New/Used/Classic

[2002 Maxima SE]

So every year I ponder this as my Maxima gets older. I'll be in the market for a car at some point and wlll spend around 25k to 30k.

I would really like to get a new econo car (Focus, Fiesta, Cruze, etc), however I've always wanted to fix up a classic (64.5 - 67 Mustang or 71 - 73 BMW 2002 tii).

Now, I know the safe bet is the new car...classics can have all sorts of issues. The classic is something I've dreamed of doing for a while, however, with gas prices on the rise it seems even MORE financially draining than it would have been a few years ago.

I have bought a used car before and gotten a really good value (2000 Ford Taurus Wagon for 3k). We've taken this boat everywhere and in some cases it's better than my Maxima. So, I started tooling around ebay/craigslist and can find some decent cars that are only a few years old...but gas will still be a factor unless I get a Geo or Corolla. My thoughts here are that the money I save on the car in depreciation will make up for the lost fuel mileage (if I got a Lincoln MKZ or Infiniti G35).

New, Used, Classic?

 

[wallyuwl]

Seems like the first thing to do is decide what type of car (midsize, SUV, etc.) you want, and go from there.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Sports sedan.

 

[97tbird]

used 2003-2005 BMW 3 series 330i with performance pkg (ZHP)

peppy and rather economical...

It is THE sports sedan bench mark...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/bmw_330i_with_performance_package-road_test

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
used 2003-2005 BMW 3 series 330i with performance pkg (ZHP)

peppy and rather economical...

It is THE sports sedan bench mark...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/03q3/bmw_330i_with_performance_package-road_test


I'm proud to say it was your post that got me thinking.

In the past, I have always bought new but I have only had 2 cars.

For the next one, I was thinking I could save a bundle and get something more. BMW 330i are plentiful around here.

The car I am thinking about isn't quite a sports sedan...but I really like the new styling of the 2010+ Lincoln MKZ.

 

[JHZR2]

Question is how simple is the car and how good are you at understanding the issues and fixing them on the classic. Also how good are you at protecting from and preventing rust...

I use a 1982 MB diesel and a 1991 BMW 318i as daily drivers most of the year. I understand the cars, their typical issues, what to look for, what to protect, etc., and are comfortable driving them all over the country.

You really need to understand the cars though first... Then it can be fun.

These days you really need to consider economy in the picture. 335d may be a good option CPO!

 

[The_Jeff]

Everyone dreams of fixing up that classic. But they are a luxury good in a down market. I bet if you "sniped" right you could get a ready-to-drive one that effectively pays the previous owner 60 cents an hour for his work. Get one without rust and the world is your oyster. Both classics you list have huge aftermarket support and you could, with the Mustang at least, substitute more modern powertrain bits for reliability and fuel efficiency.

For a daily driver the Mustang will be a large if not scary set back from the Maxima with its loose chassis and old school steering/suspension/brakes. Remember it's just a Falcon with a cute body! At least the Fox body Mustangs have rack & pinion steering.

If you've never fixed up a classic car before, I say get a $500 modern beater and see if it's fun laying on your back, breaking rusted fasteners, getting brake fluid running down your arms. At least parts will be the next store over. Classic car restorations can take over your garage for years, extending beyond your attention span as they slide onto the back burner.