Just saw that Mazda is coming out with a 35th anniversary, special edition Miata. It got me thinking. What cars from the 80's and 90's would you like to have as a toy/project? Something to put braces on your mechanic's kids.
Saab 900 convertible.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2025, 10:10:21 AMJust saw that Mazda is coming out with a 35th anniversary, special edition Miata. It got me thinking. What cars from the 80's and 90's would you like to have as a toy/project? Something to put braces on your mechanic's kids.
Saab 900 convertible.
AMC Eagle
Yugo.
Just sold about a dozen cars over the last 4 years including a '36 Chevy, a '49 Cadillac and a '57 Ford. And the most valuable one? A '74 Honda.
Big, heavy, clumsy and pretty ugly compared to today's cars. Except for the Honda.
Quote from: Jockey on January 25, 2025, 10:26:55 AMJust sold about a dozen cars over the last 4 years including a '36 Chevy, a '49 Cadillac and a '57 Ford. And the most valuable one? A '74 Honda.
Big, heavy, clumsy and pretty ugly compared to today's cars. Except for the Honda.
I do want an AMC Eagle. Was my first car but the one I had was haunted. That's a fact, so it wasn't very reliable but kind of the first crossover
1969 GTO
More recent early 2000s BMW M3s
Quote from: Shaka Shart on January 25, 2025, 11:35:18 AM1969 GTO
More recent early 2000s BMW M3s
That was a sweet car.
I have a lipstick-red 2007 Miata that has 30K miles on it.
The valets in Las Vegas love it, and often park it up front with the expensive cars. They know that any d-bag with a lot of money can buy a new Maserati, but they know it takes effort to keep a 20-year-old car in great condition in a hot dry place like Nevada.
The 1974 Plymouth Scamp I inherited from my grandmother. When the windows rolled down it was wide open on the side as there was no bar between front and back.
It finally just rusted out on the bottom.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on January 25, 2025, 11:35:18 AMMore recent early 2000s BMW M3s
That was what I thought of too, wasn't sure if it was old enough to qualify ;D BMW has made a lot of pretty cars, but the grill/front end on that car just speaks to me.
Quote from: Jockey on January 25, 2025, 10:26:55 AMBig, heavy, clumsy and pretty ugly compared to today's cars. Except for the Honda.
I'm always kind of perplexed when people have these older cars as daily/regular drivers. I have a friend who has a 60/70s Bronco in good condition that he drives almost every day in the spring/summer. I have a business friend who has a 80s Waggoner that is similar. The seats aren't comfortable, they don't drive smooth, and definitely clunky. It's a markedly worse experience than even a mid range newer SUV.
I get collecting for nostalgia or additional cars for a fun drive. Not my taste but I get why people love/keep old muscle cars. But not for everyday unless you've completely redone the interior.
Amusingly, family friend has an IMMACULATE early 80s 911, low mileage, that is worth probably around the price of a starter house. He also has a pretty basic lower end few year old Cayman. Ask him which is the nicer, more pleasant drive, he'd take the Cayman every time. Technology and modern car manufacturing is an amazing thing
I had a Toyota supra at Marquette, white, May still be my favorite. Loved the 560 sec Benz. And old school is the 1967 Ford mustang Shelby fast back. Probably my lottery win car.
I have always loved the styling of the Karman Ghia. There is one locally that is probably available if anyone here wants one in pretty good condition. DM me if that is what you really want and I'll give you contact info.
(https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/suspiciousvan_9.jpg)
I don't know that it was my "favorite," but in 1993, I bought a 1981 Honda Civic for $350.
My kids called it The Chariot, and it was amazingly clean inside, but it was so rusty that my wife wouldn't let the kids ride in it.
I ended up selling it after four months for $400. I hadn't put a penny into it, so I basically was paid $50 to drive it for four months.
65 Mustang convertible
Quote from: JWags85 on January 25, 2025, 01:30:05 PMI'm always kind of perplexed when people have these older cars as daily/regular drivers. I have a friend who has a 60/70s Bronco in good condition that he drives almost every day in the spring/summer. I have a business friend who has a 80s Waggoner that is similar. The seats aren't comfortable, they don't drive smooth, and definitely clunky. It's a markedly worse experience than even a mid range newer SUV.
