Boring Car Appreciation Thread

[Aerocoupe]

Just casually scrolling through my local Craigslist page, and this pops up:

An all original, rust free, low mileage, near mint condition, 1986 Toyota Camry purchased by the seller from the original owner no less. This is without a doubt the epitome of a "boring" car, but I'm still somewhat giddy that something like this has managed to survive all these years in the rust belt.
(Link)
(On a side note, I do think he's asking a little much for a 32 year old Camry, but then it's not likely you'll find another one like this again!)

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ This car is too mint! It belongs to a museum, Toyota themselves should buy it!

 

[Razor440]

I sorta admire the Buick Park Avenue from the mid 90’s. And it wasn’t because of that Hoovies Garage video. Prior to that, I have always been a fan of seeing anything from this era of GM on the streets as it reminds me of being in a simpler time. Even if GM wasn’t that great back then there’s that very warm and pleasing feeling I get when I see a car of this type.

Oldsmobile’s infamous (probably not for anyone outside of Europe) Aurora was always to me a melted, blob-like version of the first gen, first iteration Infiniti Q45...but something about it makes me gravitate towards it. I’ve heard it’s not a bad car mechanically, it being pretty comfortable in terms of ride quality, so it’s an alright option to consider owning one in the US.

And here’s something. That’s the original VW Lupo, in cause you couldn’t tell. I’ve heard these are excellent little cars, almost a notch below a classic Mini. These are very chuckable and fun to drive, a light, low center of gravity sorta deal. And that’s the TDI model we’re talking about, not the Lupo GTI.

 

[VXR]

The Lupo and its SEAT Arosa sister model have fallen foul to the Dub on a budget crew here in the UK.

A Fantasia Green Sport with the centre exhaust is a cheeky little number if left stock or OEM+.

 

[Turbo]

Opel Astra (G) Coupe & Convertible

The Astra is often regarded as one of the most boring and lifeless cars of Europe, but the coupe and convertible don't exactly fit that narrative. Designed by Bertone, it's appearance is much more premium and handsome compared to the standard Astra hatchback. I'd even dare to say it looks beautiful on some angles. Although no OPC trim was offered for the coupe and convertible, in it's top spec it had 197hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder with a 5-speed manual, making it capable of 0-60 in roughly 7 seconds and a top speed of 145mph.​

 

[GranTurNismo]

Lincoln LS







On the outside, the Lincoln LS looks like nothing more than a typical retiree's car, nothing flashy or sporty about it. Appearance wise, it was rather staid and boxy, and as such, dated. But, get this. It was rear wheel drive, was V8 powered (3.9L which made 260-280hp), and even could be had with a 5-speed manual. Mechanically, it was identical to the Jaguar S-Type, though the Jag arguably was the better looking car. I'd easily take an LS over a Buick Lesabre or Chrysler Concorde.​

 

[-Fred-]

The biggest problem with the Lincoln LS is the fact the E39 5-series exists.

 

[GranTurNismo]

The biggest problem with the Lincoln LS is the fact the E39 5-series exists.

Though the LS isn't even in the same realm as the E39 or any of it's competitors. It's an entry level luxury car priced far cheaper than a 5-Series or E-Class (and the Jaguar S-Type it was based on), and instead competed with Buicks, Chryslers, and Acura too. But yes, obviously I'd take an E39 over an LS any day.

An LS-swapped LS though...

Just kidding.

 

[GTV0819]

What a very boring car. Sheesh. But for something very practical that acts like a point a to point b car, it surely does its true purpose. And it can even surprise many for its several convenient features such as push-start button, multiple airbags, decent head unit with navigation feature and many more, things which are both hardly offered of other cars on its class a decade ago.

However, it doesn't take out the fact that many car enthusiasts still dub this car the worst you could ever purchase right now and I agree with it. This thing is perfect for developing countries though because of its cheap price tag and usually where people instantly think that you are a big time fella already just because of the fact that you own and drive a car.

 

[MidFieldMaven]

I actually love cheap cars that people hate, except the Versa. The Mirage is actually unique. It has the smallest engine on the market if I'm not mistaken at 1.2L and only has 3 cylinders. Quite rare. There was a 1.0L turbo Ford Fiesta motor for a year or two in the States that was even more interesting.

