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$25,000 Challenge

by Chris Hafner on September 16, 2008

In the most current issue of Car & Driver, the C/D loonies picked seven used cars that provide near-supercar performance for less than $25,000. I love C/D's used-car features--their beater series years ago was classic--and this story is equally as compelling. Read it online here.

The article got me thinking--it's been some time since we did our $5,000 Challenge (challenge, results), and I'm wondering what our resourceful bunch of readers and contributors could find at C/D's much loftier price limit. No need to go for speed as they did; what's the most interesting used car you can find for less than $25,000 that you might actually drive?

By the way, a co-worker of mine and infrequent commenter on the blog just answered this question for himself; he just bought a beautiful used Audi S4 Cabriolet, exactly like the one that prompted this ode 11 months ago. My soul is consumed with envy.

--Chris H.

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Cookie the Dog's Owner on September 16, 2008 at 12:06 PM

A white Avanti II with a 350 and a six-speed manual transmission, asking $19,900.
Listing:
http://www.aoai.org/forums/index.php?s=96a85cdd53eba2115ba4674017740cef&showtopic=1197
Slideshow:
http://tinyurl.com/5ba6zo
Looks to be in very good condition.

Cookie the Dog's Owner on September 16, 2008 at 12:19 PM

1953 Studebaker "Loewy coupe" $10,000:
http://www.americandreamcars.com/1953studebaker2drht080605.htm
Probably needs a lot of work.

1963 Avanti with R2 supercharged engine $25,000:
http://www.americandreamcars.com/1963avantir2011305.htm
Perfect for a night out at the tiki bar.

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 12:26 PM

1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo - $18000 - http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/836671384.html
it is beautiful...
Good Condition inside and out. The car has received several awards at car shows. 1 of 45 cars made in Model Year 1989 ½. It is considered by Lotus USA to be a prototype during the transition from the Giugiaro to the present Stevens Esprit body style. The Car is Red exterior with Tan interior. The steering wheel and instrument binnacle are black leather. It is a 5 speed manual Renault F1 racing style gearbox (Stock). The engine is a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder with a Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger pushing 8.5 lbs of boost. The stock wheels are made by OZ Racing. The fronts wheels are 15 inch and the rears are 16 inch. This car also has a detachable sunroof. There are many features and additions to the car listed below.
Accessories:
• MP3 CDRW w/Sirius Capability
• Sony Speakers
• Simpson 5 Point Racing Harness
• Diamond Plate Flooring
• Steel Braided Hoses
• K&N Air Filter
• Power Windows
• SPAX Adjustable Shocks
• Mounted Fire Extinguisher
• New "Lotus" floor mats
• Blow-Off-Valve
• Extra Set of OZ Rims
• Leather Seats
Mechanical Work Replacement and Restoration:
• Clutch Replaced
• Timing Belt Replaced
• Sending Units Replaced
• O2 Sensor Replaced
• Temperature Sensor Replaced
• Valve Adjustment
• Vacuum Pump Replaced
• Rear Tires (Goodyear Eagle)
• Water Pump Replaced
• AC Recently Charged (Blows Cold)
• Boiled Radiator (Cleaned)
• Relays/Fuses Replaced
• Window Switches Replaced
• Fuel Vapor Hose Replaced
• MagnaFlow Free Flow Exhaust Installed
• New Version Header (Jet Coated) Installed
• Steel Braided Clutch Line Installed
• Clutch Master/Slave Cylinder Rebuilt
• Steel Braided Brake Lines Installed
• Interior Fan Motor Replaced
• Windshield Wiper Motor Replaced

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 12:29 PM

1970 Lotus EUROPA S 2 Coupe - I want this car - only $14500.

http://www.sportscarla.com/detail-1970-lotus-europa-s_2-3275058.html

"1970 LOTUS EUROPA. S2. This Renault Powered model was delivered new in california and is extremely rust and accident free. This two owner car has had a very well cared for life and has been reguarly serviced. Even the electric windows work very well. Starts imediately and drives very nicely. We are asking a very fair price of $14,500. please visit us at www.sportscarLA.com"

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 12:34 PM

This guy's been listing a lot of cars that are pretty incredible. He had an R5 Turbo that he sold for $25000. What remains is interesting...

