Colin writes:
Sajeev and Steve: I’m a Brit currently on expat in the US. For several years now I’d loved the idea of buying a cool American only car and taking it back with me, have something fun to drive for a while and then selling it in the UK (or Europe) for more than its total cost. I have 18 months left before my return, however to avoid import duties and VAT I need to own the car for a minimum 12 months in the US and 6 months in the UK.
So here’s the scoop – I want a modern fun car which is not sold anywhere in the world in RHD, that would be a head turner back home all for a max of $25k purchase price. The car has got to be relatively easy to maintain back in Blighty. Fuel consumption needs to be considered [ >20 mpg(US)], and ideally with a manual transmission.
One of cars that spring to mind is the Pontiac Solstice GXP– A version of the engine is used in the Astra and it’s sister the Saturn sky was sold in mainland Europe as the Opel GT, however the lack of storage for anything other than a slim wallet and that folding roof put me off – both of these are solved by the coupe but I haven’t found a GXP for under $30K
The Chevy Camaro V6, Dodge Challenger RT or Ford Mustang are another option on my list. They all have the advantage of have a rear seat which would make it more practical – my concern here is that in 2 years the now hot Camaro / Challenger could be luke warm and new prices would have dropped causing the finances not to stack up. I’ve also seen C6 Corvettes getting into my price range for a 2005 model. In a complete different direction a Toyota FJ Cruiser has also crossed my mind but I’m unsure how easy this would be to sell in Britain.
So Sajeev & Steve, what is your recommendation? Is there a model that ticks my boxes that I haven’t considered?
Steve Answers:
I would take a Ford Mustang and customize the absolute h-e- double hockey sticks out of it. Racing stripes, custom grille, maybe even a blaring ‘train’ or Dixieland horn.
No really. I would get the most sporty, gregarious and outgoing Yank tank this side of the pond and make it my very own. You would be fine with the 300 hp, V6, 6-speed combination and with close to 30 highway mpg for the taxified petrol of the UK, it wouldn’t kill your operating costs.
But…. what if you went really nuts! A Ford Ranchero or Chevy El Camino with the proverbial silhouette of a scantily clad woman in the rear glass would be right up your alley then. You could give it a Confederate flag ‘Dukes of Hazard’ paint job and add to the rear glass and bumper such niceties as, “The South Shall Rise Again!” or my personal favorite, ‘Support Your Local Police…. Speed More!” Make sure you have plenty of smashed beer cans and a loudspeaker blaring out Merle Haggard and Toby Keith to alert everyone of your presence.
Sajeev Answers:
Stop concerning yourself with the finances in this deal. Be prepared to lose your shirt, consider yourself lucky if you make a few grand. Any late model Yank-Tank is a hit or miss, a safer bet is buying a mainstream classic (Chevelle, Barracuda, Mustang, and a few non-muscle cars) and praying that the Pound (or Euro) stays stronger than the dollar.
My choice? Twofold: get a pre-owned Challenger R/T in the most obnoxious color you can find. Or lower your initial cash outlay with a Ford SVT Lightning (the quintessential hot-rod truck) in bright red. You may never make a dime on the deal, but both entertaining vehicles will be one heckuva eye-catcher back in the old country. And I suspect either choice will make a profitable UK sale if you are patient.
Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder.
Pontiac Firebird Trans AM WS6.
1961 – 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible.
Twotone
+1
Alternatives:
Charger Daytona in “Top Banana”
90’s Impala SS
Crown Vic with the police package (notice a theme here?)
Of the one’s that Colin brought up I would say Mustang or ‘Vette, in that order.
Do not get the Solstice in any form. It has the worst owner satisfaction of any vehicle in the history of driving.
Mercury Marauder.
I like the V6 Mustang idea if you’re buying new.
If used is OK, a C5 Z06 Corvette seems like a good choice.
Do you get Jeep Wranglers in your native land? Might be pushing it a bit on mileage, but the price is right in the ballpark, and they’re available with manuals.
Do you get Jeep Wranglers in your native land? Might be pushing it a bit on mileage, but the price is right in the ballpark, and they’re available with manuals.
