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My pick: (If driven locally most of the time due to fuel mileage)
A 1968-1970 Cadillac DeVille or Fleetwood.
Very rugged and reliable engine and drivetrain; lots of low-end torque (no problem with freeway on-ramps); nice, smooth ride; big, roomy and comfortable inside; large trunk, unique styling (looks like a Cadillac); many features available (climate control, automatic level control, cruise control, "dual-comfort" front seats ['69 and '70]).
yeah but the OP did not want alot of gizmos that could go wrong a 40 year old caddy with climate control, (automatic level control, cruise control, "dual-comfort" front seats) is kinda gimicky and has alot to go wrong and parts for the automatic shocks and power seat motors are hard to find and not very cheap.
if they want to go 60's-70's a small block chevelle, pontiac lemans or ford fairlane is a better way to go because they don't have all those luxury items that can fail and are a basic layout with lots of aftermarket support
yeah but the OP did not want alot of gizmos that could go wrong a 40 year old caddy with climate control, (automatic level control, cruise control, "dual-comfort" front seats) is kinda gimicky and has alot to go wrong and parts for the automatic shocks and power seat motors are hard to find and not very cheap.
Well, he could find one that doesn't have all those features.
The power seats and windows work on my two Cadillacs; haven't had a problem with those.
My target car would be a 1994-1995 Volvo 940, with turbo. It's only 15 years old, but could last for a LONG time. Not enough gadgetry or computer issues to frustrate a decent backyard mechanic, but new enough to have safety and comfort amenities. Good A/C, sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, power windows and locks, a bulletproof powertrain, enough room to work under the hood, dual airbags, and anti lock brakes. Not a rocket, but pretty quick to get up and go. Easily available parts (OE, aftermarket, and used), well balanced and stable in snow, comfortable, inexpensive to maintain, easily modified for performance, and good to drive even in stock form. I'm biased because I have a 1993 that I keep up north and drive occasionally, but it only has one airbag.
If I was forced to get an older car, like an 80s car or older, I'd choose a Volvo 240, preferably a 1983 or 1984 244 Turbo with B23FT engine.
Well, that 240 represents the best of both worlds. It stayed pretty true to the design of the 140 which was released in late 1966. So for me, my daily driver is my 192 240 wagon. The front end was assaulted by a deer this past weekend and now it needs a hood and a grille. I have the grille and the hood cost me $75 yesterday at the local junkyard. I'll let a pro paint it.
Depends on how you prioritize certain features such as safety (disc brakes & ABS, airbags, NTM seat belts) and practicality (space, utility, etc.) AND BUDGET.
If it were up to me, I would pick a relatively safe and practical car such as a W123 or W124 Mercedes-Benz sedan or estate with the 3.x liter I6 petrol engine or 5-cylinder turbo diesel (which can also be converted to WVO/bio diesel if low fuel costs are a concern).
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