I'm in the market for a new ride...

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted by rooflessVW
SS, I am VERY into that Saab, that's what I'm talking about! I didn't even think about one of those!

It'd even match my Carrera:


They also have a newer 2011 one available, a Mini Cooper manual and a black 540i since that was mentioned. The dad runs the repair facility and the son runs the sales part of it. Very nice guys and perfect reviews from google, yelp, etc.

https://www.iautocars.com/sales/inventory.php?page=1

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted by 14Accent
You expect to find a reliable German car for $5k? You can barely get a reliable German car for $50k.

Nice try, though.


Another "Read Tester"...

 

[MCompact]

I like the E36 M3, although I'd budget $10k for a nice one. You might also consider a 318ti- similar driving dynamics to a Z3. Look for a 1996-up Sport.

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by rooflessVW
SS, I am VERY into that Saab, that's what I'm talking about! I didn't even think about one of those!

It'd even match my Carrera:

They also have a newer 2011 one available, a Mini Cooper manual and a black 540i since that was mentioned. The dad runs the repair facility and the son runs the sales part of it. Very nice guys and perfect reviews from google, yelp, etc.

https://www.iautocars.com/sales/inventory.php?page=1

They've got some very nice inventory.

Originally Posted by MCompact
I like the E36 M3, although I'd budget $10k for a nice one. You might also consider a 318ti- similar driving dynamics to a Z3. Look for a 1996-up Sport.

I know you love your 318ti, but I just can't do the stumpy butt. In general I shop with what I call "soft budgets." It's where I'd like to be, but I'll pay more for a good car. I do tend to go for cars that need a little more love. I'd rather spend my time than money and I usually come out ahead.

 

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

Originally Posted by JustN89
I think I'd go with the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car. It's not too often you can find a V8, RWD, relatively cheap and reliable as well as entertaining to drive.

I agree, also with some PYB and some RT43s. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted by JustN89
I think I'd go with the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car. It's not too often you can find a V8, RWD, relatively cheap and reliable as well as entertaining to drive.



There it is........................

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by rooflessVW
They're not expensive cars. 1995 530i, automatic. Very clean, standard options, normal minor issues. $2,950.

Classic BMW/VW are very big in NC.

No there is a reason why they are not expensive.

I bought the 1994 530i in my signature for my youngest daughter when she turned 16. It was her daily driver all through high school, undergraduate and graduate school. It only stranded her once due to the starter when it melted off the main wire. But I've done *thousands* of dollars worth of repairs to it, far more than my other three cars combined. As it sits it is in excellent mechanical condition but up here in Wisconsin the rust is finally taking its toll. I did replace all four doors a couple of years ago with four rust-free ones but now the rust is going after pretty much the rest of the car.

Anyway, if you do get one I'll give you the $2500+ worth of new parts in my basement when mine makes its final journey - which will be soon, my daughter has graduated and is married and they didn't want the BMW (go figure) and I don't need it even though I poured a huge chunk of my time and money into it.

 

[wings&wheels]

I Like the SAAB idea! Funny, I owned several including a 2006 Convertible, a favorite, but for some reason I forget about them when I get the "what car..." question.... Your price range will get you a pretty nice one, either a Convertible or maybe one of the last AWD 93X's which, sadly, were some of the best cars SAAB made.

They have the typical Euro niggles, but they are pretty durable overall and the parts situation isn't bad...at least today.

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by Lolvoguy
2000-2010 Volvo S60.

...

good luck in your search!

The only Volvo I'd consider is an S80 V8, but they're hard to find with the correct options.

 

[Nick1994]

I'd go all out and get a VW Rabbit diesel.

 

[JHZR2]

E36 318ti

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
I'd go all out and get a VW Rabbit diesel.

Why would you choose a diesel?

"All out" to me is a carbed 16V or an ABA swap with a cam. 1.8t swaps are cool but not really my style.

Originally Posted by JHZR2
E36 318ti

No stumpy butt!

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted by rooflessVW
Originally Posted by Nick1994
I'd go all out and get a VW Rabbit diesel.

Why would you choose a diesel?

"All out" to me is a carbed 16V or an ABA swap with a cam. 1.8t swaps are cool but not really my style.

Originally Posted by JHZR2
E36 318ti

No stumpy butt!

Cause 45+ mpg and that awesome tractor chatter. I had an 04' TDI and the sound was awesome, I'd roll the windows down in parking garages.

 

[clinebarger]

Datsun 240/260Z with a LSx/T56 swap

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
Cause 45+ mpg and that awesome tractor chatter. I had an 04' TDI and the sound was awesome, I'd roll the windows down in parking garages.

An '04 is one thing.

The old ones are a lesson in patience and planning.

 

[Skippy722]

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the VR6 Corrado.

But the answer, at least on the internet, is always Miata

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by Skippy722
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the VR6 Corrado.

But the answer, at least on the internet, is always Miata

I'm a G60 guy myself...

My Corrado was a G60 and got 16V swapped after I blew it up. I love the VR6 but they're a little heavy in the older cars.

 

[SEMI_287]

BMW E39, E46 especially the M3, maybe an early E60 or E90.

 

[DuckRyder]

Originally Posted by madRiver
Originally Posted by JustN89
I think I'd go with the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car. It's not too often you can find a V8, RWD, relatively cheap and reliable as well as entertaining to drive.

After the latest episode of roadkill, is it wrong if I want a rusty brown 4 door maverick with a 302 swap instead of a PI?

 

[Silverado12]

Someone earlier mentioned Mustang and I have to agree. Everything is reliable and the support is second to none. They made a lot of them so picking junkyard parts is easy. Every parts store has parts in stock for these and my gas mileage is in the low 20s with a V-8 engine and automatic.