Oppo, Help Me Find A Car!

"MM54" (mm54mk2) 04/16/2018 at 21:15 • Filed to: Californicar

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Two weeks from now, I will on my way back from California in a new-to-me car. Here’s the thing - I need help finding it.

This car will replace the Crown Vic as my daily. Some criteria are laid out below:

RWD or AWD

Manual preferred, not mandatory

Decently reliable (have to drive 3500 miles home, for example)

A car, not a truck, not an SUV* (see below)

Budget is 5-6k, cannot exceed 6. Would like to do 5.

Here are some of the things I’ve been looking for (with little success) to set the mood, and some pros/cons, in my mind at least. They are in the order of preference for the most part.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

Lexus IS300, includes Sportcross - these are destroyed or super-expensive as manuals, though I’ve seen a couple nice auto sedans come across the LA craigslist that I’d consider. Sportcross would be best, but out of my price range.

BMW e36 328IS - again, these are all beat to death, brought back, and trashed again. I just want a clean, stock one. Unicorns.

Subaru - I have seen a couple bugeye WRXs in the 5-6k range that look like viable options - this may be the best-fit for what I am looking for, either wagon or sedan. A vast majority are overpriced or broken, though. I suspect this is an unlikely-to-get pick based on my budget.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

NA Miata - might be easier to find, would be fun, not a very good daily for my area, where half the year is winter. Also would be tough for thinks like hauling lumber and getting my friends home from California. Prices and condition are all over the place. Would be cool, and I want one.

Jeep Cherokee - the only not-car I’d consider, I don’t think I’d keep it for very long. They are all rotted out to hell around here, and for less than what a junker costs in Ohio you can get a nice one in CA. Would be fun for a little while, then could probably flip it and come out ahead.

The Fall-Back Plan

Another police Crown Vic - not exactly hard to find, I would like a nice 2010 or 2011 in black. Being reliable, cheap, and practical this fits the bill, but it seems a bit silly to go across the country to buy a car I’ve already had two of (one of which I still have). This would be the fallback “can’t find anything else” pick, comparable with other “just to flip” options.

So what do I ask of you, Oppo? I need help. No, not like that. I need help both searching for examples of the above cars as well as suggestions of other possibilities.

I will be landing (with some friends) at LAX mid-day on May 12th and expect to be in the area for a few days (with rental car to get around). Basically anywhere within a few hours of there is fair game.

Huge bonus points for a car for sale by one of you or friends/family. That makes the time-crunch a little more manageable if I’m not working with a potential craigslist-flake. Also major bonus points if you go check it out for me a couple days before I get there (I’ll buy you lunch or something?).

I plan to update and re-share this post one or two more times as the date draws nearer - so let’s do what we do best, and start perusing the Craigslist (and other listings)!

Steve in Manhattan > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:19

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The answer is Subaru.

facw > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:20

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A bet you could get an allroad home (slightly) before it breaks.

boredalways > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:24

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Infiniti G35 or M35

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:34

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https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/2002-subaru-impressa-wrx-4/6559653435.html

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/16/2018 at 21:40

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I particularly like the fact he spelled the name of his own car wrong.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/16/2018 at 21:43

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It’s very imprezzive.

MM54 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/16/2018 at 21:45

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That’s pretty good! Despite the spelling issues that may be the least sketchy <$6k wrx ad I’ve seen yet

MM54 > boredalways 04/16/2018 at 21:48

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Not a fan of these, but thanks

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:54

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Holy hell Miatas are insanely cheap in LA. (edit- 1.6 Miatas are practically given away for free, 1.8's are non-existent and NB’s are valued higher than around here. Also hardtops are dirt cheap. Interesting market)

First year, red, with hardtop that could easily be resold for over $1k if desired. This isn’t the best NA, but it’s the lightest and simplest

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/1990-mazda-miata-5mt/6562764818.html

Okay seriously I need to fly down and get some of these... A BRG special edition in serviceable shape for under $3k..?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/1991-mazda-miata-special/6557339801.html

Lifted Miata? It’s a an early NA with a 1.8 swap so you get the best of both worlds!

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/d/lifted-miata/6547690021.html

Audistein > MM54 04/16/2018 at 21:56

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Won’t be as exciting as a WRX, but you could pick up a manual Impreza 2.5 hatch or a manual Saab 9-2X.

If you’re looking at an E36, you’ll probably be better off just looking at any manual 328i. The chance of you finding an 328is in great shape with that budget and in the timeframe required is low, but not impossible. Maybe something like this. https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/1997-bmw-328i-exceptionally/6535443962.html

As well as a crown vic, look into the Lincoln LS V8.

There’s also the Genesis MR2, Mustang, Camaro, 240SX, and other sports cars like that. Maybe you can find a DSM car (Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, Mitsubishi Eclipse), the top trims had AWD.

