Cheap & Interesting: 1981 Datsun 280ZX

Vintage muscle cars from the 1960s long ago became overpriced for the every-man and late model cars are still monstrously expensive, probably because they are well engineered, fast, and reliable...but where can I cheapskate find something that is fun and cool?  Go west, young man, go west...and buy something from the malaise era.  It doesn't get much more west than Seattle and it doesn't get much more malaise than 1981 when horsepower was low and bumpers were big.  Find this 1981 Datsun 280ZX offered for $2800 in Seattle, WA via craigslist. Tip from PAH.

The Other LS V8: 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS

The first generation Chevrolet TrailBlazer was launched in 2002 on the GMT360 platform that was shared with the GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, Buick Rainer, and Saab 9-7X.  However, only the TrailBlazer and the 9-7X got the 6.0 liter LS2 monster V8 from the Corvette and it was the first sport futility vehicle to receive Chevy's legendary SS designation. Find this 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS offered for $11,900 in Red Lion, PA via craigslist. Tip from Aaron.

Alpo Romero: 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina

This is one of those Craigslist finds where I pause and consider if I really want to publicize the vehicle on offer or keep it to myself.  It's said that real Alfisti drive Berlinas.  I don't know if it is true or not, but finding one that isn't a basket of rust or for sale for a Kings Ransom is something to be noted.  Find this 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina for sale in North Bend, WA for $6,250 via craigslist.

7-Seater: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Wagon

The 300 designation was used on a number of Mercedes-Benz cars over the years, probably because it is a good size (in centiliters) for an inline-6 internal combustion engine, but today's example doesn't have gullwing doors or an exclusive pedigree...but what it does have is seating for 7 and a decent price tag for the level of minty-cleaness.  Find this 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Wagon offered for $3,500 in Santa Cruz, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Arrest Me Red: 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon

Nobody has a Saab wagon on their car owning bucket list...because those bucket lists are mostly filled with ridiculous crap like Lamborghinis and Alfa Romeos, but you should consider putting a vintage 9-5 Aero Wagon on your list because you might be able to tick that box for a few grand and learn a few things about simple driving fun in the meantime. Find this 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon offered for $4,500 in Hershey, PA via craigslist. Tip from Aaron K.

Fine Corinthian Leather: 1978 Chrysler Cordoba

This next car comes from tipper Rock On! who writes: Everyone has their fine Corinthian leather jokes every time a Cordoba is for sale. This seller is including an autographed picture from Ricardo Montalban with the sale of his car! Find this 1978 Chrysler Cordoba offered for $7250 in Bennington, NE.

Plain Car...No Plane Car! 2005 GMC Sierra 2500

Hi, Boeing 747, this is GMC Sierra...yeah, remember that drunken night we spent together in Acapulco 9 months ago?  Yeah.  Well, I've got some news, first you'll need to get some testing for something else, and next I'm gonna need 18 years of child support checks. Yes, I'm sure it was yours..take a look at the pictures.  Find this 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 here on eBay bidding for $10,000 reserve-not-met with 2 days to go, located in Roswell, GA. As seen on Oddimotive.

Viper Truck: 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10

The Dodge Ram SRT-10 isn't pretty, nor is it sporty.  It isn't really a pickup or a sports car.  It is a physics defying 3-ton hunk of metal powered by a 500 horsepower V10, with room for a few adults, a few mangy dogs, a BBQ grill, and $500 of groceries.  It is as if Dodge had turned over the Viper design authority to a collective of shoppers from Walmart and told them "design the next Viper for your cousin Bubba and his sister/wife." It is, however, breathtaking.  Find this 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 offered for $19950 near Chicago, IL via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Coming or Going? 1948 Studebaker Commander Project

Sometimes I say I want a particular car...but I can't buy every car that crosses these pages, so it is without any hint of irony or other-y when I say that I am tempted to buy this next car.  Seriously, half of me wants to not post this for you guys and just go get it.  How magnificent would it be to put this together on the weekend instead of watching my kids play soccer?  Find this 1948 Studebaker Commander Project offered for $2000 (with a Ford 4.6 V8, 5-speed transmission, and 10-bolt rear end) located in Forest Ranch, CA via craigslist. Tip from Terry B.