I initially had a similar thought, plus the Wrangler is available in the U.S. with RHD, which might be a plus when it comes time to sell it in the U.K.
But alas, Wranglers are sold across the pond (check out http://www.jeep.co.uk), so the rarity factor isn’t there.
I vote for the Solstice…but not the GXP version. The coupes are desirable for their poor-man’s TVR vibe but they are rare; the convertibles will be much more plentiful (and hence cheap).
These cars seem to signify “American” the most:
Any Chrysler SRT8 or SRT10 product.
Pontiac G8/GTO/Firebird
Chevy Silverado SS/Trailblazer SS
1990s Chevy Impala SS
Chevy Camaro SS
Chevy Corvette
Ford Mustang GT
Ford Raptor
Get the standard versions of any full-size truck or pony car if you want fuel efficiency.
G8/GTO are available elsewhere in RHD.
Mid Eighties Turbo Regal or Grand National. Quintessential American “Iron”, and if you keep the drive train stock, it might even meet the over 20 MPG requirement.
No RHD versions (hell, there were no overseas sales period…), there’s a big fan base, and GM made millions of parts cars.
Of course, it don’t come with a manual transmission, but the American car experience is really all about automatics, so best you give in to the inevitable.
Good one!
I think the Soltice should be out… their is an Opel(Vauxhall) version… it just simply isn’t American enought.
I think that the Camaro and Mustang are fine example, but simply don’t look at stunning to me as the Challenger, which besides the ho-hum interior and so-so handling is the best “yank tank” looking modern vehicle. Its a shame that the SE can’t be had with a manual, and it seems the current 3.5L isnt up to snuff in terms of performance, and you can’t wait for the new phoenix to be stuffed inside. An R/T with a Hemi may be thirsty, but oh so perfect in terms of its American muscle goodness. Chrysler dealers are hungry, and i’m sure they would deal on a used or even new one.
gsnfan gave good suggestions. I’d like to add that a C4 Vette might be cheaper to repair because of the engine and transmission not being at opposite ends of the car like in the C5 and up. (Front engine – rear transmission layout for weight distribution; I assume the repairs would be more costly cause it’s a unique setup among GM’s fleet.)
You could get a 1970s to mid 80s Yank Tank (or muscle car from any era) and grab an Edelbrock Catalog. http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/company/auto_catalog.shtml But like Sajeev said, be prepared to loose your shirt.
Edit: What’s more American than a tourquey FWD car? (I know enthusiasts think it’s wrong but I’m not trying to say it’s right, just more American than all of Europe’s RWD factory tuner cars.) How bout an Impala SS (FWD) or one of the V8 Bonnevilles? I know those two aren’t sold overseas!
Just get a Firebird that most resembles Kit from Knight Rider or a Subaru Baja.
The ’80’s Grand National/Turbo Regal idea really works for me. Not only would you have something totally unique to take home to the U.K. (or Europe for that matter), it would really be something you could probably flip for profit when you got sick of it.
Blacked out (a la GNX) is the best choice. So sinister.
Cadillac CTS-V. If you look hard and negotiate harder you can probably pick up a 2005 with a 6-speed manual for just under $25,000.
Tuned suspension, “Corvette” engine, and it’s a CADILLAC. It’s the American answer to the European factory tuner cars.
Pick up truck…no question. There really aren’t any good American cars that you don’t already have access to on a shared platform or through grey market imports (mustang for instance). What you don’t get is the full range of American trucks, and especially not ones aftermarketed according to American tastes.
The 3 real choices are all good, but I’d say the Ram is by far the most menacing and bad-ass in aspect. Also, I’ve read that the new one is better on the road than it’s competitors, which is good when what you want is a cool American ride.
2 routes down this path. A kitted out off road truck or the Viper influenced street truck (SRT-10 I believe). I’d get a manual Ram with the usual mud monster upgrades (winch, lift, external cage even), but maybe without full blown mud tires.
