OT: Talking Cars Tuesday - 4 Figure Dream Car

Submitted by JeepinBen on

Almost out of OT time on the board, so get ye to Craigslist, Cars.com, Autotrader.com, or your car buying site of choice and find the best damn dream machine you can for under $10K. Last week we talked about democratizing HP, this week let's cap the price so that we can all equally look for steals.

JeepinBen

August 15th, 2018 at 9:39 AM ^

Lots of options out there. How about a 225HP 6M AWD German Convertible?

Used 2001 Audi TT in Naperville, IL - 489251332 - 1

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=489251332&zip=60657&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D60657%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26maxPrice%3D10000%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DCONVERT%252CCOUPE%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D50%26endYear%3D2019%26searchRadius%3D50%26transmissionCodes%3DMAN&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=10000&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT%2CCOUPE&firstRecord=50&endYear=2019&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=AUDI&modelCode1=TT

Want American Muscle? We can still have $3K for new tires:

Used 1985 Chevrolet Corvette in Gilberts, IL - 491369961 - 1

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=491369961&zip=60657&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D60657%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26maxPrice%3D10000%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DCONVERT%252CCOUPE%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D50%26endYear%3D2019%26searchRadius%3D50%26transmissionCodes%3DMAN&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=10000&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT%2CCOUPE&firstRecord=50&endYear=2019&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=CHEV&modelCode1=CORV

 

Maybe you're into cougars and plastics

Used 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider in Hinsdale, IL - 490574687 - 1

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=490574687&zip=60657&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D60657%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26maxPrice%3D10000%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DCONVERT%252CCOUPE%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D50%26endYear%3D2019%26searchRadius%3D50%26transmissionCodes%3DMAN&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=10000&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT%2CCOUPE&firstRecord=50&endYear=2019&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=ALFA&modelCode1=SPID

For me, there is no substitute. I'd go with the Boxster S:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/735971239/overview/

umich1

August 15th, 2018 at 9:44 AM ^

I'm not up for shopping for cars I'm not going to buy - but at the risk of a hijack - there was a great article today in the Dow Jones Newswire (paywalled) about Jim Hackett's leadership style at Ford.  It talked about him ditching PowerPoint presentations in favor of white boards, drastically cutting his number of direct reports, enabling his team to make some of the big decisions (i.e. pulling out of the sedan market), etc.  Great read if you have access.

https://global.factiva.com/redir/default.aspx?P=sa&an=DJDN000020180814ee8e0028x&cat=a&ep=ASE

“We tend to place a lot of emphasis on detailed historical data as a proxy for the future,” he said. “[Mr. Hackett] is saying that approach works well if the future is going to be identical to the past.”

The shift is evident on the headquarters’ 11th floor, where several months after Mr. Hackett’s arrival, a plaque dedicated to Mr. Mulally’s One Ford plan was removed from the executive’s main conference room to clear the wall for use as a workspace to map out a new strategy.

While Ford still uses parts of the One Ford plan to steer its business, Mr. Hackett said he didn’t feel the language “fit what we were trying to get across.”

The plaque has been reappointed in a common area on the same floor, a Ford spokeswoman said.

On the same floor, Ford executives have set up a series of strategy rooms, many in offices that once belonged to the company’s corporate officers.

Rather than sit through PowerPoint presentations, executives meet surrounded by walls packed with charts, diagrams and other materials outlining the strategy for various models and business units. The goal is to allow everyone to view different parts of a plan, from manufacturing to marketing, in one place and make decisions quickly, executives say.

Trebor

August 15th, 2018 at 10:36 AM ^

Gotta be extra careful with buying them, a lot of them ended up heavily modified and then returned to stock.

I nearly bought a 2004 about two weeks ago, but had to back off because one of the previous owners bolted on a turbo and had to notch the frame rail to fit the compressor housing. The dealer subsequently tried their best to return it to stock. At least for me, it just wasn't worth the worry about how structurally sound it was if one were to get in an accident, not to mention an insurance company could tell me to get lost if they deemed it totaled due to having an altered frame.

Regardless, they're fun as hell to drive.

Hail-Storm

August 15th, 2018 at 10:18 AM ^

Always wanted a Mini Cooper Classic.  Used to watch them race at Groton raceway during the antique raceday.  in love with them ever since.

https://www.minimania.com/cars4Sale/14622/1973_Morris_1000_Sedan

 

JFW

August 15th, 2018 at 10:28 AM ^

Cheap Speed, huh? 

