Perhaps if a Renault LeCar joined the RustyButTrusty fleet, the desire to feature every one that comes up for sale would diminish. That said, even after a Lancia Beta came and went, the attraction to the theory is still there, even if the reality is not as compelling. And these were best-sellers in France and many other parts of the world, so how bad could it be? Anyhow, enough blathering, check out this 1978 Renault LeCar for sale in Glendale, CA for a relatively high $3800.
In spite of their low-rent status, 3-cylinder engine, and teeny little wheels, Subaru Justys never got the same level of mockery that Yugos or Geo Metros did. Perhaps it was the available 4wd, or the rugged-looking high-roof styling, or just their low profile due to low sales. Either way, with the standard powertrain, these are said to be pretty tough little cars. You can find this 1989 Subaru Justy 4wd for sale in Tacoma, WA for $3500.
Update, 12/26/13: A visit to this car yesterday yielded some interesting details that are worth sharing here. First of all, the price has been reduced to $2200 since it was featured here in late October. The owner, Mark, is a very personable guy who rescued the car out of someone’s back yard, did much of the work himself, and is now ready to move along to another car. He’s done the brakes all around (yes, even the rears!), and replaced the head gasket and had the valves lapped while the head was off. It’s a non-a/c car, with front-mounted battery, and no floor rust. As usual, there doesn’t seem to be a standard place for these to rust – while the areas surrounding the front and rear windows were rust-free, the outer passenger door skin has a fair amount of rust (that’s where you see the gray paint in the pictures), and there was some rust behind the front passenger wheel. There is also rust at the top of the wheel wells inside the engine compartment. The paint has been redone once, and has since oxidized. Oddly enough, there appears to be no rust around the sunroof. The interior is clean enough, but the upholstery on the driver’s seat is torn and the dash shows some cracking. Unfortunately, the car has lost its original tail lights to some GTV6 lights, which may cover up more rust. Overall, though, it looks like a decent little project for someone with some metal working skills. Given its needs, there is probably some room for negotiation, but project Alfetta prices are no longer in the low- to mid-3-figures like they used to be.
Original post, 10/23/13: We’re so used to seeing faded versions of certain cars that you start to forget how they looked when they were new. Once you repaint, lower the front to a normal height, and possibly convert to European bumpers, these cars gather a surprising amount of comments and interest. And a new coat of paint really brings out some of the most interesting features – the fenders, pulled out around the wheel well openings; the spoiler integrated into the rear deck; the “flying buttress” C-pillars that flank the hatch. You can find this 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT (or sprint veloce if you’re picky about using the North American model name) for $2999 in South Everett, WA.
Rusty But Trusty 