SO, I'm helping a family member (17) look for his first car. He is not into newer stuff. He is actually looking at a fully restored 1978 Nova with only 29K. What do you guys think, or do you have any other suggestions? TIA
Needing first car suggestions
- Thread starter renegade_987
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My best friend had a 77 Nova for a very long time. It`d been bought by his dad when it was brand new. He got a LOT of years out of that car,super easy to work on,and VERY reliable! I say go for it! Go any pics? :^)
While I like the idea, and, assuming all the safety things are in place (brakes, suspension, steering, tires, etc.), it strikes me that insurance availability and/or affordability might be a consideration. I don't think insurance companies typically insure older cars for their true market value, unless it's through a collector type of policy, which usually have limits on mileage, storage requirements etc.
Can he do some of the maintenance and/or is there someone around that can help take care of it?
If the engine and transmission really only have less than 30,000 miles; it could be a good deal. From the five photos, it looks like an exterior restoration only; my two cents.
It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.
Can he do some of the maintenance and/or is there someone around that can help take care of it?
If the engine and transmission really only have less than 30,000 miles; it could be a good deal. From the five photos, it looks like an exterior restoration only; my two cents.
It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.
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[censored] thats a good price!
Funny, I thought it was expensive!
Aside from the paint job, what does it have going for it?
Would be around a $2200-$3k car here, private party. Dealers haven't really caught on to the idea of the post 1973 muscle car yet.
The car itself is kind of okay, but long in the tooth, didn't that body style go back to 1968 or so? But of course people are putting nova front clips on even older hot rods, so they must handle somewhat okay.
BIL had a 71 ish 4 door with 307/powerglide. Was loud, bad on gas, cramped inside. Rode interestingly: soft, and not like modern cars.
Aside from the paint job, what does it have going for it?
Would be around a $2200-$3k car here, private party. Dealers haven't really caught on to the idea of the post 1973 muscle car yet.
The car itself is kind of okay, but long in the tooth, didn't that body style go back to 1968 or so? But of course people are putting nova front clips on even older hot rods, so they must handle somewhat okay.
BIL had a 71 ish 4 door with 307/powerglide. Was loud, bad on gas, cramped inside. Rode interestingly: soft, and not like modern cars.
Originally Posted By: ag_ghost
While I like the idea, and, assuming all the safety things are in place (brakes, suspension, steering, tires, etc.), it strikes me that insurance availability and/or affordability might be a consideration. I don't think insurance companies typically insure older cars for their true market value, unless it's through a collector type of policy, which usually have limits on mileage, storage requirements etc.
Can he do some of the maintenance and/or is there someone around that can help take care of it?
It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.
He is really good with cars, he learned from his Grandpa and dad. As for insurance, I don't know if he has found out anything.
Originally Posted By: jeeprnovru
[censored] thats a good price!
I know right
While I like the idea, and, assuming all the safety things are in place (brakes, suspension, steering, tires, etc.), it strikes me that insurance availability and/or affordability might be a consideration. I don't think insurance companies typically insure older cars for their true market value, unless it's through a collector type of policy, which usually have limits on mileage, storage requirements etc.
Can he do some of the maintenance and/or is there someone around that can help take care of it?
It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.
He is really good with cars, he learned from his Grandpa and dad. As for insurance, I don't know if he has found out anything.
Originally Posted By: jeeprnovru
[censored] thats a good price!
I know right
Originally Posted By: JRed
Pros: parts availability, very shadetreeable.
Cons: Terrible gas mileage, 305 isn't especially powerful in stock form, not especially safe.
You could also say that not very powerful is a pro for a 17 year old
Pros: parts availability, very shadetreeable.
Cons: Terrible gas mileage, 305 isn't especially powerful in stock form, not especially safe.
You could also say that not very powerful is a pro for a 17 year old
JHZR2
Staff member
Insurance is a good question - costs for a 17yo running a very old car. Assuming it is not a big deal, the next question is if he will learn anything. Since it sounds like he will be able to tinker, I'd guess so. That's a good thing.
Does EVERYTHING work? How is the AC?
The car will notbe as safe as newer ones, butwhether that is an issue is a matter of judgement call on his maturity and capability.
I think it is fun and semi unique. Very carefully check for rust and rust repairs if he goes for it...
Does EVERYTHING work? How is the AC?
The car will notbe as safe as newer ones, butwhether that is an issue is a matter of judgement call on his maturity and capability.
I think it is fun and semi unique. Very carefully check for rust and rust repairs if he goes for it...
Some 305 motors get decent mileage. Mine knocks down 25 on the highway in my 80's Monte Carlos. Trick is that I have an overdrive, and a decent gear ratio in the back.
I'd be concerned about a 17 y.o. in a car with no airbags or modern crumple zones.
The car will probably suck in the winter compared to a newer front wheel drive car, especially if it has an open rear end instead of a posi. If its originally an Iowa car, look very very close for bondo.
I wont drive my old monte or my Nova in winter.
I wont drive my old monte or my Nova in winter.
That has bad idea written all over it for a 17 year old.
The best car for a kid is something new enough to have crumple zones, airbags, ABS, traction control, etc.
Kids are bad drivers, have no experience and do stupid things. All those electronic aids help to keep them on the road when there ability falls short.
A 10 year old Accord with a 4 cylinder would be a good choice, and he can't get into to much trouble with 120hp.
Those are the kind of cars my parents generation killed themselves in, in ways that would be survivable in a modern car.
The best car for a kid is something new enough to have crumple zones, airbags, ABS, traction control, etc.
Kids are bad drivers, have no experience and do stupid things. All those electronic aids help to keep them on the road when there ability falls short.
A 10 year old Accord with a 4 cylinder would be a good choice, and he can't get into to much trouble with 120hp.
Those are the kind of cars my parents generation killed themselves in, in ways that would be survivable in a modern car.
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OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: mcrn
used police interceptor ....crown vic
This.
used police interceptor ....crown vic
This.
Originally Posted By: stumpypete
I'd be concerned about a 17 y.o. in a car with no airbags or modern crumple zones.
Makes you wonder why there are older people!
I'd be concerned about a 17 y.o. in a car with no airbags or modern crumple zones.
Makes you wonder why there are older people!
The Nova design would be a nice car.
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: mcrn
used police interceptor ....crown vic
This.
That is best suggestion so far..For 1500 bucks can find a decent one..It is cheap realiable tranportation.
Originally Posted By: mcrn
used police interceptor ....crown vic
This.
That is best suggestion so far..For 1500 bucks can find a decent one..It is cheap realiable tranportation.
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