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Posted by: turboman808 Apr 13 2006, 10:47 PM

Kinda toying with the idea of getting something really cool to drive daily. I think front drive is probably best for me and it's got to be able to run thru the winter.

I was thinking an original mini of some sort. Any other rides I might look at or just a completely of the wall idea???

Posted by: Brad Roberts Apr 13 2006, 11:01 PM

How far do you travel daily?


B

Posted by: J P Stein Apr 13 2006, 11:04 PM

Original Minis are rust buckets .....but a good one is about twice the price of a good 914.

Posted by: turboman808 Apr 13 2006, 11:16 PM

Seems the really nice ones go for about 10-12 grand on ebay. Dam paided to much for the 914 then HAHA

I drive 45 miles or so.

The good thing is I live 2 blocks from very good mechanics and where I work there are tons of very skilled mechanics.

But yeah I am just toying with the idea.

Posted by: lapuwali Apr 13 2006, 11:16 PM

Original Minis are generally very LOUD. They have little to no sound insulation, and you usually have to rev the snot out of them to get any speed. If you have to travel any distance on the highway, pretty much forget it. With a 998 engine, they're barely good for 60mph. With a 1275, they'll do 70-80, but you need to install a gearbox with tall final drive gearing to get it to cruise decently at all. They require a good deal more day to day maintenance than a Honda, like greasing the suspension every 6000-7000 miles.

I had two, a '63 850 and a '64 998 (later engine). Neat cars, and if all you generally intend to drive on is surface streets, they can be great. They're unreasonably expensive for what they are these days. They rust badly, have little ground clearance, and ineffective heaters (when they have a heater at all, neither of mine did).

I've driven nothing but 25-40 year old cars daily for a number of years now. Someday, I'll have at least one of them restored to the point where it doesn't leak in the rain, and starts all the time, isn't loud, is nearly as fast as a current Hyundai, and doesn't need me to constantly fix yet another minor thing. It can get old.

I'd consider something Swedish, like a Volvo 122 or a P1800, or a SAAB 99 or a Sonnett, for regular NYC winter duty. The Volvos are rwd, though.

Maybe an early GTI or Scirocco.

80s Audi Quattro Coupe?

Posted by: gregrobbins Apr 13 2006, 11:23 PM

Have you given any thougt to a Karman Gia. Something inside me keeps wanting to find a clean Gia Cabroilet and install a type iv motor for grins.

There are a whole range of VWs to consider, but the 1500 is pretty unsusal. Easy to get parts and cheap to get worked on.

Posted by: turboman808 Apr 14 2006, 12:00 AM

Call me a wuss but I always feel safer in snow with front drive

So many cool cars on ebay though. But defeinetly not looking for a fixerupper.

The 510, Starlet, E30 and 2002 look kinda cool if I did go rwd

Also a citreon would be fun. I have a close friend who is a maserati mechanic so it wouldn't be completely out of the question.

Posted by: grantsfo Apr 14 2006, 12:03 AM

one word http://www.gomini.com

Posted by: theol00 Apr 14 2006, 12:16 AM

Grant - been there done that - I had a 1275 Cooper S - they are great on a smooth race track - major pain in the ass on normal roads with even the slightest uneven surfaces - I recommend highly against it - especially if you have to do HWY 17 everyday -

Posted by: Hammy Apr 14 2006, 12:20 AM

2002's are fuchin cool.

Posted by: szuccaro Apr 14 2006, 12:37 AM

One of my drivers is a 2002.

Posted by: Hammy Apr 14 2006, 12:45 AM

QUOTE(szuccaro @ Apr 13 2006, 11:37 PM)

One of my drivers is a 2002.

Posted by: neo914-6 Apr 14 2006, 01:58 AM

For the snow, try an early Audi Quattro or VW Thing...

Posted by: pfierb Apr 14 2006, 02:27 AM

I don't think a VW Thing would make it in a north east winter you would freeze to death in it. The 2002 sounds good but not sure about how they go in the snow/???? you don't want to spin out on the Whitestone Bridge.

Get a front driver

Posted by: michel richard Apr 14 2006, 02:55 AM

Early Scirocco, as was suggested, would be nice. Front Wheel Drive, fuel injected etc . . .

Posted by: Lou W Apr 14 2006, 05:36 AM

QUOTE(Hammy @ Apr 13 2006, 11:20 PM)

Posted by: blitZ Apr 14 2006, 07:12 AM

Older VW Cabriolet?

