Which V8 Summer Car would you purchase??

[stikkyp]

I'm looking into purchasing a V8 summer car to kick around in. My choices are relitivly small due to the funds i'm willing to dish out. I'm looking at something $5000 or under.. Here are my options to start...

1) 1988 - 1991 Ford Mustang 5.0l Coupe or Convertible ($2500 - $5000)
2) 1994 - 1995 Ford Mustang 5.0l Coupe or Convertible ($4000 - $7500)
3) 1994 - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro 350 Z28 ($4500 - $7500)

As well please advise if you prefer Automatic or 5spd as i'm not quite sure what the advantages or disadvantages are with V8's cars..

Non V8 option
1) 1993 Toyota Mr2 Gt Turbo RHD(found one for $5300) but i dislike RHD vehicles....


If you have any opinions or vehicles i should look into instead please let me know.. Just looking for some summer time fun.. Not sure if the V8 world is for me but i'd like to give it a whirl....

[tsi_neal]

go early 80's camaro. just look till you find one thats not beat.

[leftwing]

for 5000 you wont be able to get a very nice mustang or camaro, remember these cars are 20+ years old and will probably have some problems that will require work. you might get lucky though!

definatly get a standard if this will be your summmer car.

if i had to choose i would definatly say mustang. the generation of camaros your looking at is fairly ugly. and also i wouldnt reccomend a conv. they will most likley be leaky.

[D. Dub]

09 Challenger SRT-8


:D

[510-Trevor]

I would go for a '79-'93 Mustang LX coupe. The versions with an automatic will probably be in better shape, but if like tearing up your tires get a 5 spd. $5000 should buy you a decent car though.

[bituerbo]

Of those you listed, the foxbody coupe will be the most fun to drive.

[hampstor]

I'd go with a firechicken over the Camaro... I prefer the look :love:

[whiskas]

If you have a mullet the camaro is your only choice

[stikkyp]

I have a line on a 1991 Mustang 5.0l 5 spd conv for $5000 and a 1988 Mustang 5.0l 5spd coupe for $3200... Also have that Mr2 for $5k and the 1995 Camaro 350 Automatic for $5000... I understand im going to get something that needs some money and some TLC. Auto's are going to be less bagged and 5 spds more fun.. Convertibles leak and coupes are cheaper.. Any other cars in my price range other then camaro or mustang??

[stikkyp]

I do work for Chevrolet... So thats why i'm looking into the Camaro... Because of the ease of work and the parts/service..

[Shlade]

You would like the 1987-1993 Foxbody Mustang Coupe or hatch, Your probably going to have a harder time finding a coupe tho, Their very light cars and very fun to drive if their 5 speed! But id beware of the owner and how the car was treated... Extremly hard to find an unmolested 5.0....

Ive owned the 1994-95 era and i really liked the body style and interior, Very spacious, If i were to get another 5.0 I think it would be the sn95's again

Good luck on your search! Dont expect more than 200k Per tank tho!:banghead:

[bourge73]

I 'd buy the 88. Nice, cheap, fast car plus you could spend a couple g's on whatever it needs and make it quicker. i've had a couple of them the convertibles suck (leak and they're heavy) stick with the hard top and dont buy an automatic... standard all the way with these cars. I definately agree with the previous poster that they are very tough to find unmolested or bagged on, but try to avoid the modded, kid cars if possible.
best of luck

[culebra]

850i

[scat19]

Neither.

E92 M3

[banned3x]

0:45 :thumbsup:
xtnUEaCzLq8

[Team_Mclaren]

Originally posted by D. Dub
09 Challenger SRT-8


:D



Originally posted by scat19
Neither.

E92 M3


Where can i find either or for under 10k? sign me up i'll take 20

[funkedelic2]

I like the non v8 option the best

[scat19]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
Where can i find either or for under 10k? sign me up i'll take 20

His thread title reads

"Which V8 Summer car would YOU purchase"

I answered the question, wipe the sleepy dust from your eyes.