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/843057273.html

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM

1973 DODGE CHARGER 440 - $12000 - http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ctd/841174492.html

I had no idea that Lotii were so affordable - I wonder if there's a catch? :) like trying to find parts or something...

Lotus Esprit (1977) - $15000 (Downtown Los Angeles) http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/839119249.html

1985 LOTUS TURBO ESPRIT - VEY RARE EXOTIC!!! - $12700 (ORANGE COUNTY)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/830299859.html

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 01:08 PM

related topic of the day - Alfas are surprisingly affordable. As are hovercraft.

1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6 : $10,600
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/842213339.html

1972 alfa romeo gtv 2000 - $5800
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/838231336.html
I think I prefer the lines of the GTV2000 to the GTV6

1966 Lancia Flavia Vignale Cabriolet - $7500 (Thousand Oaks)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/835271451.html
pretty !

SCAT Hovercraft 2 Person Looking to Trade for jeep - $5000 (Van Nuys)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/ctd/840868542.html
well it flies right - and it can walk on water - kind of a super car - sort of?

David Colborne on September 16, 2008 at 01:12 PM

1947 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor Sedan - $17500 - http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/843155483.html

1968 Plymouth Fury - $800 - http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/843110121.html
It'd probably take the remaining $24,200 to get it into decent shape, but, man, that'd be a fun boat to cruise in. Looks like a brick with a cockpit on top.

1977 Pontiac Grand Prix - $15500 - http://reno.craigslist.org/ctd/843038431.html
For those times when you need some disco-era kitsch.

1972 Oldsmobile 442 - $21950 - http://reno.craigslist.org/ctd/843034628.html

Big Chris on September 16, 2008 at 01:55 PM

I'd buy a late 60's-early 70's Corvette. Freshen the motor and add a few new parts to improve the motor, new tires, and new suspension parts. Press the Go pedal, and have fun! If there is any $$ after that, I'd add a solid sound system and some new seats. Spend any remaining $$$ on gas and more rear tires. :-)

Big Chris

Big Chris on September 16, 2008 at 02:00 PM

And I'd love Mochi's $18,000 Lotus, except for having everyone come up and ask me how much I like my Fiero. They really look like sisters from a distance. Obviously no comparison or relation once you start driving though!

Cookie the Dog's Owner on September 16, 2008 at 02:03 PM

@Mochi: "I had no idea that Lotii were so affordable - I wonder if there's a catch? :)"

Yes. You either take up auto mechanics as a secondary hobby incidental to Lotus ownership or fund a private annuity for your local garage.

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 04:58 PM

1981 Maserati - $1500 (Reseda) "Sitting for 6 years. Was running. Needs work. Interior nice. Needs paint job." Low how the great have fallen...
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/838161056.html

1985 Ferrari Mondial convertible - $25000
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/838604409.html
hmmm... this looks like it has potential

ferrari enzo - $1 (anywhere in us)
"03 enzo 2,800 mi red with black. thats all i am going to say because if you are interested in this car you already know what it is"
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/843145893.html
Bonehead!

Accent Red Ferrari - $2600
"I have own this car for almost 1 year and never had to perform a mechanical job. Those small cars are excelent for day-a-day driving. My car is red, coupe style with for seats and the interior is excelent. The car has 90,000 miles and runs on 5-speed transmission, avareging about 28-32 miles a gallon. Like all pre-owned cars, does have a scratch in the front. But is just paint, no body was damage ! Must see and drive ... Call-me : Cezar"
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/837912687.html
Not as inexpensive as Bonehead's $1 Enzo... but hey I don't remember that body style?!?

Mochi Mochi on September 16, 2008 at 05:43 PM

More from Italy : Turbocharged Fiat 850 Spider - $10000
"No expense spared on 903 engine that was professionally built up and engineered by John Edwards of R&D Engineering. Abarth style high pressure full flow external filter oiling system, custom crankshaft windage tray, custom forged J&E pistons and rings, custom big valve head with new guides, turbocharger, water injection, Air Fuel meter, SU carburetor, PBS water pump, electric fan and Crane electronic ignition. Muffler was custom made for turbo application. "
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/840354320.html
nice pictures - looks like there's a story in here somewhere.