Posted by: Joe Sharp Apr 14 2006, 07:22 AM

Want a cool daily driver, do this. Good ones are about $20000.
:PERMAGRIN: Joe


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Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 14 2006, 07:28 AM

VW GTI - '86 or newer.

Fun, fun, fun & easay to tweak, if you're of a mind

Posted by: SGB Apr 14 2006, 07:30 AM

SAAB 900 turbo (85 or 86 is good).

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 07:32 AM

Volvo P1800S....if you want a unique classic that is absolutely bulletproof, go volvo!

inexpensive and easy/fun to work on

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 07:36 AM

QUOTE(gregrobbins @ Apr 13 2006, 10:23 PM)

Posted by: Marv's3.6six Apr 14 2006, 07:38 AM

Daily driver, I just sold my daily driver, a very loud modified Ford F150 lightning this week.

Not getting a classic, but a current production P car, yippee, (hint) its a pepper under pressure, if you know what I mean.

I am so stoked. I will start a thread when I get it home.

Posted by: terrymason Apr 14 2006, 08:00 AM

Anyone ever own / drive an opel GT? I've kicked around that idea for a while.

Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 14 2006, 08:13 AM

a 70-72 VW T-3 square back. throw some cheap snow tires on all 4 corners and it will work great in bad weather. enough room to haul a t-4 engine in the back too.

k

Posted by: tat2dphreak Apr 14 2006, 08:28 AM

old mustang? can be very reliable and not too $$$

ghias are going up in price... but they are gorgeous cars...

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 08:28 AM

I always liked Opel GTs, but never rode in one. Parts might be a concern?


what a great friday topic....classic car daily drivers. What else we got....anything british make the list? Does it have to have space?

Posted by: blitZ Apr 14 2006, 08:39 AM

QUOTE(rhodyguy @ Apr 14 2006, 10:13 AM)

Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 14 2006, 08:54 AM

this reminds me...i've got a lead on a 4-series non-wagon(i can never keep the 11, and 12 straight) w/a factory sunroof. need to call today. time to donate the 85 jetta to charity.

k

Posted by: rick 918-S Apr 14 2006, 09:08 AM

QUOTE(Hammy @ Apr 13 2006, 10:20 PM)

Posted by: lapuwali Apr 14 2006, 09:54 AM

If it's "safe" you want, you definitely need to forget the Mini. These things have zero crash protection. GoMini is a scam artist.

There's only one Citroen your Maserati mechanic could deal with, the SM, which is hugely complicated, and parts are hard to find and very expensive. A DS or ID would be a better choice. If you don't know how to spin wrenches yourself, though, these can get to be a problem. Very few people in the US know how to fix the complicated hydraulic systems on these cars.

Posted by: jsteele22 Apr 14 2006, 10:13 AM

I agree w/ the suggestion of a Saab 900 (pre-1993, i.e., not a Chevy). They''ve got a look that is like nothing else on the road and they handle great in the snow. The engines last forever - the only weak link is the tranny (pinion gear ?). But you can get a rebuilt one for under $1k, IIRC. And in general, Saab owners are little "differnt", a lot like 914 folks. Great online support/chat/etc. And one more huge factor in my book : the Bentley Manual kicks Haynes'

Posted by: KaptKaos Apr 14 2006, 10:23 AM

My rainy day car is a Jetta GLi 16V 2.0. Recaro seats, BBS wheels, great suspension, runs really well. Tons of trunk space and room for 5 in a pinch AND its front wheel drive.

Posted by: Dead Air Apr 14 2006, 10:23 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-AMC-Eagle-Kammback-4x4_W0QQitemZ4630743263QQcategoryZ5357QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


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Posted by: STL914 Apr 14 2006, 10:47 AM

QUOTE(drewvw @ Apr 14 2006, 05:32 AM)

Posted by: r_towle Apr 14 2006, 11:03 AM

Best bang for the buck...Audi Quattro.

Always undervalued, yet a monster in the snow...
And you can ice race with it.

rich

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 11:24 AM

QUOTE(STL914 @ Apr 14 2006, 09:47 AM)

QUOTE(drewvw @ Apr 14 2006, 05:32 AM)

Volvo P1800S....if you want a unique classic that is absolutely bulletproof, go volvo!

inexpensive and easy/fun to work on

One of my favorites. Hell, even Col. Samantha Carter on Stargate SG 1 drives one. If you need more room, the wagon version looks pretty sporty too.

I used to drive a 64 AH Sprite. Great driving Brit car, once you got it started! Cornered like a champ.
Identical in looks to the Midget.

Drew, has the Big Dig been completed yet? Spent some time out there while Bean Town was all torn up.

