So the wife wants to buy a classic

I suggested to her to get a Triumph TR7 but she said no way, rightfully complaining that it would likely end up as a parts donor for my TR8.

My response was just don't get something that I'll have to be continually maintaining. We're trying to think of a decent older car to get her, but one that is relatively maintenance free which eliminates most British stuff and also cheap to maintain which eliminates most German cars. For her it shouldn't be too old either, probably 1980's might be a good era. I'd try and keep the price under $6000 if possible, but can do more for the right vehicle.

I've suggested an early model Miata or RX7.

Any other suggestions?

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Miata or E30 cabrio.

C4 Corvette?

A1 VW Cabriolet or Scirocco.

If you're willing to go older - air cooled VW Type III.

$6k will get you nearly the best available example of any one of these.

Cheap to maintain on a C4 is only true when you do all the work yourself. They're a bit of a PITA to work on...

6 grand should buy a decent late 80s one, though, maybe even an early 90s with the six speed.

Miata <- the only answer?

Now with classic looks

Miata, VW Cabby, droptop BMW are all great choices. A droptop SAAB 900 might be lots of fun for her too, you not so much.

A stranger choice but one she may actually enjoy a lot is an older Volvo like the coupe on Bring a Trailer today. My wife loved hers. Funky enough to be fun and noticed in, reliable, and surprisingly easy to have fun in.

911SC - that's what I wish I had the cash for. Datsun 2000 roadster would be sweet. Very nice to drive, from what I hear.

MKii Supra

Don't know about the Datsun, $6k for a good one seems possible but maybe not? I do know from looking around that a 911SC sold for $6,000 is going to be a pile of rust wrapped around a tree in a bad neighborhood.

The RX7 Convertible is one of the nicer convertibles I have owned from a comfort and sporting perspective. The wind doesn't beat you up too badly in the RX7 like in the Miata.

The Mercedes SLK is also an awesome 'vert and can sometimes be found at a reasonable price when higher mileage. Mine had 140k and drove like a champ.

Mitsu Starion, Porsche 944, you can buy alot of really nice shape 80s car for the money

pres589 wrote: Don't know about the Datsun, $6k for a good one seems possible but maybe not? I do know from looking around that a 911SC sold for $6,000 is going to be a pile of rust wrapped around a tree in a bad neighborhood.

Yeah, that sound about right. What about cruising the local ads for something cool but not in super-high demand--Fiat or Alfa Spider, AMC something, Ford Falcon, Olds cruiser, etc. You could also find a decent MGB for that kind of money. Air-cooled VW?

What about a 240Z or early MR2? Others: Saab Sonnett, Karman Ghia, 924S, early Celica, Fiat X1/9, and $6k could pick up a fairly decent Datsun Roadster.

If a project was acceptable, $6k should put together most if not all of a convertible RX-7 + engine swap, something like the aluminum 5.3. Might be a little low but should be close.

Sorry - I didn't see the budget cap when recommending the 911SC. I still would go with the Datsun though, a torquey motor stock and a five speed! Nice combo. sportscarmarket did an "affordable classics" article on them not too long ago. Made me drool. If you want, send me your E-mail and I'll mail you a copy of it.

Air-cooled VW Convertible with two-tone paint!

Buick Reatta

Spitfire with Petronic distributor and overdrive.

Jeepster

What has she mentioned?

I would avoid heavy modifications such as engine swaps or anything too old. An MGB is going to require a lot of maintenance, for example.

But you're missing the most important thing - what pushes her buttons? You can't just go and buy someone an older car and say "here's your classic, have fun with that". Does she want a convertible? Chrome? Sports car handling?

I have another pair of ideas that are both very good and very cheap and easy to buy and maintain: Volvo 122 (amazon) and 1800. Both beautiful cars and super simple and easy to work on. Both drive nicely and keep up with modern traffic, not to mention, 6K will buy you the best ones around.

SA/FB RX-7, Porsche 944, or Datsun 240/260/280Z.

$6K would buy you the world's nicest GSL-SE RX-7, or even better a cherry 79 SA with fender mirrors and the JDM-only turbo 12A...

BMW 2002 with a five speed.

An early Mustang coupe. Most of the others listed aren't classics yet, just beaters and used cars.

spitfirebill wrote: BMW 2002 with a five speed.

Like the one that Bill at Flyin' Miata bought! It's not requiring any maintenance to keep it on the road, because it's not on the road He's finally got it running well now that he's figured out a Tii dizzy was retrofitted, but his clean example still needs the bottom foot of the bodywork replaced...

Seriously, low maintenance is not going to be an old, old car. It will be a modern classic like a Miata, MR2 or RX7. But it all depends on what she likes.

E30 ragtop jumped instantly into my mind as well.

912 if you can find a decent one.