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1980's RWD gas sipper


NKC_280z

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Hello,

Recently I have been thinking about getting a daily driver beater car. I would like to keep the miles down on the Z32. Also I drive around alot and the 300 is making me put 20 dollars in it every other day (thats with keeping my foot out of it) :). I come with the question of what 1980's import to buy. The reason why I say 1980's is because for some dang reason I just love Japanese cars of the 80's. I was thinking along the lines of a first generation RX7, toyota corolla, a celica supra, a 200sx, even a four door that could one day be a sleeper :twisted:. Something that I can have as alittle cheap project, that is fun, that is ok on gas (25 mpg or more city), and will look good with fender mounted mirrors (not really important but how can you do an 80's japanese car without fender mounted mirrors haha). I am looking to spend 500 dollars or less. Any ideas?

Thanks, Mike

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Guest TeamNissan

I dont think anything you going to get from the 80's is going to be as good mpg as the quotes your looking at of then NEW. I would cut them in half lol. I tried the same thing and my old 85 integra beater got lower milage then my z32.

 

I vote for the corolla though, just cuz its fun.

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Guest TeamNissan

Ya, you know the starlet is prob the overall best I can think of on gas lol. It was like what 45mpg new? I'm changing my vote to that :-)

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A daily driver 80's car for $500 or less in the Missouri area.

 

I think you are looking at a Chevette or Dodge Omni. Something along those lines. Japanese cars from that time frame were not too popular in the midwest. I think the ones you do find that aren't completely rusted will cost more that $500.

 

Just pick up an auto trader and see what I mean.

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A daily driver 80's car for $500 or less in the Missouri area.

 

I think you are looking at a Chevette or Dodge Omni. Something along those lines. Japanese cars from that time frame were not too popular in the midwest. I think the ones you do find that aren't completely rusted will cost more that $500.

 

Just pick up an auto trader and see what I mean.

 

What he said.

 

You might consider flying to the coast and driving back. I got very lucky finding my car in KC, but for the price I paid for it, I could have picked up 3 or 4 s30's in Cali.

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Here's an option: '86-'87 Honda Accord LX-i Hatchback.

 

They only made them for those two years, and it's a blast to drive! It gets great mileage, shares many parts with the CRX and Preludes, and looks pretty similar to a corolla. I loved mine, and it was hard to choose between it and the 280z when I had to. It's that good.

 

RX-7: MAAAANY problems with the first gen. It would turn into a monetary blackhole just to maintain it.

 

Corolla: good luck.

 

200sx: I dunno, never had one.

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If you don't mind front wheel drive or Fords you may want to check into Escorts, which may be easier to find in the mid west. I have a 92 with the indestructable 1.9 with 150 thousand miles, I paid $500 and maybe another $100 on a timing belt and other misc. parts. I get anywhere from 32-38 mpgs, handles pretty good too.

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