Jalopnik's 10 reasonable cars to drive before dying

[Bubba1]

A Jalopnik contributer, Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez, just published his list of 10 cars everyone needs to drive before they die that currently cost less than $15,000. I’ve driven 9 of them.

10 . 1974 BMW 2002 - Agree. It is a fun, well made, solid simple little car, built long before BMW’s were over-stuffed with technology.
9. 1972 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – Former CEO of a company I worked for had one of these, I used to drive it occasionally to stage it at places when he wanted to drive himself. Big heavy but softly sprung, comfortable land barge that screamed "look at me". It was not particularly fast or good handling, but it felt opulent.
8. 1976 Porsche 912. I liked the 912. Think old 911 with a 4 banger instead of the 6. I drove a couple of them, though I think the older ones were actually more entertaining as they had skinnier tires, which meant being more mindful when driving.
7. 1936 Cadillac LaSalle. The only one on the list I have not driven. Though I did drive a similar vintage Rolls which I thought was a better car in pretty much every way, but more costly.
6. 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo. Oh yeah, great car. This was the second gen MR2 that looked like a mini-Ferrari. I know there are Toyota haters around, but this was a real drivers car. A lotus elise that you can actually climb out of. I I have two friends who own this very model, both are track toys.
5. Porsche 944 turbo. Wonderful balance and quick, though painful to the wallet when they break, Ive been in a few of these. Very intoxicating to drive ‘em fast.
4. Jeep wrangler. I’m not sure about this one. I think I prefer the older sturdier CJ5’s which had metal dashes (insert Tim Allen grunts) as compared to the newer and more plasticky wranglers. Better off road than on, but the primitive ride can get tiresome quickly unless you’re young.
3. 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Another one I’m not sure about. It was an okay car in its day, but there are other models of Mustang or pony cars for that I enjoyed driving more than this generation ‘stang.
2. Datsun 240Z – oh yeah. A housemate in college owned one that occasionally handed me the keys. Loved it back when they were new. Every time I see Gord’s modified Z, it takes me back. Fun car
1. Mercedes Benz S600- An interesting car, but I’m not sure it belongs on the list. I had a beginner student show up at VIR in one. Greatest car seats ever. I faced a tough choice as to whether I wanted to set the seats on Shiatsu or Swedish massage. Decadent comfort, with big performance (V12), and surprisingly good brakes. The nannies were a bit intrusive, so you couldn’t really stomp on it until your wheels were straight, but it handled pretty well. 2.5 tons o’ fun.

Sorry, no miata’s or 240SX’s on the list. But anyone have any additions??

Personally I would have added Corvair Corsa, Opel GT (or Manta), Volvo P1800, Lotus Europa, and Model A Ford to the list.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Maybe an S2000, or WRX (STi?)

[MinisterofDOOM]

Man, I don't agree with most of that list. But I expected that, coming from Jalopnik.

Most of those are hardly "reasonable." Find me a Cadillac LaSalle to drive, please. I'll give you a week. You'll fail.

MR2, 944, Wrangler, sure those sort of make sense. Wrangler seems a bit out of place, though. Everyone has a wrangler, for crying out loud, and it doesn't do much unique. I'd say FJ40 or Defender before Wrangler. Not rare but much more interesting.

The Benz is just dumb. S-class is the most boring and forgettable of all luxury cars--fairly uncommon, but with no benefit. Not like a Bentley, which is rare, or an S8 which is interesting. It's just a damn couch. Might as well drive an LS460 and save some time.

And as for the Mustang, anyone who prefers a basic SN95 as the Mustang to drive needs psychiatric treatment. Sorry, IRS? Clear answer is anything modern or the New Edge Cobra if you're ignoring classics. But, really, there's only one choice with Mustangs: first-gen GT notchback. Gorgeous, fun, simple, everywhere.

And the 912 is just goofy. WAY harder to find than a similar-era 911.

The BMW2002 is a neat entry to the list, though.

Z32, first-gen S8, first-gen Mustang GT notchback, LR Defender, would all make my list instead of the hipster-brown Jalopnik weirdness they picked.