That's why we sold them all. They were cars my FiL collected randomly over the years. 16 or 17 of them including an old motor home and a couple bikes. No one in the family wanted to take them to either fix or drive. The '49 caddy was especially a monster, absolutely huge. The exceptions were a '67 Mustang and a 24 Model T that was kind of like an heirloom.
the funny thing is that people would try really hard to bargain over the price of the vehicle, but had no qualms over getting it shipped to them. We had a showroom floor '82 Ford Escort with 65 miles on it. When the truck came for it, it was loaded with all $100,000+ cars (the Escort sold for $9K).
Quote from: JWags85 on January 25, 2025, 01:30:05 PMThat was what I thought of too, wasn't sure if it was old enough to qualify ;D BMW has made a lot of pretty cars, but the grill/front end on that car just speaks to me.
I'm always kind of perplexed when people have these older cars as daily/regular drivers. I have a friend who has a 60/70s Bronco in good condition that he drives almost every day in the spring/summer. I have a business friend who has a 80s Waggoner that is similar. The seats aren't comfortable, they don't drive smooth, and definitely clunky. It's a markedly worse experience than even a mid range newer SUV.
I get collecting for nostalgia or additional cars for a fun drive. Not my taste but I get why people love/keep old muscle cars. But not for everyday unless you've completely redone the interior.
Amusingly, family friend has an IMMACULATE early 80s 911, low mileage, that is worth probably around the price of a starter house. He also has a pretty basic lower end few year old Cayman. Ask him which is the nicer, more pleasant drive, he'd take the Cayman every time. Technology and modern car manufacturing is an amazing thing
In terms of cars that are perfect from front to back, inside and out. The M3's longevity being like this is insane on how good it is. I don't like the way new BMWs look but even then they are still way better looking than the standard models.
It's also why their value doesn't drop.
The 90s 911s come to mind as well
My uncle has a 1969 Karmann Ghia convertible. I'm not a car person but it is a pretty cool ride.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2025, 10:10:21 AMJust saw that Mazda is coming out with a 35th anniversary, special edition Miata. It got me thinking. What cars from the 80's and 90's would you like to have as a toy/project? Something to put braces on your mechanic's kids.
Saab 900 convertible.
My 19 yo son has a 90 Miata.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2025, 10:10:21 AMJust saw that Mazda is coming out with a 35th anniversary, special edition Miata. It got me thinking. What cars from the 80's and 90's would you like to have as a toy/project? Something to put braces on your mechanic's kids.
Saab 900 convertible.
Good memory, my grandfather only drove Saab 900s when I was growing up.
Late 80s Porsche 911 Carrera with the big ole whale tail
Being made in Kenosha myself, I am partial to a 1969 AMX or Javelin with a big skunk stripe down the middle.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on January 25, 2025, 11:35:18 AM1969 GTO
Quote from: MU1in77 on January 25, 2025, 05:53:07 PM65 Mustang convertible
I suspect that there is a reason that the OP was asking about cars from the 80s and 90s. That substantially increases the level of difficulty. Anyone can come up with a car from the 60s that they love, but from the 80s and 90s? That's a lot tougher.
If I had to pick one, I guess I could agree with some of those who have answered the Saab 900. My dad had one of those ('83, I think) and I really liked driving it.
The first versions of the BMW Z-3 was pretty cool, came out in the late '90's; had a removable hardtop and/or a ragtop, really sporty drive, great handling and pickup.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on January 27, 2025, 08:32:07 AMI suspect that there is a reason that the OP was asking about cars from the 80s and 90s. That substantially increases the level of difficulty. Anyone can come up with a car from the 60s that they love, but from the 80s and 90s? That's a lot tougher.
If I had to pick one, I guess I could agree with some of those who have answered the Saab 900. My dad had one of those ('83, I think) and I really liked driving it.
I was referencing the the time frame of the first Miata, so, yes.
My wife drove an '89 Buick Regal v6. Finally died after 180000 miles.
Nice little coupe. With my Dad's GM discount, we got it new for under 8k.
Honda Civic del sol.
WRX Hatchback
Just for laughs, Dodge Omni GLH.
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2025, 09:01:47 AMI was referencing the the time frame of the first Miata, so, yes.
The Miata's design was a breath of fresh air. Many American cars were so boring, and the 80's is when GM pretty much committed suicide by coming out with models indistinguishable from each other. Chevy, Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobiles were all the same vehicle at a certain price point, with the name tags being the only difference. Manufacturing efficiency reigned supreme, but Marketing was nowhere to be seen.
Like muwarriors69, my father worked for GM-Electromotive Division- and we got a nice discount. No Fords or Chryslers in our garage. Over time my siblings and I left the GM fold and bought Japanese cars. I recently sold my 2003 Highlander that we kept around for a backup vehicle. It had 290.000 miles on it. The engine was never opened up, the trans was original but damn it! It was leaking oil.
