Automotive rant

[MMARSH]

You can get a nice driver TR-6 for less then 30K
It won't be perfect, but it will be a decent driver with just enough stuff to keep it fun.

Check out Kurt Tanner motorcars. He usually has several TR6s and MGs.
For example.. https://kurttannermotorcars.com/product/1971-triumph-tr6-2/

[Chocaholic]

I’d love a 2002, but prefer to stay under $20k if possible. Had never heard of BMWFAQ. Found an 05 that looks nice but not original. Thoughts?

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/311769-1975-2002-w-close-ratio-5-speed/

[asphaltgambler]

My experience, also part of my hobby is following valuation trends for classic vehicles, not just cars. Since we are talking cars I've found that the used market pricing for an average daily driver has influence on the classic market. Specifically on people's perception that if a decent used vehicle brings "X" that impacts up or down on classic valuations.

In other words the average market price for a late model, used car today is @$32K+. So for an average classic vehicle in, say a #3 or possibly #2 condition $32K is the starting point. Specifically we are not talking about 911's or LS-6 Chevelles, but brands and models that are more mass-produced, not as rare. But even then with low interest rates, money is cheap ( for the time being) so again has influence on market value.

[dw1]

Like with any collectable, the two major factors in determining value are condition and rarity.

Very clean TR6's are becoming more rare because of their age, and have become more valuable because of the work and parts it takes to put (and keep) them in excellent condition.

So why not got for something a bit less perfect or a bit less rare? And don't be put off by the often inflated prices one sees at Mecum auctions on TV, or at BaT.

Starting with a lower-priced, high-production "average" car and turning it into something different/special - I think that is why so many average 60's cars have been turned into restomods. Heck, that has been the case for several generations of "hot rods".

I got lucky. I moved from TR3A to TR6 to TR8 to 911 before any one of those got extremely expensive.

If I was starting all over, a decent Miata or GTI would probably be my starting point.

[A930Rocket]

What about an E46 non-M? $5-6k.

Or an E46 M3? $20-25k. Depending on the model, they can be much more expensive.

[McLovin]

Well set up 944

[McLovin]

And so many others, some of which have already been mentioned.
I could fill a warehouse with cool cars under $20k.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

You can get a nice driver TR-6 for less then 30K
It won't be perfect, but it will be a decent driver with just enough stuff to keep it fun.

Check out Kurt Tanner motorcars. He usually has several TR6s and MGs.
For example.. https://kurttannermotorcars.com/product/1971-triumph-tr6-2/

I've never driven any of the old cool stuff, but I love the idea of having a big Healey or TR6.

[rfuerst911sc]

In the Porsche world you can still find a 928/944/986 for a reasonable price . For me a reasonable price is 10-15k . Even a 996 can be found but have to dig a little deeper to find one .

If American muscle cars are appealing to you check out Mustangs and Corvettes. If you want to go Euro then VW/Volvo/BMW from the 80's or early 90's is a possibility .

How about something like an El Camino or Ranchero ? Unique in their own way and easy to hot rod . Just depends on what you want and how much wrenching do you want to do.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I’ll take a look.

That is the only car I would consider since I had one in HS.

That would be it for me.

Here's my 74 2002 tii for sale.
https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/306733-1974-2002-tii-restored/

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by DonDavis

My dad had a ‘74 2002tii from 1976-1993. I drove it a lot.

I had a ‘76 2002 in the Navy. Drove that thing all over the place.

Couldn’t find your ad, could you please post a link?

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/306733-1974-2002-tii-restored/

[Chocaholic]

To bring this full circle, I bought my first car on BAT about an hour ago. Planning to pick it up tomorrow (by sheer luck, it’s only about 2 hours away). Spoke with the owner and am really stoked. Had an 89 300E many years ago and loved it. An E320 convertible (99kmi) should serve a few purposes. Reliability (wire harness was replaced in 2009), top down, comfort and quality. And below my budget (bought for 16.5k)…and I’ve always liked this vintage of MB (ask Paul).

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by NYNick

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/306733-1974-2002-tii-restored/

Nice job on this 2002, beautiful car. It looks like you've been trying to sell it for awhile on the faq. Why not BAT? It's a perfect candidate

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

To bring this full circle, I bought my first car on BAT about an hour ago. Planning to pick it up tomorrow (by sheer luck, it’s only about 2 hours away). Spoke with the owner and am really stoked. Had an 89 300E many years ago and loved it. An E320 convertible (99kmi) should serve a few purposes. Reliability (wire harness was replaced in 2009), top down, comfort and quality. And below my budget (bought for 16.5k)…and I’ve always liked this vintage of MB (ask Paul)

Looks nice. 1994?

[sc_rufctr]

Hi, did anybody watch this?

Short version - £660,000 for Lady Dianna's 1995 Ford Escort RS turbo!

Or - $759,660.00 USD!

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

To bring this full circle, I bought my first car on BAT about an hour ago. Planning to pick it up tomorrow (by sheer luck, it’s only about 2 hours away). Spoke with the owner and am really stoked. Had an 89 300E many years ago and loved it. An E320 convertible (99kmi) should serve a few purposes. Reliability (wire harness was replaced in 2009), top down, comfort and quality. And below my budget (bought for 16.5k)…and I’ve always liked this vintage of MB (ask Paul).



...

Gorgeous and these drive really well. Just like the older diesels, with adequate maintenance they really can be a forever car.

I've owned my 1992 S420 for well over 5 years and it's been reliable as a new car. (With maintenance and repairs)