Cheap "collectible?" Gassaver vehicles

[BumblingB]

This was a reply of another thread, but I figure it has the possibility of a complete hijack as it is worthy of its own thread.

I keep thinking more and more of antique microcars/subcompacts or even something such as the Beat.

Pros:
Great mileage
Super attention getter
Little if no depreciation

Cons:
Getting parts for some models
Getting PROPER insurance


I could go on and on with the pros and cons, but IMO, if you had the money and automotive knowledge (just in case it were to break down) I'd like search for something like that. I remember seeing a restored B210 for something like $6kUSD - a great price for something that gets decent mileage, is considered an antique, reliable, retro etc.

Anyone got ideas of a car that can be found for..........lets say under $12kUSD - US legal - over 30MPG - stylish (ones own opinion I guess). Let the ideas flow.....I won't limit this to cars as there are things like the old Crosley trucks that are neat IMO.

[Matt Timion]

I'm biased towards the honda n600. There are two on ebay right now. You can buy a completely restored one for way under 10k every so often.

Or get a classic mini-cooper. Love those cars.

[rh77]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

I'm biased towards the honda n600. There are two on ebay right now. You can buy a completely restored one for way under 10k every so often.

Or get a classic mini-cooper. Love those cars.

Slightly off-topic (sorry ) but have we had any members with Minis?

My Wife's friend is selling her '04 Cooper 5-speed and reports tanks in the 40's with a normal driving style. It's not the "S", but it's a blast to drive. The only downside is servicing it -- with the BMW engine, it requires syn-oil, and the filter is the paper-type that's a real buggah to replace. It's also had its fair share of Gremlins. Unfortunately (right now) it's out of my price range but didn't know how "hyper-milable" it would be. They're selling it for a Civic or Accord for a little one on the way.

Back on-topic, the original Cooper was indeed brilliant. I wonder if they sold any in Left-hand-drive Countries like France -- I've only seen a couple RHD ones around here.

RH77

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by rh77

Back on-topic, the original Cooper was indeed brilliant. I wonder if they sold any in Left-hand-drive Countries like France -- I've only seen a couple RHD ones around here.

RH77

I've seen a few LHD vehicles. You can also convert a RHD to LHD. The original LHD vehicles are definately more rare than the RHD.

[BumblingB]

No problem being off topic.

When I lived in Germany my buddy had a LHD one. What I couldn't believe was how roomy that thing was on the inside, but the Brits are great with that - EXAMPLE - The phone booth in Dr.Who is much bigger in the inside than it is on the outside.

Originally Posted by rh77

Slightly off-topic (sorry ) but have we had any members with Minis?

Back on-topic, the original Cooper was indeed brilliant. I wonder if they sold any in Left-hand-drive Countries like France -- I've only seen a couple RHD ones around here.

RH77

[Mike T]

Originally Posted by rh77

with the BMW engine, it requires syn-oil, and the filter is the paper-type that's a real buggah to replace.

Actually, until the 2007 model year, the MINI's engine was made by Chrysler in Brazil. The 2007 MINIs have a Peugeot-BMW engine, much better and also smoother.

REAL Minis have an A-Series engine with three main bearings

[rh77]

Originally Posted by Mike T

Actually, until the 2007 model year, the MINI's engine was made by Chrysler in Brazil. The 2007 MINIs have a Peugeot-BMW engine, much better and also smoother.

REAL Minis have an A-Series engine with three main bearings

Wow -- thanks for the correction. I knew it was Brazilian, but Chrysler -- zoinks. No offense to any fans. It has had some problems...

[The Toecutter]

Anyone got ideas of a car that can be found for..........lets say under $12kUSD - US legal - over 30MPG - stylish (ones own opinion I guess). Let the ideas flow.....I won't limit this to cars as there are things like the old Crosley trucks that are neat IMO.

Triumph Spitfire. You an pick them up in relatively good condition for a few grand, but a fully restored one can fetch about $6-8k.

The GT6 comes close to the economy you're looking for, but it was built more for the racetrack than for economy. They're also getting pretty rare these days.

Sometimes you can score a Lotus Europa in fair condition for under $10k. These get over 30 mpg and 0-60 mph ~7 seconds!

Also very rare but sometimes affordable, a Ginetta G4. 40+ mpg. FAST.

[Mike T]

Originally Posted by rh77

My Wife's friend is selling her '04 Cooper 5-speed and reports tanks in the 40's with a normal driving style. It's not the "S", but it's a blast to drive. The only downside is servicing it -- with the BMW engine....

The MINI from the beginning through the 2006 model year had a Chrysler do Brasil engine made in...... Brazil. the 2007 --> MINI has an engine that is cooperative joint venture between Peugeot and BMW. It is WAY better. There is a reason that the Chrysler lump was abandoned by BMW.

[Peakster]

How about a Plymouth Scamp/Dodge Rampage:
Attachment 343

My dad almost bought me a Rampage about a year ago. Front wheel drive & 4 speed tranny . Poor crash test rating though .