# Second hand cars you'd like a first shot at owning. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 12, 2015, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849 "2015-05-12T12:16:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/1 "2015-05-12T12:16:21Z")
Like I said in my other thread, I’m an enthusiast and a perennial car shopper. So I’ve always got my eye out for something interesting in the used car market. There are exotic cars I wish I’d had the chance to own and drive and those include the [Jaguar E-type coupe 4.2](https://www.google.com/search?q=jaguar+e+type&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=I-lRVdH5Lrf7sATyi4DQCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ) with that beautiful hatch line, the late 60’s and early 70’s classic [MB 280 SE coupe](https://www.google.com/search?q=mercedes+280+coupe&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=oulRVa7qMrLgsASfrIGQDw&sqi=2&ved=0CCMQsAQ), and of course who doesn’t love the iconic [Porsche 911/964 coupe](https://www.google.com/search?q=porsche+964+coupe&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YupRVb2cMuG1sQS7kYDwAQ&ved=0CB0QsAQ). …and that’s just my short list. Realistically, I only have enough garage space and disposable funds for just one “weekend” car and that space is now filled with a very small, very fun C55 MB AMG that I picked up some years ago with very low mileage and in pristine condition. But I think that one day, when the stars are right, I just might trade the C55 for that right 964 (prices are through the roof now) or maybe an XKR or, dare I hope, a Maserati GT coupe. Something lightly used but still beautiful to look at and drive and enjoy for years to come. So how do/would you get freaky when driving on the weekend? I’m making it my business. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/2 "2015-05-12T12:34:53Z")
I’d like a [Volvo Duett](http://carslaws.com/volvo-duett-an-old-good-friend.html). Saw one at a Trader Joe’s in Berkeley summer before last and fell in love. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/3 "2015-05-12T13:06:11Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > There are exotic cars I wish I’d had the chance to own and drive and those include the [Jaguar E-type coupe 4.2](https://www.google.com/search?q=jaguar+e+type&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=I-lRVdH5Lrf7sATyi4DQCQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ) with that beautiful hatch line, the late 60’s and early 70’s classic [MB 280 SE coupe](https://www.google.com/search?q=mercedes+280+coupe&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=oulRVa7qMrLgsASfrIGQDw&sqi=2&ved=0CCMQsAQ), and of course who doesn’t love the iconic [Porsche 911/964 coupe](https://www.google.com/search?q=porsche+964+coupe&espv=2&biw=1206&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YupRVb2cMuG1sQS7kYDwAQ&ved=0CB0QsAQ). > > …and that’s just my short list. Growing up, a business partner of my dad had a 70s E-Type I’d get to drive occasionally. Quite a thrill for a teen but I’d likely appreciate it even more now. I had an MB 560 SL in my 40s. Ain’t nuthin’ like the sound of that big engine when you put a bit of a load on it on an empty Texas highway. The 964 is a kick in the pants to drive, especially since it doesn’t have the PSM and other features Porsche has added since to counter the lift-off oversteer issues you get cornering at speed. A good friend has 9 models including the 964, [here](https://dumpyourphoto.com/photo/qTDq5pELjC) we are in a PCA DE running 1 and 2. My current want is a [GT3 RS](https://www.google.com/search?q=2000+gt3+rs&biw=941&bih=619&tbm=isch&imgil=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%253Bg2VreFAUJOad7M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.boldride.com%25252Fride%25252F2010%25252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs&source=iu&pf=m&fir=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%252Cg2VreFAUJOad7M%252C_&usg=__YbAOfutRu2yueAlLdchhNyAOplw%3D&ved=0CCcQyjc&ei=UfdRVbRVx4OwBZ3ugPAI#imgrc=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%3Bg2VreFAUJOad7M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fp.images.boldride.com%252Fporsche%252F2010%252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs.2000x1333.Jun-13-2012_09.37.51.331315.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.boldride.com%252Fride%252F2010%252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs%3B2000%3B1333), probably around 2000 or so if we’re talking anywhere close to affordable. Gawd, I love to watch these run. Also, it’s been my dream since I was 16 to someday have the [1969 GTO](https://www.google.com/search?q=1969+gto&biw=941&bih=619&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=7fdRVYbJBMSDsAWL24HABw&sqi=2&ved=0CB0QsAQ#tbm=isch&q=1969+gto+gold&imgrc=9f-cs07UGvA8aM%253A%3BMS_rpc2YHqoIuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hoigto.com%252Fscrapbook%252Fttaylor2.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hoigto.com%252Fscrapbook%252Ftaylor.html%3B413%3B226) my dad wouldn’t let me have in H.S. I’ve had many a dream over the years about that car. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/4 "2015-05-12T14:49:34Z")
