On the topic of "fun" cars

"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee) 09/01/2019 at 18:40 • Filed to: None

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OK bear with me, I’m half seeking advice and half just rambling.

Part of the reason I’ve never picked up a second car is that I would have nowhere to keep it. I only have one parking spot available to me. That will be changing in a few months, and if I’m good about saving I can probably budget $3-4k for a second car by the time I get my next tax return. So that begs the question, what the hell do I shop for???

Many of you know my DD is a manual E39 528i, which is possibly one of the best-driving “regular” cars out there. If I’m looking for something better to drive that means picking up an out-and-out sports car. My concern is that anything more engaging to drive than my DD is going to be out of my price range.

So rather than searching for a better driving experience, how about a different one? My options for that would be:

4x4

Traditional Luxury

Convertible

Classic American

Classic Euro

4X4 :   This is the most practical option as it gives me a snow vehicle. If I go this rout imma do it right and get something with solid axles and low range. Ideally I’d want a Wrangler for the top-down experience but a good one of those in my price range is a hard ask. If I end up with a fixed roof 4X4 then I’m not going to get much driving pleasure and it’ll be solely a utilitarian purchase.

Traditional Luxury : I’m thinking like an old Jaaaaag or something similarly cushy with an automatic trans that I can cruise around town in, but ultimately it might be too similar to the car I already have and I wouldn’t get much out of owning it.

Convertible : Kind of a broad category but I’d consider anything other than a VW Cabrio. I may be gay but I’m not that gay. I live in a perfect place to own a ‘vert and if I could pick up a 1G Sebring or C70 for cheap I probably wouldn’t even touch my BMW all summer.

Classic American : Doesn’t have to be a muscle car, as long as it has a burbly carbureted V8. Bonus points if I can score a classic convertible. Problem is most classics in my price range need rust repair and that’s not something I know how to do.

Classic Euro : I don’t want anything too similar to my E39 to drive and own, so that cuts out a lot of German options. It would be awesome if I could find myself a Merc R107 or a Volvo P1800 within my budget but it’s not likely. Downsides are the same as with Classic American but with worse parts availability.

So what would you go for if you were me?

P.S. Before you all start chanting “MIATA! MIATA!”, just know that I am a big guy and I would not fit comfortably in one. That also means many classic euro cars like an MG or Fiat 124 are out of the question.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 18:46

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The first thing that came to my mind was Wrangler, but like you said, they command a pretty penny unless they’re ratty.

You say you’re too big for a Miata, so I don’t know if this would work, but what about a Manx-style dune buggy?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 09/01/2019 at 18:49

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That would be cool, but buggies aren’t that common here on the East Coast. I’ve never even seen one come up for sale in my area.

WilliamsSW > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 18:56

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In your budget range, I’d say 4x4 or convertible. And I’d lean heavily toward a convertible because I love them personally . I would think you could find a decent driver in that price range.

Classic American is going to lead you to a rust bucket at that price - unless you get really lucky on a sedan. Classic European seems like it would be tough in that range too.

Good luck!

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:04

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I’ll be the miata guy. It’s the most fun you can have behind the wheel for that budget. As for bigger folks fitting, replacing the stock seat with the one-piece race seat of your choice will gain you a whole bunch of room in a miata by sitting 6" plus lower in the car, and increasing how far back you can sit . I know some folks in the 6'4" height range that daily drove  an otherwise stock miata with a roadrace or rally seat in place of the original.  For those who need more room than that, such a seat can be mounted directly to floor net another inch or two of headroom.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > WilliamsSW 09/01/2019 at 19:05

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That’s also wh ere I’m leaning as those are the biggest categories and there will be a lot less car hunting.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:06

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Disco 2. One that’s already had the block fixed or replaced. 

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 09/01/2019 at 19:13

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I hope it’s an improvement, I’ve had considerable seat time in a Disco 1 and it’s on my list of worst cars I’ve ever driven.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:18

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Ignore this post....didn’t catch your budget until you re-read it and my suggestions would not work. :)

WilliamsSW > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:24

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I feel like that’s where you can get the best car for your $ too, depending on your preference. 

wafflesnfalafel > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:26

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T rucks can be fun in a trucky kind of way, and they make a great, super useful 2nd vehicle.. Kinda keeping my eye out for one right now myself... 

AdverseMartyr > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:29

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What a bout a Jimny Geo Tracker or Suzuki Samurai? Can one of those be found in decent shape in your area?

I’d recom mend an old open top Land Cruiser , but I’m sure if you can find one of those it would be well outside your budget.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > AdverseMartyr 09/01/2019 at 19:34

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Samurais are all long gone but there’s still Trackers around. A Trooper or 1G Montero would be cool too.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > wafflesnfalafel 09/01/2019 at 19:35

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I don’t ever find myself needing a pickup truck though. A backseat is more useful to me than a bed.

Chariotoflove > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:37

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The question is, what kind of different experience appeals to you? In other words, how do you most often finish the sentence, “this would be a great day for a _____”? For me, it’s  usually a convertible, so that’s what i would get. For others here it’s a comfy cruiser. 

Dakotahound > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:37

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Jeep TJ, 4X4, half doors, soft top. It is a lot of fun, and parts are easy to find. The doors come off easily. Get a bimini top and you are all set.

wafflesnfalafel > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:41

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Well then the C70 convertible is for you! One of my assistants has a coupe as his “toy” car and loves it.  

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:44

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Light years better than the Disco 1. I find the seats soooo comfy. 