An affordable V8?: e39 540i

[Team_Mclaren]

Originally posted by scat19


His thread title reads

"Which V8 Summer car would YOU purchase"

I answered the question, wipe the sleepy dust from your eyes.

An affordable V8?: e39 540i

care to actually read the post? read the choices?
E39 540i for 5k? sign me up i'll take 5


My choices are relitivly small due to the funds i'm willing to dish out. I'm looking at something $5000 or under.. Here are my options to start... blah blah balh


:facepalm:

[Kloubek]

Personally, I'd take the 95+ Camaro with T-tops if possible. I've always liked that body style.

Being that you're looking at cheaper cars, it is unlikely you want to dump a lot of aftermarket parts into it. If you do, then the Mustang might be the best choice due to the aftermarket parts available.

But stock, I'd go with the Camaro. 94+ Camaros are faster and handle better than the Stangs. (Of course, the die-hard Mustang fans will disagree, but they would be incorrect.) I personally also think they look better than the 94+ Mustangs (which seem a little feminine to me). Plus, they have more plastic parts - which helps ensure you're going to experience less rust.... as this age is when you need to start looking out for that.

I would NOT go with a RHD POS.

[SR54RNR]

if you bump up your price range a little more you could get yourself a 84-89 Corvette. I've seen some listed from like 8k-10k

[Kloubek]

True enough. Though I would STRONGLY avoid an 84 with the crossfire injection. Corvettes from 84-87 got significantly better each year. Once it hit 87, there were not a lot of changes until 90 (when the interior changed), 91 (when the body changed) and 92 (when the engine changed). But good luck finding a 92 for 8k....

[alloroc]

1967 Cadillac calais Coupe with the 4 barrel 429.
V-8 Overhead valves
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 4.00 inches
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Brake horsepower: 340 @ 4600 rpm
Five main bearings
Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel type
De-clutching cooling fan

Overall weight ...are you ready for this ...
4,590.0 pounds
(insert boat sound here)


If you are going to be buying a gas guzzler you may as well go all the way... and
You should be able to get a really nice one for about 5g's. (well no worse shape than an 80's camaro)

[792171004-2]

Just get the 1994-1995 Mustang Gt, 5 speed all the way, good cars and sound awesome, there are many rhd's but you do not admire them so there is not a point even looking at them.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by 792171004-2
Just get the 1994-1995 Mustang Gt, 5 speed all the way, good cars and sound awesome

I like the 94-95 but from the production from 93-95, the 5.0 lost a good 25hp, Their heavier than the Foxbody's, Crappier gearing, and less torque, But none the less, Still a sweet car, With a couple mods It could have the potential to be a quick car, But the only thing that makes these cars feel quick is the Torque they have and such an oversized engine in a small car, Power wise, unless your spending a bunch of money your not going to get all the power you want out if it stock.

Go with an 88-92 Mustang, Guarentee you wont find a Notchback (the coupe) Because their so hard to come by, unless its a 4 cylinder, Youll have no problem finding a nice Hatchback tho

[sullygully]

540i mid 90's. You can get them around 5- 8 grand

[03ozwhip]

88 monte carlo SS....maybe im just biased...

[510-Trevor]

Originally posted by Shlade


I like the 94-95 but from the production from 93-95, the 5.0 lost a good 25hp, Their heavier than the Foxbody's, Crappier gearing, and less torque, But none the less, Still a sweet car, With a couple mods It could have the potential to be a quick car, But the only thing that makes these cars feel quick is the Torque they have and such an oversized engine in a small car, Power wise, unless your spending a bunch of money your not going to get all the power you want out if it stock.

Go with an 88-92 Mustang, Guarentee you wont find a Notchback (the coupe) Because their so hard to come by, unless its a 4 cylinder, Youll have no problem finding a nice Hatchback tho

The 5.0 didn't loose any power, Ford just revised the numbers to reflect the actual output of the motor. They actually got into a little hot water over it.

As for not being able to find a notchback, it took less than a minute to find this one: http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-Ford-1988-Mustang-LX-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ118258926 and it even has a 5spd

[JEFFRIX]

CTS-V!!!!

