I am getting an itch to buy a classic car. Problem is I know nothing about it. I don't want to spend too much money but at the same time I don't want it to be a complete fixer upper. Is it possible to find something around <25K ish? What models are in that range?
Take a look here: http://www.classiccarliquidators.com/ Lots of models and they tell you what works and what doesn't. So you know what you're getting into. One good thing about classic cars is, if you got a popular model, there's plenty of how to's on the internet.
$25,000 will go a long way. If you go American it wont cost a ton to keep it up and running. If you go foreign you'll need to set aside some real cash to maintain it and get parts. With $25,000 you can go late 60's - 80's Mustang, Camaro, Charger or any other muscle car with the exception of a few, like the rare Plymouths. C3 Corvettes are all in play. You can get a 70's - 1996 911 and definitely any of those weird 80's Porsche models (944, 928). Broncos, FJ's, etc... are all in play. There are cool looking 70's Mercedes well under your number. Pricing all depends if you want all original or not... personally I'd prefer something cosmetically sound (body & paint) and spend money on getting it running as opposed to finding something that ran well but looked like ****. Decent paint, seats, wheels aren't cheap.
If I can get something for 15ish...that would be even better. I threw 25 out there as a starting point. Is it hard to find automatic transmission?
Automatics seem to be much more common in my experience. $15,000 wont go as far but it depends on what you're looking for. Any particular body style, type, etc? What do you like? 73-82 Corvettes, mid-70's-and-up Camaro's, plenty of Mustangs and any non-911 Porsches can be had at or under $15,000.
You can absolutely find something cool in the 15k-25k range. Please understand though that these are toys, they are not reliable nor comfortable for day to day use. My bucket list is build a 68 Corvette with a modern suspension, motor and interior. Corvettes, Camaros, Novas, Chevelles, Firebirds, GTOs, Mustangs, Gran Torinos, Chargers, Challengers, Olds 442s, Tornados, AMX are all things to consider. https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5124054172.html https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5126623354.html https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5126799602.html https://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5134115805.html https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5080710658.html
Found here, http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5113570103.html My personally favorite classic car. I would kill for a early 70s Chevelle. And to answer your question, it is quite easy to find clean and reliable classics in your price range. Just make sure you have a reputable mechanic to go over everything before you purchase anything.
Watching all those car restoration shows has given me an itch to buy a classic car eventually. I love those late-50's BelAirs and early Vettes as well as a lot of the bodystyles from the 30's. Man, those cars looked sweet. Let us know what you end up getting, Sajan.
I'm in the industry, email me thru the board if you want more advice. I will reiterate what Ziggy said since he's right on point.
How are you in the industry exactly? I have something I wouldn't mind getting a few things done on cosmetically if you have any advice.
I tried to PM you. I'm looking to either buy something new or restore a C3. Wondering if you might be able to assist with either.
For C3s, I prefer the 68-76s, the 77-82s look a little too 80s for me. If you are going to buy, look to: http://www.autotraderclassics.com If you are looking to restore, check here: http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=23
Thanks. Autotrader doesn't have a great selection. And the asking prices are hardly practical. There's a Mecum auction in Dallas coming up but didn't see anything worth driving up for. I'm strictly a 68-73 or 80-82 guy. Those 80-82's are slow but offer a great ride.
Depends if I restore what I have now (long story, it was a solid daily driver in very good condition until a few weeks ago) or buy new. Ideal scenario is a new 80 or 82 under $14,000 or $6,000-$8,000 in repair/cosmetics. 68-72, if there's one I like, then who knows, I'm impulsive and it's hard to say no to something so beautiful.
My father bought one of the first '65 Mustang fastbacks in Texas from a dealer in Orange, whose son was a student of his at the university. It was silver gray with a red interior and had the 289 V-8 with an automatic transmission. A very fast car that was a true pleasure to drive. Dad had it for years, and then I ended up with it. I'd stuff a friend (or girlfriend) in the tiny trunk when going to a drive-in, and they would sneak into the backseat after I parked. There's a small space to crawl through to get there from the trunk. Dad and I both loved that car. The AC would freeze you out! How I wish I still had it. A true American classic.
Awesome looking cars, but if you don't know much about them be careful, some require a whole lot of maintenance $$, which is to be expected with 50 year old cars. Some on my favorites Lincoln http://jacksonfreepress.media.clien....jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d Tbird http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/IMG_1513.jpg Chevelle http://a38898d4011a160a051fb191.gea...Chevrolet-1970-Chevelle-SS-454-grey.jpge1be4f And of course you can't go wrong with Camaro's and Mustangs.
Sorry Ziggy didn't get anything thru the board. I'm lead tech and fabricator at Metal and Motors Garage. You can check out our Instagram or FB page to see what we do. Here's my personal email Sealfab@gmail.com I'll send you my cell # thru there.
I have a feeling half of what you post is rambling you read on wikipedia. k codes weren't available in 1965 with AC or autos. I would be slightly interested to know how much you post is true. Not terribly interested but certainly more than actually reading your long boring half-truth posts.