Don’t forget when you’re searching for cars to set the max price to 6500 or something because you can bargain down.

While not RWD, the Honda Prelude (Si) with a manual is a great option.

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 04/16/2018 at 21:58

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I know they’re robust but 240-260k miles sort of concerns me. That’s a lot of wear on just about everything. Could be due to cars here rarely making it to 200k before rotting out, but 240,000+ is concerning.

Berang > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:00

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Justy.

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:02

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93,000 miles ;)

What’s the point in going to California if you don’t rip around in the sand?

MM54 > Audistein 04/16/2018 at 22:04

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Something about the 4-door e36 just looks really off to me. The proportions or something are all wrong compared to the 2-door.

I’ve considered a 2.5 impreza (forgot about the saabaru). Would still be fun, but seems pretty hard to find. I suspect I’d also be wanting for the turbo just about every time I put my foot in to it. Now, a GC 2.5RS and we’d be talking!

MM54 > Berang 04/16/2018 at 22:05

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If I went that route, I’d be looking for a Brat :)

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:06

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How about a first gen CTS? Available with a stick; decent power; a little sporty; I think every year but the first we’re pretty reliable; this one has 117k miles and well within budget:

https://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/d/selling-cadilac-cts/6549104521.html

MM54 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2018 at 22:11

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I’ve not driven (or even been in) one but I suppose it could be a possibility. That one looks to be in decent shape except for the filthy seat as well.

E92M3 > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:14

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It’s FWD, but a 3rd Gen TL is hard to beat for the price.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:15

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Yeah the seat is the one bad part of that car but I was just using it as an example.

MM54 > E92M3 04/16/2018 at 22:17

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A friend of mine had one, I’ll pass. Nothing wrong with it, but I wouldn’t say there was a lot I liked, either.

boredalways > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:22

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Welp, at least we know you aren’t one of those assholes

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:27

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Hmm SC300 and SC400's are within budget, and could be a lot of fun. Some good rx7/8's but maybe one is enough...

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/lexus-sc/6509249666.html

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 04/16/2018 at 22:29

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I know they’re good cars, but something about them just doesn’t excite me. I don’t know if it’s the 90's-jellybean styling or what.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:29

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One other suggestion. First gen 2.5L boxster with the original double row IMS bearing. This car is above budget and some crap ones are below; give it time and you’ll find “the one”. Can get a hardtop. They are built pretty well and fairly robust cars. Decent storage... for a convertible. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/1998-porsche-boxster-986/6557781826.html

MM54 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/16/2018 at 22:30

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Wow, these are a lot cheaper than I thought.

OPPOsaurus WRX > facw 04/16/2018 at 22:40

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Nope

Montalvo > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:40

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Probably mustangs galore over there. My fox body was a California car for over 27 years. Not much to go wrong and its easy to fix if it does. They should be well within your budget with several different body styles (coupe,conv,hatch) and your choice of manual or auto. If you get a hatch you can haul a lot of stuff, even lumber. Take the hatch off completely and you basically have a pickup.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/for-sale-or-trade-50/6548257632.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/1989-ford-mustang/6562287274.html

MM54 > Montalvo 04/16/2018 at 22:46

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I do like the fox body, but I don’t know that it really fits my goal for a year-round daily. I’ve already got a fun car for good weather and a project. Might be a good opportunity for a flip, though!

Montalvo > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:55

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It definitely lacks some options and features but you can’t get more basic and reliable as a ford V8. No matter what you find, you can basically flip anything you find over there that has little to no rust anyway. It would be extremely hard to end wrong side up on any transaction you make when you sell it on. Best of luck on whatever you find out there.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:58

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+1

Drive one ASAP. I drove one and my Mini felt like a camry to me later.

The shift action is perfect, the flywheel weighs nothing so you can shift real quick, the howl of the flat 6 is heavenly, and the steering feel is beyond awesome.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > MM54 04/16/2018 at 22:59

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Consider a 1st gen Mini like mine too if you are looking at FWD

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > boredalways 04/16/2018 at 23:15

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It’s funny only the G35/G37 Coupes have that infamous reputation.

jminer > MM54 04/16/2018 at 23:16

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I love it- been tossing around this idea for a while. I live in St Louis so rust city. Have a few work trips planned this summer and trying to figure out a way to pull this off.

Good luck- definitely let us know what you find and the adventure.

PS - while you aren’t in the market for a truck, they make excellent flips. I met an old retired guy who bought old Ford trucks in Oregon for $1500-2k and sold them here for about $6-8k. He did it to about a half dozen a year, hell of a hobby that paid for itself nicely.