> [@lieu](#): > > The 964 is a kick in the pants to drive, especially since it doesn’t have the PSM and other features Porsche has added since to counter the lift-off oversteer issues you get cornering at speed. A good friend has 9 models including the 964, [here](https://dumpyourphoto.com/photo/qTDq5pELjC) we are in a PCA DE running 1 and 2. Very cool. And I’d be happy with the normally aspirated engine. In a perfect world, make mine the Panorama roof model. > [@lieu](#): > > My current want is a [GT3 RS](https://www.google.com/search?q=2000+gt3+rs&biw=941&bih=619&tbm=isch&imgil=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%253Bg2VreFAUJOad7M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.boldride.com%25252Fride%25252F2010%25252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs&source=iu&pf=m&fir=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%252Cg2VreFAUJOad7M%252C_&usg=__YbAOfutRu2yueAlLdchhNyAOplw%3D&ved=0CCcQyjc&ei=UfdRVbRVx4OwBZ3ugPAI#imgrc=YgAQOMXfsIMGZM%253A%3Bg2VreFAUJOad7M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fp.images.boldride.com%252Fporsche%252F2010%252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs.2000x1333.Jun-13-2012_09.37.51.331315.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.boldride.com%252Fride%252F2010%252Fporsche-911-gt3-rs%3B2000%3B1333), probably around 2000 or so if we’re talking anywhere close to affordable. The 1999-2004 models (not the GT’s) can be had for little more than a song with very low miles and all the comforts of a modern car. But the front is flinch back ugly because of the lights and I just can’t pull the trigger on it. Though the 2005-7’s are coming into $ range. So… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/5 "2015-05-12T15:02:47Z")
Triumph TR4a. A friend in college had one and I worked on it for him a lot. It was not the best small sports car in anything (any category) but it may have been the most fun to drive and far and away the easiest to work on. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/6 "2015-05-12T16:09:13Z")
A Ford [RS200](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_RS200). I don’t have the bank account for the maintenance, much less the car. You get something like 100 hours between engine rebuilds. But holy hell, it will do an 11.4 sec 1/4 mile, and stop and turn like a beast. At heart, I’m still 15 when it comes to cars, and I always wanted one of those monsters. On the slightly more sane side, a [Porsche 959](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_959) would get me pretty close to the insanity of the Ford (11.9 sec 1/4 mile, much higher top speed), while still being completely unattainable. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/7 "2015-05-12T16:52:09Z")
I think it depends on my mood. For years I’ve wanted a [flat-fender Power Wagon](http://www.allpar.com/photos/dodge/trucks/power-wagon/power-wagon.jpg), and even found one for sale in the early 2000’s when I had no money and was living in an apartment. Today, being a college student with two gradeschool-age children, I deliberatly avoid even thinking about finding such a gem. Of course, if I had unlimited funds and the gods were smiling on me, I would try to find an original [Lancia Stratos](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Stratos) (as if that was surprising to anyone sentient 🙂 ). ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/8 "2015-05-12T17:26:57Z")
> [@Lancia](#): > > Of course, if I had unlimited funds and the gods were smiling on me, I would try to find an original [Lancia Stratos](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Stratos) (as if that was surprising to anyone sentient 🙂 ). Reminded me of a recent episonde of Top Gear where Stig drove it around the track. I think it posted the slowest time ever recorded because he could not make it corner without swapping ends. It looked like the most fun you could ever have behind the wheel. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/9 "2015-05-12T18:48:18Z")