[Bubba1]

An amusing update. This is located about 30 minutes or so away from me. Granted it's not a Caddy LaSalle but it's close enough. I might have to check it out to complete my "Jalopnik" list...

http://bringatrailer.com/2015/11/18/v8- ... 0-special/

[Jesda]

Having experienced a few 2002s, I can see why they've become so revered. I don't think it's anything you need to drive before you die, but if you're a BMW fan it gives you an understanding of what the brand is supposed to be (and why BMW's current offerings are duds).


That said, I can think of other more interesting, reasonable vehicles that car guys should drive, a few of which have been forgotten:

1990-1996 Infiniti Q45
Z32 Nissan 300ZX TT
Saab 99 and 900 turbo 3-door hatchback
Volvo 850R
1981-1989 Toyota Celica GTS
1988 Mazda 626 turbo coupe
Lotus Elise
A zamboni

[PapaSmurf2k3]

OOOOOOO the Zamboni is a curve ball, yet oh so spot on.

[BusyBadger]

When I saw the title I was wondering what would be on the list, I'm surprised I've driven around half the ones listed. Both Porsches, the MR2, the Z, the Wrangler and the Mach 1. The 912 and 944 were both driven in Germany, very fitting. The 912 looked cool but I certainly didn't love it while unleashing the 944 on the autobahn was the second most automotive fun I had in Europe, only eclipsed by its big brother 928.

Having been in the Army (hence Germany) I'd say driving one of the real HMMWVs in adverse conditions is something everyone should get a chance to do, they really are unstoppable. I've driven one in mud deep enough that it was oozing in through the lower door jams and it kept in rolling, well...chugging along. I've seen one get stuck once, at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, during night exercise a driver got a diff stuck on a rock and couldn'tget enough traction to get off without assistance from another vehicle. The H2s and H3s that litter American roadways pale on comparison to the original AM General offering.

I'll see Jesda's Zamboni and raise you a HEMTT...one of the few vehicles that German drivers would move over for when we would convoy. And it was always an event watching a new driver take the wheel during training - not everyone does well their first time out sitting so far out in front of the forward axle.

[Bubba1]

That said, I can think of other more interesting, reasonable vehicles that car guys should drive, a few of which have been forgotten:

1990-1996 Infiniti Q45
Z32 Nissan 300ZX TT
Saab 99 and 900 turbo 3-door hatchback
Volvo 850R
1981-1989 Toyota Celica GTS
1988 Mazda 626 turbo coupe
Lotus Elise
A zamboni

wow, I'd loooove to drive a Zamboni.

So true about the Saabies. Great cars

[Gold Digger]

But, really, there's only one choice with Mustangs: first-gen GT notchback. Gorgeous, fun, simple, everywhere.

Are you talking Fox body GT Mustangs? There was a GT model in the late 60's. My uncle had one, a 68 or 69 IIRC, with a 390CI.

I would have to agree with you though that the notchback GT in the early Fox bodies were pretty damn awesome. Drove on, albeit an automatic, when I was stationed in San Diego that was a hoot.

[Bubba1]

I believe he's referring to the 1965.

[elwesso]

I don't think anyone should ever drive a Volvo 850R. that is the most pointless and confused vehicle I've ever driven.

944 is a really neat car. My buddy had a 944 turbo and I enjoyed driving. It definitely is a lot different than a 911 but it's very well sorted.

I would also add any 1980s BMW (E30 and E28 especially). I had an E28 and it was amazing how much fun 180 HP (probably more like 150 HP with wear) can be. Even in my G35 you wind out 3rd gear and you're doing like 90MPH, in the 533i you would wind out 3rd gear and be doing like 65, so it was a lot of fun you can have in a much more legal manner.

[Jesda]

I don't think anyone should ever drive a Volvo 850R. that is the most pointless and confused vehicle I've ever driven.

That's exactly why everyone should drive one. They are so strange. Like a zamboni.

[Bubba1]

I think one could strongly argue the 850R was the best Volvo of the modern era, particularly with the turbo. Unfortunately it faced some very tough competition back in its day, like the Audi S6, and BMW 5 series, both of which were better cars IMHO. And together, they both made the Volvo stand out less than perhaps it probably should. But if you go older than the 90's, like to the 60's, I think there are other Volvo models more worthy for a "drive before you die list" than an 850R.