 

Okay:

'87 Corvette ZR-1. $6900, 

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=460813194&zip=48169&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D48169%26listingTypes%3Dused%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26maxPrice%3D9000%26incremental%3Dall%26engineCodes%3D8CLDR%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2019%26makeCodeList%3DDODGE%252CCHRY%252CCHEV%252CPONT%26searchRadius%3D50&listingTypes=used&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=9000&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&makeCodeList=DODGE%2CCHRY%2CCHEV%2CPONT&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=CHEV&modelCode1=CORV

'96 Corvette Z06. $7595

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=478138485&zip=48169&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D48169%26listingTypes%3Dused%26startYear%3D1981%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26maxPrice%3D9000%26incremental%3Dall%26engineCodes%3D8CLDR%26firstRecord%3D0%26endYear%3D2019%26makeCodeList%3DDODGE%252CCHRY%252CCHEV%252CPONT%26searchRadius%3D50&listingTypes=used&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=9000&firstRecord=0&endYear=2019&makeCodeList=DODGE%2CCHRY%2CCHEV%2CPONT&searchRadius=50&makeCode1=CHEV&modelCode1=CORV

 

There is a 300C in there too....

 

 

JFW

August 15th, 2018 at 10:30 AM ^

In my searches I've found some older (after '11) Taurus SHO's. 5+ second 0-60 is up there with the muscle cars of old. 

TTT

August 15th, 2018 at 10:35 AM ^

Passat W8: 

https://pleasanton-ca.geebo.com/vehicles/view/directory/57/listing/15/id/230989742-2003-volkswagen-passat-w8-/

NYC Fan3

August 15th, 2018 at 10:43 AM ^

Not to hijack the original thread idea, but I would like to hear from many of you that work with the Big 3.

Why does there seem to be such a reluctance towards entering the electric vehicle space?  I'll admit I am biased to Tesla, but still don't understand why one of the big 3 hasn't jumped on that model.  Given the 500,000 reservation holders of the model 3, why wouldn't GM, Ford or Chrysler adopt this?  With their assembly lines and negotiating power, they would be able to dominate the market early on.

Anyone that likes performance, needs to drive a Tesla to experience the instant acceleration.

jamesjosephharbaugh

August 15th, 2018 at 11:37 AM ^

because in general the batteries and the range suck.  tesla is way ahead with their battery capability and a nationwide charging network.  the investment in electric infrastructure is huge.  500k cars is a drop in the bucket for the big 3.

 

also tesla is losing mega money, they may hit breakeven in the next 12 months but they may not. 

 

consumer interest hasn't been strong.  

Trebor

August 15th, 2018 at 11:41 AM ^

I don't work for the Big 3, but my thoughts on Tesla are that they just aren't affordable to the average person. Sure, they're pretty fast, but only really when you get to the top of the line models. A base Model 3 starts at $49k and does 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. I can walk onto any Chevrolet lot and buy a Camaro 1SS for $37k that does 0-60 in 4 seconds. Plus I can take my Camaro on a road trip anywhere the hell I want and not worry about spending 30 minutes at a supercharger every time I want to fill up or having to take a different route than I want just to make sure I'm not too far from a place to plug in.

I'd love to have a Tesla, don't get me wrong. I'm just currently in the market for a car under $20k and that's not Tesla territory. I assume a very large percentage of America is also not Tesla's target market because $50k for a car is still a lot when 75% of people in this country have annual household incomes under $100k before taxes.

JeepinBen

August 15th, 2018 at 12:14 PM ^

Making cars is hard. Making new technology is hard. Tesla is currently making cars in a tent, undergoing 3 SEC investigations, and having brand new cars lose their bumpers.

https://jalopnik.com/bumper-falls-off-brand-new-tesla-model-3-after-30-minut-1828306917

That said, there are more Chevy Bolts on the streets than Model 3s. ($1000 deposits =/= sales)

https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-3-chevy-bolt-comparison-pictures-2018-4#-the-bolt-holds-its-own-so-the-verdict-is-that-its-a-tie-28

jamesjosephharbaugh

August 15th, 2018 at 11:41 AM ^

I always wanted to surprise my dad by buying him his first car again, a plymouth barracuda convertible.  had one on ebay for about $14k a few years ago, judging by prices now I should have bought it.

