Reader Question: Classic Car Recommends?

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Jason asks: Foremost, I want to thank you for you blog. I first learned about you through the Tom Woods podcast. I’ve recommended your to a lot of people. Hopefully, you gained some new readers. Anyways, I’d like to ditch my 2017 Acura ILX. While I can afford the payment, it is just too much to spend on a car. I’m wanting to follow your advice and get a classic car. What years, makes and models would make a good daily driver. I’d like to stay under $10k. Any and all advice you can give me is greatly appreciated.

My reply: Thanks for the kind words! On the daily driver: There are almost limitless possibilities here; especially if you avoid “known” classics – which will cost you the most. Here I mean models like classic muscle cars from the mid-late ’60s through the early ’70s, ’55-’57 Chevies, Thunderbirds – and so on.

What you want for a daly driver is something that was nothing special when new and so doesn’t cost a fortune today.

For example, a big sedan or an intermediate coupe (I am thinking along these lines) from the mid-late ’70s through the early’80s. Some of these – from the early-mid ’80s – are actually pretty modern in that they often have overdrive transmissions and a simple TBI – Throttle Body Injection – fuel injection system and so have driveability comparable to a modern car, as well as gas mileage, without the overtech and Big Brothery stuff.

Trucks from the ’70s, ’80s – and even early-mid ’90s – are another great choice.

For a sporty car, an early Datsun 240, 260 or 280Z would be neat – and still affordable, too. Or even a Camaro/Firebird from the same era (mid-late ’70s and early-mid 1980s).

These are fun, simple and easily upgraded in all the right places.