I wouldn't rule it out.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485784135.jpg

You've got me on the Toyota reference.... point taken. Looking at a FJ40 tomorrow, but expect more work than I'm after given my budget.

A SXS would be super cool for tearing around the property, but I don't think I can register one for road use here in Massachusetts.

VW buggy a no brainer....:cool:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485785800.jpg:D

Definitely a Jeepster.
Can pick up nice ones for under $10k.

Buick V6
4WD
Automatic
Station wagon
Convertible

My '68:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485786566.jpg

https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/cto/5970560227.html

72 Austin Clubman in beach appropriate colors

It's the slush box that is holding us back here.
I was thinking in the direction of the Jolly or the Manx myself, then that EDEN ROC showed up and totally stole the show. Fantastic, love those rear seats. Doubt it is an auto tho.

Cheers Richard

I am on the same page as Fred. Shiftomatic, or whatever they called in in VWs. Beach means convertible, how about a mustang?

thing, buggy or baja bug
and swap in an corvair motor with an auto box
there were kits back in the 60's to do it

Or just go straight to the corvair convertible. That could work.
A V W bug convert

Put your wife in something classy! Like an old Mercedes! You can pick up nice W123 wagons in your price range, and it will out live your kids!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485791476.JPG

Subaru

Someplace I missed the budget. I thought it was open ended. The Jolly is a $50K vehicle The Eden Roc is probably North of that if you can find one.

Because I want one:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FFonFP7GBc0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Much cheaper than a 40 and a removable top!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485796705.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485798286.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485798286.jpg

Yup. They made 2 examples of the Eden Roc. One just sold at Gooding's auction for $660,000.

No Reserve: One-Owner 1991 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible 5-Speed | Bring a Trailer

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485801366.jpg

That's what I thought. I didn't think there were many but figured they were well above $100K.

If you can get by with a 2-door the Geo Tracker is hard to beat value wise.

What's the lowest priced 4-door Jeep Wrangler you can get into?

I'm afraid that if you go too old, all you will have is a island project waiting for you. Chasing faulty ground wire grounds, rotting hoses and belts..................etc.

Maybe some of these ATV alternates are a good idea after all.

I ended up with a Nissan Versa hatchback.
Can be found for $10K with very lo-miles used.
To be honest I have been commuting in one and it is pretty boring, but checks all your boxes, four door, back seat, auto trans, cheap to buy and maintain, plus get 40MPG.
Mine also has a pretty good stereo, electric window, bluetooth, cruise (stuff I need for a commuter, probably not necessary for you but nice goodies to have.)

The mini moke would fit the bill, except for the auto trans.
Its hard to find real quirk at the required price point and an auto.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_Moke

Or there is the Renault 2 CV, there is some cool quirk for you.

Cheers Richard

Owning a 2CV is on my bucket list.

Although I have fallen in love with these:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485893753.jpg

I have a frame off restored 1972 FJ40 and I wouldn't let it near salt water, or any water for that matter. It can rust with just a hint of rain in the forecast.

90s Jeep Cherokee.

Verdict is 19773 Jeepster. White with red interior and an auto trans. Seems to have had a 1990's restoration which was mostly cosmetic. Came in slightly under budget.

Definitely a 10 foot car but rust free and runs well enough to go a couple hundred miles a year. I'll need to find a top but that is not terribly important right now.

Fighting the urge to repaint it and replace the interior this winter as I'm project free and bored.

Thanks to all for some great suggestions.

Vin

Cool,
Any photos?

Another very practical choice.

Even better if you can hunt down that Jeep Cherokee pickup project somebody in the forum did.

Is this the body style:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485956430.jpg

Good choice vlocci.
Probably wouldn't find yourself parking next to one any time soon.
Solid practical vehicle. Parts will hopefully be easier to find that the European options.

Post some pics when you get a chance.

Fun sharing your quest.

Cheers Richard

Mini Cooper Moke.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485968358.jpg

Your needs are almost exactly the same as mine. I agree that Wranglers are a bit generic but they are fun and really do the job.

I've had three Jeep Wranglers over a period of 25 years and they never got more than 500 - 700 miles per year. Current one is a 1998 with 121,000 miles but has a 5-speed. I need a manual in order to teach my grandkids how to drive one!

Current Jeep:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485969027.jpg

Older version (sold in 2014):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1485969084.jpg

Got my vote