Late 90s corvette is delightfully insane
Quote from: Shaka Shart on January 27, 2025, 02:39:55 PMLate 90s corvette is delightfully insane
I'm no big fan of Corvettes (save for 70s Stingrays), but I do appreciate the 90s styling before they started aggressively biting off Ferrari aesthetics IMO, especially the C7 and C8 generations
Quote from: JWags85 on January 27, 2025, 03:16:09 PMI'm no big fan of Corvettes (save for 70s Stingrays), but I do appreciate the 90s styling before they started aggressively biting off Ferrari aesthetics IMO, especially the C7 and C8 generations
The 1963 Corvette split-window coupe is the coolest American car ever made.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/ibimg/hgm/1920x1080-1/100/847/1963-chevrolet-corvette-split-window-coupe-photo-via-mecum-auctions_100847503.jpg
'78 Datsun 280z
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6hS-lpHNvNk/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLA5TyQxevXmPE3pfLWXbZrmLdIl6A)
Miata Is Always The Answer.
I loved the car Speed Racer drove.
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2025, 09:19:54 AMHonda Civic del sol.
WRX Hatchback
Just for laughs, Dodge Omni GLH.
I know someone with a turbo Omni... it is brown. Fastest turd you've ever seen!
Anyway, I'm choosing a 1988 Mazda RX-7 Turbo... since we are limited by 80s and 90s cars.
Otherwise, I'm a big fan of 1970 Chevelle SS 454s, and the above listed 78 Datsun 280z.
Quote from: Chili on January 27, 2025, 04:07:14 PM'78 Datsun 280z
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6hS-lpHNvNk/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLA5TyQxevXmPE3pfLWXbZrmLdIl6A)
My wife had one of these when we first met. My family accused me of marrying her for her car. It was silver and a ton of fun to drive, especially with the T top inserts removed.
My dad brought home a band-aid colored Monza 2+2 at one point in the late 70s. My goodness that car was an ugly POS. Definitively, not a favorite old car.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on January 29, 2025, 03:41:33 PMMy dad brought home a band-aid colored Monza 2+2 at one point in the late 70s. My goodness that car was an ugly POS. Definitively, not a favorite old car.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Enough about favorite cars. Let's hijack this thread and talk about POS cars. Thread hijacking is a time-honored scoop tradition.
My stepdaughter had a mid 80's VW Cabriolet and asked my wife and I to drive it occasionally while she was in San Francisco for an extended period of time. The idea was to not let it sit for too long. So, the first time we drove it was on a long trip from Richmond to Virginia Beach and I was behind the wheel. I absolutely HATED that car!
Worst POS I ever drove. The handling was just awful, and the engine performance was also bad. Also, it was butt ugly. I insisted that my wife drive that POS on our return to Richmond.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on January 29, 2025, 01:29:52 PMOtherwise, I'm a big fan of 1970 Chevelle SS 454s, and the above listed 78 Datsun 280z.
Believe it or not, my grandma had one of these.
She bought it new right out of the showroom without even test driving it. Literally only drove it to church and the grocery store. After she got too old to drive in the late 1980s,my dad sold it for more than she paid for it.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 29, 2025, 04:17:49 PMAre you thinking what I'm thinking? Enough about favorite cars. Let's hijack this thread and talk about POS cars. Thread hijacking is a time-honored scoop tradition.
My stepdaughter had a mid 80's VW Cabriolet and asked my wife and I to drive it occasionally while she was in San Francisco for an extended period of time. The idea was to not let it sit for too long. So, the first time we drove it was on a long trip from Richmond to Virginia Beach and I was behind the wheel. I absolutely HATED that car! Worst POS I ever drove. The handling was just awful, and the engine performance was also bad. Also, it was butt ugly. I insisted that my wife drive that POS on our return to Richmond.
I drove a Pinto when I first got married. I would have gladly traded with your step-daughter.
74 Volkswagen dasher. Floor rusting out. Great car on which to learn to drive a manual.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 29, 2025, 04:17:49 PMAre you thinking what I'm thinking? Enough about favorite cars. Let's hijack this thread and talk about POS cars. Thread hijacking is a time-honored scoop tradition.
