What would be the best 60/70/80's car to use as a daily driver?

[Guest Lucas Esc]

Attending to requests, I shortened a lot the text. Too much useless info.

   

   I'm 20 years old brazilian and, if everything keeps going as planned, in about 2 years I'll import a car from US.

   What I want is a somewhat light car with a reasonbly nice engine and a cool look. What I need is a car that is easy to mantain and that is a least a bit fuel efficient. Bonus points if the car is under 10k. Obviously concessions can be made on anything.

   I don't have any mechanical skills, but I plan on doing a course as soon as I finish college (in about one year) and I plan of doing most of the work on the car on my own.

   As I live in a tropical area, I don't have to worry with snow and rain. The trafic is pretty good and the roads are not bad at all, so above average safety is not really important. The only problem is that we don't have many older cars around here and, the few that we do have are either pieces of crap or ridiculously overpriced. So I decided to import a nice car by myself. 

   Due to our laws, we can only import cars that are at least 30 years old, so the car has to be at most from 1987 (considering that I'll buy it in 2 years).

   I was thinking of a Datsun 240z or, maybe, an Impala, but I don't know how easy it would be to import the necessary parts that WILL be needed for repairs sooner or later. Are they easy to find in the US?

   So, what is your opinion? Any personal favorite that I should take a look or just a nice car that would not be a bad idea?

 

_________________________________________

 

TL;DR

 

About me: I'm a brazilian 20 yo who, in 2 years, will import a 70's car because here we don't have anything nice for a reasonable price.

 

What I want/need in the car:

-Somewhat small and light;

-Good engine that won't let me down easily;

-Something in the lines of 200 to 250 HP;

-Fuel efficient (as long as those cars go);

-Easy to find parts;

-Easy to work on;

-Bonus points if it's under 10k, but not mandatory.

 

   Thanks to everyone who took their time to read this post and an even bigger thanks to everyone who will eventually answer this!

Edited June 17, 2015 by Lucas Esc (see edit history)

[60FlatTop]

Ante up another $1500 and you get a little more HP.

Not many of these unmolested and owned by a 67 year old.

Bernie

 

[Guest]

The Datsun Z or the Impala are not muscle cars. My choice because of where you live and even though it's not a fast car would be a SP2.

[Rusty_OToole]

The Datsun would be a good choice if you can find one that isn't beaten to death.

 

On the whole, you would be better off to buy a car on the local market. You can examine them yourself, you won't have to pay a lot of shipping fees and taxes, and you will have a car you can get parts and repairs for locally.

 

I don't know what kind of cars they have in Brazil but there must be some you would like?

[Guest AlCapone]

The Datsun would be a good choice if you can find one that isn't beaten to death.

 

On the whole, you would be better off to buy a car on the local market. You can examine them yourself, you won't have to pay a lot of shipping fees and taxes, and you will have a car you can get parts and repairs for locally.

 

I don't know what kind of cars they have in Brazil but there must be some you would like?

I totally agree with Rusty.

Wayne

P.s. Future posts without the drama would likely attract a larger audience !

[R Walling]

 I would think that the best car to import ,is the most popular car that is used in Brazil now, or several years ago.

 That way you will have parts available for repairs and mechanics that know how to fix them.

[Guest Lucas Esc]

My choice because of where you live and even though it's not a fast car would be a SP2.

The SP2 is good looking, but 75HP is not even close to what I'm aiming at. Although it would be an excelent candidate for a future project car involving an engine swap.

 

The Datsun would be a good choice if you can find one that isn't beaten to death.

 

On the whole, you would be better off to buy a car on the local market. You can examine them yourself, you won't have to pay a lot of shipping fees and taxes, and you will have a car you can get parts and repairs for locally.

 

I don't know what kind of cars they have in Brazil but there must be some you would like?

Are the Datsun's parts hard to find? If not he's still the number one in my list. It would indeed be easier to buy a car here. The problem is that the cars we have here are not that great. They usually have some major flaws and, for many of them, I'd have to get parts from ebay anyway. Many of them would be awesome project cars, though.

 

I totally agree with Rusty.

Wayne

P.s. Future posts without the drama would likely attract a larger audience !

Thanks for the tip, already edited most of the drama out of it!