[bituerbo]

Originally posted by sullygully
540i mid 90's. You can get them around 5- 8 grand

Fuck.
Now I wanna go watch Ronin.

[n1zm0]

Originally posted by tsi_neal
go early 80's camaro. just look till you find one thats not beat.

heck, go with mid-late 70s even, then with all the money you've saved, you can get a trailer at the blackfoot mobile home park, *yeehaaaaaw*

[NickGT]

5.0L Mustang 87-93

Be patient for one that is relatively unmolested with minimal mods. Fix what needs to be fixed. Then go nuts. These cars are a blast to own and modify. Street, Drag, or Road Racing - there is an almost endless aftermarket at your disposal.

Here's my how I'd do a 5.0L coupe if I had one..

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b209/MiDiablo/My%20Vehicles/FrankenStang/101_3152.jpg?t=1239225673

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by JEFFRIX
CTS-V!!!!

Fantastic addition to the conversation. I'm sure this is exactly what he had in mind when he said he had about 5g's to spend...

[911fever]

540i, 97-2000

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by stikkyp
1) 1988 - 1991 Ford Mustang 5.0l Coupe or Convertible ($2500 - $5000)
2) 1994 - 1995 Ford Mustang 5.0l Coupe or Convertible ($4000 - $7500)
3) 1994 - 1996 Chevrolet Camaro 350 Z28 ($4500 - $7500)Power: The Camaro has more horsepower, and gobs more torque. Also, if you get the T56 manual, you get an extra gear for some very economical highway cruising (and you can disable the skip-shift with a $.05 resistor). The Mustangs are decent in the SoTP department, but still dog-slow. Stock LT1s can generally rock a 13.8-14.0 at Winnipeg altitudes, while the 5.0L cars come in around 14.5-15.4 (yes, 15.4 if you get a 94-95 5.0L; they were genuinely terrible cars). Winner: Camaro


Mod-potential: The 5.0L Mustang has a VERY wide selection of aftermarket. That said, the GM LT1 also has a very wide selection of aftermarket support, though admittedly the Mustang has more. If money is an issue, you probably don't care much for mod-potential, though keep in mind you're starting with a better baseline in the LT1. A set of headers on an LT1 will wake the motor right up in a BIG way. Winner: Mustang by a small margin, if only for the wider selection of parts.


Handling: In the Camaro, the wider track gives it a far more confident feel when hugging the corners, while the Mustang's narrower wheelbase really makes the body-roll feel that much worse. The wider stock tires on the Camaro also pay dividends in this department as well. The position of the motor in the Camaro in relation to the front wheels also gives the car better balance than its Ford rival. Inside the car, the steering is much tigher on the Camaro, and the seats have significantly better side-bolstering to keep you in place. Winner: Camaro


Day-to-Day: The Mustang feels very 'normal car'-ish. It's easy to drive, easy to see out of, the seating position is nothing out of the ordinary. It has decent trunk space, and the back seats are large enough for two average adults. The seats are decently soft, too.

The Camaro, on the other hand, is long, wide, and has very thick A-pillars with a steeply raked windshield. You sit much much lower in the car, and are generally reclined back when driving. The seats are stiffer (less so if you get the leather buckets) than those in the Mustang. Front passengers will also ask you an average of 2.5 times per month per passenger "Hey, what the fuck is this hump over here in the floor?" The correct answer is "The catalytic converter is under there." If they ask "What the fuck is a catalytic converter?", you need smarter friends.

That said, passengers will love being in the front, but would rather walk to your destination than sit on the padded luggage shelf masquerading as the back seats. With no windows between the B and C pillars, it is rather dark, and not the easiest car to get in and out of from the back seats. Keep in mind the F-Body is also a hatch, and the miserly trunk space is all but made null when storing the T-tops in the hatch, and the actual 'hatch' space is also very miniscule, thanks to the fuel tank being immediately under it.

Also, regarding fuel, you'll notice your tank seems to take an eternity to reach just above 1/2 a tank, then takes a bloody nose dive from there down. That is because the fuel tank is basically shaped like a tear-drop, and the gauge does not account for this.