Go rural and buy cheap when it comes to pick ups
HELLO! Can anyone say HUMMER? Seriously American, will be non-existant in a couple years (after inventory finally bleeds off) and you’d have to admit… fun to drive (in an obnoxious sort of way). I think an H2 will probably be out of your price range (though maybe a well-used 2006 model could get there), but the H3 is just about at “Buy One Get One Free” category.
Not that I’d own one for myself, but I’d say it checks all your boxes.
After that, I’d either go with a new Camero (it’s the freshest design of any of the new muscle cars) or your first instinct, the Solstace GXP. I think the fact that the Opel version is out there may make the Solstace MORE attractive, since the car guys will know how it performs, etc. But stick to the GXP unless you’re going to put a turbo on it or something. Just isn’t worth it otherwise.
Not to be a buzzkill here, but have you sourced/priced insurance for an import? UK seems pretty crazy (well, what do I know…that’s from “Top Gear” commentary), so a 300hp Ami muscle car might put a serious dent in your fun quotient.
If your hope is to make some money, you have to buy used. I would vote for a 05-08 Mustang GT convertible. Mileage is a little lower than your spec, but you can save a bundle with a nice used one. If you go older, there are some nice old pre-96 Impala SS’s out there. These were often bought as toys and babied. No stick, but they are FAST and priced WAY below your $25k budget.
Or howabout a Plymouth Prowler? You want outrageous Yank style, there you go. Or, you could just find a pampered Town Car. Or better yet, a Navigator. Now THERE’s a Yank Tank!
Plymouth Prowler for the win! /end thread
A 4th gen 92-02 F body with the 3800 V6. If you can find a rag top grab it. Remember the top goes down,and the price goes up,as will your long term value.
The 3800 is bullet proof, 200HP in the later models,and will give you 25 plus MPG.
On the down side. If your living anywhere in the US where you get lots of snow,you got to park it.
I own the Pontiac Firebird version. The headlight doors can have issues,and I had some motor mount problems. Sajeev gave me some good advice and I think I got the problem fixed.{touch wood}.
The Camaro, on the other hand, IMHO has a cleaner look. When I was shopping six years ago,you couldn’t find a 3800 Camaro rag top. Of course I found three of them after I bought the Firebird.
Good luck
Oh Yeah…..Before anybody else says it …….The” Mullet” is NOT mandatory
+1
I had a 1997 Formula with the LT-1, torquey small-block goodness. Had the headlight issue myself and kept a stock of transmission mounts handy for the inevitable breakage. But i loved the thing and sold it reluctantly for more practical transport. Defintitely want to be careful in the snow with any late model F-body, but you certainly won’t see yourself coming and going much in the UK, and parts are plentiful and cheap..
Dodge Ram 2500 4×4 with the Cummins deisel. You will get 20mpg and be able to tow a house, or whatever they call it over there.
There is also the Pontiac G8 or GTO, though I think GM sells similar cars under one of the eruopean brands over there. But that could be good for parts.
Maybe an old Ford Bronco or Mustang/Camaro.
“Semi-detached” is what they call it over there.
You mean the Pontiac G8 that’s unavailable in a right hand drive? If you open the door on one, you’ll find it’s assembled in Holden Hill, SA. When I was in Adelaide a couple of months ago, they were still selling Pontiac G8 badged Holdens (including the ute that we never got in the states). The GTO was also a Pontiac badged Holden.
http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/Commodore/SS-V-Series-Special-Edition
2008 Mustang Bullitt
Absolutely. That’s American with thick layer of American spread all over it!
I can just see the question as they gaze at the chrome emblem on the back: “What does Bullitt mean?”
Chrysler Sebring–we could sure use less of them here
In my trips to Europe – mainly Germany, Holland and Denmark – I’m always struck by the number of American cars and trucks I see.
They’re not everywhere of course but I’ve seen plenty of early 80’s GM sedans(saloons) full size Chev and Ford vans and trucks, Exploders and even the occasional Hummer, not to mention old muscle cars.
Even in the centre of Berlin I saw a four door Dodge truck with the Cummins spewing black smoke all over.
