Coolest classic, "practical" car with good MPG

[Shaun @ Tru6]

While scanning CL recently, I came upon a ratty 72 VW Type 3 Fastback. Neat little car with a 1600 that would probably get 30+ MPG in mixed driving, has lots of space, easy to work on, parts cheap, etc.

What's out there that has some style, relatively practical (for a single guy), parts are easy to get, and is good on gas?

[id10t]

The 356/Vdub engines can be fairly good millage makers... my 356 even with Weber 44s on it gets ~32mpg... when it is running.

[Jim Richards]

Hey Shaun, up the coolness factor and get a Karmann Ghia.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I should have included "cheap" in my description Jim.

For coolness, Thom recommended a Type III Ghia. I love this car, but prices are rising fast, and they are RARE!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

914 1.7. If I can ever find time to get its issues sorted out.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

914 1.7. If I can ever find time to get its issues sorted out.

kinda gutless, but good fuel economy and they can be had cheaply. More importantly, they have that mid-engined Porsche goodness to them

[Tishabet]

How cheap is cheap?
I would throw out BMW 2002, MGB, VW single cab

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Tishabet

How cheap is cheap?
I would throw out BMW 2002, MGB, VW single cab

Cheap is well under $2K, realistically $1K, for a car that drives and can be a drivable restoration. the fastback for $800 was ratty as heck, but registered and on the road. best part is it didn't need any welding. but it was ugly!

key component here is that it must be relatively practical. 2002 fits, rusty ones can be found for $1K+, MGB not really practical, miss my old 63 VW Crewcab a lot, but like Ghia's, prices are up, so trucks are out.

[red-beard]

Actually, I'll second the 914 1.7. They can get 30+mpg!

I should get one and set it up identical to my 914/6....

[jyl]

Original VW Rabbit GTi

[Rot 911]

Shaun, that is a cool car and you can get a nice one not needing a ton of work, relatively cheap. At least cheaper than an MGB, 2002 or a 914. The only down side is you live where it really gets cold and unless you have a long highway drive that car is never going to be warm in the winter.

[Z-man]

There are plenty of running cars for $1k to $2k.

But are they reliable? Doubtful, especially when you factor in age, rust, parts availability, and repair cost. Most of the cars from the 70's and earlier had little or no rust proofing, so unless you find a gem that was used in a very arid area, you are going to have issues with rust.

I would suggest upping the ante to at least $5k. Better to buy a car that's sorted out and repaired vs. a rust bucket in need of much.

-Z-man.

[nostatic]

MGB? Are you high or something? If you get that, be sure to buy a TR6 to sit next to it. They look good nestled together in the garage...and they better because that is the common view

'67 squareback. Air cooled, hatchback goodness. If you can find a clean one. Big if.

Put a sidecar on the Ducati.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yea the 1.7 914 isn't big on performance and it suffers from the usual problems - the shifter is complete crap/sloppy, it's ugly, it's not very comfortable and the heater doesn't work. Actually pretty much nothing works. But the engine runs well and the suspension and brakes are good. One of these days maybe.

Gas mileage is great - I drove it all the way from New Mexico to here on I think three tanks of gas - I'll check my receipts. And that's with Webers. If you find one with the injection in good shape (good luck with that) you'll definitely get even better mileage.

[lendaddy]

Fiat 124 Sport coupe.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by lendaddy

Fiat 124 Sport coupe.

You really don't like Shaun, do you?

[Nathans_Dad]

1988 Honda CRX with a big a$$ tailpipe on the back and some wicked cool Grafix on the windows!!

RICE, MAJOR RICE!

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

What's out there that has some style, relatively practical (for a single guy), parts are easy to get, and is good on gas?

Are you actually planning to buy such a vehicle, or is this just a conversation starter?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Are you actually planning to buy such a vehicle, or is this just a conversation starter?

excellent question. both. I found the fastback while doing my standard search for Porsche stuff. Porsche wheels were mentioned in the ad.

I use the 4Runner for business (company vehicle) and it's great in the snow, but gets 12-17 MPG. The bike is awesome for gas, fun, and running around, but will be put away in November, earlier if it snows.

As winter sets in, I'll need a run around car with character. Thought I'd also see what's out there for interesting, low-cost vintage, practical cars.

Kurt, these really have no heat?

[Z-man]

Shaun:
Just realized you're from MA - have you considered a Subaru? Granted, it's not what you'd consider a 'vintage' or a 'cool' car, but they are very, very dependable and with AWD, you won't have problems in the winters.

The Subbie XT was a different looking car, and the SVX was a terrific grand touring car. (But the Flat Six in the SVX won't be a gas sipper...) Even the Loyale or an older Legacy would do the trick for you.

I would also think a VW GTi or Jetta would work for you as well.

If you want something with a little flash, consider the Toyota MR2 - 1st and 2nd gen, although the 2nd gen cars are still running above $3k, more or less.

I doubt that an older VW / Porsche / MG / Fiat would do well in the harsh winters - rust would be a major factor. If you were just looking to run the car in the summer, that's a different story.
- Z