Remember that wide track and those thick meaty tires? Well, a caveat; the Camaro will NOT enjoy driving on rutted roads, and you will find the car may 'wander' trying to find that sweet spot in the road. The Mustang won't exhibit this behavior. I had 245s all around on my 97 F-Body, and the bloody thing would try and tear my arms off on Winnipeg's heavily rutted roads. Interestingly, I found when I upgraded to 275F/315R that this problem was not as noticable.

Like working on your own car? Changing your own spark plugs? Unless you put headers on the LT1, you might have an easier time passing a gall-stone through your narrow urethra, Hank Hill. Along with the placement of the engine half-way underneath the dashboard, the log-style manifolds make accessing the spark plugs a job you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.

Inevitably, almost everything about the Camaro that made it a great sports car also makes it somewhat of a shit day-to-day driver for your average Joe. This is largely why the Mustang always sold better with teenage girls and stay-at-home moms than the Camaro. Winner: Mustang


Curb appeal: Well, you live in Calgary, so you certainly won't be showing up any Gallardos. But as far as which is the prettier car, my vote goes to the Camaro. It's smooth yet muscular lines are more pleasing to the eye than the "Box with wheels" Fox-Body or the relatively neutral styling of the 94-95 Mustang. Winner: IMHO, the Camaro.


So we have a tie of 2-2. However, the drive is what will inevitably sell you. If it were my money, I'd go out and buy an LT1 car in a heartbeat. Some may think I'm biased because I'm a previous owner, but in reality the only reason I was an owner was because I got to drive and decide between the two, and the better car won.

I give the nod to the 93-97 Camaro/Firebird LT1. And get the manual tranny, it's a lot of fun.

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by culebra
850i

:facepalm:

Did you read his post? Do you know how much these things cost including maintenance?

[Kloubek]

Wow TorqueDog - that's one of the best write-ups I've read on here. Well thought out.

I've owned both Camaros and Mustangs. And quite honestly, the Camaro wins hands-down for me too. But then - other suggestions of a Corvette or 540i are good ones too - and I don't think either Mustang or Camaro have anything on those two...

OP: You might want to check these out:

540i for 5g (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-BMW-1999-bmw-540i-M-sport-5000-W0QQAdIdZ116245711)
High k - but a great price!

Another 540i (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-BMW-BMW-540I-W0QQAdIdZ117348265)
Bit more expensive, but a bit less k.

Even more expensive, but good k (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-BMW-1997-540i-6-speed-W0QQAdIdZ108547098)

Corvette (http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?ID=1078396&pgno=1&srt=7&r=britishcolumbia)

[Team_Mclaren]

i love beyond, people dont read pass the thread title, some might not even read the fucking title:facepalm:

[Eleanor]

Get the Foxbody :thumbsup:

Originally posted by whiskas
If you have a mullet the camaro is your only choice "Come on, it's only an S2000" ;)

[tentacles]

Originally posted by Hakkola


:facepalm:

Did you read his post? Do you know how much these things cost including maintenance?

Or how many cylinders it has? :rofl:

[gpomp]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
i love beyond, people dont read pass the thread title, some might not even read the fucking title:facepalm:
i'll buy this

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/images/ferrari-f430-6-big.JPG

[banned3x]

since money isnt an issue here, id get this.
http://autotraderblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/c63.jpg

[banned3x]

lol ^ sorry

[gpomp]

Originally posted by gpomp

i'll buy this

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/images/ferrari-f430-6-big.JPG wait, i'll get this instead:

http://digilander.libero.it/Logiko2031/Saleen%20S7.jpg

[stikkyp]

What about the 1994 Camaro 350 with an automatic.. I know that the 5 speed is the best option but i found a auto for $4000 that hasnt been bagged and in good condition.. Its fully loaded with t-tops.. bone stock so hasnt been kid driven.. Like i said.. just want a summer car to drive around in and have a little fun.. Do i really need the 5 speed?? is the auto much slower?? I had a 2005 cts auto and it was great.. as well i understand that resale is lower but $4000 seems like a great deal..