My stepdaughter had a mid 80's VW Cabriolet and asked my wife and I to drive it occasionally while she was in San Francisco for an extended period of time. The idea was to not let it sit for too long. So, the first time we drove it was on a long trip from Richmond to Virginia Beach and I was behind the wheel. I absolutely HATED that car! Worst POS I ever drove. The handling was just awful, and the engine performance was also bad. Also, it was butt ugly. I insisted that my wife drive that POS on our return to Richmond.
Now this is a topic I can get behind.
The first car I ever had was a 1984 Chevy Citation. It had been my parents car and they had driven that thing to hell and back, usually with me and my two brothers crammed in the back seat. The car then became my oldest brother's, then my middle brother's neither of which gave a second thought to taking care of it.
By the time I took possession, it had 200k+ miles on it. It had a problem with the motor mount brackets (they would break for no apparent reason) and I didn't have the money to fix it (wanna say it would have been $600, which might as well have been $600,000 to me as a 16 year old kid whose dad had died 2 years earlier...we had very little). So, every time I would start the car, the engine would bounce up into the underside of the hood, leaving a dent that made it look like someone was trapped in the engine compartment and was trying to break out with a hammer.
I drove that thing around our town until it couldn't be driven any more (I think the engine was resting on the front axle).
On the plus side, it had a nice hidden compartment I created by removing a little coin tray in the center console that was held in place by 2 screws. If you took that tray out you could fit about a 6-pack of beer inside the space underneath. When I put the tray back in place, there was no way to know I had a beer stash in there. I showed my older brothers and they couldn't believe they hadn't thought of it first.
MK1 VW GTI
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/volkswagen/golf-gti-mk1/924e53a0-b798-4586-8f0f-f01ee8effb64
(https://i.imgur.com/0Koi4PJ.jpeg)
And the Mk1 Cabriolet
(https://i.imgur.com/sVvXlUQ.jpeg)
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 29, 2025, 05:43:03 PMI drove that thing around our town until it couldn't be driven any more (I think the engine was resting on the front axle).
On the plus side, it had a nice hidden compartment I created by removing a little coin tray in the center console that was held in place by 2 screws. If you took that tray out you could fit about a 6-pack of beer inside the space underneath. When I put the tray back in place, there was no way to know I had a beer stash in there. I showed my older brothers and they couldn't believe they hadn't thought of it first.
Love it! Hard to pick my favorite-the engine resting on the front axle or the secret beer stash hideaway. ;D
Quote from: Jockey on January 29, 2025, 04:54:03 PMI drove a Pinto when I first got married. I would have gladly traded with your step-daughter.
Kudos for being brave enough to admit that you had a Pinto. ;D
I learned to drive on one of the Lake Erie islands where we had a cottage. No cops, so 13-year-old me drove the old car we kept on the island to avoid paying ferry fares. It was a 1941 Ford with a "three on the tree"-a 3 speed with a column mounted shifter. A neighbor drove a Ford Model A. and another neighbor, a 1947 Dodge.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 29, 2025, 09:17:20 PMKudos for being brave enough to admit that you had a Pinto. ;D
I learned to drive on one of the Lake Erie islands where we had a cottage. No cops, so 13-year-old me drove the old car we kept on the island to avoid paying ferry fares. It was a 1941 Ford with a "three on the tree"-a 3 speed with a column mounted shifter. A neighbor drove a Ford Model A. and another neighbor, a 1947 Dodge.
We recovered a 1924 Model T from a great uncle. Had to go on YouTube to figure out how to drive it.
Quote from: Jockey on January 30, 2025, 09:11:53 AMWe recovered a 1924 Model T from a great uncle. Had to go on YouTube to figure out how to drive it.
I learned to drive stick on an early Model T. The brakes did not always work as expected...
I know the thread is about 80s and 90s cars, but my dad had a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda when he was in Med School I'd love to get one in his memory.
I always loved Miatas in the 90s, but am too tall to fit in one. I remember the day I left home for MU Freshman Orientation MU I had to take my Dodge Shadow (that my sister was going to drive upon my departure) to the dealer for service and they gave me a Mitsubishi Eclipse as a loner for the day so that vehicle is a favorite which brings a lot of nostalgia (just not in the teal color I had that day).
OK, for me, the worst POS cars I ever drove (rented) or owned were:
1) GM "X" Car. I bought my first new car, a 1981 Buick Skylark. 50,000 miles and that car was ready for the junkyard. Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. Soured me on GM for 25 years. Surprisingly, it was well maintained and it still fell apart.
2) Pontiac Fiero -- I rented one in the mid-1980s. It looked good. It drove like an absolute POS that only GM could have built. You put this together with the Pontiac Azteck and it's a wonder GM made it out of the 1980s. No wonder the Japanese came to dominate the US car market!
