Originally Posted by streetwaves (Post 637747)

Hey guys. So I'm looking to buy a second car as a daily driver, but I want it to be something with character. Something semi-classic. I'm thinking early 80s at the very newest.

Obviously something so old is going to have some age-related issues which I'm prepared for. But besides that, what pre 1985 car is the best candidate for dependable daily driver out there?

My thoughts immediately went to the Mercedes E-class W123. It has a stellar rep for build quality.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...07_(14wik).JPG

That said, am I missing anything worth serious consideration? Maybe a BMW 2002? I have to admit a Euro bias.

By the way, I'm not looking for this to cost me $100 a year. If it costs me $200 a month, that's a bit high but I could swallow it if I'm driving around in something I love. I'm tired of these new cars with no personality to be honest. Life's too short! Any recommendations would be appreciated. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by chadstyle (Post 637836)

2002 Tii...awesome car in its day!! My dad had one when I was young and loved every minute of it. It was def ahead of its time when released. I have a friend that still loves these and has two of his own. Great little cars.

Originally Posted by Wes B. (Post 638379)

BAM! Perfection!

http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/3466673668.html

Seriously streetwaves, jump on this!

Originally Posted by rice_classic (Post 639779)

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys (Post 641333)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3218/2...2c97a8b5_o.jpg

My friend's 1978 Toyota Corona. Predecessor to the Camry. Extremely reliable with the 20R engine and W50 trans, both of which are still easy to find parts for (as the 20R also came in toyota trucks). Gets decent mileage, and most work on it is relatively simplistic. Even RWD, though none came with LSD, and are fitted with leaf spring rear.

Has lots of character, and turns heads pretty easily. Just a little hard to find nowadays.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...ng_S1J5a94rSh3

rear view of same model.

First gen (1976-1980) Toyota Cressida's are also worth a look at.

Originally Posted by Wes B. (Post 641706)

Awesome! I totally forgot about the Corona's. The 5th generation ones were definitely the best looking. One question: how "tuner-friendly" are the engines?

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys (Post 641806)

The 20R's? Ehhh...not very sad to say. They're torquey engines (as mentioned earlier, they also came in pickups) but thats about it. There's not really any aftermarket tuner support for them, that I know of, and I've really only heard of people just swapping in something more sport oriented, like the 4A-GE, or 3S.

Originally Posted by streetwaves (Post 637747)

Hey guys. So I'm looking to buy a second car as a daily driver, but I want it to be something with character. Something semi-classic. I'm thinking early 80s at the very newest.

By the way, I'm not looking for this to cost me $100 a year. If it costs me $200 a month, that's a bit high but I could swallow it if I'm driving around in something I love. I'm tired of these new cars with no personality to be honest. Life's too short! Any recommendations would be appreciated. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by blur (Post 638483)

E24 FTW

http://www.euroclassicmotors.com/pho...4m6149K009.jpg