the 480 is a Turbo otherwise there really is no fun in that one.
Get a Dangel 4x4 with the 504. And those diesels may be slow: there is NOTHING wrong with their reliability. These are highly popular in Africa, and for good reasons. An acquaintance drove one, after 3 years of usage in Nigeria all the way to Europe without ever having an issue.
A decent E30 325i Touring won’t be found for under $10k nowadays I’m afraid
There is a good reason for those XMs to be dead cheap. Parts even in Europe can be an issue.
Try to find a “non-Italian” 2800cc Ghibli. Those 2000cc homemarket editions are way cheaper, again for a reason.
No idea those Toyota Centuries were this cheap, AWESOME!!!!
RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
> Probenja
02/20/2017 at 13:11 |
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As a note, #2 is wrong. The 504 Pickup is like a Hilux with twice the style and just as much reliability. There is a reason they are still insanely popular in Africa and were still produced in Kenya until 2004 and Nigeria until 2006 from Knock-down kits!!!
The 504 sedan is #1 on my list of Peugeots to own someday....just not a diesel one. :P
Leonardo DiCabriolet
> Jagvar
02/22/2017 at 03:34 |
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I’m super down with the Century and the 504, although on the Century I might want to wait another five years to get the V12. Any other good websites to find a 504?
Nauraushaun
> Jagvar
02/22/2017 at 06:39 |
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I’ll admit to being confused sometimes about which small JDM cars are actually keis, but the Sera definitely isn’t. It’s based on the Paseo and sized accordingly.
Here
’s one I saw recently. It’s coupe low and 90s small compared to the modern Golf, but it’s not
kei small
.