3) Plymouth Duster -- I "inherited" this 1974 car in my 1980 marriage. Looked nice. Drove like crap and fell apart quickly.
4) Honorable Mention -- 1999 Volvo X70 wagon. Had to buy this after the adoption of our second child. My wife was forever scarred at having to give-up her Mitsubishi Eclipse (bright red, often mistaken for Sister Chick's Miata) but my daughter kept kicking my wife's seat barking, "scoot, scoot." The station wagon looked like a Volvo -- boxy and rather ugly, but it performed well and most of all, it wasn't a minivan!
A couple cars I have loved:
5) 2015 BMW 528i -- My car now. This is really a fun car. Bought it pre-owned (no BMW is "used" -- just ask a salesman) for about half its original sticker. Had 19,000 miles on it in 2019, how has 51,000!
6) 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII -- This car was ALL engine. 4.6 liter V8, it could fly!
7) 2008 VW Eos Lux Turbo -- Has 105,000 miles on it and still looks good. Has an Audi A4 turbo in it and is really fun to drive.
Billy, I think that the Barracuda was what a friend of mine had. A guy riding with him asked for a demo of how fast the car could go and, of course, how quickly. He hit 100 and still had power to go faster when he noticed flashing blue lights well behind him. When the cop finally caught up with him, he said "Pop the hood! I want to see that engine." No ticket, just a chat about the car.
Dgies, I had horses when Click and Clack, the NPR car guys, described the rear end of the Pontiac Aztec as looking like the South end of a horse as it is taking a dump. Perfect way of putting it.
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 30, 2025, 10:58:43 AMOK, for me, the worst POS cars I ever drove (rented) or owned were:
3) Plymouth Duster -- I "inherited" this 1974 car in my 1980 marriage. Looked nice. Drove like crap and fell apart quickly.
The marriage or the car?
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 30, 2025, 12:11:15 PMBilly, I think that the Barracuda was what a friend of mine had. A guy riding with him asked for a demo of how fast the car could go and, of course, how quickly. He hit 100 and still had power to go faster when he noticed flashing blue lights well behind him. When the cop finally caught up with him, he said "Pop the hood! I want to see that engine." No ticket, just a chat about the car.
Dgies, I had horses when Click and Clack, the NPR car guys, described the rear end of the Pontiac Aztec as looking like the South end of a horse as it is taking a dump. Perfect way of putting it.
that's awesome! I was smiling while reading it trying to envision my dad at the wheel!
My dad drove two Chevy pick-ups, each with an AM radio, vinyl seats, and power nothing when I was a kid, so when I learned he'd had a car like the Barracuda when he was younger I was stunned. A friend's kid is a car repair savant and I asked him to find one he could fix up for me so I could take it home to my dad but he had no luck.
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 30, 2025, 10:58:43 AM2) Pontiac Fiero -- I rented one in the mid-1980s. It looked good. It drove like an absolute POS that only GM could have built. You put this together with the Pontiac Azteck and it's a wonder GM made it out of the 1980s. No wonder the Japanese came to dominate the US car market!
(We used to be a Pontiac dealership). I actually sold a '88 Fiero maybe two summers ago. 8k miles. GT with the WS6 and crosslace wheels.
The Aztek came much later. It didn't "kill Pontiac" by itself, but it was a very bad model from the early 00's.
The Aztek was a concept 15 years too early executed poorly
Quote from: Jockey on January 30, 2025, 12:26:53 PMThe marriage or the car?
The car!
The marriage is closing in on 45 years. That's what happens when you marry a Marquette woman!
I would take back my 1966 Mustang 2 + 2 fastback in Classic Burgundy. Ty
Quote from: MU82 on January 27, 2025, 11:57:51 PMI loved the car Speed Racer drove.
Could have had one for $110k.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/scottsdale-2025/docket/vehicle/1989-chevrolet-corvette-speed-racer-re-creation-282725
(https://www.barrett-jackson.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2FBarrettJacksonCDN.azureedge.net%2Fstaging%2Fcarlist%2Fitems%2Ffullsize%2Fcars%2F282725%2F282725_Front_3-4_Web.jpg&w=2048&q=75)
Always liked the styling of these mid-80s Turbo Coupes.
(https://image.hmn.com/Bm5r1CuH0tVQJNnIAjEb2fhuN8U=/1350x0/uimage/149478319.jpg)
Had a rusty 1973 Ford Gran Torino while at MU. One overserved evening we decided to try to take out the back porch of the Delta Chi house. Gave the supporting pillar a good shot going in reverse. The pillar won.
