Hello all, I have what might be an unusual question. I'm looking for a car for my 17YO daughter. She really wants an old car. Nice but old. The '57 T-Bird is out whether she likes it or not! But, I ran across a 75 Comet that has been fixed up very nice and has the 6 cylinder engine. She loves it. Seems like it would be a good first car but I have some questions. From what I've read here it seems like they are not too hard to work on (I don't want to spend half my life working on it) is this accurate? I found some parts online and they seem to be reasonably priced. Are these cars safe? No ABS, airbags etc. am I stupid putting her in a car like this? It snows here, how will this car handle in bad weather? Thanks for any info you can give me. Thanks Ken
I drove my '72 a few winters in WV and it did great. I used a bag of sand for weight in the trunk, also used some of that sand for a little extra traction. Sawdust retreads were my tire of choice when I was 17 years young
Keep in mind it is a 32 year old car. Personally....I wouldn't put a 17 year old in a 32 year old car for a daily driver. As a preserver of these cars, I hate to hear of one of these cars being driven in the winter....especially in the Chicago area. A 10 year old car would be a far better choice in my opinion...especially when it comes to safety, reliability, durability, etc. But....it is your choice....good luck in whichever way you go.
I think I would be looking for something with a little better heater. I have had my car since I was sixteen. Now 34. I remember driving it in the winter for the first year I had it and then opted for something with a better heater and a little more ground clearance, but then again I am from near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Hey I ALSO HAVE A 1975 COMET, I LIVE IN CICERO. I HAVE FOUND ALL MY PARTS IN AUTO ZONE, ITS NOT HARD TO FIX YOUR SELF.
They are very good in snow with the right tires on them(good snows)They dont stop too well though.Let her drive it in summer find her a winter beater.Let her cut her teeth on a beater,then she will be ready fo a 30 plus year old cruiser come summer.
im 17 and been driving my mav everyday since i was 15.5.. great little car.. as for driving in the winter goes, you might not want her driving it on ice or snow, even with snow tires, if shes the kind of person that will flip out when the rear end starts to break loose. ya and when it gets below around 40 degrees my heater just wont heat up, but oh well.. i say buy it for her and if she dont like it you can always put it for sale on here..
My 77 was a great car. 6 cylinder with A/C and all that good stuff Comets are known for. Including no snow traction and a slow heater that took a while to heat up but worked great when it did.
Now the decision is hard. Obviously someone cared enough about this car to maintain it for 32 years. I'd feel guilty if I did a 5 years and out on this car even if it was mine. I think the car should be safe enough and ok but not great for the winter but I think she'll thumbs down when she hears about the heater. Thanks for your help you guys seem like a great group. Craig, I looked at your website and wanted to compliment you on your work. The Orange 1972 Grabber looks awesome. I'm always amazed by the transformation of restoration projects.
I agree with Craig, a Maverick or Comet isn't the best choice as a daily driver for a young driver unless that driver is a gearhead that is ready and willing to put up with the shortcomings of the car; i.e. marginal heater and defroster, marginal handling, and they really aren't very good in the winter on snow or ice. Even visability is marginal in comparison to a newer car with larger (and dual) outside mirrors and larger back glass. A much better choice would be an Escort or Focus, something front wheel drive with a good heating and a/c system. Also better gas mileage and virtually all the parts are still available for them, albeit they are more difficult to work on yourself. If she really likes old stuff, the Comet would be fine as a summer cruiser and give her something she might even enjoy tinkering on herself, but it's not the best choice as a daily driver.
As much as I'd like to see her in it I know your right. I told her today that I'm having doubts and she wasn't happy. I told her the heater probably won't work well and she said thats OK Then she said "well, I'll take any car, I'm not picky...it just has to be an old car" well. Here is a pic of the car we were thinking about. Its a Comet with a six. What I should do is buy my wife a newer car and give my kid the '01 Focus.
With those big bumpers for pushing cars out of snow drifts, seat belts and a good set of snow tires I made it through many Mich. winters. But 17 is a little young and the traffic is a lot different today then it was in the 70's. A nice Escort with front wheel drive can be made to look real nice for her,. Good luck p/s Buy the Comet for yourself put a V8 in it chop and lower it and bring it out to the next Roundup. See you there. Tony Mi. St. rep.MCCI.
