I keep seeing in this NG the issues with electrics, trans dipstick tubes no longer being on cars and quality in general. Considering the prices on new cars, not to mention the sales taxes, tag taxes, interest on car loans and full coverage insurance, I fail to understand why more folks don't buy wrecks and rebuild them.
Shit! Pull an old Poncho from an auto graveyard, rebuild it, have it inspected, re-titled, re-tagged and insured and you'll end up with a cooler car for less dinero.
Not long ago I went through an 84 Bird with the 4 banger, 4 speed trans. To completely rebuild, replacing engine/tranny, tidying up the electrical, new suspension, (ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, shocks/struts etc) new rubber, and repainting was a bit less than $5600 US.
32+ mpg. low insurance, drives great being so light in the front end for a 3rd Gen.I've been offered twice that numerous times from guys seeing it at a gas station or whatever. A buddy of mine did the same with a mid-60's full size Bonneville and it's frigging amazing what he gets offered for it.
Just a bit of a rant.