The saddest part is, if they hadn't been on the other coast, I'd have been tempted...

Omni. Because once you've shelled out $400 you have a dodge subcompact to show for it. Then you get to spend ages wrenching on a dodge subcompact. And when you're all done, ...you have a dodge subcompact.

My first impression of that frontend was that of the 4th gen Camaro, right before they killed it off.

Another factor may be that if you have multiple cars, you're likely to drive the one that is working best. Instead of having to drive the one car even if the brakes are shot or the steering is going.

DS. It's cool, funky and classy.

That Datsun is no challenge. If you want true Datsun pickup Hell try this one:

@UDMAN: Don't forget LCDs in the headlights

I'm fascinated by the replies here to the effect of "Who would buy a $3000 car?" Apparently you've never been anything but middle class or higher. There is a huge number of people for whom $3000 is about all they can afford on a car. So if that $3000 will get you a ten year old car with an unknown history and 150K…

The last truck my dad drove before losing his license to blindness (in his mid-20s) was a '72 Chevy C10 shortbed. It was a beat to hell bare-bones base model with a straight-six & 3-spd manual with a floor-mounted Hurst shifter (because the column linkage had bit the dust).

Daammmnnnn...

That engine will bolt of a couple of the Ford RWD transmissions. I have seen pics of a 34 ford coupe with one in it.

I currently own a '62 Mercury Comet, so that's 45 years.

First car I was given keys to and could use without asking permission. 1988 Ford Taurus wagon, which refused to die despite be launched off jumps at 65mph, and other such abuse.

With all the post-apocalypse references, I'm surprised you never mentioned Vector. The former Information Society car and the most evil Satellite ever

The Car was a Chevelle, and "Malibu" was at first the top trim level. Malibu didn't become a car name until after 1977. Chevelle & Malibu were used interchangeably on the car (Chevelle on the trunk script, but Malibu on the door panels). Heck, I've seen factory-original Chevelle SS cars with Malibu on the door panels.

I'm thinking more Dork than Donk.

A Cricket was my mom's first new car. She had nothing pleasant to say about owning it.

I bought a used '96 Cadillac Fleetwood in 2004. In the ~6 months I drove it...

Want better performance? Ditch the incredibly heavy bling rims for something more reasonable. Less rotational mass, better acceleration, handling and braking.

I'm 99% sure it wouldn't work, but I'm tempted to take my '62 Comet down there and see if I can sneak it into the far background of a shot, just so the nitpickers will have something to complain about when the movie is released.