70bigblockdodge
Old Man with a Hat
The 2.6 Mitsubishi was great, till it wasn't. 30+ years can't help that. The 2.2/2.5 will do better with modern head gasket improvements.
My wife's first car was a 82 Jetta gas job. The York style A/C compressor on that 1.7 was half the size of the engine and on R12 it would literally blow frost on you. LOLWas thinking about the 1st gen VW Jetta gasser but would love to fond a little Diesel unit
I remember when I switched to Toyota's to get away from having to swap engines/transmissions in the early 90's.
My father in law & brother in laws hassled me about "buying from our neighbours" and how it would cost me big time in repairs.
Well guess what... they all drive imports now because the ygot tired of changing engines & transmissions amongst dealing with the cheapness of everything in an American product...
Sorry guys that are American or nothing.
The quality of daily drivers is extremely important to me...
Maybe Graham aka dobalovr and his industry friends could locate something suitable???I'm not dead set on American or Mopar....would prefer mopar since that is the circles I run in and would most likely have the most individuals who could help with info and help. ;)
I appreciate all the advice and suggestions and I would prefer to get her into something a bit newer but kids being kids I can only do so much, But having said that I will still try and nudge her towards something decent. Was thinking about the 1st gen VW Jetta gasser but would love to fond a little Diesel unit.
Here is my take on this. While it is a great idea to ask for suggestions I think you will find that everyone has a different opinion which makes it very difficult to make a decision. If you listened to them all you would never buy a car.
My recommendation would be to find something SHE likes and buy it.
Good luck
Maybe Graham aka dobalovr and his industry friends could locate something suitable???
Cute little thing, just the ticket I think. Called the jazz down here.Funny you say that. My wife’s cousin from the NWT’s just picked up her new Rebel today and left me her 2009 Honda Fit Sport to find a new home.
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I actually agree with @413. Both my daughters drove Neon's for years for $500 initial investment. I put about $1500 in making them safe and they drove the wheels off them. When they were all used up I sold them for the $500 I initially spent.
Pt is probably the easier to find in fair condition... and they're just an uglier neon that sucks a little more to work on.Pt cruisers can be found cheap.
Roomy and reliable too
If the 86 checks out solid, it's probably still pretty cheap to keep on the road. Just don't forget how much we greaseballs liked them, lots of easy to repair stuff that sucked to do at home... there with be repairs, but hopefully cheapish compared to lots of other stuff out there.Very good advice thanks!
What I'm looking for is more glaring and major issue I should look for and or avoid. The advice on the rotting sub frames and staying away from the mitsi 2.6L motor is kind of what I'm looking for.
I showed her some Jettas and she is not much of a fan.....she really loves the look of the 86 Aries. Might have a buddy go check it out for me and see if it looks good from the underside.
Funny you say that. My wife’s cousin from the NWT’s just picked up her new Rebel today and left me her 2009 Honda Fit Sport to find a new home.
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Is that 1 owner documented? I should buy one, and put it up for 20+ years, a guaranteed show winner then.Funny you say that. My wife’s cousin from the NWT’s just picked up her new Rebel today and left me her 2009 Honda Fit Sport to find a new home.
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Wish I could've said that about my oldest daughter. I was going to let her drive my 340 duster, but she wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Had to sell it to make room for a new VW.And she really does not like newer vehicles....