What would you do with $15k to spend?

[jtkirk00]

[Update 5/22/11: For those just checking in, I acquired a 1963 Impala. Please feel free to read through the thread to see how it evolved. Thanks!]



I recently got the approval from my boss, er, wife, that I have a budget of $15k to buy a weekend cruiser / muscle car. I realize that $15k is a very small amount compared to many of the projects on here, but who would be more knowledgeable than you guys/gals to provide creative solutions to my limited budget?

Once the $15k is depleted, I need to have a good looking and reliable driver, but with some kick for fun. It does not need to be a show car (obviously). It can be a completely ready-to-drive car, or it could need some work.

I live in Northern Virginia and I imagine prices to be a bit higher than in most other places. However, I have family in Central Kentucky where a better deal may be attainable.

So, give yourself a budget of $15k. Assume you can do no mechanical work yourself. What do you buy? And lastly, anyone got any leads for cars in my area (VA or KY)?

[Gitter Dun]

I was hoping this was going to be a "what you would do with 15K after you bought the car" thread. Your not leaving yourself much room to play with. When I'm looking for a car I typically stay away from anything that needs body and paint.

If I was in your shoes and had 15K to play with I'd pick up a 3rd gen IROC Camaro with decent body and paint. You should be able to pick something up for around $2500. 10k plus should give you enough breathing room for tires, wheels, suspension, engine, and maybe some miscellaneous interior improvements.

[jtkirk00]

Thanks for the reply. I should have provided a little more direction. I really can't see myself going for anything newer than 1972. A large part of what I want is that nostalgic muscle car look.

The 3rd Gen IROC would certainly be a blast to drive, but I don't like the look of it at all.

[bret]

71-72 Chevelle. Best bang for the buck...easy to work with...all kinds of good parts for it...responds well to simple, inexpensive improvements...good resale if needed...can haul the whole family. I bought a clean example in KY a couple of years ago for about $15,500...very respectable car.

After that...tires...brakes...spindles...shocks...seats. ..steering wheel...control arms...in that order. You might want to work on the engine depending on the kind of driving or racing your are planning. For autocross...I have a couple cars with mutt 307 engines...the car doesn't seem to mind

[Damn True]

I'd pay off any CC balances or reduce mortgage principal by $15k.

[Scott Parkhurst]

Probably this:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...333074171.html

Used to belong to a guy in my Chevelle club...it was a good car for him. I can put you in touch with him if you want the inside scoop on the car. It was always a good looker and a good runner.

[BirdsThaWord]

VERY nice early C-3 Corvette's (still had chrome bumpers, 1968-1972) can be bought for under that. surprisingly less than a 67-69 Camaro in similar shape. Unlike Camaro's, the more you modify them, the more their value seems to drop. SOOO...Find one that already has had the motor done (not original), replacement wheels, etc. and you'll be starting out with a car that will already be fun as heck and it will already turn heads. Shop smart and you'll have a few grand left for other mods.

[jtkirk00]

bret - I think you may be on to something. I've been finding several Chevelles that might do the trick.

Damn True - No CC balances and the mortgage is in check. $15k won't make much of a dent in that. This is discretionary spending.

Scott - Yeah, I am seeing lots of similar cars in the right range. I don't think I would get one with a vinyl top, but his ride looks quite nice.

[Vicinity]

I'd pay off any CC balances or reduce mortgage principal by $15k.

This would probably be my biggest concern!

70-73 Camaro's can still be had semi cheap in good condition.

First gen Mustangs can be had for very cheap.

[jtkirk00]

BirdsthaWord - I'm interested in outside the box thinking (hence the question here), but to be honest you've hit on my #1 target thus far. If I could get into one for $13k then it would be great to have a little leftover for simple mods.

[jtkirk00]

Vicinity - I might need to consider those Camaros, but I don't think they'd be my first choice. My first car was a semi-built '66 Mustang. Unless it's a fastback, I won't have another.

