http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/12202.page Public Action http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#1074631 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#1074631 GMT that old, the parts are still readily available from dealers; and, as they are Toyotas, they are extremely reliable. They ride as if on rails and even the less-than-optimally powered 5sfe engine still has plenty of get up and go. Plus, they are available in a drop-top, and even in a coupe or hatchback, they are just plain gorgeous. My '97 GT convertible (showing my bias, here) has been a joy to own and drive. If you were to seriously consider getting one, I would advise trying to find one with a 3sgte engine swap for that added bit of zing.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#983616 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#983616 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#983427 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#983427 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#921024 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#921024 GMT
I've worked on a number of cars over the years and though some are tougher to deal with than others, the word easy has never come up. All car repairs are a beatch no matter how easy they seem when you read the manual or some gearhead tells you it will be a no brainer. Unless you do it everyday, and have done that particualr job on that particualr car before, expect many a surprize that will cost you a lot more time than you will have initially believed was needed. As far as easy to work on sports cars, isn't that even worse as they are usually big engines in very small spaces. That alone makes every thing you do 10 times more a pain in the butt.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#911639 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#911639 GMT http://www.mgbexperience.com and read up.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908615 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908615 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908445 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908445 GMT
Hard to work on? Maybe. I couldn't tell you. It never needs work. Most reliable car I ever owned. Indeed, I still own the one I bought in 1992. Driven hard. Sometimes put away wet, but always maintained.

Routine maintenance wasn't especially expensive. Needed a clutch at 82k courtesy of a ham footed driver who should have known better. That's all I can talk about. This probably doesn't count, but I did have to replace the speakers a few years ago. Parts were a monumental $300, and my daughter installed them for me. In an afternoon. At home. Eveything else is still working.

Cheap parts? That's relative. Above clutch replaced was less than $2k at the dealer. Ferrari wanted more than that to replace a cracked passenger side view mirror (only the glass mind you, but they only sold a complete assembly) on my 456. Maybe a Miata has cheaper parts, but does anyone get 80+k out of their clutch?

They're no longer made. Sigh. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908425 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908425 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908422 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908422 GMT
I think anything older is easier to work on. You could get to things in both FIAT spider or the Alfa Deutto I owned. Much less plumbing. And tuning dual Webber carbs is easier and cheaper for me then dealing with computerized fuel injection that you need special equipment to test.

Reliable, ah...

I'd put them all in the sports car category, if you are considering old Lotus, Triump, etc. Or Miatas for that matter.

-Roger ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908026 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908026 GMT anything with a V8 from about 82 on up is pretty quick, easy to work on and parts are available 

If you can find one that's NOT in a junkyard. My brother owned a 79, then a 84, then a 91 Mustang....They were JUNK from day one. The 84..I was really impressed the car made it to 60k miles. Well not really considering all the money he put into it to get it that far. It was a good thing the Mustangs were NOT his daily commuter.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908432 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#908432 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#906220 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#906220 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#903439 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#903439 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900621 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900621 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900617 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900617 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900612 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900612 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900416 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#900416 GMT ...owners who live within 3 blocks of me and they're perfectly happy with their vehicles. 

I am glad to hear it, but don't you see what's wrong with these so-called surveys? They are not a random sample of owners. They are filled out by people who happen to be interested enough to go online and write something about it. For all we know they could be filled out by people who don't even own the car but have a conflict of interest. They are anything but scientific. They are kind of like those internet news polls that always include the following disclaimer: "This is not a scientific poll."]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#897231 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#897231 GMT
http://www...eview.html

http://www...7764449924

http://aut...&trimid=-1

http://aut...CID=iSEMPI

Just a small sampling. There are also 3 Camaro (2 4th and 1 3rd gen) owners who live within 3 blocks of me and they're perfectly happy with their vehicles.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896198 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896198 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896105 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896105 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896090 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896090 GMT
Both of my sons own Camaros and they've both been rock solid vehicles. One is an '88 with 280k miles and the other is a '96 with 220k on it. Neither one of these cars have ever had the engine or transmission touched, or even needed it, and still run/drive just like the day they were purchased. Brakes, struts, maintenance/tune up stuff, and a fuel pump each is about it. Matter of fact, the '88 still has the original water pump in place.