Caddy Jeff on September 16, 2008 at 05:47 PM

1947 Cadillac:

http://www.cars-on-line.com/28761.html

I think the pictures speak for themselves, and yes, I would daily drive that...

Ricart Auto on September 16, 2008 at 06:47 PM

1970 Olds 442 @ $24,5000

http://www.oldride.com/classic_cars/526511.html

That leaves me just enough left over to title and license that baby, then have it washed and detailed before I take it out to show it off.

Ricart Auto

isitacrossfromchris on September 16, 2008 at 08:38 PM

Thanks for the shout out on the S4.

I know times are tough right now with the economy in the toilet but I encourage anyone who is on the fence about buying your dream car to do it and do it without regret. Take it from someone who just spent 25k (well, 25.6K) to be exact. It's a small price to pay to feel that excitement about driving again. I never could have afforded a new 2005 S4 at almost 60k and frankly it hurt to even throw down less than half of that. I just wish I were like Chris. If I were I would have a Caprice wagon in my garage, 24K still in my pocket and my Car Lust desires fulfilled.

Gavin on September 17, 2008 at 07:51 AM

I'll take this:

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/details?adId=90261026

then use the remaining $11,500 for one years worth of maintainence...Every drive would be worth it, though.

Mochi Mochi on September 17, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Gavin - right on : 1972 CITROEN SM - nice call.

isitacrossfromchris - "I encourage anyone who is on the fence about buying your dream car to do it and do it without regret" Hard to do sometimes but I agree. The great thing is though that there are some unusual dream cars out there - and not all of them are going to cost you your first born. The enjoyment one car get from a 10, 15, 20, or 30 year old car can be as great as the ones that are closer to show room new.

So often in popular consumer culture "dream cars" are "new cars". But the real dream is finding something that you really enjoy and makes you happy every time you see it or drive it. New (or even pristine) really has nothing to do with the equation of motor-head happiness.

Owen on September 17, 2008 at 05:58 PM

I bet you could get a real nice Isetta for 25K.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300258255378
My daily drive is 4 mi one-way, so this would work for me at least 75% of the time (if I could keep it running).

Smoke_Jaguar4 on September 17, 2008 at 05:59 PM

Hi all, long-time lurker first-time poster. It's tough keeping this to one car, with so many interesting choices out there. Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to do with it. So here are some options:

Weekend warrior:
1997 - 2001 Acura NSX. It's not a classic sports car without popup headlights. These years also featured the 3.2L engine

1986 - 1987 Lotus Esprit. These are the last years for the classic flying wedge design and the first years for fuel injection.

Family hauler:
Porsche 944/968 Turbo. The rear seats are perfect for small kids, and the hatchback is great for groceries, toys, christmas trees, etc... Plus who needs a roof mounted DVD player when you can show the kiddies the joys of lateral g-forces?

Daily Driver:
1991 - 1995 Honda Civic VX. I'd then take it to a competent Honda shop and give it an Si suspension/brakes plus the 2001 - 2005 Civic HX engine (D17A6). Results: a 2100 lb car, 125 HP, 45 MPG (who needs a hybrid?). I'd carve traffic like a hot knife through styrofoam.

Mochi Mochi on September 18, 2008 at 12:07 AM

I walked out of the office this evening to find a beautiful dark blue Honda Badged Supercharged NSX. Yeah - me likee this a lot. So off to craigslist. And low and behold a beautiful black Southern California car - 77k miles (It's a honda so that means its new almost!) - $21000.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/844463880.html

If you can find an Isetta for less than $25K I'll second it... so far no luck there.

89-91 Civic SI :) Yeah put me down for that one too. you can find them - but clean ? - very very hard to locate.

87-91 Prelude 4WS
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/837486290.html

Toyota MR2 1st Gen (pocket sized Ferrari)

Toyota MR2 2nd Gen (its a different car for crying out loud !)

88-91 CRX any model

1st Gen Honda CRV

Jeep Cherokee

A small Toyota Truck (preferably lowered with nice shocks, good tires, and hub spacers)

And just to complete my personal list: a Lotus Europa.

VW Squareback (need to have a tiny station wagon)

Porsche 914-6

A Citroen of some sort

Honda S2000 (for the rag top)

Yeah that's it. Everything can be had for less than $25K. A collection of greats.

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