Posted by: ! Apr 14 2006, 11:32 AM

If you ARE in NY like your sig says and there is road salt on a long term basis....a Classic would be the last thing "I" would use on a daily driver during the winter months.....a Ricer front wheel drive beater with a stick would be my choice.

"My daily driver" is an 83 911 Cabriolet. When I bought it, it had 40K miles and now 85 and change.....I've upgraded the engine, trans, suspension and backdated the body panels to look like an early RS model. Before that was my 70, 914/6 with a 3.0......six years everyday to work.

Posted by: turboman808 Apr 14 2006, 11:38 AM

QUOTE(Dead Air @ Apr 14 2006, 08:23 AM)

Posted by: Brian Mifsud Apr 14 2006, 11:55 AM

I have the perfect car for you.. both Front Wheel Drive, and Classic.. and Cheaper than a Mini..

1970 Honda 600 (as in 600cc vertical twin 2 stroke motorcyle engine-powered "runabout").




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Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 14 2006, 12:00 PM

the 510s are cool cars but they're just a bad a ruster as the 914. maybe worse.

k

Posted by: obscurity Apr 14 2006, 12:02 PM

QUOTE(turboman808 @ Apr 14 2006, 02:00 AM)

Posted by: elwood-914 Apr 14 2006, 12:09 PM

[quote name='drewvw' date='Apr 14 2006, 06:28 AM' post='658365']
I always liked Opel GTs, but never rode in one. Parts might be a concern?


I had one in High School. Parts were a bitch to get back then and no one really made any after market stuff or it. Some guy did come in with a fuel injected V-6 once. The stock muffler set up was a pain, supported by rubber donuts.....which cracked and fell apart due to the heat........bouncing muffler always hitting the underside or the street.......wish I still had it though

Oh mine had many electrical problems and fires also........great first car!!

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 12:23 PM

QUOTE(Brian Mifsud @ Apr 14 2006, 10:55 AM)

Posted by: bondo Apr 14 2006, 12:29 PM

I've got an Opel GT, which I'm slowly converting to electric. They're fun cars, but there are some tricks.

Late ones are better, I think 72 and up.. The early ones have weaker rear wheel bearings and last I checked the early bearings were not available. I ended up getting a late rear end and transplanting because it's gonna weigh around 3000 lbs with batteries. Late ones also have pop-out opening rear windows, which is kinda nice.

The u-joints are insterted into the driveline at the factory and are locked in with some kind of incjected plastic. I took mine to a driveline shop and they said "uh, sorry.. can't fix that". They eventually found me a good used driveline. When the used ones dry up, custom will probably be the only option.

There's a rubber donut that supports the shaft inside the torque tube.. hard to get to, and when they fail they make a terrible racket.

The main parts sources I know of are Opels Unlimited (they recently had a WCC-like event for opels) and Opel GT Source. There is also a classicopels yahoo group.

That said, I don't think I'd reccomend using one as a daily driver... despite the fact that I intend to use my electric one as shared daily driver use. (all of my cars are daily drivers, or will be someday, except the van)

Have you considered datsun Z cars? Cheap and plentiful, yet fun.

Posted by: jasons Apr 14 2006, 12:43 PM

I'd get an old Bronco, Scout, or Landcruiser. You can go to Home Depot with them, drive in the snow, and they are classic.

Of course, gas is another story. My Scout gets about 9 MPG, but theres always megasquirt.

Posted by: drewvw Apr 14 2006, 12:50 PM

or along those lines...one of those old school aluminum bodied land rovers. Love those things.

Z cars are a great option too. We have a non-operational 71 240Z sitting in the garage that my dad bought new. Its only non-operational because it got hit by a Frito Lay Truck (loooong story).

I grew up riding in the car. Still runs and the only thing that ever gave us trouble was the tranny. Fun engine...

Posted by: Leo Imperial Apr 14 2006, 01:12 PM

86 - 88 VW syncro wagen

Posted by: TROJANMAN Apr 14 2006, 01:14 PM

El CaMINO........

Posted by: anthony Apr 14 2006, 01:38 PM

I guess it depends on how classic you want to go. As much as I love BMW 2002s I think you'd kill one in short order with northeast winter driving. For a BMW, an '84 to '91 2nd generation 3 series would be much more reliable if you could find a clean one. They are also cheap. A clean one usually goes for no more than $4K. Most often they are selling for $2-3K.