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896073 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896073 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896062 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896062 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896024 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896024 GMT http://www...eId=103416 since they've made them relatively inexpensive since the 70's. You mentioned a Cutlass? Wow! You still have one of those? Since you also mentioned V8 torque/power maybe you can build something like this: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2052251. I hope you find what your looking for...and what your wife will allow! :) ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895843 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895843 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896187 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896187 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896182 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896182 GMT
Straight line performance has very little to do with being a sports car, I would include a 40 HP speedster, but not a 500 HP S600 sedan.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895827 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895827 GMT
I saw a minivan (Dodge Caravan) eat some muscle cars for lunch in the quarter-mile. No left turns, of course, but they can go fast.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895656 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895656 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895825 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895825 GMT
No, by your definition it is a GT, unless we can open it up a bit and include all GTs and sports cars. Maybe GTs and roadsters, but not all convertibles. An XKE would be a sports car under these circumstances, and most (all?) Ferraris would be sports cars, too. And Aston Martins...]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895663 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895663 GMT
If I was looking for a cheap (under $20-30K) sports car, I would probably look for an old (air cooled) 911 or a old (but not classic) vette, depending on your taste. Personally, I wouldn't hack up a (pre-ford) jag by installing the incorrect engine.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895655 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895655 GMT These had good straight-line performance, and don't handle well, brake well, get good mileage, etc.
 

There are upgrades to these cars to make them handle as well MOST of todays cars. Complete suspension systems. Braking is a easy fix....There are MANY aftermarket kits to upgrade to 4 disc brakes.

Gas mileage....I'm sorry..but Sports Car and gas mileage are NOT the same.

The Camaro was the poor mans sports car. The guys who couldn't afford a Corvette or Porsche. They are easy to work on....THOUSANDS of aftermarket parts and upgrades available. I don't think a sports car has to be a two seater. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895643 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895643 GMT
The car I suggested probably provides a good hint as to my personality. To me, a sports car is a sports car because it makes the most of limited resources. I won't drive a car that routinely gets under 20 mpg. The S2000 has pretty much everything I look for in a sports car (as does a Miata). If I had been 49 thirty years ago, I'd have been in the market for an MG/Lotus/Porsche, instead of a Corvette/Mustang/Camaro.

I have never considered a Camaro to be a "real" sports car.

I'm guessing at this point you'd be pretty unhappy with the kind of car I'd like.

That being said, I haven't seen what you have in mind for a budget. If you're serious about putting a V8 into a Jaguar, I wouldn't touch that project with a 10 foot pole. I sincerely would not. It would be a nightmare.

Note that the CURRENT Mustang is much more like a sports car than it was in 1975. Far more.

If it was me looking for a pure sports coupe right now, I'm not sure you could do better than a Cayman. So, does this project include $60,000? I doubt it.

All things considered, I'm pretty sure a 10 year old Corvette Coupe would be about what you're looking for. No, it's not what I'd buy, partly because I live in California. Gotta have a droptop if I'm going to have a sports car.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895633 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895633 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896019 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#896019 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895875 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895875 GMT
I don't know, what's a S2000? I've never heard of it (I really don't follow ricers), if its a small RWD two seater (like a miata?) that handles well it's probably a sports car by most definitions (convertible or not). If it's a FWD econo-box, not so much.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895839 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895839 GMT I would have trouble classifying any 4 passenger domestic as a sports car. 

