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Cheap Muscle Cars Mean Inexpensive Fun
No Matter Your Financial Situation.
Cheap Muscle Cars don't have to apologize to any one...
Who would have ever thought any Car let alone a Muscle Car would fetch over $1 million dollars... EVER!
That said we want everyone involved in the hobby, so Cool Car Cafe has listed Five cars you can purchase, in reasonably good condition, for less than $15 grand.
What we mean by reasonably good condition is:
- Presentable condition but showing signs of wear and use.
- Paint may be failing but no rusted through panels are present.
- Car is in safe operating condition but may need minor mechanical repairs.
These cars will bring a smile to your face without you having a heart attack parking it at the grocery.
Let's Take a Look...
The 1969 Chevrolet Nova takes a back seat to the Chevelle. However, when speaking of Cheap Muscle Cars, it packs a lot of power for little money.
With Prices ranging from $8-10k for a 350cu inch, 4 speed manual model, these cars are right at home at a weekly cruise in, car show or holiday parade! A lot of fun for the money.
Mercury's Cougar gets little respect compared to its cousin the Ford Mustang. Even though these cars share many components, the Cougar offered more standard features, a smoother ride and better sound deadening.
Today, many Cougars are still on the prowl with nice examples of 390 cu inch, 4 speed cars selling for less than $12,000.
American Motors' (AMC) Javelin SST was late to the Muscle Car scene, but made it's mark quickly. This version of AMC's Muscle Car duo was even raced in Trans Am against the Boss Mustangs and Penske Camaros. What a pedigree...
Though low volume compared to other big names, AMC never reached the status of other manufactures.
If you like unique, fun cars the a 1970 Javelin with 390 cu inch 4speed can be on the road for under $10 grand!
The Pontiac Firebird has a nice following, but if you look through www.autotraderclassics.com or ebay motors you can find a decent example still in the $12k range.
Like all recommendations here, the Firebird is a Uni-Body design, which means the rear quarter panels are part of the rigid frame/structure. Therefore, make sure the quarter panels have not been replaced, this goes for all cars on this page.
If replaced, you need to have the car checked for a bent or twisted uni-body. Reason being, the car may have been wrecked and rebuilt on a damaged frame. If this is the case walk away... the car will never drive right!
It's best to find a car with it's original sheet metal. Even if there's some rust it's better than a car filled with patches.
The car may need some work but you can drive it and
enjoy during the restoration process.
A 1969 Dodge Dart GT might not seem like a Cheap Muscle Car, but an original 318 version can be bought in the $7-8 thousand dollar range. This provides an inexpensive base for building a true street demon!
Again these are the low end of the Mopars but who cares... IT'S A MOPAR!
These are Cheap Muscle Cars you can enjoy while make modifications to meet your needs. Dart GTs are perfect candidates for engine swaps from some of the most iconic Muscle Cars made.
These cars are a great starting point for your Muscle Car collection and with the right modifications could be a real sleeper at the local drag strip.
A Few Words of Wisdom When
Searching for Cheap Muscle Cars
- Inspect the car for rust and root. Even if the top side is shiny doesn't mean everything's ok underneath. If you don't know what you're looking for see my inspection tips for assistance.
- If you don't have mechanical skills or a good friend who's a mechanic, spend more money and buy a completed car. It will cost less in the long run plus your new muscle machine won't be left sitting when repairs are necessary.
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Do your research. Find current market value on any car you're considering. Certain equipment or missing equipment can alter the value significantly(ie. manual transmission versus automatic, numbers matching engine versus replacement engine, air conditioning, power steering, etc.)
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Don't take the seller's word for anything, ask for documentation. Receipts and pictures of work being completed can make your purchase less stressful.
- Finally, do a Gut Check, can you be happy with
the car you've chosen for sometime. If not you may have buyer's remorse and end up selling the car for less than you paid
just to get it out of your garage.
In this price range you're not buying an investment grade collector car. These cars shouldn't lose value, if you follow the above advice, but they also won't increase in value very quickly.
Buy a car you'll love having for a long time. If someone comes along and makes you an offer you can't refuse then good for you!
If you know what muscle car you want and before you purchase, find-your-muscle-car can help you determine the best places to buy that make and model.
Good Luck with your search and remember these Cheap Muscle Cars will put a Smile on Your Face All Year Long!
Cheap Muscle Cars to Muscle Cars Page
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