Posted by: Rand Apr 14 2006, 02:40 PM

QUOTE(turboman808 @ Apr 14 2006, 10:38 AM)

I'm kinda leaning towards a 510 or a 2002 though. 510 is probably gonna be cheaper to work on. This one is kinda sparked my interest

Posted by: hollandhill Apr 14 2006, 05:48 PM

eVER THOUGHT ABOUT A 944?? A non turbo can be had for less then 10 g's. Lots of carring space, good support and fun to drive.

Posted by: echocanyons Apr 14 2006, 06:13 PM

How about a SAAB sonnet, they are quirky like the 914 and underpriced, usually if you can find one.

Never driven one though.

Posted by: STL914 Apr 14 2006, 07:06 PM

Here's a BMW most of you should recognize. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, easy to park
and all the hot chicks will drool over it and you:










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Posted by: Andyrew Apr 14 2006, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(hollandhill @ Apr 14 2006, 04:48 PM)

Posted by: grantsfo Apr 14 2006, 08:14 PM

I have been looking for the perfect 3.0 CSL or perhaps this version of the 3.0. I have always thought that the 3.0 CSL is the best looking BWM sedan ever made. Its amazing that they can still be found for relatively affordable prices.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 14 2006, 08:23 PM

Of course, there is always the VW Bug. Its a classic now, it rocks in the snow, get great milage, and everyone knows how to fix them.

Other then that, the 240Z was my dream car back when I was young. And the 510 and 2002 are both cars that I considered before I bought my 914. When I see a nice 2002 I still have doubts that I made the right purchase....

Zach

Posted by: Seagrave Apr 14 2006, 08:32 PM

I'd also vote for the BMW630 coupe. A very esthetically pleasing design. On the other end of the beauty spectrum but high on the cool factor (and likely much less expensive) you could go with the Volvo 544 or 122S.

Posted by: Brian Mifsud Apr 14 2006, 08:36 PM

QUOTE(STL914 @ Apr 14 2006, 06:06 PM)

Posted by: Air_Cooled_Nut Apr 15 2006, 04:20 PM

QUOTE(! @ Apr 14 2006, 09:32 AM)

Posted by: Air_Cooled_Nut Apr 15 2006, 04:28 PM

I agree with previous remarks about getting an air-cooled VW. Though I'm partial to the the Type 3, the Type 1's (Bug, Ghia) would be a good snow car as well. Dime-a-dozen for parts if you stick to the more common years -- which you should if you plan on using the car on salted winter roads The rear engine, rear wheel drive makes the car a GREAT snow/ice car. I'll take my Squareback (Type 3) over my '95 Jetta any day of the snowy/icy week and twice on Sunday I've taken closed roads that required traction devices in my baby with street tires. But I am also an experienced snow/ice driver which does make a difference, as I'm sure you know.

As for the Type 4 (411/412 VW's)...yeah, they are spacious inside (and butt-ugly outside) but finding parts for them is a bee-yotch and a half! Stick to the 'common' VW if you go that route and shy away from the T4. Unless you find a beater and don't really care about it.

I don't know. A 'classic' car in the salty snow isn't a good idea on many levels.

Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 15 2006, 04:40 PM

I maintain my vote for a good GTI. Drive it somewhat sanely during the week & do this on the weekends!

Posted by: Pat Garvey Apr 15 2006, 04:46 PM

I maintain my vote for a good GTI. Drive it somewhat sanely during the week & do this on the weekends!

Posted by: Rand Apr 15 2006, 04:48 PM

This whole thread has been interesting.

Boiling it down....

To me, "classic" and "cool" and "front-wheel-drive" do no go together.

Maybe someone could cite an example of one that I haven't heard of??

Many suggestions have been made (myself included) for cars that are not front-wheel drive.

This is a 914 forum. If a non-front-wheel-drive car is an acceptable suggestion, then I would suggest a 914 built to handle the conditions.

Since when is a Mini, or a Ghia, or a 2002, or a Thing, or an Opel, or an old Mustang, or a VW wagon, or a 240Z, or an El-Camino, or a yada yada yada better than a 914 that has been well-built??????

Ok, I'm spouting BS out of line now.... but.... Drive a non-classic during the winter-snow-ice-crappy-weather-season, and drive the classic of your choice when weather permits!

Posted by: turboman808 Apr 15 2006, 07:08 PM

Hey just so happens I got to take a test drive of a 1972 volvo 144 today. Pretty solid car but the steering was a bit wishy washy. Some sporty seats and steering wheel and it would be more fun. Pretty good acceleration and a fresh motor.

One thing I wonder about though... why does every old car have a god awful smell inside?