The trouble is most of the vehicles mentioned can be had in Europe either thru importation or the dealer.
I like the idea of the mid 90’s Impala SS, the Mercury Marauder and the 87 Buick Regal, but failing that why not consider a retired Crown Vic cop car?
Yeah they’re driven hard; but they’re reliable, fast, cheap and well maintained
The mileage and transmission requirement won’t be met unfortunately and I’d be hard pressed to find a car fitting that criteria.
And I doubt you’d make a lot of money on it, but hey you’ll stand out, especially if you paint it in LAPD colours.
Just a thought.
Just to push the cop car theme a little; the crown vic can be slow. Perhaps a 94-96 LT1 powered 9C1 Chevy, or a previous generation B4C Camaro. No stick in either though, unless you look real hard for the Camaro.
My favorite out-of-place American car is an IROC Camaro I’ve seen several times in the heart of Ankara, Turkey. 2nd favorite is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 owned by somebody living at the Iranian Embassy.
I’d say find a massive old late 60s or early 70s Cadillac Eldorado. Ideally a drop-top. The natives will be gobsmacked.
Nailed it. You want something over 30 years old so it will be exempt from the MOT and will have classic road tax and insurance.
A big Caddy, Lincoln or Imperial from the late 60’s or early 70’s, before smog killed the engines.
A little something in this vein:
http://tinyurl.com/2cr8pdh
I don’t know about the natives, but I’m gobsmacked by this beast.
Fuel consumption would probably make you weep…. 1960’s 7L V8 probably not optimized for economy. Hell, Our gas back then was 3 gallons for a dollar.
Sajeev is right, buying a car as an investment is not a good idea unless you’ve got money to burn. The muscle car bubble has pretty much burst and the prices have gone down somewhat. But most people who are shopping for V8 muscle usually know what they’re looking at and what the iron is worth.
That being said, find something you like and can live with, ’cause you might be stuck with it for a while. Second, along with fuel consumption and maintenance you’ll need to consider whether the car you’re bringing home can be driven on the local roads. By that I mean, is it too wide, and too long? Will it fit in your garage?
A 2004 or later Mustang would be a good choice since its small simple and has pretty good performance. Maybe even a convertable. The Plymouth Prowler has been mentioned, and is a good choice, the Chevrolet SSR is another possibility. If you need room, maybe an HHR SS could be a fun and unusual ride. If you’re looking for classics, I’d still go with a mid to late sixties Mustang, Cougar, Camero or Firebird. And then there’s always the early (pre 1970) Barricudas. Plenty of performance there, still relatively small for an American car of that vintage, nice styling and just might be unusual enough to re-sell at a fair price.
Good luck and enjoy the rest of your stay in the US.
Hello. Your comment about maintenance is one that I’ve mulled over myself. I wouldn’t be the one to recommend a car (I like them, but haven’t been around long enough to know the good ones), but I was thinking that maintenance and parts would be overly expensive on a car that wasn’t available in Europe. I do enjoy reading about cars a lot though and have been trying to learn as much as I can about them.
The only thing obviously missing from the list of things to consider would be a GMC Typhoon/Chevrolet Cyclone.
I second the Hummer idea. H3 in bright yellow, MANUAL like you want. It’ll eek out 20mpg or more on the highway especially with street/non-off road tires. They’re actually pretty narrow trucks, so wouldn’t be terribly hard to drive on the streets over there.
+1 on SVT Lightning
also
Dodge RAM SRT-10
Chevy SSR
Lincoln LSC (probably can drop in engine of Jag S-type R for full hot-rod 400 ponies)
Plymouth Prowler
The problem is that the best American cars are ill suited to driving in Britain. Aside from the Chevrolet Corvair, the ones worth taking across the pond are invariably big, powerful and gas hungry. For resale, your market would be limited to the few who can afford to run the likes of 7-series BMWs.
Another problem is maintenance. Parts would have to be imported from the US or Canada. Pre-1970 cars are simple enough that any competent mechanic can keep them running. Recent models are so sophisticated that you need specialized information to fix them.