OK, that explains why you don't call a Camaro a sport car. So why don't you call a Honda S2000 a sport car? Is there any two seat convertible you consider a sport car? If so, what are the differences?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895670 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895670 GMT
Personally, I would consider the Jaguar XJS a GT, not a sports car.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895630 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895630 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895611 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895611 GMT I concur. Honda's, Toyota's Nissans are GREAT RELIABLE cars. Love them..drive them. But if I wanted a true sports car...they are NOT on my list. NOT EVEN CLOSE. My plan is to retire before I'm 60....YEA RIGHT....But if I do; and I'm still healthy..I want to buy a 60's muscle car and completely refurbish it. Maybe even update it with modern components. NOW THAT'S A SPORTS CAR.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895424 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895424 GMT
I'm leaning towards an early 80's Jaguar XJS...if I can get a deal on an Arizona/Texas car with a blown V12, I think it'd be great to put a 350 V8 in there...seems like a lot of people have done that and there are kits made specifically for this?
To me this would be a fun car to drive, it would have a torque-y V8, great looks (my opinion), and not something you see a lot of anymore.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895223 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895223 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895211 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895211 GMT http://for...slips.php?

Some of those cars are running mid 13s N/A with no bottle.
There is also a car called a Buick Grand National using the 3.8 that has been known to shut a lot of V-8s down in a heartbeat. The drawback to the GN is the high degree of desireability which runs the prices through the roof. There's a local guy here with one who drives his to the track and runs mid-upper 10s with it.

If you really want a beast, find a Mazda Miata with a bad engine and drop in a fuel injected 5.0 Ford. That has been done before.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#894023 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#894023 GMT
My daughter owns the '80 MGB now, as a project car. (Her boyfriend is a mechanic.)

Car and Driver and Road and Track both said it was difficult to define a sports car, but they came to the conclusion that it had two seats and was fun to drive.

Any car that forces you to spend more time looking under the hood than looking through the windshield has to be fun to drive, or you wouldn't put up with it. And, for their time, the MGs were definitely fun to drive!

(Present car is a VW Passat. Goes like the hammers of Hell, comfortable, and corners like it's on rails. The 1.8 liter engine is smaller than the engine in my MGB, but cranks out 170 HP (listed) 190 HP actual with the turbo. VW reportedly had to downgrade the HP listing in the 1.8 Liter turbo because it wouldn't look good for the 4 cyl to have the same horsepower as the 6!)]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#907813 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#907813 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895430 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#895430 GMT
They are extremely reliable(I've had my Z28 from 30k to 111k with no major problems). The LS1 V8 makes 320+hp stock, and they handle pretty well too. There is a virtually unilimted aftermarket with this car, and people both drag race and road race with these cars. Parts are pretty cheap and plentiful as well. They can be a pain to work on though, since the motor sits halfway under the windshield.

And you have the choice of an auto or 6 speed manual trans. Check out the excellent automatic, its almost as quick as the manual(or faster if you can't powershift). Even the gas mileage is decent, you can get 20mpg in town, up to 28mpg on the highway if you have the manual.

EDIT: There are the typical sports car cavets though. 275/40/R17 tires are $800 a set, its a pain to get in and out of, insurance is rediculus, can't drive it in snow, tiny back seat, etc.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893865 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893865 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893614 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893614 GMT Think MGB.
Cheap to buy, cheap and easy to get parts from Moss, cheap to insure and so mechanically crude that if you can work on a lawnmower, you can work on this.
On the other hand, compared to modern cars they are not safe, fast or anything near reliable but gosh are they fun. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893290 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#893290 GMT Some bigger issues may be that these cars will require a few odd service tools and procedure and many parts, other than basic maintenance/wear and tear items, may be pretty pricy.

A long time friend of mine has 2 Jag XKEs that were purchased with serious engine problems. He converted one to a 6 cyl. Ford and the other to a Chevy 350. The Ford modded Jag had a spun rod bearing and it seems to me a crank kit (reground crank/bearing set? was priced out at around 1200 dollars (part alone) and this was several decades back.
It's not likely any cheaper today. :-(

Mustangs or 3rd generation Camaros are the most common, easiest to service, and used parts can be found on-line generally on the cheap.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#887250 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/797810.page#887250 GMT