[Rusty_OToole]

I have no idea how hard Datsun 240Z parts are to get in Brazil. is there a Nissan (Datsun) dealer near you? Did they sell 240Z when they were new? If so, you should be able to get repairs now.

 

If the only thing you don't like about the SP2 is the power, that is easy to fix. VW specialists can rebuild the engine for 200HP or more. There must be such specialists in Brazil, if not you could get an engine from GEX in the US. Or order the parts and have a local VW racing mechanic do the rebuild.

 

http://www.gex.com/content/index.htm

[Guest AlCapone]

Congratulations, your edits post is far more acceptable ! Wayne

[Guest]

The SP2 is good looking, but 75HP is not even close to what I'm aiming at. Although it would be an excelent candidate for a future project car involving an engine swap.

 

Are the Datsun's parts hard to find? If not he's still the number one in my list. It would indeed be easier to buy a car here. The problem is that the cars we have here are not that great. They usually have some major flaws and, for many of them, I'd have to get parts from ebay anyway. Many of them would be awesome project cars, though.

 

Thanks for the tip, already edited most of the drama out of it!

In that case a SP2 with a 911 engine. Problem solved.

[padgett]

1986-87 Fiero GT with either five speed or automatic. 140 hp Chevrolet 2.8 V6, Chevette running gear, cult status (parts are available). 22-26 mpg. AC common. Under $10k for a nice loaded one.

[Lawteachr]

Any Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge with a 225 slant six.

[Buffalowed Bill]

I owned a 240Z for about 14 years, from 1979-1993. I refurbished the car for my X-wife to drive. I enjoyed driving it too, when I could get it away from her. The car was durable, fast for it's time (120+ MPH) agile, and economical. It is a unibody car and rust is definitely something to consider, especially since you live in the tropics. They do rust, even in my area where structural rust is usually not an issue. Also cabin temperature is an issue because the small quarter windows do not open, the vent system is sorely inadequate. Try and get one from the west coast, and make sure that you get the car's history. Get the best one that you can and you will probably love it, as I did. In fact this thread has gotten me to thinking about getting another one!      

[JamesBulldogMiller55Buick]

Any Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge with a 225 slant six.

Agreed

easy to work on 

and

very dependable

Decent power and yet, easy on the fuel

[padgett]

For a slant six you want a Plymouth Valiant (I like the fake spare tire missing on the Dodge) with the 225 cid Hyper-Pak and long runner intake.

[cahartley]

Ditto on the slant 6......OR Chevy 235 6.

I bought a '62 Plymouth Belvedere with the push button automatic from my grandpa when I was in my early 20's.

I drove it to my job which was 27 miles away.

That poor old thing burned a quart of oil every 100 miles but it NEVER skipped a beat or failed to start....... 

I've often thought I'd like to have another one but they are next to unobtainium...........the closest I've found are a few Savoys which would be very close.

Edited June 22, 2015 by cahartley (see edit history)

[Hudsy Wudsy]

I endorse the slant six Mopar thoughts, but if you would like something more unusual, you might Google "Volvo Bertone". I don't recommend the six cylinder engines, but the four cylinder ones are very long lasting engines. Some of these come with turbos, as well. These are classy looking two door versions of Volvo's iconic and beloved 242 series with styling touches by the Italian firm Bertone. Lowered roof line and leather interiors dress up one of the worlds most respected daily drivers. Replacement parts will likely cost more than American cars, but there bullet proof dependability and legendary life expectancy will offset that, I'm sure. The two that are currently offered on ebay at the moment are well under your ceiling of $10,000.

From Google Images:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current ebay listings:

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC0.A0.H0.Xvolvo+bertone.TRS0&_nkw=volvo+bertone&_sacat=0

Edited June 22, 2015 by Hudsy Wudsy (see edit history)

[mrspeedyt]

i must suggest a good air cooled volkswagen bug. they are not the best but they are popular and have value.

[Rusty_OToole]

Did any of you read the original post?

 

I stand by my suggestion of an SP2 with hopped up engine as being the best, most economical, most practical answer.

[Steve_Mack_CT]

I am surprised no one else has suggested a fox chassis Mustang or Capri with the typical ford v8, seems to meet the requirements of the OP. Maybe very common in the US but could be unusual in Brazil. I wonder if AACA has any presence there.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

Did any of you read the original post?

