Affordable Bucket List of Cars

[Noah930]

The thread on the 80s Japanese sportscars got me thinking. I've always been a fan of the 3rd generation RX-7. So why haven't I gone out and actually bought one? For that matter, what other cars (that I tell myself I really really want) could I go out and buy--yet have not done so?

We have had automotive bucket lists on OT before. But most of list stuff that mere mortals can't afford. We all love 250GTOs and McLaren F1s and 427 Cobras and D-Types. But the average guy can't afford them.

But what about those that the average guy can? These are cars that I've dreamed about for years/decades. They fit the "always wanted one" category. And for some reason or other out of practicality (such as finances while younger, apartment living, lack of garage space, kids, career, spouse, etc.) I never seriously went hunting for one.

**Please post negative experiences with these cars to dissuade me from harboring any thoughts of ownership.**

Off the top of my head:

3rd gen RX-7
E30 M3
E9 3.0Cs
635Csi/M6
560SL
280SL
FJ60/62
FJ80
Or maybe a 1980's era full-sized American pick-up to fulfill that boxy vehicle need.

[look 171]

Man Noah, with all the recent talk of the FJs, especially the fj 80, I feel bad for not having one. I know that is the one vehicle that will go up in value one day. Best of the bunch IMO. Let me go and kick myself now. Onewippedpuppy, you can kick yourself then kick me again.

[look 171]

Here's my list:

Flat fender Jeep with a V6 and stronger tranny
Dodge power wagon, of course big motor in there
A Suburban escapes me, but one day I might have one.
!st gen V8 toyota full size 4 WD pick up
I can't really think of too many at this point.

[Noah930]

Maybe I'll add a 500E to my list, too.

[Ferraripete]

that csl is sex on wheels!!!!

[Bill Douglas]

I'd like a Karmann Ghia.

[jyl]

My off the cuff list:

Jaguar XKE series 1 or 2 FHC

BMW M5 ( the original, mid-eighties one )

Austin Healey 100/4 or 100/6

Porsche 911 up to 1989

Land Rover series 1 or 2

VW Rabbit GTI Mk 1

Ford Mustang 1965-1968

[Ferraripete]

Originally Posted by jyl

My off the cuff list:

Jaguar XKE series 1 or 2 FHC

BMW M5 ( the original, mid-eighties one )

Austin Healey 100/4 or 100/6

Porsche 911 up to 1989

Land Rover series 1 or 2

VW Rabbit GTI Mk 1

Ford Mustang 1965-1968

great list!

[Noah930]

Hmmm. Your Land Rover comment reminds me of a Defender 90.

[porsche4life]

Damn, with only like 2 subtractions I've had a hankering for nearly every car listed! I need a bigger garage, and salary for that matter...

[Outback Porsche]

My next LandCruiser is gunna look something like this;

[diverdan]

Lotus Exige, Super Seven. Saab 9 3 Viggen,

Had several exotics from 60s and 70s when they were affordable. Can think of several exotics I'd still like to have but they are certainly not affordable. Maserati 4200s are actually the closest thing to the old classic front engined Ferraris and very trouble free if driven and maintained correctly.

That said, I have a lot of fun in my Saab winter beaters with a very insignificant investment. Gravel and snow covered roads are a hoot. The same for my 951s which have a similar profile to the early 50s Italian coach builders designs with much better handling and performance.

Dan

[Seahawk]

I am at that point in my life where I am going back and trying to by those cars I either owned and regret selling, or lusted after in an affordable way:

BMW 2800/et al. The 2800 BMW is going to run you some cheese, so they may not be on my list anymore.

356 - Just sold

BMW 2002 - Looking.

Defender 90 - Everyone should own one at least once. That is the sale, out of all the cars I have owned, I most want back.

3rd Gen RX-7 - My Dad has owned one since new. Great car.

FJ-40. I swung and missed

80's Audi Quattro

TR6

VW Bug Convertible

964 Targa - Out of all the Porsche's I have owned, remains my favorite.

Alpha GTV6

[weseeeee]

I like the Twin Turbo Supra. A nice one still commends a chunk of $ but they are affordable and you get plenty of bang for your buck,

[strupgolf]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Maybe I'll add a 500E to my list, too.

Wow, s stunner. What year would this be?

[Les Paul]

Seahawk I'm not sure I saw the reason you sold the 356?

[HardDrive]

E9 3.0Cs is 'affordable'?

Seems like they are $50k+

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by strupgolf

Wow, s stunner. What year would this be?

1990 - 1994 W124 500E. Because not every car in the stable can be a sportscar. Sometimes you just need a sedan...that can do 160 mph.

Originally Posted by HardDrive

E9 3.0Cs is 'affordable'?

Seems like they are $50k+

OK. I suppose "affordable" is a relative term. I'm sure my inclusion of an MB 280SL pushes that boundary as well. But it isn't ridiculous, either. I could sell the 911, throw in another $15-20K, and make it come true.

[Seahawk]

Biggest issue was sight lines. Even with the seat all the way back, tilted (I had a lady at a stop sign say to me: "looks like you are sitting in the back seat") I had a lot of issues with side vision.

There were a few times I narrowly missed other cars.

Denis did a great job on the engine, etc. the car was excellent. I just didn't fit.

Seahawk I'm not sure I saw the reason you sold the 356?

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Maybe I'll add a 500E to my list, too.

I have one for sale. PM if interested.