Need a unique beater car

BoxsterCharlie · 11-19-04, 05:18

Hi Guys,

At this point my car collection is down to my wife's MINI Cooper S and my gigantic Chevy Express van. Don't plan to sell either one. I might be taking a job soon that I will need a commuter car for cheap.

I definitely want a front-engine, rear drive, 4 door sedan, because I've never owned one. Something between $3K and $10K, and get decent gas mileage.

Right now I'm thinking about a late E30 (1989-91) BMW 3 Series, but I wouldn't mind something a little bigger or a little newer (or older). I'd prefer stick shift but I'm open to an automatic if it "fits" the style of the car.

Bonus points for weird ideas.

Jimmy Buffit · 11-19-04, 05:34

You need an older Miata. Too much fun to drive!

Scads of them (90-93) available for $3-6000, with less than 70k. Spend another $1200 for a real tune, t-belt, fluids, tires, and you've got a car that'll go 30,000 miles without attention (save oil changes).

Course, there's no room in it. And you'll spend another $5,000 on suspension mods.

And you'll still be waiting for Spring, when you hope you can afford the $6,000 Turbo (and clutch).

And you still won't have room for more than one grocery bag...

Cool cars.

Jim

I get at least 15 points. If you liked the Boxster...

Malibu · 11-19-04, 07:10

I'd say the E30 will fit your needs very well. Another consideration might be an Alfa Romeo 164. Reliability might be a questionable point though, as would availability of service and parts (although there are probably independent mechanics that would be able to work on the car). I believe they're rear drive, although I might be wrong.

Mike

Shiny Lil Detlr · 11-19-04, 08:01

If you're not opposed to american cars, I've always wanted a 94-96 Impala SS.... granted, they're friggin boats, but they're built and run like tanks. You can find semi-high mileage ones for cheap.

Other than that, I'd say an E30 or older diesel mercedes would be ideal.

gearhead · 11-19-04, 08:04

Quote:

Originally posted by Malibu
I'd say the E30 will fit your needs very well. Another consideration might be an Alfa Romeo 164. Reliability might be a questionable point though, as would availability of service and parts (although there are probably independent mechanics that would be able to work on the car). I believe they're rear drive, although I might be wrong.

Mike

The Alfa 164 is FWD but I second this idea if Boxster Charlie can live w/FWD. Wanted one badly when they were in production. Built on same platform as Saab 9000 another nice choice. Both depreciated like rocks and so can be had very cheaply if you can find one in good condition.

For RWD, I suggest a 240SX. Not a 4D sedan but has a lot of cargo capacity and cheap. Money left over can be spent on an SR20, turbo kit, etc.

92MX83 · 11-19-04, 08:04

The Alfa 164 is FWD, based on the Saab 9000 platform, actually. Still a great car, love their interpretation of "tan" leather (it really jumps out at you).

Other potential choices:

1988 M5
Most any Toyota Cressida (with turbo engine transplant)
Galant VR-4 (yeah, AWD not RWD)
Mazda 323 GTX AWD (oops, 2-doors)
1993-94 Lexus GS300
Early Lexus LS400
Mercedes 190e 2.3-16v
Mercedes 300E 3.2 (early 90s)
Infiniti J30
Infiniti Q45

Actually, reliability and fuel economy should perhaps be top priority for a commuter car, but unfortunately, all I can see are previous-gen Civics and Corollas. I'm guessing you want something with a little passion, though.

BoxsterCharlie · 11-19-04, 08:24

The Alfa Romeo 164 sounds really cool. Even though it is FWD, its being Italian adds an exotic twist which works. Plus, it looks a little more substantial than the E30, which is a little on the small side (though the 5 series seems too big for my taste).

Miata is a blast to drive, but leaves me driving my van or stuffing people into the MINI when I have passengers.

Diesel Mercedes sounds interesting. American cars are out because they are too common, and usually FWD. I do understand that you can get a killer deal on very solid cars like the Alero.

Great list, 92MX83. I'll have to go through those and see if anything jumps out at me, maybe the Infinitis--they are seem undervalued in the market.

Sacramento seems to have lots of quality shops for quirky makes. I think I even drove past an Alfa specialist yesterday. I should stop by and talk to them, since I understand that when you buy Italian you are really buying a mechanic as well!

blkZ28Conv · 11-19-04, 10:34

Quote:

Originally posted by BoxsterCharlie

American cars are out because they are too common,

and 3-series are not? The last time I was in Cali they were almost as common as Porsches and full size SUV's.

92MX83 · 11-19-04, 10:47

Quote:

Originally posted by BoxsterCharlie
I'll have to go through those and see if anything jumps out at me, maybe the Infinitis--they are seem undervalued in the market.

BTW, Charlie, if you go for a 1st-gen Q45, make sure you get a 1994 or newer. Nissan managed to work a few bugs out by then.

My friend owned one for a few years; never had any problems, other than its healthy appetite for 92-octane. Very BMW-like driving experience, and substantial aftermarket support. They look great in dark colors.

And yes, they are steeply undervalued.

Lowejackson · 11-20-04, 03:12

The Alfa is a great daily driver and it is very easy to fall in love with the sound of the engine - it howls

Scottwax · 11-20-04, 07:57

I'd go with a used cop car. Cheap, easy to fix and most have been properly maintained. May have a few miles on them though. Get either white, black or dark blue so it looks like an undercover car. No one will block the left lane when you come up behind them.

dternst · 11-20-04, 08:20

Quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
You need an older Miata. Too much fun to drive!

Scads of them (90-93) available for $3-6000, with less than 70k. Spend another $1200 for a real tune, t-belt, fluids, tires, and you've got a car that'll go 30,000 miles without attention (save oil changes).

Course, there's no room in it. And you'll spend another $5,000 on suspension mods.

And you'll still be waiting for Spring, when you hope you can afford the $6,000 Turbo (and clutch).

And you still won't have room for more than one grocery bag...

Cool cars.

Jim

He already has the Mini for his wife. Why buy her another car? I'd go with the E30.