My clunker is pretty raw, buttttt I don't have to deal with strict california emissions which is a plus. A miata is looking pretty good during these times though.

 

I also find it amazing what some cars with less that normal horsepower are capable of these days.

 

[quote name='Rob x-7' date='Sep 13 2005, 06:51 PM']The power in new cars is getting crazy, Impalas with 300hp, Envoys or whatever with 400hp



these are normal everyday boring cars, makes me think twice about bothering with these clunkers pushing themselves to get 400hp in a car that will basically lose all its creature comforts and not be very pleasant to drive

sigh


[/quote]



Very true. But half of what being a car enthusiast is about is messing with clunkers.

 

Cars are also getting a lot heavier so it balances out somewhat.



Mark

 

messing with a old car is one thing, I like that I can get into my car and drive it anywhere, I know that once I mess with it Im probably going to lose some confidence in it being reliable.



Im saying keep the old car nice and driveable, but go out a rape a new car with the warranty and still have comfort and reliability.



I did have a dream the night before I was looking at the GTO which is what got me thinking, so its wierd Vosko would mention that.

 

Yeah, if you can swing the payment, or better yet, buy one outright, there isn't much about an older car that you couldn't get in a new car. Okay, maybe that musty funk, but do we really want that?



Even in the twisties, the new stuff hangs in or excels. I recall an article that Grassroots Motorsports ran a year or two ago where they ran the Honda Odyssey of all things against an old Porsche and a Jag. 255 HP and it handles very well.



For most people, it's not so much bang for the buck as it is a nostalgia trip, or for my wife and I, just having a cheap fast car around that we can take the strip now and then.

 

I did the new car thing...it got old quick.....

 

[quote name='Black8' date='Sep 14 2005, 10:30 AM']I did the new car thing...it got old quick.....


[/quote]



That's because you bought the NEW headache



-Tekniques

 

If I could buy a new car, I would in an instant. I like my old wimpy car, because I can immediately see and experience the fruits of my labor, something that isn't so evident in other aspects life. The same would be true for a new car (assuming I worked for the money and such), but working on an old car has been cheaper so far.



If I ever get to the level of "spending lots of money to make it go fast," I'll just buy a new car (or swap an ls7 into miata).

 

I wouldn't mind one brand new car as a reliable and comforatable econobox. But if thats all I had I would get bored really quick.