A longstanding complaint of ours is that Europeans get the good cars while we get the bland junk. In the 1970s and ’80s there was a “gray market” in the US for highly desirable European cars that were smuggled in without the required emissions and safety equipment.
Apart from the limited market of a U.S. automobile in Europe, the exchange rate is the driving factor. Currently extremely unfavorable, and unlikely to change a lot within 18 months. 2008 would have been a better time … Also, keep in mind the (minor) hassles of transportation and (major) hassles of getting the car inspected, made street legal, and insured. If I were you, I’d forget it if you want to make money from it. If it’s for your own pleasure and to annoy the neighbors, go for it.
The VCA is waiting for you …
http://www.vca.gov.uk/other/faqs-vehicle-importi.asp
Bertel, I love the VCA’s repeated use of the word ‘scheme’ on their friendly little website. Seems so apropos.
Having spent some time in Europe, I’ve noticed that many of the cars (and trucks) mentioned above would be a nightmare to drive and park in many of the cities an most non-highway country roads. My suggestion (apart from the Corvette which should be easy to sell) is the last iteration of the Thunderbird (2003-2005(?)). Many used in nice shape for less than $25k, reasonably easy to repair and an American icon for sure.
As American cars, when sold here in Europe, are priced at the same level as the finest European cars no sane person consider them as alternatives. Unless you really likes America, are a gearhead and wants something unusual, like me, and pick up a used one for almost nothing. American cars are seldom seen as daily commuters but enthusiast vehicle for the summer. There are some exeptions. For example Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300C might pass as reasonable daily transports for people like me. Camaro, Mustang etcetera are pure fun. But an American car like a Camaro or Mustang with something else than a V8 is pathetic. You will lose more money on the sales price in Europe on a V6 than you invest in gas during your time of ownership. As said before, cars as an sound investment is unlikely. Insurances on powerful cars with the steering wheel on the wrong side might be bad in UK if you want to sell it there. What about a used Buick Lucern or Lacross and you keep it? Should give you a really cheap commuter in UK
How about a semi – efficient truck (Ranger maybe?) and a big ass Harley to go in the back of it?
If you’re going for an older “classic” model, try the late ’50s Nash Metropolitan. It’s unusual, it’s “cute”, it’s small enough for the narrowest roads, it’s a fuel sipper, it’s got a British 4-banger engine and manual, and most of them have all-American two-tone paint jobs. You can get one for under $25k in great shape if you look hard enough. You’ll have to go to a sunbelt state for a non-rust model, but that’s where most of the survivors are.
Wow – Thanks for all the replies. I was away over the weekend so only just saw that my question was published.
There are a lot of cars (and Trucks)mentioned that i don’t even know what they are – so i think an afternoon combing through your answers and Wikipedia might be in order..
Bertel is right about the exchange rate. I originally wrote this in February long before the phrase Euro financial crises enter our vocabulary (I know Britain doesn’t use the euro but all things are interlinked) and before the pound dropped another 15% vs the dollar.
As for parts / insurance issues, both can be obtained from specialists at reasonable cost, but point noted that i couldn’t just head down to the local auto factors and order discs & amp; and pads for such a vehicle.
I do like the idea of the Thunderbird, and pickup – I work for Cummins so a short wb 2500 RAM with the diesel would be appropriate! but as many of you suggested parking would be interesting.
So none of you thought the FJ cruiser idea was worth considering?…..
Going in a different direction, and this may not be up your alley but what about a Honda Civic Si. Only available in the US, no RHD, great on gas, probably easy to maintain (although I wouldn’t know for sure – maybe some Type R parts are interchangeable), probably would have great resale value as always, very fun to drive.
My only concern is that it might not have enough pizazz. It will be a head turner but perhaps more in the “wtf is that” kinda way. There’s also the very limited Mugen Si edition from 08 that retailed for $30k new…not sure what used prices on those are.
If just a regular Si I would get the most gently used one I could find, save up to $5k on new. You’re warranty’s probably gonna be screwed anyway.
After recently spending a week at Bondurant, I’m going to have to recommend the C6 Vette!