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What car for <$4000

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by the_stig, Jul 5, 2009.

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  1. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2005
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    #1 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Stop laughing about the price limit. Supposing you needed a car for local driving and, maybe, for pleasure trips. Daily driving less than 12 miles. Needs to be under $4K, simple to work on so no computers, cheap to fix and should be something with some character or "interestingness".
    The short list might include older MGB, Triumph GT6, Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (camper?), Fiat X1/9, etc.
    Any suggestions?
     
  2. Bas

    Bas Four Time F1 World Champ

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    #2 Bas, Jul 5, 2009
    Nissan 240sx. tons of spare parts available if needed.

    Might have the 'ricer' image(by people who have no idea what they're talking about) but is more performance orientated than that:).

    Capable chassis, good daily driver without any electronics.
     
  3. ForzaV12

    ForzaV12 Formula 3

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    #3 ForzaV12, Jul 5, 2009
    Porsche 914
    first gen Barracuda
    ratty early Mustang
     
  4. senna21

    senna21 F1 Rookie

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    #4 senna21, Jul 5, 2009
    Can you still find a Datsun 240Z in decent shape for under $4K? If so, that'd be my choice.
     
  5. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 GuyIncognito, Jul 5, 2009
    probably not, but I saw a 1st-gen Mazda RX7 the other day and thought that would be a kick-ass alternative. small, light, nimble. 1st or 2nd gen Supras would be fun too.

    E30 325's can be had for that $$, in decent condition.

    otherwise, look at Honda Prelude/CRX, early Acura Integra, VW GTi, 1st gen Miata, Toyota MR2.

    most of these cars are EFI/ computerized controlled (and most have ABS) but they are not the rolling supercomputers that we have now, so you should be able to work on them fairly easily.
     
  6. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

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    #6 judge4re, Jul 5, 2009
    Lexus SC300 with a stick.
     
  7. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 GuyIncognito, Jul 5, 2009
    good choice...if you can find one. that is a VERY rare car!
     
  8. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

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    #8 judge4re, Jul 5, 2009
    One on cars.com right now. Asking is a bit higher than $4k, but that's why they call it asking...
     
  9. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
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    #9 tundraphile, Jul 5, 2009
    Take a look at a Honda Del Sol. Very reliable and parts are cheap, top comes off, good fuel economy, probably depreciated out.
     
  10. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #10 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    I thought about a 914 but I'm turned off by the engine access - same with the X1/9. I've owned an X1/9 so that one doesn't scare me as much but the 914 and MR2 I'd be concerned about.
     
  11. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #11 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Yes but are parts cheap?
     
  12. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #12 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Thanks but it has never done anything at all for me. Forgotten it even existed.
     
  13. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #13 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    I had thought of a 240Z but assumed (without looking) that they would either be clapped out or too expensive. I'll take a look. Thanks.
     
  14. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2005
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    #14 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Hmmm, no, sorry, too close to something I used to own and it doesn't do anything at all for me on the "interestingness" scale.
    Believe it or not I'm going to look at a VW Bus tomorrow and, so far, that's the leader in this project.
     
  15. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

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    #15 Simon^2, Jul 5, 2009
    Are 348's there yet? ;)
     
  16. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

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    #16 Simon^2, Jul 5, 2009
    Alfa romeo spider veloce

    drove one in college and beyond... fantastic car
     
  17. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #17 wax, Jul 5, 2009
    Kombi, aye? I was going to suggest Karmann Ghia. Neither will be mint, but both are cool.
     
  18. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #18 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Funny guy.
     
  19. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #19 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Thought about one of those. Didn't do any research yet. Friend had one in high school.
     
  20. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #20 the_stig, Jul 5, 2009
    Going tomorrow to look at a '73 Westfalia.
     
  21. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #21 wax, Jul 5, 2009
  22. zygomatic

    zygomatic F1 Veteran
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    #22 zygomatic, Jul 5, 2009
    An original, first generation, GTi.

    90hp, but fun!
     
  23. XR4Tim

    XR4Tim Formula 3

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    #23 XR4Tim, Jul 6, 2009
    I daily drive a '91 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. I paid a little less than $4k for it, and it's a lot of fun. I've seen Maserati Biturbos in that price range, but I'd bet that it costs a lot more to keep them running. Merkur XR4Ti is another fun one ;)
     
  24. Michiel Mobiel

    Michiel Mobiel Formula 3

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    #24 Michiel Mobiel, Jul 6, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  25. the_stig

    the_stig F1 Rookie

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    #25 the_stig, Jul 6, 2009
    Thanks but I doubt that I'll be able to find one of those over here and, even if I did, the police here frown on sleeping in your car.
     
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