Most reliable/economical classic car? - Page 2 - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Wes B. · 01-01-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetwaves

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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadstyle

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.

BAM! Perfection!

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

Seriously streetwaves, jump on this!

chadstyle · 01-01-2013, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes B.

BAM! Perfection!

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

Seriously streetwaves, jump on this!

Now that's a cool car..a blast to drive, tons of character, and won't lose value if maintained properly. These are awesome!!

blur · 01-01-2013, 10:17 PM

E24 FTW

OrbitalEllipses · 01-01-2013, 10:23 PM

Be real. You want an 835CSi.

rice_classic · 01-02-2013, 02:32 PM

OrbitalEllipses · 01-02-2013, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Too hot, get stolen all the time even in this day and age.

rice_classic · 01-02-2013, 05:01 PM

Fine then!

OldSkoolToys · 01-03-2013, 03:46 AM

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.

rear view of same model.

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

Wes B. · 01-03-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

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.

rear view of same model.

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

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?

OldSkoolToys · 01-03-2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wes B.

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?

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.

Wes B. · 01-03-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

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.

Makes sense...

bestwheelbase · 01-03-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetwaves

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.

Great approach! How 'bout a Toyota Starlet?

chulooz · 01-03-2013, 03:41 PM

LOL is OP serious.

Reliable and economical yet posts a merc and bimmer.

Oh I have another good one; audi.

Wes B. · 01-03-2013, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blur

E24 FTW

BAM! Another perfect car for the original poster.

http://www.classicmotorsdc.com/1983-...6/Details.aspx

01-01-2013, 10:17 PM	#17
blur ლ(ಠ益ಠ)ლ Join Date: Apr 2010 Drives: E36 5.7 V8 Location: Bronx, NYC Posts: 1,573 Thanks: 194 Thanked 198 Times in 112 Posts Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	E24 FTW __________________ I wish I was cool enough to have an FR-S

01-02-2013, 02:32 PM	#19
rice_classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: Nevermorange FRS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,175 Thanks: 758 Thanked 4,213 Times in 1,809 Posts Mentioned: 78 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	__________________ PRO86 \| WTCC \| STL

01-02-2013, 05:01 PM	#21
rice_classic Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Drives: Nevermorange FRS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,175 Thanks: 758 Thanked 4,213 Times in 1,809 Posts Mentioned: 78 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	Fine then! __________________ PRO86 \| WTCC \| STL

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