$25,000 Challenge
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.
David Drucker on September 18, 2008 at 10:40 AM
The very best all-purpose cars I've ever owned were a 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SL and a 1976 example of the same model. Aside from being rock-solid (no shakes, no shudders, no cowl flex) it wasn't the best at any one thing, but it was never less than very good at everything.
The dynamics were entertaining without being scary, the ride was smooth but controlled, and the power, while modest by today's standards, was sufficient for my needs.
The hardtop went on in mid-December, and came off in mid-March (we were just north of NYC), and the soft top was down most of the rest of the year. Of course, when the weather was truly awful, the a/c could keep the small passenger compartment nicely frigid.
My wife and I took our SLs grocery shopping, on cross-country trips, even camping, where they did very nicely on gravel and even upaved rutted dirt roads. Except for the lack of accommodations for more than two people, the 450SL was nigh perfect.
And even more perfect, in just about every way, is its replacement, which debuted with the 1990 model year. It has comfier seats, a significantly more modern suspension, and a top that went up and down at the touch of a button. What a concept!
Chatter around the Benzophile water coolers has it that the '96-98 models deliver the best combination of features and value. Some of the goofier gadgets from the '90-95 run went away for '96, which I view as a good thing. (Really, did the position of inside rear view mirror need to be part of the car's memory system, along with seat, steering wheel, and outside mirror positions?)
So: I'd seek out a 96-98 SL500, but all else being equal wouldn't turn down an SL320 either. Depending on the year, I'd be spending somewhere around $18-20K, which leaves plenty -- which is what I'd need -- left over for gas and maintenance.
Jack Hawkins on September 18, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Gentlemen,
how about a perfect '67 Alfa-Romeo GTV, or perhaps a '72 BMW 3.0Cs, for something a bit slower and wetter: an MG-TC, or an MGA. Any one of the above would leave you change to buy that Ford Tempo to get you to work.
Mochi Mochi on September 18, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Jack Hawkins... you sir have excellent taste. That's the Alfa (GTV2000) AND the BMW I want. I second the nomination.
Jack Hawkins on September 19, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Mochi Mochi, there is a lot out there to like at 25K, if you have enough garage... how about a Maserati Merak--25K should buy a good one, or a TVR 2500M. If you're really like to putter in the garage, it would even stretch to a series II XK-E coupe with "needs". Personally, I am not sure that I need that, but to each there own.
Or how about a Porsche 914, you could buy the best in the world for that money, or alternately a homebuilt 914-6 replica (you would have to get lucky to find a real one at 25K). Any one is a lot of car for the money. Get out and get shopping!!
Jack Hawkins
Mochi Mochi on September 19, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Jack Hawkins : More excellent calls. The 914-6 is on my list. I would have put the XKE there but I could not find one for $25k ;) And yeah garage/parking space does become a limiting factor - oh well now's the time to buy a place in the country where one can keep all those beautiful wheels.
Slick on September 20, 2008 at 09:52 PM
58 Dodge truck, big block mopar v8, 4 speed, $1800.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/844926044.html
72 Chevelle wagon 350ci sbc, $4000
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/848682870.html
71 Nova, 350ci sbc, $9000
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/847455831.html
and finally a nice compact for when gas gets too pricey:
95 Acura Integra, GSR (i think that is good) 5 speed.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/849023156.html
(not much a fan of japanese cars, but i'd drive this)
remember, sometimes the best car is a lot of cars.
Slick on September 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
The Acura is $8500 forgot to ad that
Total
$23300
(maybe drop the acura in favor of a 2cv or something)
jack hawkins on September 22, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Fiat Dino? A good coupe with no issues would make a sweet ride.
kyle Becker on December 10, 2008 at 08:40 PM
2006 dodge magnum srt8 $21995 blacked out with a chip for that extra horsepower
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marc-eli gabriel on April 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM
2005 honda s2000for $7000