[Vicinity]

Vicinity - I might need to consider those Camaros, but I don't think they'd be my first choice. My first car was a semi-built '66 Mustang. Unless it's a fastback, I won't have another.

If you wanna spend $60k more than your budget, I have a friend who might get rid of his all original '68 (ish?) 302 Boss.

NoVA and SoMD have some good price Mustangs popping up on Craigslist every so often. If you haven't checked yet, when I get back from class, I'll look around for ya.

[jtkirk00]

If you wanna spend $60k more than your budget, I have a friend who might get rid of his all original '68 (ish?) 302 Boss.

I think I would use that $60k on the mortgage like others have said. Now that would make a dent!

I'm all over craigslist right now and I don't recall seeing many tempting Mustangs. But perhaps you have magic searching powers.

[Amatouring]

I would look for cars on enthusiast sites like this one. Cars being built for the love of building are usually in much better overall condition than the built to flip cars you might find elsewhere. There are some great deals out there for somebody who can afford a toy right now. Do yourself a favor and buy a car as close to done as you can find even if it uses up almost your entire budget. The cost of small parts while trying to get a big project road worthy can add up so fast you won’t know where your 15 grand went. Buy something drivable with decent paint and body. Even if it isn’t perfect, be sure you can live with it the way it looks now. Paint and bodywork will destroy that 15 grand very quickly as well as probably tie up your new toy for a substantial amount of time. Even if it doesn’t scorch the tires right now, most of the engines in these old cars were way overbuilt and can be tuned up by someone with a few hand tools. If you are even a little mechanically inclined, bolt on suspension mods can be done with minor amounts of effort for substantial gains. Changes like suspension tweaks and engine modifications can be done a little at a time. The cost of gradual tweaks can often go right under the radar (If you know what I mean) Find some like minded guys who might be willing to help you out with advice or even parts or labor. You are probably not going to get an awesome pro touring car for anywhere near your budget, but you would be surprised what you can put together with some smart shopping and good friends.

[Vicinity]

I think I would use that $60k on the mortgage like others have said. Now that would make a dent!

I'm all over craigslist right now and I don't recall seeing many tempting Mustangs. But perhaps you have magic searching powers.

Fastback or coupe? Or does it not matter?

[jtkirk00]

Shane - I like the way you think. The specialist site idea is what reminded me to come back here. I haven't been active on this forum for several months, but I wanted to check out the ads. Nothing posted for me right now, but I'll keep an eye on it. What other sites do you recommend?

Dan - My first Mustang was a coupe. Unless it was a very badass coupe, my next Mustang would have to be fastback. Thanks!

[1red68]

i would have to agree with the early Mustangs. a nice clean v8 fastback can be found for 10-12 range and parts are cheap and its fully supported by the aftermarket. that would leave you with cash left for fun stuff.......

I'm not knocking the Chevelle or any other idea either. i would also ask around, kick over some rocks and see what turns up....What do you like?? ask some buddies for some rides, you can find out alot about a cars mannerisms just going for little ride....

[jtkirk00]

1red68 - I haven't come across any fastbacks in the 10-12k range, but would be very excited to do so.

I actually come from a family of muscle car owners. When I had my 66 Mustang, my Mom had a 67 Chevelle SS, my step-dad had a 66 Corvette, my brother had a Buick Skylark, etc. They are pointing me towards 68-72 Corvette or 66/67 Chevelle. I guess I'm just curious if I am overlooking any options... the community here will have a much different take on the situation than my family.

[Nessumsar]

Have you thought about a 68-74 Nova? They can still be had for pretty cheap, and use all of the 1st gen Camaro front suspension/brake pieces. I bet you could find a really clean one for $8,000; that leaves you with more than enough money for suspension, wheels/tires, and brakes.

[1red68]

[QUOTE=jtkirk00;792988]1red68 - I haven't come across any fastbacks in the 10-12k range, but would be very excited to do so.


ya, you are right. sorry.