My poor old 850 has never been quite right, and it's getting near it's end. Long story, but it is time to start thinking about it's replacement.

Traditional thought says buy a new or near new car for my daily driver, but my heart says “Don't buy another transportation appliance, get something really neat!” And my budget is in the under $15K range, less is better, that's my life right now.

So I need some help. Background information: I am a residential real estate appraiser. This car would be my primary transportation for work, which includes some travel within 100 miles, sometimes on private gravel (and mud) driveways, mostly on normal paved roads in decent condition, including highway. I average 40-50 miles a day. My wife has a normal transportation appliance, but it’s not so new or great either, and will need to be replaced in another 2-4 years. But I also have my trusty Studebaker truck that always starts when needed.

I am mechanically proficient, restoring several Studebakers (including one that took 2nd in it’s class at the 2005 Studebaker International meet) and a ’73 1800 ES that I bought as a rolling shell and 56 boxes of unlabeled parts. I almost never take any car to a mechanic unless I am really strapped for time or if it is a Volkswagen. I’ve rebuilt engines and transmissions, mostly successfully, repaired rust, painted and upholstered myself, including the 2nd place Lark. But I am slow since I only have time after work and on weekends, which of course I have to have SOME family time. Especially with my new grand-daughter, plus I have an old house that always needs something, including a new kitchen. I really do not want another car project right now but don’t mind tune-ups, oil changes and basic repairs.

So I have a chance to buy another 1800, ready to go, or even buy the Studie Lark back! (I really hated selling that car). Both have been offered to me for under $10K, the 1800E is well under $10K. Both are in really good condition, the 1800 is not in show condition but in very nice driver condition. The Lark I think remains great for local shows, and not embarrassing in International showing. Both are driven regularly, but not daily. Both will need minor work, like fresh tires, maybe batteries, and fresh fluids. Neither would need any cosmetic or major mechanical work. Both get acceptable fuel mileage, both in the mid 20’s on the road (yeah I drove the Lark, even with a V8 and overdrive, accurate odometer, it got an honest 26 MPG on the road).

This is not a question of either the Lark or the 1800, but whether either of these two cars (or other old car) versus a modern appliance is a realistic vision. I’ve started my own pro/con list, but would love others' opinions on the pros and cons of an older car for a daily driver.

What does this group think? Am I crazy for thinking about either rather than a Civic, Hyundai, Focus or similar appliance?