I also keep my eyes open for a few different used models. Maybe I’ll even get around to buying something one of these days. In no particular order, I’m fond of… [1983 Olds Hurst](http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=1983+olds+hurst&FORM=HDRSC2) - Lighting rod shifter is bad ass. T-tops a must. [1985 Buick Grand National](http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=1985+grand+national&FORM=HDRSC2) - Another sweet G body but typically at a higher cost than the Hurst. Heard Buick is reviving the GN. [IROC Z28](http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=iroc%20z28&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=iroc%20z28&sc=8-7&sp=-1&sk=) and similarly [Trans AM GTA](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Firebird_(third_generation)) - 1989 the best year for both, 5 speed preferred even though it was paired with the 305 instead of the 350. And probably my biggest want at the moment, a [70-75 Chevy K5 Blazer convertible](http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=1975%20k5%20convertible&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=1975%20k5%20convertible&sc=8-8&sp=-1&sk=). ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/10 "2015-05-12T23:22:50Z")
I’d like a car with big honkin’ fins. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2015, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/11 "2015-05-12T23:43:00Z")
Triumph TR6. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2015, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/12 "2015-05-13T00:04:32Z")
As a kid I always thought the ultimate used car was the 1963 Corvette split window coupe. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2015, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/13 "2015-05-13T00:26:37Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > I’d like a car with big honkin’ fins. Ok, the fins are sideways but a 58 Edsel is affordable and parts (with the exception of the shifting motor, so don’t park on hills) aren’t that tough. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2015, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/14 "2015-05-13T11:30:32Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > As a kid I always thought the ultimate used car was the 1963 Corvette split window coupe. Some say it remains so. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2015, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/15 "2015-05-13T17:56:22Z")
One of the Miami Vice Ferraris, a Testarossa or Daytona. Or a Porsche 911. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/16 "2015-05-14T21:56:28Z")
1972 S3 [Lamborghini Espada](http://r.duckduckgo.com/l/?kh=-1&uddg=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Bcn1GcRDn7w%2FTypeh33FfeI%2FAAAAAAAACm8%2FN4UAYBDfyRI%2Fs1600%2Flamborghini-espada%2B2.jpg) [1962 E-type Jag](https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autotraderclassics.com%2Fimages%2Fa%2F2014%2F05%2F01%2F68982675%2F0_E-Type_Coupe__1_.jpg&f=1), but the 6 not the 12 cylinder. Or, a [Detomaso Pantera](https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fd%2Fd7%2FDeTomasoPanteraBlack.jpg&f=1). I kind of have eclectic tastes, as I would also go for a 409 powered 1967 Malibu Sportwagon… ---
**Author:** ![Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/soul_brother_number_two/32/3515_2.png) [@Soul\_Brother\_Number\_Two](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soul_Brother_Number_Two)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2015, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/17 "2015-05-14T23:30:20Z")
So many, mostly of the 60s land yacht variety, with a few pony/muscle cars thrown in. A Lincoln Continental with them suicide doors. A 65 Chrysler Imperial. One of them cool late 60s early 70s El Dorados. A 63 Coupe de Ville. A late 60s Cougar. A Barracuda sans fastback, forget what year. A Buick Riviera sans boattail, mid 60s styley. A Mercury Monterey with the cigarette windows on the back windshield. A whole bunch more, an Olds Toronado with them cool headlights. Love me some land yachts. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2015, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/18 "2015-05-14T23:47:41Z")
There are a bunch of course, but the one that sticks out, because it’s not in the same class as the others, is a Contour SVT. I’ve seriously considered getting one at least 4 times, from when they were new till about 3 years ago. I’m not sure exactly why, but I love the idea of the car, and the car itself. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2015, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-hand-cars-youd-like-a-first-shot-at-owning/719849/19 "2015-05-15T00:00:07Z")
A 1957 hard-top convertible Ford Thunderbird. Pale yellow, with the opera window. [Like this.](http://www.barrett-jackson.com/Archive/Event/Item/1957-FORD-THUNDERBIRD-CONVERTIBLE-117398)