Sub $8k "quirky" or "oddball" cars from the 80s or 90s?

Speaking of Rabbit GTI.  This got recommended at me.

Love this thread. How about a Beretta GTU or Citation x11.

Mercury Cougar. 

I thought of a few more ideas for me to consider.  Honda del Sol.  Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible from mid 90s.  I don't know why, but I always thought they were cool in a weird way.  Wish they had the 3.8L

In reply to SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) :

Wasn't there a 2 door LTD?

In reply to SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) :

Any interest in a BMW E28?

I've got a 1985 524TD with an LS swap I'll sell you. 
 

It's the perfect time machine sleeper/cruiser. Classic + unique

codrus (Forum Supporter) said:

fatallightning said:

Some more lunch time ideas.

Contour SVTs were cool, I always felt they got a bad reputation for no good reason.

 

They got a bad rep from nuking the 2.5 in long right handers (or was it left?) Happened to my brothers.

In reply to Appleseed :

Also, they were second generation, which were not as good looking and didn't feel as nice to drive.  Softer and squishier, more Taurus-y instead of German feeling.

SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:

I thought of a few more ideas for me to consider.  Honda del Sol.  Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible from mid 90s.  I don't know why, but I always thought they were cool in a weird way.  Wish they had the 3.8L

Ooo Del Sol might be the perfect answer.

clutchsmoke said:

SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:

I thought of a few more ideas for me to consider.  Honda del Sol.  Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible from mid 90s.  I don't know why, but I always thought they were cool in a weird way.  Wish they had the 3.8L

Ooo Del Sol might be the perfect answer.

I dunno, Del Sol isn't quirky so much as "I can't afford a real Civic".

It's in GA, and I'll sell it with plenty of room left in your budget. 

In reply to SVreX (Forum Supporter) :

How much?  Details?  What works and what doesn't?  I'm not a mechanic....

In reply to SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) :

How's $6500?

I didn't build it. I bought it from a fellow GRMer because I loved it at first sight. 
 

But it really doesn't fit in my life right now. 

SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) said:

In reply to SVreX (Forum Supporter) :

How much?  Details?  What works and what doesn't?  I'm not a mechanic....

It runs excellent. Completely rust free. Nearly perfect interior. 
 

The stuff that doesn't work is minor "tinkering" stuff from the swap- gas gauge doesn't work, several gauges. Suspension is good, but could be dialed in for better performance. 
 

You could probably pay someone to finish the details well and still stay under your budget. 

You've got my attention.  Tell me more.  Do you know which LS it is?  What trans is in it?  Does it have a radio, heat, etc...?  Any idea of hp?  Does it leak anything... wife won't like oil in the garage, LOL.  Any idea how many miles the car and engine have?

In reply to SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) :

Here's the link to the For Sale thread when I bought it:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/cars-sale/bmw-e28-with-lsxauto-1985-524td/183269/page1/

There are links in that thread to his build thread. 
 

It's a very nice build. Really well done. 
 

Driveable now. Details could easily be sorted out be a weekender.

I could sell it for a lot more, but I'm not trying to make money on it. Just put it in the hands of someone who will love it. 

I wish I could find a relatively clean naturally aspirated FC2 RX-7 coupe.  It's like they've all just disappeared.

In reply to MrFancypants :

$15,000 for one nowadays, though...

codrus (Forum Supporter) said:

fatallightning said:

Some more lunch time ideas.

Contour SVTs were cool, I always felt they got a bad reputation for no good reason.

 

When I asked about one I was told to run screaming from them and they are an absolute pain to work on.

Like.... alternator is an engine-out scenario. And the aforementioned oiling problem.

I didn't need 4 doors and ended up with a zx2, which is about as fast, handles better and is a vastly better car than the Mondeos IMO

In reply to SVreX (Forum Supporter) :

Hmmm... very interesting.  I really like it.  Where are you located?  I think my biggest concern is that the car is so custom.  If something happens to it, I may be in trouble trying to find someone to fix it.  I can do oil changes and stuff, but have neither the time or skills to do much more.  If you want to take this offline, skjss0307@gmail.com

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

In reply to MrFancypants :

$15,000 for one nowadays, though...

Seriously.  I remember when $15k was enough for a flawless turbo model.

In reply to SKJSS (formerly Klayfish) :

I hear you, but it's not really that bad. 
 

Entire drivetrain is Chevrolet. Engine, transmission, wiring, computer. 
 

Entire chassis is BMW. Suspension, steering, brakes, body. 
 

I'll drop you a line. 

One of these - make sure it is an 88 and a V6.  They came in GT (with the wing on the back) and without.

Found this Capri when searching cars for THIS thread.

In reply to hobiercr :

Needs moar XR2 at that price point, even with how clean it is.