Looking for a car for the fam

[Carp]

Now that we have 2 car seats and all the stuff that goes along with 2 little rug rats, our Mazda3 is getting small fast. We talked about getting a minivan to keep up with the family, but my would like to go another route. (unfortunately, she's not keen on driving the cruiser everyday) She remembered me telling her a while back that you could probably get mid 20's mpg out of an older classic station wagon if you updated the powertrain (read LSx motor or trailblazer I-6, 4l60e or a 6l60e, tall rear gear).

As a result, we've starting looking for a 50-60's wagon that has been either well taken care of or restored in the last 10 years. Running is good, non-running is good, updated powertrain is better. Really looking for power brakes and power steering. What I'm thinking is that we can probably pick one of these up mostly done for pennies on the dollar it would cost to do it myself, not to mention the time.

So, does anyone know of such a car in your neck of the woods? I'm looking in the 10-20k range (price willing to pay would fluctuate with how much was done, obviously). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you've got any pointers on what to look for, or want to tell me I'm crazy, feel free.

Thanks!

 

[JohnnyC]

as much as used to hate minivans...we sucked it up and bought one...the toyota sienna is a great lil minivan.

we get 21 MPG with our 2004 Toy sienna Avg....about 24-25 highway.

older toy minivans get about the same...we have 3 kids...and are able to fit ALOT of crap in that thing and still have room for the moneybag in-laws

10k-20k will buy you a nice toy van

 

[boombapslappy]

How about a good 'ole HJ60. Find one in fantastic shape for that price, come super close to the mpg you want AND have another cruiser!

 

[Carp]

as much as used to hate minivans...we sucked it up and bought one...the toyota sienna is a great lil minivan.

we get 21 MPG with our 2004 Toy sienna Avg....about 24-25 highway.

older toy minivans get about the same...we have 3 kids...and are able to fit ALOT of crap in that thing and still have room for the moneybag in-laws

10k-20k will buy you a nice toy van

My wife is open to a minivan, but she was looking for something a little different... Good to hear about the highway mpg. What is the terrain like up there?

How about a good 'ole HJ60. Find one in fantastic shape for that price, come super close to the mpg you want AND have another cruiser!

I would except she doesn't want an SUV at all! Not even a psuedo SUV. I think she likes the idea of saving a classic.

 

[informationjunky]

1960 PONTIAC SAFARI STATION WAGON "PROJECT CAR"
Neat 1956 Chevrolet 2dr wagon 70 + photos on ebay item#250323522606
1955 Ford Country Square Station Wagon
1956 Ford Country Squire woody wagon

 

[89s rule]

Carp,

You are on the same page as we were a few years back. Thats why I have my 63 wagon. Hit me up and we can talk. LSx swaps will prob cost you 3-6K to do correctly yourself. Then add updated disc brakes, steering box, suspension, comfortable interior, etc and it adds up very quickly. Those were/are the long range plans for my wagon but $ it tight. I might be interested in selling mine, but do not really actively/want to sell it.

Here is my wagon, I havent updated it in awhile but have tons of plans. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2637393

 

[Carp]

Matt,

Thanks for the info. Your car is right up the alley for what I'm looking for. The wife really likes the mid 50's but these are nice too. I understand cost going up in a hurry, this is why I'm leaning towards finding one that has been mostly restored already. I've seen some that are running DD's in decent shape from $12k-25k. So the car is out there, I've just got to find it.

I'll try to give you a call in the next few days. Have some questions, for sure.

 

[89s rule]

Matt,

Thanks for the info. Your car is right up the alley for what I'm looking for. The wife really likes the mid 50's but these are nice too. I understand cost going up in a hurry, this is why I'm leaning towards finding one that has been mostly restored already. I've seen some that are running DD's in decent shape from $12k-25k. So the car is out there, I've just got to find it.

I'll try to give you a call in the next few days. Have some questions, for sure.

Funny that she likes the mid 50's as my wife likes those better as well. A 57 chevy wagon was what she wanted, but the costs of those is quite high. (Look for a 9 passanger if possible so if you have ore kids/want to carry more you can. (Some you can add a 3rd row others you cannot so do your research.) You should be able to get a very nice vehicle for $15K. (I doubt it will have an LSx and full resto / updating though.) I would prob need somewhere over $4K out of mine including parts I have to go on it. This is my 3rd 63 chevy and the coolest one yet. Really wish I could get the $ to do an LSx as I think we would use it much more then.

Look forward to talking with you.

 

[BELMONT148]

You guys are killing me! In your late 20's and you both actually have wives that want 50's-60's wagons? Must be something in the water up there, because they don't make girls like that in Myrtle.

Good luck on your quest.

Jeremy

 

[steenh]

You guys are killing me! In your late 20's and you both actually have wives that want 50's-60's wagons? Must be something in the water up there, because they don't make girls like that in Myrtle.

Good luck on your quest.

Jeremy

No kidding! I try to talk my wife into getting something cool to drive a couple of years ago... "pick your dream car" I tell her.

She drives a '07 Camry

 

[Carp]

You guys are killing me! In your late 20's and you both actually have wives that want 50's-60's wagons? Must be something in the water up there, because they don't make girls like that in Myrtle.

Good luck on your quest.

Jeremy

No kidding! I try to talk my wife into getting something cool to drive a couple of years ago... "pick your dream car" I tell her.

She drives a '07 Camry

Yeah, my wife has driven a 70's beetle and was driving a Dangler when I met her. Her only requirement for the car we currently have was it had to be a manual. So, she's a keeper.

We've looked at a few cars online, but haven't seen any in person. I want to have her sit in one and tell me if she really does want one before I invest the coin.

 

[Carp]

You guys are killing me! In your late 20's and you both actually have wives that want 50's-60's wagons? Must be something in the water up there, because they don't make girls like that in Myrtle.

Good luck on your quest.

Jeremy

BTW, I've passed the 30 mark, but it's still cool.

 

[BELMONT148]

My friend has a really nice 68 Falcon 4 door wagon he wants to sell for $5000. It has a 302 and a top loader 4 speed manual. I have pics I can email you if you are interested. It looks really cool.

Jeremy

 

[Carp]

My friend has a really nice 68 Falcon 4 door wagon he wants to sell for $5000. It has a 302 and a top loader 4 speed manual. I have pics I can email you if you are interested. It looks really cool.

Jeremy

Thanks for the info. The economy has us thinking that we'll just keep what we have and see if things turn around. So, right now, we're out of the market, but if we get back in it, I'll let you know.

 

[Trollhole]

Happy B-day David

 

[Carp]

Thanks Marshall! It was a busy one, that's for sure! Unfortunately no Cruiser stuff for the birthday, although there is some cash that'll be used...