Looking for an easy to fix/maintain (pre-computer system) car

[ssvacha]

I am looking at purchasing a new (used) car sometime next year and am looking for something that should be easy to maintain and fix -- something with plenty of room under the hood, zero computer systems, and that requires just basic tools.

I was told to look for a Chevy 350 engine, but would like some suggestions on particular makes/models.

Thanks!

[grider]

im not sure such a car exists pre computer cars have problems also for one cars have to be maintained and adjusted regularly and computers are not all bad i think you need to figure out what you want from the car daily driver, race, restoration, and then decide what car is best for you

[Oldengineer]

I've got such a car in my garage. No computer, simple to fix Chevy 6 cylinder engine, manual transmission, and manual drum brakes. It runs perfect, makes 90 horsepower, and it'll do 55 on the interstate - but its 63 years old. Its a 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster, and, it has to be serviced every 1000 miles to keep it running.

Regards:
Oldengineer

[jamesslcx]

Ssvacha, have you thought about an older pick-up truck, plenty of avail. parts, tough and easy to work on.

[randsin]

Originally Posted by jamesslcx

Ssvacha, have you thought about an older pick-up truck, plenty of avail. parts, tough and easy to work on.

What about maintenance ?

[jamesslcx]

Randsin, I've got an old 1975 Dodge trk. that's been great. Just mostly maintenance parts, every few years I put on fuel pump, plugs and such. At about 100;000 we put a new timing chain, performance cam and four bbl. carb. That truck has been great, it needs paint but at around 240,000 mi. That's to be expected. Gas mileage is only 18 on highway but I get compliments wherever I go. Any vehicle you drive is going to need to be maintained, I like the idea of getting something simple so you don't have to spend a fortune and take it to a shop every time it needs something.

[Toolman56]

Hi, any car like they said , going to need maintance, but i have a 95 ford escort great little car, but a bugger too work on , if you dont understand the computer system, its under one year from the ob2 system, its a ob1 system, so non of the obe 2 scan tools will work, but i like the fact i can get in and go ,on a cold morning, wear as in the old cars, you had too sit for awhile too warm up the old choke, or as in this case my old chev 1960, 283-manual, the choke would go shut, then its screwdriver time too hold opean the choke , to start it, or it would not start, still each car has it pros and cons, you just got decide what you want too live with.

[jamesslcx]

Hi everybody, yes everything in life is a compromise, cars are machines and sooner or later they require some type of work. I've never believed those people who say they have never done anything to their vehicle. I've had many, many different types of vehicles and at one time or another they've all needed something.

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by Penny_Cooper

Can anyone please tell me what a pre computer system car is? I have never heard of something like that!

A " Pre - Computer " car was the norm back prior to the the late 70's -early 80's ! It means the vehicle had no computers . The engine management was done by mechanical means - a carburetor provided the fuel to the engine . The timing of the engine was done by your mechanic to the proper settings . The Heat /AC in your car was controlled by some means of a dial adjustment system where you selected the desired heat or cool air and subsequent adjustments were made by you till your desired level of comfort were reached .! There was no ABS braking systems , no GPS guidance systems ( you had to rely on your geographical knowledge or a map to get to your chosen destination ) , no fancy radios or ... well , hopefully you get the idea ? Do a Google search and you should get a better idea of what the vehicles prior to the " computer age " were like and how much they differ from today's cars and trucks ! Like the old saying : " The difference is like night and day " !

[randsin]

Originally Posted by jamesslcx

Hi everybody, yes everything in life is a compromise, cars are machines and sooner or later they require some type of work. I've never believed those people who say they have never done anything to their vehicle. I've had many, many different types of vehicles and at one time or another they've all needed something.

I agree with you. Its just like that if you take care of your vehicle it will take care of you otherwise one day the vehicle will leave you searching for help in some highway in the midnight LOL

[ssvacha]

Thank you all for your suggestions!

A truck may be the way to go. I want ease of access, plenty of room under the hood, and no special tools needed to do a simple repair. I don't mind regular tweaking to keep things running smoothly, but why do I need to buy a hex nut to change the brakes of my van or why on my wife's PT Cruiser can't I just lift the battery straight out? I seriously think that auto makers do this on purpose to try to prevent people from fixing their own cars.

What would be perfect is a one wrench vehicle!

Thanks again for your suggestions!

[StealthSonic]

Downside for buying car without computer will produce alot of hydrocarbon and high gas consumption. Older cars also has horrible crash test data. So its a win and lose situation. As for me I would feel uncomfortable fixing a non computer, requires too much of tips an tricks. I rather plug in the scanner and say ah this is whats going on. But I know how you feel about the new cars. They r getting complicated every year.

[Oldengineer]

Not necessarily high gas consumption. My all time fuel economy champ to date was a 1975 Oldsmobile Starfire with a 231 CID V6, 3 speed automatic, and 2.56 gears. I wish the 2010 Honda CRV I currently own got the mileage the Oldsmobile did.

Regards:
Oldengineer

[jamesslcx]

If you can live without the prestige and frills of a new car driving an old vehicle takes you back to a better time, repair costs and parts are usually cheaper and contrary to what people believe it is good for the earth to "recycle" an old car by fixing it up. In my area cars from 1975 on up still have to pass emissions testing. My old truck puts out emissions equal to a new vehicle.