Nakazoto > MM54 04/16/2018 at 23:23

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If you’re willing to go old, there’s so many fantastic options! Granted, these aren’t specifically from California, here are a few that I wouldn’t mind shopping for:

Isuzu Stylus

https://portland.craigslist.org/yam/cto/d/rare-isuzu-stylus-16-dohc/6548905256.html

Mitsubishi Galant VR4

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/d/mitsubishi-galant-vr4/6549511644.html

Nissan Laurel

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/d/1990-nissan-laurel-medalist/6545950935.html

Nissan Maxima SE

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/d/1993-nissan-maxima/6555788131.html

Merkur XR4Ti

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1988-merkur-xr4ti/6549004868.html

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > MM54 04/16/2018 at 23:33

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First of all, aim for SoCal if you can help it. Specifically, the Greater Los Angeles Area. They’ll have higher mileage, but you depend on your car so you must maintain it and the huge number of cars (along with the relatively lower incomes) in the metro drive prices down relative to smaller or wealthier metros in the state.

E92M3 > MM54 04/16/2018 at 23:34

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I got it!!! Porsche 944

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 04/16/2018 at 23:36

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A lot of stuff is CHEAP in Los Angeles. Coming from down there, the PNW tax on all cars is real. The stuff you can get there for under $3k is unreal, while $3k is about the least you’ll pay for anything that runs and could be used as a daily here. At $5k you start getting into truly decent stuff.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > MM54 04/17/2018 at 00:26

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I’m pretty sure you can find a decent IS sedan (auto) within your budget.

Nick Has an Exocet > MM54 04/17/2018 at 01:33

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On the plus side, you will have the only one within 500 miles. On the down side, parts will be internet-order only.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/1985-volkswagen-mk2-scirocco/6540299001.html

EDIT: And it comes with the parts for a manual swap.

Nick Has an Exocet > MM54 04/17/2018 at 01:47

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Hello 90s? Prelude here.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/1995-honda-prelude/6556695254.html

Integras for days...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/d/1998-acura-integra-gsr-90k/6560022433.html

Will it make it home? Get out the dice...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/classic-92-mercedes-benz/6559017134.html

Go weirdly into the beyond...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/d/volkswagen-corrado/6544375828.html

MM54 > Nick Has an Exocet 04/17/2018 at 12:32

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See requirement 1 - RWD or AWD

That’s a nice SEL but I don’t think I could afford to maintain it :)

MM54 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/17/2018 at 12:33

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I’ve been keeping an eye on CL and haven’t seen very many come through, mostly beat to shit for $3k or very nice for $6k+ - hopefully you’re right, though.

MM54 > E92M3 04/17/2018 at 12:34

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A different friend has one of those, it’s very cool but not something I’d want as my daily for sure.

MM54 > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/17/2018 at 12:35

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Thanks for the tips!

Nick Has an Exocet > MM54 04/17/2018 at 14:33

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Haha, I do my best work when ignoring requirements!

Nick Has an Exocet > Nick Has an Exocet 04/17/2018 at 14:37

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Okay, here are some things that TECHNICALLY fit your requirements depending on how you classify “car” ;)

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/1987-toyota-cargo-van-94k/6555713807.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/d/1984-dodge-camper-van/6527237857.html

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/23/2018 at 20:40

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I’m doing a track day that day (the 12th) but otherwise I’d definitely like to help and/or meetup. Specifically in your car search, if any of your options show up in the next couple of weeks I’d be happy to do some scouting for you if its not terribly far away. If traffic werent such a nightmare, id be a more willing participant but im a solid hour and a half from downtown most days, even though thats like maybe 25 miles lol.

I did plenty of searching for a WRX in the LA area. NO WAY will you find an acceptable one for sub $6k. Unless ~200k miles is okay, then there is probably a chance. I spent a good chunk of time last year searching for just that, although with a more flexible budget. I ended up with my STi for $13,500 which was a pretty good deal. Regardless of price, everything else I looked at was a shitshow sadly. The money is better spent on simpler, older japanese stuff out here. It will all be super clean. You can probably score a REALLY good deal on something that will not pass CARB. Since you dont have to worry about that at home and the car is basically unsellable here anyways.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > MM54 04/23/2018 at 20:50

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You’re looking at the wrong Lexus: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/2004-lexus-gs300-gs-300/6569185727.html

Cause Supra engine.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/23/2018 at 20:53

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Some Miatas to consider since you mentioned that idea. Just some quick craiglisting.

Has a hard top:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/d/1994-mazda-miata-rare-laguna/6569641906.html

Just seems really clean:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/2003-shinsen-miata-for-sale/6564102026.html

Tastefully modified, good price:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/2002-mazda-miata-mx-5/6553920474.html

MM54 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/23/2018 at 21:10

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That NA is pretty nice! If I went Miata, I’d definitely be looking for an NA.

