Looking for something fast & fun to drive and under 5K used, any suggestions?

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 2:58 pm

DaMaN wrote:Thanks Mike. The voice of reason. So are you suggesting going with a newer car with low miles?

Even if it's low miles, if it's over 10 years old stuff just plain gives out due to exposure to chemicals, temperatures, & the sun. I'd try to find something made after 2000 if you can and of course make sure it's not one of those lemon prone cars. As mentioned, it's worth flying to another state to get a car in good condition. The only thing that sucks about that is when you get there and find that it's not in the condition stated.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 5:36 pm

normalicy wrote:Even if it's low miles, if it's over 10 years old stuff just plain gives out due to exposure to chemicals, temperatures, & the sun.

Especially tires.

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 7:19 pm

I've bought and owned many good older used cars and kept each longer than most keep new cars.
In '79, I bought my grandfathers '74 Regal and kept that for 12 yrs. Could have kept it longer too as it wasn't falling apart. In '91, I got a free '79 Regal, drove that for 12 yrs and gave it to my son when he turned 16. He had that for years too.
In '94, I bought an '86 Volvo 745 turbo wagon, had that for 14 yrs and 300K miles. Then bought a '94 945 turbo wagon 4 years ago, with only 100K miles. That car will last me at least another 10 yrs. Also bought a '95 Volvo 850 turbo wagon 6 yrs ago, now has 215K on it and should last me another 5+ yrs or so.

So, there's no magic rules on cars being a certain age IF you know what you're buying and can fix them yourself.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:54 pm

EvilHorace wrote:OK, what's a Sand Rail Pugsley? Pics?

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:16 am

Wow, a VW Dune Buggy. Haven't seen one of those around here in decades. Not an everyday driver by any means.
For my next dream car, I want a 2013 Shelby GT500 that goes 200 mph but I have no idea where I can legally drive that fast around here, Utah's salt flats maybe? Then opt for the Super Snake option for another $30K.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:01 am

So, there's no magic rules on cars being a certain age IF you know what you're buying and can fix them yourself.

Same here, but I'm going with the assumption that they would prefer not to mess with that stuff or at least limit it. All of my cars are over 10 years old, but all of my cars have had to have major parts replaced & serviced. Something that a non-mechanic would end up losing thousands on. I've just learned over the years that most people aren't into working on their cars as much as I am.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:49 am

Yeah, I treat mine kinda like a motor cycle. I drive it when I can when weather permits. But I bought a snowmobile suit last year and take it out in the snow and man does it do good in snow when i put my off road tires on it. Plus when the parking lots pile up snow I can go "jump" them. lots of fun. But yes not a DD unless you can put up with the weather.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:52 am

Also.. for 30k you can probably find a LS1 powered long travel sand rail that will do wheelies no problem. nothing like 500+ hp on a "car" that weighs less then 1500 pounds.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:45 am

I ended up getting a 2000 GMC Sonoma pickup. It has a peppy 4.3L Vortec V6 in it with Automatic trans and has the "ZQ8 suspension" option on it (lowered ride height of approximately 2" over stock (1.5" from suspension, ~0.5" from shorter tire diameter), thicker front sway bar (33mm), rear sway bar (23mm), quicker ratio (12:1) steering box,upgraded Decarbon or Bilstein gas shock absorbers). I pick it up tomorrow and will get some pictures up once she is home and cleaned up.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 3:57 pm

Sounds like a nice choice.

darcy · Post by **darcy** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:47 pm

congrats on your new acquisition : )

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:56 pm

good a new work truck !

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Wed Feb 15, 2012 10:44 pm

Small update, I noticed a valve tap getting progressively worse and after draining the oil, I found metal shavings. It appears the main bearing are falling apart and the engine was no good.

FFWD A week later, I sourced a new crate GM engine 1.5 hrs away at a Chevy dealer for 950.00 that was listed on Craigslist. The engine was an exact match except it was for a 4x4. After a bit of research online and the use of a GM repair manual for GM vehicles I bought off eBay, I learned that all I had to swap from the old motor was the oil pan and oil pickup tube.

Spent the last two weeks pulling the motor, replacing various parts (new water pump, intake gaskets, oil pan gasket, new coil, new distributor cap, new wires, new plugs, new pcv valve, new fuel filter.)I Got all the new stuff installed and torqued on the new engine.

I now have it up on the hoist, and all I have got to do is ease it back into the truck and button it all up. Looks like it will also need a new AC compressor & dryer bottle, but i'll cross that bridge when it gets warmer outside. I hope my friend will have time help me this weekend to ease it back into the truck because its a two man job trying tweak the tranny and engine to mate up just right. I can't wait to get that done this coming weekend.

It is amazing how much I have learned about automotive repair in the past 2 weeks!

I really love the way this truck drives like a bat outta hell!

Couple of pics before the engine tear-down:

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:08 am

Doh, that sucks. Good that you were able to take care of it so quick & easily. Used cars make people mechanics whether they want to or not. Looks nice.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 3:19 pm

Just a snapshot of the crate engine before i dropped it in the engine bay.