Just riding my bike and came across these 2 guys with all these old cars. 4 volvos 2 mbs 1 austin healy. And yeah talked to them a bit and suddenly found myself driving there volvo.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 15 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(turboman808 @ Apr 15 2006, 06:08 PM)

Posted by: turboman808 Apr 15 2006, 08:12 PM

QUOTE(Aaron Cox @ Apr 15 2006, 05:14 PM)

Posted by: drewvw Apr 15 2006, 08:17 PM

Old volvos are the WAY to go for an classic daily driver. A nice 142 with a 4 speed would treat you real nice....

Posted by: bondo Apr 15 2006, 08:19 PM

QUOTE(Rand @ Apr 15 2006, 03:48 PM)

Posted by: Aaron Cox Apr 15 2006, 08:23 PM

BMW 2002

Lotus Cortina ?

Posted by: drewvw Apr 15 2006, 08:50 PM

debate over:


'64 Impala Convertible with dubs, hydrolics, and some subs.


Living in queens, you NEED to be rolling in your six fo', with all the biatches sayin'.....

Posted by: TROJANMAN Apr 15 2006, 09:08 PM

THe ultimate claasic daily driver.....drum roll please............

BMW E28 M5

Posted by: Dead Air Apr 16 2006, 07:59 AM

QUOTE(bondo @ Apr 15 2006, 06:19 PM)

QUOTE(Rand @ Apr 15 2006, 03:48 PM)

To me, "classic" and "cool" and "front-wheel-drive" do no go together.

Maybe someone could cite an example of one that I haven't heard of??

Mini Cooper?

Posted by: anthony Apr 16 2006, 12:53 PM

How about a 911? Maybe an SC or Carrera? They are supposed to make great winter cars when equiped with snow tires for the winter.

Posted by: richardmosselman Apr 16 2006, 09:19 PM

Had a fine Volvo 142S for a few years in Northern Manitoba. Best winter car I ever had -and man could it drift! Just toss it it into a snow covered corner and hang tail! Nice firm seats,good heat and sounded swell. Also had a 164-cool car with Jag like interior and a straight six with fuel injection;bit wishy-washy in the corners but had great brakes and VERY comfy leather seats;bit hard on gas tho'. We've got a vintage 'Benz Turbo-Diesel Wagon now ('85). Young people think it's retro-cool,we don't know any better,have had it 13 years and seems like it will run forever; good heat and bun warmers too! Unfortunately the turbo isn't any good in the snow-just spins the wheels when it kicks in-lucky for us we don't get snow here very often.
Cheers,Richard

Posted by: Eddie914 Apr 16 2006, 11:30 PM

Trojanman,

1988 BMW M5 ... any color you like ... as long as it's black.

I agree!

I'm on my second. This one only has 300K on the original engine.

Fabulous engine

Great interior

Posted by: racerx7 Apr 17 2006, 02:25 AM

In the order that I like them, bmw 2002, 240z, vw ghia, 510.

or if you need 4wd for the snow get a uni-mog:)

Posted by: drewvw Apr 17 2006, 07:14 AM

QUOTE(richardmosselman @ Apr 16 2006, 08:19 PM)

Posted by: dflesburg Apr 17 2006, 08:16 AM

cool rims on the unimog!!! What is wrong with people? I vote for manditory drug testing.

my daily driver is a 2003 Mustang Cobra Convertable in nice weather and a F150 in crappy weather.

Posted by: brokenmoped Apr 17 2006, 11:48 PM

E30 E30 E30 E30 M3!!!! One of my favorite cars of all time.

Posted by: vesnyder Apr 18 2006, 05:53 AM

Only one of you pointed out the best "classic" - classic lines, good in the snow, reliable, easy to work on, and should appreciate desipte being a daily driver - a mid year 911? Either an SC or Carrera from the 80's. A good one can be had for ~$15k. Been considering this for a while. Even has four seats for the occasional "kid" run. You can see I already started the rationalization?? Good luck!

Posted by: jd74914 Apr 18 2006, 09:40 AM

I'm gonna get flamed fo this, but I say you should go for a 64 F100 with 4WD and 4 speed on the floor. I'd go anywhere. But, bugs are also pretty good options, cheap and tanks in snow.

Posted by: tod914 Apr 18 2006, 10:14 AM

Had a Corrado back in 1990. Fun car... not sure how classic that is but certianly practical and sporty. Any of the older cars Rustangs,Alfa's, Z's, etc, are going to be very prone to rust, especially with winter driving. Old Ford Broncos and International Scouts are rather neat.