 

[Volksauto]

Just casually scrolling through my local Craigslist page, and this pops up:
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An all original, rust free, low mileage, near mint condition, 1986 Toyota Camry purchased by the seller from the original owner no less. This is without a doubt the epitome of a "boring" car, but I'm still somewhat giddy that something like this has managed to survive all these years in the rust belt.
(Link)
(On a side note, I do think he's asking a little much for a 32 year old Camry, but then it's not likely you'll find another one like this again!)

I found this on Craigslist. It's a 1985 Nissan Maxima (pu11) Wagon. It's got 73,900 miles on the odometer. The seller claims it runs fine but the AC doesn't work (which isn't a huge deal to me). The asking price is $1,400. The car has little rust for being in the rust belt as well.
This car is bland but... rare and unordinary! I love it!
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/germantown-1985-nissan-maxima-wagon/6923974710.html

I'm actually considering on purchasing the vehicle.

 

[Volksauto]

I actually love cheap cars that people hate, except the Versa. The Mirage is actually unique. It has the smallest engine on the market if I'm not mistaken at 1.2L and only has 3 cylinders. Quite rare. There was a 1.0L turbo Ford Fiesta motor for a year or two in the States that was even more interesting.

The new generation Fiat 500 has been available with different tiny engine sizes depending on the countries you live in. Engine sizes range from a 1.4, 1.3 diesel, 1.2, and a 0.9 2-cylinder. But the US version only has the 1.4L.

 

[GTV0819]

I actually love cheap cars that people hate, except the Versa. The Mirage is actually unique. It has the smallest engine on the market if I'm not mistaken at 1.2L and only has 3 cylinders. Quite rare. There was a 1.0L turbo Ford Fiesta motor for a year or two in the States that was even more interesting.

The Ford Fiesta looks more high end inside though while being sporty outside as well but it was also plagued with tranny issues, thanks to Ford for offering it with a faulty DCT. Meanwhile, it's cousin the Mazda2 seems to be more desirable, since it doesn't offer much headache which the Ford does.

 

[Aerocoupe]

I found this on Craigslist. It's a 1985 Nissan Maxima (pu11) Wagon. It's got 73,900 miles on the odometer. The seller claims it runs fine but the AC doesn't work (which isn't a huge deal to me). The asking price is $1,400. The car has little rust for being in the rust belt as well.
This car is bland but... rare and unordinary! I love it!
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/germantown-1985-nissan-maxima-wagon/6923974710.html

I'm actually considering on purchasing the vehicle.

I'd say go for it. As I've learned, if you want an old car like that, buy it now. Who knows if you'll be able find another 5 years from now. Also, low miles aren't always a good thing; if it's been sitting you might need to replace more parts than a car with 173,000 miles that's gone through its regular service intervals. And get it Fluid Filmed ASAP, so that rust doesn't get worse (DO NOT GO TO ZIEBART, their tar crap makes it impossible to work on anything, and unless it's 100% dry any moisture will just eat away at the metal without you noticing). /rant

 

[Volksauto]

I'd say go for it. As I've learned, if you want an old car like that, buy it now. Who knows if you'll be able find another 5 years from now. Also, low miles aren't always a good thing; if it's been sitting you might need to replace more parts than a car with 173,000 miles that's been maintained. And get it Fluid Filmed ASAP, so that rust doesn't get worse (DO NOT GO TO ZIEBART, their tar crap makes it impossible to work on anything, and unless it's 100% dry any moisture will just eat away at the metal without you noticing). /rant

For rust protection, I usually stick with spraying on bar and chain oil. Since it's a lubricant, it never dries but prevents moisture from ever making contact with metal. So much better than using a rubberized undercoating but just a little messier.
Even if the car isn't in the best shape mechanically, I think the price is worth it. The transmission might have some issues knowing it's a 34 year old automatic.

 

[Aerocoupe]

The transmission might have some issues knowing it's a 34 year old automatic.

Eh. The 28 year old auto in my Skylark didn't give me any grief (and that design went back to 1979, on top being notorious for the fauxverdrive torque converter sticking), but I'm also not well versed in 80s Nissans. Just make sure there's no hesitation going into gear or slipping. And be wary of new fluid, it may be an indicator of an attempt to alleviate an issue. In fact, I would expect the worst; when I was looking for a car there were plenty that seemed good but turned out to be scrap worthy. Anyways, this is getting off topic .

 

[05XR8]

Though the LS isn't even in the same realm as the E39 or any of it's competitors. It's an entry level luxury car priced far cheaper than a 5-Series or E-Class (and the Jaguar S-Type it was based on), and instead competed with Buicks, Chryslers, and Acura too. But yes, obviously I'd take an E39 over an LS any day.