For Sweden > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:46

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How are you going to tailgate without a tailgate though?

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 19:49

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Your last couple sentences killed my last recommendation. Maybe pick up a Volvo 240/740/940? They’re weird and old but parts are still kind of available and they’re fun to work on, it should drive similar to a P1800 and it should be unlike anything else. That being said I think a 2 seat convertible would be your best option for pure driver’s car unlike anything else. Also why not get the final evolved form a the second car: A MOTORCYCLE

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 09/01/2019 at 20:05

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Dude if I'm concerned about fitting in a Miata I'm going to look ridiculous on a motorcycle

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Dakotahound 09/01/2019 at 20:07

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My mom has a YJ configured exactly like that. I’ve spent countless hours behind the wheel (it’s what I learned to drive stick on) and that’s why I know it’s something I’d like. Unf ortunately this is New England and a rust free Wrangler costs  a lot of money.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 20:16

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That’s only if you buy yourself a GROM, unless you’re Andre the giant sized. That being said I know motorcycles are not for everyone 

Dakotahound > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 20:34

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A rust- free anything is hard to find in New England. See if you can get something from the South or Southwest. Fly down (or take an AMTRAK trip- even more fun ) , pick it up, and have an adventure coming home.

Have fun.

dogisbadob > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 20:36

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classic American convertible: third gen F-body convertible or the cute lil 90s Mercury Capri (ok fine, it’s Aus tralian, but still)

4x4: Chevy/Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick/Vitara. And also available as a convertible. It’s the Wrangler Done Right.

There’s also the first-gen Rav4 convertible. Convertible and off-road fun but with Classic Toyota Quality that only Toyota can do. Toyota makes the best cars and trucks :o)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 21:05

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As a big guy, and being 6'2" tall, may I suggest a "personal luxury coupe"? Think big, 2-door boats. Thunderbird, Riviera, Monte Carlo, or even something like an old Celica Supra or a Mercedes coupe. 

shop-teacher > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 21:10

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I’m going to combine a few here. If you mix classic American (stretch the definition of classic just a smidge), with proper 4x4, with convertible you will find two answers: the Squarebody K5 Blazer, and the Ford Bronco. Your budget will get you a decent, but not perfect one. It will still look good enough to be cool, but won’t be too nice that you won’t want to drive it in the snow.

I rarely have an answer for the "what should I buy?" Questions, but in this case ... I feel like a damn genius.

Alfalfa > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 21:13

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Get a Bronco. All the cool kids are doing it.

Another alternative is to save just a bit more and get a Beat.

Jordan > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 22:22

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You can sometimes buy a sligh tly scruffy malaise-era C orvette C4 for about $4k. Won’t be fast, but still kinda cool.

Or how about an EP3 Civic Si? I had the 1.6 liter version in the UK (which isn’t available in the US), and it was fun and reliable.

Or how about an ex-police Crown Vic?

sony1492 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 22:49

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1st gen Mini Cooper S, supercharged, probably within that price range by now, different driving experience, can fit tall people.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > sony1492 09/01/2019 at 22:52

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I’ve driven minis and I hate them. Ride quality of a golf cart with the throttle response and steering feel of a minivan

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Chariotoflove 09/01/2019 at 23:09

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The boring adult part of me doesn’t want be to make a fun purchase “just because” and insists I need to consider options that make sense.

OPPOsaurus WRX > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 23:27

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I was thinking a tracker too. That would be a good island car snow and beach. That or one of those TRex 3 wheeler things

Maxima Speed > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/01/2019 at 23:28

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No, you’ll be fine. Motorcycles have the advantage of sitting a very wide range of sizes,  And there are plenty of styles of bike to chose from to tailor you riding experience.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 00:52

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I love having a fun car that’s different from my DD.

DD: 2013 MINI, manual . Sorry you don’t like them, I love mine

Fun car: 1985 Jaguar XJ6. Completely different - super smooth I6 and mushy automatic. Magic carpet ride but actually not too sloppy in the corners.  A little more rust than I’d like but I still enjoy it and drive it pretty often.

And I’m extremely lucky to have also access to a 1976 TR6.  I second WilliamSW about convertibles. I actually prefer it in late spring or fall. Summer sun is killer if you get stuck in traffic.

Chariotoflove > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 01:35

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You didn’t answer the question. :p

But yeah, that part has to be dealt with. Any of the options can be made to make sense if you choose properly though. 

Longtime Lurker > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 02:26

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Clearly a Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is the only logical answer. :)

Or I guess maybe

mustang vert

Tracker/Vitara/Samurai

1st gen RAV4

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Longtime Lurker 09/02/2019 at 08:57

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Fox body convertible is within my price range but I may have to travel f or it

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Chariotoflove 09/02/2019 at 09:20

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I'd use a convertible more, but I can't overlook the utility of having a snow vehicle, plus there's beaches I could drive out on which is just about the best experience I've ever had in a vehicle. That's why I want a Wrangler, as it's the best of both worlds.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > OPPOsaurus WRX 09/02/2019 at 09:22

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It's definitely on my shortlist

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 09/02/2019 at 09:37

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Two words : Cheap. Allante.

OPPOsaurus WRX > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 09:41

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Wat about a Volkswagen Thing? Gen 1 RAV4?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 10:40

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I love it!

Chariotoflove > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 09/02/2019 at 11:17

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Sounds good. You can take advantage of Oppo to find a rust free one you can afford.