Need a beater/dd...what to get?

[gearheadE30]

So my e30 is really too nice to continue being driven in winter. It is a cali car, and saw two midwest winters and the rust has begun. To take the wear and tear off the turbo car, I'm looking for a beater that can haul stuff. And I found this Caprice...

1989 Caprice Classic wagon, olds 307, 200R4, 74000 original miles. Rust on the bottom of one of the doors and the spare tire well is rusted out. Some other surface rust, but all structurally sound and simple to repair. It's a solid car but has been sitting for 2.5 years and has a blown rear brake line. Fires instantly and makes really good power. All electrics work and interior is basically as new except for a wobbly tilt steering column. $550, but I have to tow it home. Trans slips in reverse and leaks, but is otherwise fine. No woodgrain!!

Otherwise I'd probably get an S10 or something. Better mileage, would be a stick or a 350 swapper, maybe 4x4, probably more rust, and probably cheaper insurance....

I'm leaning towards the wagon. For some reason I really like it, even if it's slow as shit. I don't know much about these cars though, and they are somewhat unusual. I couldn't find much about reliability or anything like that. Anything I should know? Should I stay the hell away and get something else?

[gearheadE30]

All of the rust is visible here...

[Jalves619]

325ix
Having 2 e30s>Having 1 e30

[gearheadE30]

I would, but I would be so tempted to make it nice... I don't want that kind of emotional (and monetary) attachment haha. Not when that money could go towards making the turbo car even nicer...

[Pantless Spency]

325ix
Having 2 e30s>Having 1 e30

+1 but you won't find a 5speed ix for anywhere near the price of that caprice.
I say just buy any 500 dollar car you can maintain and get good milage in and still enjoy driving. Ive seen old Saab 900's and volvo 240's for a bargain at a good deal before, but neither of those are particularly good for winter lol

[gearheadE30]

Actually I looked at a few 240's as well, including a 5 speed. I'm 6'4" though, and they are super uncomfortable for tall people. And if you fold the middle row down to haul stuff, the front seats have to be all the way forward.


Caprice bonus-it seats 9, and can haul 4'x8' plywood. With the rear door shut.

[Dj Buttchug]

early 90s rwd volvo

[Pantless Spency]

early 90s rwd volvo

[Mlarsen]

91 civic wagon, that's right buy a HONDA.

[z31maniac]

Any 90s Honda/Toyota/Nissan appliance is going to be the best for cheap insurance/maintenance and good gas mileage.

[Kershaw]

late 80s rwd volvo.

they're tanks. my mom sold hers at 250k miles.

[87e30]

I paid very little money for my subbie wagon.

Did I mention it held an engine hoist and s50 in the back. :)

[Pantless Spency]

early 90s rwd volvo

I paid very little money for my subbie wagon.

Did I mention it held an engine hoist and s50 in the back. :)

Not gonna lie that's pretty legit haha

[JasonC]

That wagon is gonna eat more gas then you think. Even with highway gears and flat land. But once you're done DD it. You can aways go and have fun with it at the demos at the county fairs!

[ill4noreason]

Mercedes 300td wagon things are tanks. If your gonna buy a Honda at least get an accord 4cyl wagon. AWD Chevy Astro is one badass vehicle. If your gonna go American wagon at least get a woody wagon...