Forget the Elise...what car for 20-30k that looks like a beater but holds its value?

In reply to mr2peak:

If going swap I'd go rwd Volvo chassis and choice of 302, LS or ecoboost lump.

Bear in mind that swaps are NEVER worth what you put into them. If you have a $2000 Volvo and spend $6,000 swapping in a different drivetrain, you still have a $2000 Volvo.

I think a Phaeton W12 would align well. It's unloved now, but it's rare, capable, very livable, comfortable, somewhat exotic in the power train, has a good back story, and represents something of a high water mark for a marque with rabid adherents.

The other would be a Merc SL. The age to value and condition curve on these, along with range topping position in the lineup, and you can find a special car at about any price point. With what you have, you can certainly get into something older than five or six years, back at least to the early seventies.

On BAT right now is a 202k mile NSX for $25k.

http://bringatrailer.com/2015/11/25/25k-202k-miles-scruffy-1991-acura-nsx-5-speed/

captdownshift wrote: Nsx, Early bronco, nsx 964, nsx, 981 cayman, nsx, 996tt, nsx

Where are sub 30k 964's being found? Hell sub 40k is pushing it now. 911 SC's are still "cheap".

Same with nsx's.

Have seen a few salvage and a few auto 996tt's for under 30k.

I'm about 10 miles from that NSX though

cdowd wrote: I would vote for a defender as well. maybe even look at importing one from Europe under the over 25 year rule. they are supposedly much less money there.

They are considerably less money if you buy them in the UK, but keep in mind that a large number of them are Diesels so there's the big question mark over parts availability over here. Plus, I doubt you'll ever get one of those registered in CA in case that would be a concern.

Here's a 356 coupe for $20k. Needs a little work though, but qualifies for the "rough" bit:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5324359355.html

This thread needs more responses that fit the prompt. Buying the nicest known example of an otherwise cheap car for 20-30k is pretty much the polar opposite of buying something that's only 20-30k because it's a little rough and isnt going to get any less valuable unless it's actually wrecked.

What about a scruffy mid-90s Esprit? It's still a lotus and probably will never go below 20k as long as it's non-wrecked and drivable.

James May showed the Esprit to be one of the toughest and reliable off roaders around. They also look awesome and sound great.

Fantastic ideas so far. After seeing that 205k mile NSX, maybe I shouldn't dismiss the idea of a usually nice car that's in rougher shape (cosmetically). Doubtless it will still hold its value even with a few more dings and upholstery wear spots. However - that may not be quite as far towards the beater side as I was looking for.

I have a lot of reading to do on Esprit's...they look fantastic, but there must be a catch.

Maserati Gran Turismo? They seem to dip into the $40k range for a clean older car. A scruffy driver should be nearer the range.

OSULemon wrote: I have a lot of reading to do on Esprit's...they look fantastic, but there must be a catch.

They can be a little flammable, but a great shape. I like the Stevens updated cars, but the older ones look great too.

Last gen Supra

Another vote for the C5Z. You can "beat" on it if you really want to. There's enough creampuffs in your price range, easily.

Mk VI Supra, FD RX7 or the best NSX you can find for $30,000.

There's enough creampuffs in your price range, easily.

BUT the whole idea is the value won't tank if it picks up more dings than it already has. No creampuffs allowed.

lnlogauge wrote: ugly? check. Looks like a beater? check. can be had for under 30? yep.

I really like the two door G's.

Land Rover

Here's a $15k Series 3 example. Most are significantly more expensive. Importing it will take up a bit of the budget as well, but nothing wears dings as well as an old Aluminum Land Rover

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/land-rover/series-3/1791700.html

Defender 90 in New York http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/land-rover/defender-90/1742087.html

Plenty of choices for $30k, and those will be expected to have bruises http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/?0=0&adtypeFacet=Vehicles%20for%20Sale&makeFacet=Land%20Rover&sort=sort_time_desc&page_size=15&start=15