A Fun, Daily Driver Discussion

[pdaj]

I figured I'd start posting a bit so my account doesn't get deleted again

So, here's the deal.

If you were given $1500 today to spend on a daily driver:

1) What vehicle would you look to purchase?

2) And what are your reasons?

Conditions:

- Vehicle should be expected to get you back and forth to work, as well as an occassional 150-200 mile trip.

- $1500 includes serious work needed, i.e. new engine or tranny.


I had an hour to waste at work today and this subject lead to a great discussion among co-workers. I'd curious as to what you fellow car enthusiasts have to say.

For the last few years, I've driven a '96 Oldsmobile 88 in order to afford to own/maintain my TTA.

 

[WS6]

I couldn't do it...$1500 around here buys a demolition derby car.

 

[RatFink]

A "recovered" camry with 200K miles or a full blown stolen new john deere ride'n mower. Really though, $1500 is less than my last guitar cost. You gotta allow for like at least 4k, for somthin that will run longer than enough time to pay it off.

 

[RatFink]

Oh yeah, I should add that, I too have driven several dog shit daily drivers for the last 17 years to afford the TTA, and I finally am driving a nicer daily D for the last 3 years. Air condition and all.

 

[92conv]

I find me anything that had a 3800 V6.

 

[TTA602]

Bought my Stang as a run around car. Keep the mileage down on the TA as well as repair costs!

 

[Turbota6]

I find me anything that had a 3800 V6.

Agreed! My last 3 daily drivers have all had some form of the 3800 with the last 2 being supercharged. Good gas mileage, good power, and very reliable.

 

[Rodimus_Prime]

1500 wont get you much of anything, maybe a beat ass cavalier

 

[RatFink]

Agreed! My last 3 daily drivers have all had some form of the 3800 with the last 2 being supercharged. Good gas mileage, good power, and very reliable.

My brother's GTP S/C ran 13.40 @ 109 mph with a 2.2 60 ft. time last Tuesday at Beach Bend. Different pulley (12psi), K&N, Elec Cutout and 50 shot of NOS.
Those cars are nice and can go fast with little mods.

 

[gatorlance]

Agreed. I don't think you can get anything close to driveable (or even in DD shape) for $1500. I am using a 96 Accord 4-cyl for DD/airport trips. Had the car since 2001 and it's been great.

The other one I use around town for client meetings is a 2002 BMW 540i. Really nice, but tough on the wallet repairs as I just take it to the local dealer. That car is so weird, I don't even pretend to work on it.

 

[Rodimus_Prime]

your sure as hell not going to even get a GTP engine for 1500

 

[pdaj]

I just bought an '01 Eclipse on CL in great shape (100k miles) for $1500 minus the tranny. Bought the part I needed for $200. Not a bad find for $1700. You just have to be creative

 

[echostatic]

i almost got a 4 door early 70s gran torino from my neighbor for $300. it probably only needed a battery to drive. he died and the oppritunity came up to buy it real cheap. unfortunately the lawyer in charge of selling it was apparently notorious for dragging his feet. i can now say that this is true as i was trying to buy it in december and am still waiting to hear back from him... i gave up on that, but there are deals out there if you look hard enough.

 

[Rodimus_Prime]

better watch out clint eastwood is going to kick your ass!