 

I stand by my suggestion of an SP2 with hopped up engine as being the best, most economical, most practical answer.

Yes, I read his post and believed him when he stated that he wanted to import a car. I think he made it clear he wasn't interested in anything native to the Brazilian market, which the SP2 most certainly is. Also, Datsun 240 cars had a remarkably short life up here in the rust belt. Rust made them collapse from the floor outward. As a result it I've seen them look fairly good from a distance with apparently sound rocker panels, but the seats ready to fall to the ground.  haven't seen one in years. I advise extreme caution if anyone were to ever buy one online. I think an independent third party inspection is almost mandatory.

Edited June 22, 2015 by Hudsy Wudsy (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

Or a good reason to buy a car locally he can inspect for himself. If the OP would give us some feedback it might help.

[rhb1999]

Ante up another $1500 and you get a little more HP.

Not many of these unmolested and owned by a 67 year old.

Bernie

The car pictured is from the '90's, a 1994-96 Impala SS, that came with the Chevrolet 350 cu.in. LT1, only with cast iron heads instead of aluminum, and I think a different cam profile. 300?hp/330?torque 10 bolt posi. etc.

[Guest exbcmc]

69 dart, slant 6, run forever. I was thinking Olds Cutlas, 350 engine, parts galore.

[Guest Lucas Esc]

Sorry for the long time between replies, it's been a complete mayhem at work for the last couple weeks. Anyway thanks for all the answers guys! 

1986-87 Fiero GT with either five speed or automatic. 140 hp Chevrolet 2.8 V6, Chevette running gear, cult status (parts are available). 22-26 mpg. AC common. Under $10k for a nice loaded one.

 

This one sounds really nice. Nice prices, parts available and a decent power to mpg ratio, totally worth checking it out! Thanks!

I owned a 240Z for about 14 years, from 1979-1993. I refurbished the car for my X-wife to drive. I enjoyed driving it too, when I could get it away from her. The car was durable, fast for it's time (120+ MPH) agile, and economical. It is a unibody car and rust is definitely something to consider, especially since you live in the tropics. They do rust, even in my area where structural rust is usually not an issue. Also cabin temperature is an issue because the small quarter windows do not open, the vent system is sorely inadequate. Try and get one from the west coast, and make sure that you get the car's history. Get the best one that you can and you will probably love it, as I did. In fact this thread has gotten me to thinking about getting another one!      

Yeah, I saw that it has some rusting problems. But fortunately there are some treatments for it, as long as it's nothing way too big it can be dealt with.

 

I endorse the slant six Mopar thoughts, but if you would like something more unusual, you might Google "Volvo Bertone". I don't recommend the six cylinder engines, but the four cylinder ones are very long lasting engines. Some of these come with turbos, as well. These are classy looking two door versions of Volvo's iconic and beloved 242 series with styling touches by the Italian firm Bertone. Lowered roof line and leather interiors dress up one of the worlds most respected daily drivers. Replacement parts will likely cost more than American cars, but there bullet proof dependability and legendary life expectancy will offset that, I'm sure. The two that are currently offered on ebay at the moment are well under your ceiling of $10,000.

From Google Images:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current ebay listings:

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC0.A0.H0.Xvolvo+bertone.TRS0&_nkw=volvo+bertone&_sacat=0

 

That's also a really good sugestion! I never heard of this car before. Thanks a lot!

Did any of you read the original post?

 

I stand by my suggestion of an SP2 with hopped up engine as being the best, most economical, most practical answer.

An SP2 in a reasonable condition here would cost around 30k (already converted to dollars). That's a lot of money for a car that's not that worthy. It gained the classic status, so it's price went up really fast.

 

I am surprised no one else has suggested a fox chassis Mustang or Capri with the typical ford v8, seems to meet the requirements of the OP. Maybe very common in the US but could be unusual in Brazil. I wonder if AACA has any presence there.

I actually thought a lot about the Mustang (and a little about the Capri), and they are my go to cars if I ever have any problem deciding.

 

69 dart, slant 6, run forever. I was thinking Olds Cutlas, 350 engine, parts galore.

The dart sounds awesome. I'll probbly give it a try!

[mercer09]

The 240z was an exlnt suggestion and choice. Easy to maintain and the values keep rising.

Also not the hardest car to get parts for.

 

A virtual chick magnet.............................................................