Decent & fun cars for around $7,500 or less?

**MagicMan** · 09-19-2006, 06:35 PM

I've decided that I don't want another car payment so I'd like to just pick something up for not too much money to use as my next daily driver.

-I would prefer an auto trans due to all the traffic I drive in, but at this point I'll look at manuals.
-I want leather. I don't think I'm going to budge on this.
-Needs to get decent MPG.
-I'd like something that handles half decent & hopefully is, at least, a 14 second car. If not, then I'd like something that can be modded to get there or high 13s without spending a fortune.
-It has to be reliable.

Tough criteria I know.

**Daniel P.** · 09-19-2006, 06:57 PM

whats wrong with the GTP

**86 IROC-Z** · 09-19-2006, 07:01 PM

What about a third-gen? Sure, it may not have the last three requirements, but its decent and fun!

**91Z28** · 09-19-2006, 07:03 PM

Sounds like an LT1 F body for you. Or even a 98 or 99 LS1.

**01camaross** · 09-19-2006, 07:03 PM

lt1 camaro or T/A

**01camaross** · 09-19-2006, 07:04 PM

you beat me too it

**LS1 Eddie** · 09-19-2006, 07:08 PM

**MagicMan** · 09-19-2006, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by Daniel P.

whats wrong with the GTP

It's got 109k miles on it & I am sick of it.

**MagicMan** · 09-19-2006, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by 01camaross

lt1 camaro or T/A

Been there done that. I don't want 2 F-bodies anyway.

**91Z28** · 09-19-2006, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Loco

Been there done that. I don't want 2 F-bodies anyway.

I don't think anything else is going to run at least 14s for that price and get good mileage for less than 7500 besides an older LS1 or LT1. I guess 98+ Mustangs with autos run mid/high 14s and can have leather. Don't know if they get ok mileage though.

**snaggeltooth** · 09-19-2006, 08:06 PM

might find a high mile C4 ....Buddy had a 87 for sale ... wanted $8000 for it , but it was a low mile 1 owner ... Might also try a 87-88 Monte SS....

BadBlueBird* · 09-19-2006, 08:11 PM

I would say 300z if it wasnt for the reliable part

**01camaross** · 09-19-2006, 08:34 PM

just get a cheap Daily driver and put more mods on the trans am, no need for 2 track cars my s-10 does gets the job done for going to work & school.

**bobcat24** · 09-19-2006, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by 01camaross

just get a cheap Daily driver and put more mods on the trans am, no need for 2 track cars my s-10 does gets the job done for going to work & school.

I agree, just get a nice dd car if you want all that stuff, my truck does great for what it does(when it doesnt break)

**Bigrus** · 09-19-2006, 09:05 PM

Just gotta ask for those who keep saying lt1's.

Who ever owned a lt1 that got decent gas mileage?

**bobcat24** · 09-19-2006, 09:10 PM

why would you own an lt1 for gas mileage?

**Bigrus** · 09-19-2006, 09:12 PM

Originally Posted by bobcat24

why would you own an lt1 for gas mileage?

He asked for decent gas mileage...who ever owned a lt1 that did that? I know i did not.

**01camaross** · 09-19-2006, 09:14 PM

Well going from a 4wd full size truck that got about 11mpg on a good day

**05gtoautoX** · 09-19-2006, 09:15 PM

88-93 fox body stang
86-87 buick regal T-Type, $7500?
87-dodge shelby charger
89-91-ford T-bird turbo coupe

**91Z28** · 09-19-2006, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Bigrus

Just gotta ask for those who keep saying lt1's.

Who ever owned a lt1 that got decent gas mileage?

My 4000lb 9C1 LT1 Caprice got about 20mpg average city and highway. If he wasn't set on an auto there are plenty of guys getting 27mpg highway with 6 speed LT1 fbodies. If you get in a lot of heavy stop and go traffic and stay in the throttle alot then I'm sure you may get as low as 15mpg. Maintenance and engine condition/mileage is a huge factor too.