(https://images.offerup.com/pe8R0LDDIxqEeooEQ3sYhRL15i8=/658x250/9df5/9df5ec0f3d0742eca13e6e1400dd3acc.jpg)
Subaru SVX
Quote from: Spaniel with a Short Tail on January 30, 2025, 08:30:08 PMAlways liked the styling of these mid-80s Turbo Coupes.
(https://image.hmn.com/Bm5r1CuH0tVQJNnIAjEb2fhuN8U=/1350x0/uimage/149478319.jpg)
Had a rusty 1973 Ford Gran Torino while at MU. One overserved evening we decided to try to take out the back porch of the Delta Chi house. Gave the supporting pillar a good shot going in reverse. The pillar won.
(https://images.offerup.com/pe8R0LDDIxqEeooEQ3sYhRL15i8=/658x250/9df5/9df5ec0f3d0742eca13e6e1400dd3acc.jpg)
One of my brothers had a turbo coupe. Very nice car. Great performance. T-BIRD was gone as a license plate in Wisconsin so his plate was T-BIRO.
Another of my brothers had a 1973 Torino. Car was a tank. He clipped a telephone pole on his way from St. Paul to Dubuque for my wedding and there wasn't a scratch on the car. Pole was taken out by the front bumper and went right over the top. Wisconsin Power sent my Dad a bill and my brother objected to the payment until the power company sent him HIS telephone pole!
When I traveled to Boston on business, I always rented the biggest car available at the airport. Usually, it was a Crown Vic. Those Boston drivers would probably run their own grandmothers off the road and tailgated and cut in front of each other constantly. I refused to drive anything there that did not have plenty of steel.
Quote from: Spaniel with a Short Tail on January 30, 2025, 08:30:08 PMAlways liked the styling of these mid-80s Turbo Coupes.
I had a 1985 T-Bird that was the 30th Anniversary Edition.
(https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/streetside/3/22990/1035516/1920x1440/w/1985-ford-thunderbird-30th-anniversary-edition)
It was a really great looking car, had comfortable seats and an awesome sound system, and was quick off the line.
It was a total sled in Minnesota winters, but I was willing to just slog along until we had our first kid. It was very difficult to put a car seat in the back, and access to the kid was awful, so I sadly gave up the car.
I joke with my daughter about how difficult the choice was!
Bought my dream car when I was 22 and drove it until the wheels fell off.
1998 Jeep wrangler, black, black soft top, 5 speed.
Shame Jeep has really fallen off in styling but also reliability, consistently ranked near the bottom. Jeep owned the SUV market in the 90s with Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and the wrangler. (Chevy Blazers and Ford explorers had their moment too.)
Quote from: reinko on February 15, 2025, 07:51:25 AMBought my dream car when I was 22 and drove it until the wheels fell off.
1998 Jeep wrangler, black, black soft top, 5 speed.
Shame Jeep has really fallen off in styling but also reliability, consistently ranked near the bottom. Jeep owned the SUV market in the 90s with Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and the wrangler. (Chevy Blazers and Ford explorers had their moment too.)
Have had a Grand Cherokee for 6 years and have had zero major issues with it and absolutely love it. Will continue with it until it dies out on me, and then probably get a new Grand Cherokee.
Quote from: wadesworld on February 15, 2025, 08:59:36 AMHave had a Grand Cherokee for 6 years and have had zero major issues with it and absolutely love it. Will continue with it until it dies out on me, and then probably get a new Grand Cherokee.
👏 👏
First car was 1972 Pontiac Ventura. Bought it for $1,000. Parked on Wisconsin streets during the winter, so when I bought it drivers side was rusted from drivers door to rear quarter panel. Went to junk yard to get new door. Placed 20 lbs worth of bondo in rear quarter panel. Perfect car to have at Marquette. Only incident was someone stealing my battery once.
Quote from: NCMUFan on February 15, 2025, 12:19:23 PMFirst car was 1972 Pontiac Ventura. Bought it for $1,000. Parked on Wisconsin streets during the winter, so when I bought it drivers side was rusted from drivers door to rear quarter panel. Went to junk yard to get new door. Placed 20 lbs worth of bondo in rear quarter panel. Perfect car to have at Marquette. Only incident was someone stealing my battery once.