Custom or Kuztom? 2000 BMW 540iT 6-Speed

There is an old Latin saying: de gustibus non est disputandum, which means "in matters of taste, there can be no disputes." Now, those old Latin dudes were good at building aqueducts, designing the calendar, and minting coins with their faces on them...but did they really expect us to believe that there isn't an objective perfect (a paradigm of beauty, perhaps) in this world? Ha!  And to prove it, I'm going to let you guys tell me if this next car is awesome or awful.  Find this 2000 BMW 540iT 6-Speed offered for an undisclosed chunk of cash somewhere near Chicago, IL via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Former Museum Car: 1962 Volvo PV544

I'm a sucker for a good museum quality car.  Actually, that isn't entirely true, because I don't like paying over-inflated Bring a Barrett-Jackson prices for my machines.  I guess, I should say that I'm sucker for museum quality cars offered for craigslist discount prices.  Like this 1962 Volvo PV544 here on eBay currently bidding for $6,223 with 4 days to go, located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dead Clown Storage: 1957 Volkswagen Meyers Manx Style Kit

I've been leering drunkenly at Myers Manx style dune buggy kits for many years, and someday I'll buy one to tool around and enjoy the "beach" vibe, but I can tell you one thing for certain: My Manx won't have been used to store a creepy assed clown mannequin.  I guess it is never too late for Halloween around some parts of this country.  Find this 1957 Volkswagen Meyers Manx Style Kit here on eBay offered for $4,500 buy-it-now or make-offer.

PVC Fuel Line: 1974 Laser Porsche 917 Kit Car

I'm a fan of terrible cars, which is not so good for you guys because you've got to read this stuff and I write most of the articles, so you are going to need to suffer through some junk like this...crap, did I just say that out loud...double crap, did I just write that down.  Welp, the backspace button is broken on this keyboard, so you'll have to keep reading. Find this 1974 Laser Porsche 917 Kit Car offered for $16,500 near Tampa Bay, FL via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Scotto Carcaine? 1987 Audi 4000 Quattro CS Lewis Edition

If you haven't gotten hooked on Hoonigan's YouTube videos yet, it could be for a variety of reasons. Maybe you think the incessant donuts and "scumbag" antics are tiring. Maybe you're not a 16 year old kid, and can see that their target demographic is someone who can't yet legally drive. I have to admit I wasn't the biggest fan of their brand of tomfoolery until I was a guest on the show, with our Black Iron Racing E36 Camper Lemons car...and I got to know these guys a bit... then I kinda got hooked. It has since become evident Hoonigan co-founder Brian Scotto has a thing for 5-cylinder Audis, which is a bit unexpected. Then I stumble across this craigslist ad for what is most likely one of his "someday" vehicles, since the photos are clearly from the Donut Garage parking lot. Check out this 1987 Audi 4000 Quattro CS for sale in Long Beach, CA for $2000 via craigslist.

Four Bye Four: 1986 AMC Eagle Wagon

Five hundred smackeroos doesn't get you much in a working vehicle these days...but as evidenced by the last posting, there are cars available for that price and some might even be cool.  Find this 1986 AMC Eagle Wagon here on eBay offered for $560 in Westlake, OH with 1 day to go.

Not Just Another Beater: 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 S/R Clone

There are beaters...and then there are cars that love to be beaten.  Some cars will tolerate being bangshifted and put away wet -- and other cars thrive on a severe drive cycle.  I'm thinking this next car will fall nicely into that latter category and the price is throw-me-away-if-something-breaks cheap. Find this 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 S/R Clone offered for $500 in Ann Arbor, MI via craiglist. Tip from Nicholas.

Some Assembly Required: 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

It has been a little over a year since I sold my daily driver STI and I have to admit that I miss some of it.  I don't miss the creeping feeling that some expensive mechanical failure will run me $3k for a new engine or transmission, or the feeling of every single piece of unperfect pavement being drilled into my backside, or the sensation of moderate understeer under every sporty driving condition except wide-open-throttle (the STI is a strangely fast beast, but you can't drive it carefully and with fine inputs, you've got to grab it by the scruff and mash things -- it is not unlike trying to ride a rhinoceros)....but I do miss the thrub-thrub exhaust note that is either love or hate.  Anyway, if I was to get back into an STI, I might be tempted to find an example that needs some work and turn up the boost a bit. Find this 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI offered for $5000 in Silver Spring, MD via craigslist. Tip from Jeff S.