[Kloubek]

4g IS a good deal. I thought the 94's didn't have the t-top option? Maybe that was just the very first year; 93's.

The automatics were actually pretty good in those cars, and didn't reduce performance much. And when you're talking 4g, resale isn't going to be affected much.

[71car]

I'd have to say go with a Mustang because I own one '80s hatchback with a V6/auto and it's been a good car since. I can upgrade my car up to a V8 level and it'd still be less under $5k. It's all a matter of patience but will be well worth once I'm there with my goal met then.

Took me EIGHT months to look for a clean and solid Mustang, not kid-beaten and is low KMs. Finally found it in High River and drove up here.

If you happen to find a good deal for a 5.0 '88-92, check the driver's side floor pan where the seat sits on. In most cases, there's usually a crack from all the twists the 5.0 engine's torque haul thru its body.

As for a Camero, well - I'd drove a few of them before and I hate them for being so low (sitting) and the design didn't really hit me...but yeah a lot of fun to spun the wheels anyway.

Again, like I said ... it's all a matter of patiance and keep an eye out there.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by stikkyp
What about the 1994 Camaro 350 with an automatic.. I know that the 5 speed is the best option but i found a auto for $4000 that hasnt been bagged and in good condition.. Its fully loaded with t-tops.. bone stock so hasnt been kid driven.. Like i said.. just want a summer car to drive around in and have a little fun.. Do i really need the 5 speed?? is the auto much slower?? I had a 2005 cts auto and it was great.. as well i understand that resale is lower but $4000 seems like a great deal.. The auto will be more consistent, and you'll save money on clutches. :)

Manual IMO is more fun. Automatic is maybe two tenths slower in the quarter, give or take.

[stikkyp]

How bout a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am Automatic with a 400 in it?? lol... smokey and the bandit car... I found a good shape one for $2500.....

[BenC]

I've had a 1996 firebird before, lt1 6spd, t-tops. bought her for 6g, she was awesome! VERY comfortable. I'd buy one again. Maybe that can be an option for you?

[stikkyp]

6k is getting a little out of my budget.. and finding a fox body 5 speed is rather hard on my price too.. they have been rather beat..

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by stikkyp
6k is getting a little out of my budget.. and finding a fox body 5 speed is rather hard on my price too.. they have been rather beat.. For what you're looking to spend in either price range, you'll be hard pressed to find a pristine specimen.

Either raise the amount of money you're willing to spend, or bring your standards down.

[D. Dub]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren






Where can i find either or for under 10k? sign me up i'll take 20

Notice the smiley? I was being facetious.

[stikkyp]

I've opened my possibilities to imports now too.. been looking at a couple mr2's and 240sx.. couple integras caught my eye... I'm seriously lost.. i dont want to spend too much because of budget reasons and i want ok for my money.. Anyone got any ideas.. perferably i want a fun convertible,ttop,sunroof car thats quick and fun to drive.. I might be wasting my life away and i know im never gonna get this time of my life back that i've wasted pondering.. lol

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by stikkyp
I've opened my possibilities to imports now too.. been looking at a couple mr2's and 240sx.. couple integras caught my eye... I'm seriously lost.. i dont want to spend too much because of budget reasons and i want ok for my money.. Anyone got any ideas.. perferably i want a fun convertible,ttop,sunroof car thats quick and fun to drive.. I might be wasting my life away and i know im never gonna get this time of my life back that i've wasted pondering.. lol MR2s, 240SXs, and Integras != V8 cars

Not nearly as fast either. :thumbsdow

[Moe Man]

5.0L

to get a good one you are going to pay up for it, i got mine all stock vert. i paid 6000 for it 2 years ago!

[stikkyp]

I'm not looking at spending $5000 on an imports like a 240sx or a crx.. That would be more like $2000 - $2500... If it were a v8 and a fun car i'd be willing to go to $5000... Very few vehicles out there that aren't kid driven and thrashed... BRUTAL for a guy that just wants something clean and fun... I DONT WANT A PAINTED DASH lol...