[Jesda]

I think one could strongly argue the 850R was the best Volvo of the modern era, particularly with the turbo. Unfortunately it faced some very tough competition back in its day, like the Audi S6, and BMW 5 series, both of which were better cars IMHO. And together, they both made the Volvo stand out less than perhaps it probably should. But if you go older than the 90's, like to the 60's, I think there are other Volvo models more worthy for a "drive before you die list" than an 850R.

Those have reached classic status and no longer have a place on this list.

[Bubba1]

The criteria was under $15K, and you can still find "classic" Volvi for less than that. And that's the problem with old Volvo's. They've always had a tendency to fly under collector radars. Still do.

[Jesda]

The criteria was under $15K, and you can still find "classic" Volvi for less than that. And that's the problem with old Volvo's. They've always had a tendency to fly under collector radars. Still do.

They're definitely out there, but good examples are well over $15k.

Below that youre mostly going to find so-so runners that need restoration. It's not realistic.

[Bubba1]

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-volvo-1800es-5/ Currently $5K

I suspect they're more expensive where you are as fewer were sold out there. Around here, where they sold a ton of them, they're still relatively plentiful, so you can still find a nice P1800/ or ES runner for $10-15K. Restored ones will certainly fetch over $15K. there are even several 122's still putt-putting around here. Unlike old Fiats, where rust was standard equipment, old Volvo's have proved far more resistant.

[Jesda]

But at that point it's not really something you need to drive before you die. I'd say the little two-stroke Saabs are more worthy.

There is no "what the hell is this wonderful/awful thing?" that you'd experience with, say, an 850R.

It's not special aside from being old and pretty.

[Bubba1]

But at that point it's not really something you need to drive before you die. I'd say the little two-stroke Saabs are more worthy.

There is no "what the hell is this wonderful/awful thing?" that you'd experience with, say, an 850R.

It's not special aside from being old and pretty.

To be fair, there's nothing you NEED to drive before you drive, more a case of want. and I agree those old 2 stroke Saabs and even the Sonnets are more worthy to be on that list.... than an 850R. They were both unique and special to drive. But personally, I would put the P1800 ahead of all of them. Not just for the driving experience, which is good, but also because the P1800 was an iconic car in it's day among baby boomers. It's sexy styling and good handling led it's label "poor man's Ferrari", and it was featured on TV as the hero's car in the old popular TV Series "the Saint". Bottom line, the 850R was a pleasant 90's car, and it could outperform an old P1800, but it was not particularly exceptional. Great volvo, but not a must drive before you die car.

[BusyBadger]

I would put the P1800 ahead of all of them. Not just for the driving experience, which is good, but also because the P1800 was an iconic car in it's day among baby boomers. It's sexy styling and good handling led it's label "poor man's Ferrari", and it was featured on TV as the hero's car in the old popular TV Series "the Saint".

I used to have an old hand-me-down Corgi diecast 1800 from The Saint. I was bummed out that it had The Saint logo on the hood, much the same way I was that they put the 007 logo on their Lotus Esprit model from The Spy Who Loved Me.

I've never seen an P1800 in person, but the lines are gorgeous and it's certainly on my checklist alongside the Renault Alpine 110. There was so much that was so right with those 60s & 70s designs.

[Bubba1]

I test drove a few P1800's when my brother was actively trying to buy one back in the 70's . I thought the wagon versions were actually nicer. They were both sexy cars, but TBH they looked faster than they were. Very well made and fun to drive, but far from blazing. They also were a tad pricey when they were closer to new. But since the public seems to have all but forgotten them as they have the Saint TV show, you can still buy one at a reasonable price, at least here in the northeast, where there are still quite a few around.

So true about 60's design, but I personally draw the line at the early 70's. I was less a fan of the Lotus Esprit, the James Bond wedge shaped car, and more of a fan of the older rounder Lotus Europa. Europa was also more fun to drive than the Esprit.