That's what you get for parking behind the dental school
Quote from: wadesworld on February 15, 2025, 08:59:36 AMHave had a Grand Cherokee for 6 years and have had zero major issues with it and absolutely love it. Will continue with it until it dies out on me, and then probably get a new Grand Cherokee.
Despite all the Stellantis quality horror stories, I had an Alfa Guilia for 4.5 years until just recently and besides the clover rims scuffing if you breathed on them wrong, I had zero major issues with it. Fun as hell to drive too.
Only reason to trade it in was it being so uncommon the only dealership within 200 miles that was chronically understaffed made it risky to keep. If something were to go wrong, because despite being mostly a Chrysler for parts, a lot of 3rd party places won't work on it due to its former brand infamy.
I'd consider returning to the brand once they complete their pivot to EV.
Unfortunately, the Genesis I replaced it with is blowing my doors off (in a good way). Absolute gem of a car.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on February 15, 2025, 02:08:02 PMDespite all the Stellantis quality horror stories, I had an Alfa Guilia for 4.5 years until just recently and besides the clover rims scuffing if you breathed on them wrong, I had zero major issues with it. Fun as hell to drive too.
Only reason to trade it in was it being so uncommon the only dealership within 200 miles that was chronically understaffed made it risky to keep. If something were to go wrong, because despite being mostly a Chrysler for parts, a lot of 3rd party places won't work on it due to its former brand infamy.
I'd consider returning to the brand once they complete their pivot to EV.
Unfortunately, the Genesis I replaced it with is blowing my doors off (in a good way). Absolute gem of a car.
Pretty sure the Genesis will be my next vehicle. Everyone I know who has one loves it. And I love my Elantra now.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on February 15, 2025, 01:59:23 PMThat's what you get for parking behind the dental school
No, it was about 18th & Kilbourn. Apartment was adjacent to an alley, which afforded me a parking space. Something precious near Marquette.
Quote from: wadesworld on February 15, 2025, 08:59:36 AMHave had a Grand Cherokee for 6 years and have had zero major issues with it and absolutely love it. Will continue with it until it dies out on me, and then probably get a new Grand Cherokee.
The core Grand Cherokees are solid, especially the 4th generation like I imagine you have. The rest of the Jeep line up, by and large, is absurdly overpriced for limited quality.
We looked at the Grand Cherokee L and while it drove alright, I was pretty shocked by how bare bones and simplistic the interior was compared to anything in its similar range...despite being priced at a premium to them. I actively avoid the Compass whenever renting cars.
And no offense to anyone here, but if I see someone driving a newer Grand Wagoneer, I just assume they are a doofus who got taken for a ride. I did a spit take when I saw what they started at and how mediocre they are compared to similar large luxury SUVs
Quote from: JWags85 on February 15, 2025, 09:15:47 PMThe core Grand Cherokees are solid, especially the 4th generation like I imagine you have. The rest of the Jeep line up, by and large, is absurdly overpriced for limited quality.
We looked at the Grand Cherokee L and while it drove alright, I was pretty shocked by how bare bones and simplistic the interior was compared to anything in its similar range...despite being priced at a premium to them. I actively avoid the Compass whenever renting cars.
And no offense to anyone here, but if I see someone driving a newer Grand Wagoneer, I just assume they are a doofus who got taken for a ride. I did a spit take when I saw what they started at and how mediocre they are compared to similar large luxury SUVs
Yeah the one I have now is a 2016 Limited. Totally agreed on all of the Wagoneers. The only time I've been in a newer generation Grand Cherokee was when a real estate agent was showing us around and I liked it. Hoping not to have to think about buying a new car for at least 3-5 years, but will definitely consider them.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 15, 2025, 02:22:24 PMPretty sure the Genesis will be my next vehicle. Everyone I know who has one loves it. And I love my Elantra now.
The lumbar support adjuster is a game changer
Have to admit, one of the more enjoyable cars I ever owned was a Lincoln Mark VIII. Medium blue exterior, 4.6 liter V8, that car could flat out haul. Great cruising car, biggest downside was 95 felt like 40 in that car. Lamented getting rid of it until I bought my 5-series BMW.
Like the T-Bird, which was essentially the same Ford platform, the Mark VIII was a joke in winter. Had all the traction control of a brick shot from a cannon. My mother bought one after I did and garaged it in Solon Springs, WI. I tried to tell my Mom, "bad move," but she didn't listen and spent the next seven years telling me what an awful car the Mark VIII was.
Amazingly, for U.S. cars of that era, the Mark VIII I owned lasted more than a decade and more than 120,000 miles.