MM54 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 04/23/2018 at 21:11

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The IS300 has a 2JZ

MM54 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/23/2018 at 21:12

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I’m down for something that won’t pass smog but have been unable to figure out how to search based on that criteria haha

Chariotoflove > MM54 04/23/2018 at 21:12

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Your dark horse choice is an RX-8. Manual, great to drive, rwd, can fit 4 people in a pinch and more cargo than you can possibly imagine. Downsides are poor gas mileage, but not worse than you’re used to in a crown Vic, and of course the apex seal problem. You look for one that has had the engine replaced under warranty and passes a compression test. Then, she’ll purr for you all across the country for years. Both I and my dad have done road trips in ours.

MM54 > Chariotoflove 04/23/2018 at 21:18

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I’ve already got an RX7 for rotary fun; the rx8 would be interesting but not really what I’m looking for right now.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/23/2018 at 22:44

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Good point haha. Plus people trying to sell that sort of car are probably sketchy as shit. Scratch that idea unless it’s a good bargaining chip.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/23/2018 at 22:50

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Nah, 240k is no concern. A Miata with no motor is still a good deal lol. The ONLY thing that matters is rust. I’d rather find something in ~150k range, just so that you can just drive. But hey cost savings are kind of nice.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/23/2018 at 22:54

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Posting deleted

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > MM54 04/23/2018 at 23:30

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Any interest in as gently used 1992 C4 Corvette? No stereo. Faster than you can imagine. Full fire bottle. Roll over protection. Brakes that will make you spit out previously well seated dental fillings. 6 speed ZF manual.

It’ll carry you 3500 miles with need of nothing other than minor spinal surgery and a hearing aid.

$3k

Chariotoflove > MM54 04/23/2018 at 23:33

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Oh, I didn’t remember that. One is certainly enough.

Tristan > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 04/23/2018 at 23:55

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TIL: Manual, non-V CTSeses were a thing!

MM54 > Chariotoflove 04/24/2018 at 12:01

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Don’t get me wrong - I’d like more, but it’s not what I’m looking for right now haha

MM54 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/24/2018 at 12:03

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A miata with no motor isn’t a great deal when the objective is to drive it 3500 miles home :)

MM54 > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief 04/24/2018 at 12:06

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Isn’t this your track car?

Chariotoflove > MM54 04/24/2018 at 12:24

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Totally get that. Others here will give you better, practical choices. I’m trying to think of something interesting or off beat. Mostly for entertainment.

How about something like this ?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > MM54 04/24/2018 at 17:29

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You just have to BELIEVE and then you will make it there, no need for those damn motors. Just think of how little gas you would go through that way. Ideally though, it only has to be reliable to make it home. After that, the motor could combust into nothing and that is fine, you still got your moneys worth at that point. Just depends on if you are okay having a project when it sounds like you want a daily lol.

MM54 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/24/2018 at 17:39

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I’ve already got a major project and a summer daily that walks the line of being a project some times - definitely not looking for another project! haha

Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief > MM54 04/24/2018 at 22:38

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That it is :)

MM54 > Flynorcal: pilot, offshore sailor, car racer and panty thief 04/24/2018 at 22:44

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Would be a lot of fun, but I’ve got to pass haha

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > MM54 04/30/2018 at 19:20

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Can vouch for the 2.5TS Impreza wagons - I had a 2002....really miss it, and peppier than you might think. If you live in a rusty area though, keep an eye on it if you bring it back as the subframes (front and rear) and the body behind the rear wheel arches are prone to rust!

4kc > MM54 04/30/2018 at 19:23

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which is a supra engine...

not all of ‘em were turbo’d

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > MM54 04/30/2018 at 19:28

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An MR2 of some description?

MM54 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/30/2018 at 19:36

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It would kill me to drive an AW11 in the winter (it would be totally rotted out by February, the roads here are more salt than asphalt for 4-6mo) but the SW20 is a vague possibility. I already have the RX7 for sports-car-ing though.

MM54 > 4kc 04/30/2018 at 19:37

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That’s the point - I don’t see “gs 300 because supra engine” as an argument against another car which has the same engine

MM54 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/30/2018 at 19:38

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It’s been at least 10 years since I’ve seen a GD Impreza that wasn’t rotted out behind the rear wheels in person outside of a car show.

JDMatt > boredalways 04/30/2018 at 22:39

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Came here to recommend a G35.
Personally, I’d go for an Automatic IS300

Berang > MM54 06/07/2018 at 02:40

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https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/vintage-1972-mercedes-benz/6606328048.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/2005-subaru-wrx-saab-aero/6580875224.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/1979-citroen-pallas-diesel/6598079390.html

MM54 > Berang 06/07/2018 at 20:14

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This trip is long-gone my friend!