An LS-swapped LS though...

Just kidding.

An LS with a Coyote though...

I'm soo tempted to pick one of these up

 

[GranTurNismo]

Here's another one of those "why does this car still exist" cars I've found on Craigslist. 1980 Dodge Colt 3-door hatchback in mint condition (rebadged Mitsubishi Mirage), with a 1.4L four-cyl making 70hp, 4-speed manual, cloth seats, and a luxurious option too, a radio! Priced at $5,100.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/prescott-1980-dodge-colt/6918515839.html

 

[Lilium]

Would buy that mirage everyday

 

[Volksauto]

Here's another one of those "why does this car still exist" cars I've found on Craigslist. 1980 Dodge Colt 3-door hatchback in mint condition (rebadged Mitsubishi Mirage), with a 1.4L four-cyl making 70hp, 4-speed manual, cloth seats, and a luxurious option too, a radio! Priced at $5,100.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/prescott-1980-dodge-colt/6918515839.html

Too bad I don't live near Phoenix. :/

 

[GTV0819]

I don't know if many people would consider this certain rendition of the Lincoln Town Car boring or not, though its below average specs would mostly suggest it is likely. Kudos to Ford for equipping it with an engine and tranny combo from the first-generation Expedition.

Moving on, I do like this Town Car's overall appearance; it looks simple and elegant. It's also not a common sight in our homeland, too. And when you come inside, there's plethora of leg room and head room as well. Another amazing trait is that probably most parts of the car is shared with its cousin, the Crown Vic. So I'm sure that would somehow help for those who have doubts about its reliability.

 

[Cowboy]

I like me a SSEI Bonnie

Essentially, it's an SE Bonneville with a supercharger which increased the power from 205hp to 240hp, along with a unique body kit.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

I don't know if many people would consider this certain rendition of the Lincoln Town Car boring or not, though its below average specs would mostly suggest it is likely. Kudos to Ford for equipping it with an engine and tranny combo from the first-generation Expedition.

Moving on, I do like this Town Car's overall appearance; it looks simple and elegant. It's also not a common sight in our homeland, too. And when you come inside, there's plethora of leg room and head room as well. Another amazing trait is that probably most parts of the car is shared with its cousin, the Crown Vic. So I'm sure that would somehow help for those who have doubts about its reliability.

Fixed.

 

[Rallywagon]

Sorry if this one was covered, however, this has got to be the quintessential american boring car.
I present the Chrysler K car!

I owned a model just like this one. Let me tell you, it is among the best cars I have owned. I got it at a young age of just 19, back in 2001. It was not an exciting drive, but it was really reliable, cheap and easy to work on, parts were easy to find and while being Chryslers cheapness econobox, it had a character that I both enjoyed, and kept me from collecting tickets.

 

[GTV0819]

Fixed.

It's still the same car though but in stock form while also being dark colored.

 

[GranTurNismo]

Found another one of those "why does this still exist" cars. 1988 Volkswagen Fox 2-door wagon, for sale on Craigslist for $4,500

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

It's still the same car though but in stock form while also being dark colored.

Yes, it's the same car without that hideous modification.

 

[GTV0819]

Yes, it's the same car without that hideous modification.

Yea, that wheel mod seems to be tasteless on it but it's what I had in mind when I posted it days ago. Sorry if it doesn't please you though.

 

[Rallywagon]

Found another one of those "why does this still exist" cars. 1988 Volkswagen Fox 2-door wagon, for sale on Craigslist for $4,500

That thing is awesome! If the 87 gti I had hadn't left such a sour taste in my mouth I might try finding one of those.

 

[CTznOfTime]

Though the LS isn't even in the same realm as the E39 or any of it's competitors. It's an entry level luxury car priced far cheaper than a 5-Series or E-Class (and the Jaguar S-Type it was based on), and instead competed with Buicks, Chryslers, and Acura too. But yes, obviously I'd take an E39 over an LS any day.

An LS-swapped LS though...

Just kidding.

The LS was designed and built specifically aimed to dent the 5 series...

I remember eagerly reading C&D, R&T, Automobile Mag etc during the mid and late 90s and the comparos setting these cars against each other...

LS was doing great ... Unfortunately the E39 was still king of the hill, but back then it was Lincoln best chance against the Germans...

The LS is not a bad car.... The 5/E and GS/A6 were better