Reliable as a daily driver?

DISCLAIMER- I love Mavericks deeply and am not casting aspersions on their mechanical soundness. I just have a big desicion to make and I need opinions.-

I have a very strong opportunity to have a Maverick as a daily driver. But I need a car I can bank on. The mav I'm looking at is a 1975 2 door with 50,000 original miles on it and has a current inspection, being used as a daily driver. I really need a car that will start every time and get me where I'm going on time. Do you think I can count on a Maverick to do that? I love these cars deeply, but I don't want to hype myself up and get into a tough situation. I know I have the spare parts and the knowledge to take care of it and plus I have you guys now. I'm going to go look at the car again this upcoming weekend and maybe make a deal about it, but I'm freaking out a little about whether or not I should do it. I want it of course, but I'm trying to be rational. This Maverick is affordable, close and to my mind dependable. Any advice or opinions?

 

Well, several good reasons to have a car like that is parts availability and simplicity. If its in good shape id say do it. I mean its cheaper to repair 90% of the time compared to newer stuff. Only down side is anything that old is likely to have "some" problems.

 

thats a pretty low mile mav. but i would say like any older car things are going to break on it. i would say that it would be more dependable than a car with higher miles but you don't know what has gone on with that car in the last 30 years. but it does sound like a good deal to me. next time you go look at it be really detailed about what you look at. you should be able to make a desission off of that.

 

Price is definitely one of the high points to me. As I said, I have two fully functioning parts cars already. (They both have body issues ranging from QP cancer to paint failure and that's why they're project/parts cars btw.) Simplicity is definitely another angle as well. The reason I'm out of a daily driver in the first place is because of mysterious hard to trace engine gremlins screwing with my car and killing my wallet. My mechanic is stumped and it's beyond repair now. It's the newest car I've ever had and the one I've had the absolute most problems with. The time seems right to get this Maverick. It's been slowly building up to this with collecting parts and knowledge for the other two. Piece by piece I've gotten closer and it seems like it's that time. On a different note my Mavericks have been in better condition each time I got a different one. At least this time the circle could be completed.

 

I'm currently writing up my inspection checklist for when I go down this time. I'm also having a friend take me to look out for things I might miss, but also to see if the suspension is wonky when I test drive it.

 

This is a trick question. Although is has only 50,000 miles on the clock, it also has 35 years on the clock. I bought a new car one time with only 3.7 miles on the odometer and I didn't even get home with it before I had to call the wrecker to come get it. That being said, you can't bank on anything. I'm not standing next to you looking at this car and I can't see what you are looking at. I do know anything this old will need something replaced or rebuilt so don't expect it to be like a 2008 used car with 50,000 miles. It could be a great deal or it could be a money pit. Be sure to look for major rust before doing anything.

 

I drive mine daily, and have been since May of 2005. Over 85,000 miles now. Mine certainly didn't start out as a 50,000 original mile car in good shape. Couldn't be further from the truth, actually. LOL

I'd say just do a full tune up on it, make sure everything is in good shape, then drive the heck out of it. Just keep an extra car as a backup. If something happens to the Maverick, I always have an extra car I can jump in and get where I need to go.

 

Daily Driver

Mavricks are fun to play with but to depend on it as a daily driver would not be prudent.

I have owned 3 Hyundais and have never had one of them in the shop for anything. I know 15 years ago they were junk but that is not now. I can remember in the early 70s when Toyotas and Hondas were junk but they got over that. On 31 December I purchased a 2009 Sonata Limited with a 175 H.P 4 cylinder engine and I am TOTALLY happy with it. I was a dyed in the wool Ford man for 40 years but we never get too old to learn.

Just go down and write a check for a new one then you do not have to worry. It is hard to beat a 10/100,000 warranty.

It is only money.

Texasjack

 

Thank you for the advice, but a new car is not an option.

Edit:I feel I need to clarify, texasjack. I didn't mean to be so dismissive. My first thought was a newer car, but the banks are nervous lately and I didn't make the cut. I can afford to get this Maverick out of pocket.

 

You could make a nice Maverick deadly reliable for the price of a new car. and a Hyundai at that... I personally will never own a brand new car. Waste of money.

Whatever you're happy with though..

 

I definitely realize how much a of a trick question this is. I'm really ready for the possible issues. The car that just died looked brand new when I got it. Spotless engine compartment, good tires, clean interior, smooth shifting- but then here under one year later it's basically a heap. The randomness of this opportunity is inducing madness.

 

I'm just shooting in the dark until I look closer at it, but a tuneup is first thing if I get it. I'll be taking pictures for later reference as well.

 

That's in the "pros" column as well, Jamie. I know all the places for restomod type parts and I have a plan to start small with sparks plugs, electronic ignition and the like and then move up to disc brakes and all. If I can put the work in long enough and within a short period of time I can really upgrade the car several times over.

 

I wouldn't depend on it, first off, it's 35 years old. The heater is 35 years old, the rad is probably 20+ years old. You can't expect it brake as good, as even a car from the 80's. It's an old car anyway you look at it, unless you can fix every little thing that comes up, and have the place and the tools. Don't even consider it. Buy yourself something late 80's, you'll be much better off.
As much as some guys say yes, I would never even consider it. Way to many variables,

 

I say do it, go for a Maverick or Comet as a daily driver. Whether you choose this car or another one.

Jamie is right, having a backup car or access to a car in a pinch is a smart idea too.

You will definitely hone your diagnosis and repair skills.

Silly question from Southern California. What is done during this 'inspection' that you speak of? The only inspection we have is the supposedly rolling 30 year emissions bi-annual testing.

You all from the wintery states probably have a good idea of how good these cars are in snow? I have no idea, that may be a factor for year round driving?

As a regular daily driver, things I would consider are a reliable electronic ignition system, solid and tight front suspension, quality tires, shocks, and brakes, working heater and defroster. Fresh belts and hoses, fully functional radiator and thermostat, working gages.
Fancy wheels and stereo systems would be last on my list of wants. Make it safe for you and all of your occupants, before you go for the bling.