Quote from: Shaka Shart on February 15, 2025, 02:08:02 PMUnfortunately, the Genesis I replaced it with is blowing my doors off (in a good way). Absolute gem of a car.
Has Genesis started offering AWD (or at the very least FWD) on its sedan yet? Years ago I was absolutely ready to get a Genesis, but I really wanted AWD. I test drove one in the middle of a horrible snow storm just to try out their RWD. Ultimately I passed. Still very interested in that car. When I was looking, it was an outstanding value.
Edited: Just checked and see that they do offer AWD. The guy I was working with in Cleveland said they had asked Genesis about it, but they weren't interesting in offering it. This was probably 8-10 years ago - they were pretty new at the time). I told him that I 100% would have gotten the car if it had AWD. Ended up in an Infiniti M sedan (loved that car, but the price on the Genesis was much better)
Quote from: dgies9156 on February 16, 2025, 12:48:44 PMHave to admit, one of the more enjoyable cars I ever owned was a Lincoln Mark VIII. Medium blue exterior, 4.6 liter V8, that car could flat out haul. Great cruising car, biggest downside was 95 felt like 40 in that car. Lamented getting rid of it until I bought my 5-series BMW.
Like the T-Bird, which was essentially the same Ford platform, the Mark VIII was a joke in winter. Had all the traction control of a brick shot from a cannon. My mother bought one after I did and garaged it in Solon Springs, WI. I tried to tell my Mom, "bad move," but she didn't listen and spent the next seven years telling me what an awful car the Mark VIII was.
Amazingly, for U.S. cars of that era, the Mark VIII I owned lasted more than a decade and more than 120,000 miles.
Had a 2000 Lincoln Continental in dark blue I drove for work for about 15 years. Lasted 285,000 miles. Was able to get 25 MPG out of it. A great comfortable highway car. Was only sucking down about a half quart of oil between changes at the end and the air suspension lasted as well (an expensive fix for those cars). One of my favorites.
(https://images.autotrader.com/scaler/500/375/hn/c/766834e25650417c85648afdd57d0573.jpg)
Quote from: StillAWarrior on February 16, 2025, 01:17:31 PMHas Genesis started offering AWD (or at the very least FWD) on its sedan yet? Years ago I was absolutely ready to get a Genesis, but I really wanted AWD. I test drove one in the middle of a horrible snow storm just to try out their RWD. Ultimately I passed. Still very interested in that car. When I was looking, it was an outstanding value.
Edited: Just checked and see that they do offer AWD. The guy I was working with in Cleveland said they had asked Genesis about it, but they weren't interesting in offering it. This was probably 8-10 years ago - they were pretty new at the time). I told him that I 100% would have gotten the car if it had AWD. Ended up in an Infiniti M sedan (loved that car, but the price on the Genesis was much better)
My 2022 G70 has AWD
Quote from: Spaniel with a Short Tail on February 16, 2025, 01:51:06 PMHad a 2000 Lincoln Continental in dark blue I drove for work for about 15 years. Lasted 285,000 miles. Was able to get 25 MPG out of it. A great comfortable highway car. Was only sucking down about a half quart of oil between changes at the end and the air suspension lasted as well (an expensive fix for those cars). One of my favorites.
(https://images.autotrader.com/scaler/500/375/hn/c/766834e25650417c85648afdd57d0573.jpg)
Had one as well and also went over 250K. Tranny was going and I gave it to Uncle Sam during Cash for clunkers
D-Wade pick up truck.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/palm-beach-2025/docket/vehicle/2017-ford-f-250-dwyane-wade-champions-edition-custom-pickup-287564
(https://www.barrett-jackson.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2FBarrettJacksonCDN.azureedge.net%2Fstaging%2Fcarlist%2Fitems%2Ffullsize%2Fcars%2F287564%2F287564_Front_3-4_Web.jpg%3F04252025024231&w=3840&q=75)
Quote from: Spaniel with a Short Tail on April 26, 2025, 08:35:38 PMD-Wade pick up truck.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/palm-beach-2025/docket/vehicle/2017-ford-f-250-dwyane-wade-champions-edition-custom-pickup-287564
(https://www.barrett-jackson.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2FBarrettJacksonCDN.azureedge.net%2Fstaging%2Fcarlist%2Fitems%2Ffullsize%2Fcars%2F287564%2F287564_Front_3-4_Web.jpg%3F04252025024231&w=3840&q=75)
Thanks for posting this after it already sold. Missed my chance to fit in down here in Missourah finally.