 

for myself, in that price range, I think i'd like a classic pickup truck.  Here's one on ebay

the 4-figure limit is a bit dangerous for modern cars, that's right in the range where you can pick up one of the cars you like with 1 or 2 more years and 40-50k more miles than you really want.  In other words you may get your dream car but it might be a money pit.  In the same way, you might find a classic project car, but a turnkey classic probably requires a bit more budget room. 

jamesjosephharbaugh

August 15th, 2018 at 11:46 AM ^

sorry about the big 3, but i have always wanted a bimmer.  looks like you can pick up a 2010-2011 3-series for under 10k, although i admit i'd be nervous about maintenance with these. 

BlueMan80

August 15th, 2018 at 12:05 PM ^

As the former owner of a 2011 335xi, you should be nervous.  Maintaining a BMW is expensive, however, I must say my local dealer provided great service.  If something need to be fixed, they got it right the first time, every time.  The high pressure fuel pump was an Achilles heel for that car.  Mine failed during the warranty period, thank god.  I also had two fuel injectors fail after the warranty period which was a pricey repair.  Routine service stops aren't cheap either.  I loved the car and actually had some trouble parting with it in July in spite of the cost of keeping it on the road.

I have a 2001 BMW Z3 and I question my sanity each time it goes in for service which fortunately isn't very often.  Given its low resale value, a service stop is almost like buying my car back.

BornInA2

August 15th, 2018 at 12:33 PM ^

It's pretty Seattle-style passive aggressive to start at thread that obliterates the coding skills of the web developers with simple URLs. Well done.

That said, a few that come to mind for me:

1. Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice 2.0 Turbo versions. Decent examples can be had for under $10k. They are a fantastic value right now and, I think, near the bottom of their value curve. 290HP/340TQ with the GM-approved tune. Higher with third party. $3000 in hardware and software puts just under 400HP to the wheels.

2. Pontiac Fiero V6: Excellent examples can be had for under $10k. The car has a bad rep, mostly undeserved. Timeless styling on the GT/Fastback version, many engine/power upgrades available and well documented. Was the second highest rated car for crash impact all years it was produced, trailing only a Volvo.

3. Austin Healey Mark 1 "Bugeye" Sprite. Okay, you'd be pressed to get into a nice one for under $10k. What's out there now tends to be bipolar: Disintegrating wreck for <$1000, to nicely restored for <$15k. If you haven't driven a decent on you just can't imagine how fun these cars are to drive. Especially with the very common 1275cc engine and five-speed transmission upgrades.

Disclaimer: We own one of each of the three above.

4. Pick-A-Corvette: So many options under $10k here. The every-person performance sports car for decades means that *many* are made, means that prices for those that aren't special (I used to work for someone who owned one of the three remaining 63 Grand Sports) are low. I have particular fondness for the late 60s and early 70s C3s.

potomacduc

August 15th, 2018 at 1:18 PM ^

I get my performance kicks on two wheels, so my "fun car" doesn't have to be fast. A good ol' American land yacht for relaxed cruising is what I am looking for. My long standing dream has been to own a car that was made in Lansing as close to the day I was born in Lansing as possible.

Something like this would fit the bill:

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1971/oldsmobile/88/100959362

A convertible would be nicer, but those are five figures and can go for over $20k.

Cutlass S and Supreme models were also made in Lansing that year. Those get thrown into the "muscle car" category so can be a bit pricier and I would just prefer an 88. A friend had a '72 back in the day.

I believe Toronados were also made in Lansing that year. I love the first gen ('66-67) Toros, but am less enamored with the early 70s version. I'd take one but prefer the 88. 

 

 

 

TSWC

August 15th, 2018 at 1:48 PM ^

That's a very tough call for me, but at the moment I'll say a BMW 2002. I'd prefer one with round tail lights but those are getting hard to find for under 10k these days (I used to have a '72 2002 tii that I bought for $4500 . . . sigh). So I'd probably have to go with a 74-76. Something like this:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=carGurusHomePage_false_0&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d1266&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=&zip=98391#listing=214638337

I'd have fun with it as is for a bit and then start to turn it into a track monster.

CoverZero

August 15th, 2018 at 2:36 PM ^

Im going to be listing my 2005 BMW 330CI, ZHP Convertible...black on black...loaded with manual transmission for well under $10K (thinking around $7K) This car is a GREAT car.  It has 116K well maintained miles on it...new tires... new brakes...all service records...top is in great condition....and is flat out a f-cking bargin at this price.

Google the BMW ZHP.  It has a well earned reputation and is the best handling car that Ive ever driven or owned (and I owned 2 Porsche 911s in the past which were great).

The car is located in Redondo Beach and I plan on listing it in the next week online.  Shoot me a message at [email protected] if interested.