Give me all the info

Hi. I am VERY interested in owning one of these beautiful cars. I have owned a Toyota Tacoma for the past few years and am now ready to onw a speedster. I have a few questions though...First, can this be my only car. i don't drive too far (45 miles to La or 55 to san Diego) and i only drive that far from time to time. I don't need much storage. I just want to make sure that this can be my car. Will driving this on an everyday basis be bad or not encouraged? Let me know straight so that i can make a better descision. Also, I am going through a place in ahwaiian gardens, Ca that will build me a new one with the basic accesories for $17,900. Is that a good price? Please help me out so i can be aware of what to look for.

Thanks-
Ryan

Maybe others on this forum use their speedsters as daily drivers (only vehicles), but I don't and I wouldn't. It may also be different if the vehicle is new. I have a 1984 Intermeccanica and I would not want it as an only vehicle because it is not reliable enough (even though it only has 20,000 miles on it). These vehicles seem to be high maintenance, compared to most new 'regular' vehicles, such as your Toyota. I have a 2000 Ranger pickup that I get into each day and just drive it. It always starts and requires very little maintenance. Not so with the 356 replica. I love driving my IM, but I would never have it as an only vehicle. I think you live in California, so this may make a big difference (when considering this type of car as a daily driver). I live in British Columbia, where is rains A LOT, and this car is not all that much fun to drive in the rain.
Ron

Nolimit...I like that!
I use my speedster a lot. Over the two years I've had it I find I don't drive in the rain as much by choice, but... If you know going into a replica relationship that these cars are approximating a bare-bones enthusiasts car of days gone by, you should be fine.

You can't go 0-60 in under 6 seconds, Hell you can't go 0-60 in 8 seconds, but my point is if you don't beat it up it should drive and drive and drive.

Some guys on the forum do have mechanical failures and others on the forum seem to draw from that a 'fear factor'. My experience has been very good, most of the repairs I've made to my engine have been because I was hot-rodding it and even then the fixes have been cheap and as my mechanic has been able to upgrade and prevent future faux Pauls!

Drive 'em!
MM

A well built, properly maintained, moderately "power enhanced" 2,110cc engine (say 90 BHP) with a full-flow oil filter and resaonable usage (driver's right foot) should be as reliable as - or more reliable than - an original air-cooled type 1 VW (they did not have an oil filter).

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and drove my Vintage Speedster as my only car. It shouldn't be a problem in our climate.
-=theron

Ryan,
If I lived in SoCal, I would consider this car for daily driving too, but keep in mind that, as Paul stated, this is a bare bones sports car which calls for a certain something which would not be required if you were thinking about purchasing a Miata. If you can get a car that you like for 17.9K, more power to you. Mine listed out new for about 23K and the only thing it had that it didn't need was A/C (about $1400 from what I have been told). Think it through carefully before you decide and be realistic about your expectations for the car. They are totally fun, but the fun comes at a price if it doesn't meet your needs. Also consider insurance cost, as classic car policies with stated values (which is what many of us have) typically do not allow you to use the car as a daily driver. These cars are fun and you will love it! Good hunting.
John H.
(Message Edited 8/6/2003 12:29:15 PM)

Ryan, one thing no one has mentioned is BUY DIRECT. There is nothing to be gained by going though a middle-man, and much that may be lost in translation. Take your time, decide what you want/need, then order the car from VS, JPS, IM, or whoever. Don't whip out your checkbook in the heat of the moment or you'll probably regret it later with the "would haves, could haves, should haves."