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by stikkyp
I'm not looking at spending $5000 on an imports like a 240sx or a crx.. That would be more like $2000 - $2500... If it were a v8 and a fun car i'd be willing to go to $5000... Very few vehicles out there that aren't kid driven and thrashed... BRUTAL for a guy that just wants something clean and fun... I DONT WANT A PAINTED DASH lol... For a nominal fee, I could re-do some of your interior trim in a naked carbon fiber finish. Looks pretty killer. :thumbsup:

[bundi]

Sorry to change your option here but...

Buy a motorcycle. Cheap, better on gas than a V8, and you will have lots of fun this summer :)


Back to your dilemma though,

It seems like your top three priorities are:
1) Fun to drive
2) Good shape
3) Inexpensive

I'm not gonna go into great depth, but after reading the thread I would say that a manual is much more fun to drive than an auto. Performance aside.. it's fun to have more to do than just press on a pedal.

Good shape and Inexpensive don't go hand in hand unless you are buying a car nobody wanted to keep (see "fun to drive")
This is why good condition mustangs and camaro/TAs are tough to find because while they were fun to drive... people drove the shit out of them and then they fell in to the rough shape catagory and became expensive to fix up.

Out of your options listed I would choose the camaro.
But I would strongly suggest to make it easy on yourself and just Go for a few test drives



Ooo Motorhomes would be really fun.. wonder if you could get a really old one for 5G's with swivel seats :D

[stikkyp]

I think i found a camaro.... still kinda up in the air though.. I've opened my eyes to 240sx with a sr20det as well but most of them are crashed/rusted/bagged.... Not to mention people want crack money for them.. since when is a 91 sr20det 240sx worth $12k??

[JTC180]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren


care to actually read the post? read the choices?
E39 540i for 5k? sign me up i'll take 5



:facepalm:

I shall look for a link but yes there was a E39 540i for sale for $5000 a few months back. It was a real ad too because I went and took a look at the car.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by stikkyp
I think i found a camaro.... still kinda up in the air though.. I've opened my eyes to 240sx with a sr20det as well but most of them are crashed/rusted/bagged.... Not to mention people want crack money for them.. since when is a 91 sr20det 240sx worth $12k??

thats the thing
their not worth shit, those cars should be sold for 3 grand

go to regal auctions or any normal car auction and buy yourself a newer car for that price, dont go spending your money on beat to shit jdm rat rides. Id still look for a 5.0 mustang tho, u want fun youll get it, you want reliability and not bagged on, god be with you finding one.

BTW dont get JDM cars... you really think those cars come here with that low KM'S? give me a break.

[you&me]

Originally posted by JTC180


I shall look for a link but yes there was a E39 540i for sale for $5000 a few months back. It was a real ad too because I went and took a look at the car.

Wow, if there's ever been a case of getting what you pay for

[stikkyp]

Found a 240sx with an sr20det in it... think im gonna pick it up tomorrow... crossing fingers its not to terribly horrid... a little rust is ok i can get my bodyshop here at work to cut and weld but if its horrid then LOOK OUT!

[dr_jared88]

Originally posted by JTC180


I shall look for a link but yes there was a E39 540i for sale for $5000 a few months back. It was a real ad too because I went and took a look at the car.

and if its as good as a deal as you're making it sound then how come you never bought it?

[bourge73]

cause he offered a grand with a full tank of gas:rofl:

[JTC180]

Originally posted by dr_jared88


and if its as good as a deal as you're making it sound then how come you never bought it?

Because he A. Recived multiple offers and started a bidding war, and B. I did not quite have the funds to match the offers.

[GKLAZZ]

http://kelowna.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-Chevrolet-1991-camaro-Z28-v8-W0QQAdIdZ127207068 :thumbsup:

[mr2006]

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/264298/fs-1987-chevrolet-camaro/
So far the most "bang-for-your-buck" :thumbsup:
$3200 o.b.o.

[shaolinfox30]

FOX CHASSIS MUSTANG FOR SURE.