hi all ....new to the site...if you had a choice of wagon which one

Buget around 6k. Can do most work by myself ...also have many friends that will help im just torn since finding a good one to start with is difficult....I know I want something that sounds good and is relatively easy to locate parts for since living here in sofla means not many good survivors are available never have had a wagon but am looking ....just need to offload a jeep first...wife wanted it ...now im stuck with it...any info or suggestions would be great

 

Welcome to the forum Richie! Wow I am sure you will get a LOT of suggestions as far as what wagon to buy. Parts availability is always a concern so something later than 65 will make that easier, but other than the year, it's pretty much wide open. Even the older than 65 wagons have available parts, just harder to find and generally more expensive. Good luck and have fun in your search.

 

from up the road. There are many nice station wagons for sale in Florida all the time. A lot depends on whether you want an old car or a more dependable late model wagon. Of course buying something that parts, especially body parts and interior parts, are easy to find makes a big difference.
Look around here and get some ideas. Many members post what they think are good buys and interesting wagons. This may save you looking all over the internet.
I also suggest you get rid of the Jeep and retrain the wife. Both sometimes difficult tasks but can be done.
1972 Vista Cruiser

This one was posted here recently. may be too far away but many of us love it.-------> 1972 Vista Cruiser

 

Yeah hate the jeep but the wife works for a aftermarket jeep supplier so she had to have one....long story short we now have a two month old as well as an eleven year old and the bug for an old muscle car has bitten me hard this time around.having had many in the past it is time to start teaching the boy how to do something other than play video games....I like the vista cruisers but the wife dislikes them she doesnt like the Windows on the roof which I love...so I need to compromise...thinking a 68-72 malibu or impala if I can locate one for a decent price....had a 69 chevelle 2dr cpe growing up and miss that car..

 

1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon. There are a LOT in Florida and they are fantastic cars.

 

Oldest son and daughter both had Jeeps years ago. Had a friend with a WII Army Jeep. Talk about nice riding??????????
Since the baby is only two months old you'll probably have to keep the wife. Retraining is still a possibility. The baby, not her.
A wagon would be ideal for you. Good luck.

 

Older cars have advantages too.

Hi Richie and Station Wagon Lovers,

There are advantages to newer cars, but there is definitely something to be said for the 60s-70s "sweet-spot" cars. If you get a wagon that has a muscle car cousin (such as a GM A-body) then the parts selection may be better than cars built in the 80s-90s. Wagons are becoming popular as muscle cars, so there are even some wagon parts being reproduced.

These older cars have a tough frame that have and will last a long time, and the engine compartment is much easier to work in. Also, if you go early enough, you can avoid all pollution control hassles.

I didn't buy my 65 Buick Special wagon. It was a family heirloom, but I think one of the main reasons we've been able to keep it is it's GTO cousin.

If you want an older wagon, take the time to see how many where produced though. I love my Buick, but practically speaking a Chevy would have been a lot easier to find parts for.

Best of luck in your search!!

Cheers, Edouard

 

It sounds like you have narrowed your choices to wagons that are available and parts easy to find.

My advice would be to find one that you and your wife like (the kids will like them all) and one that you can drive home safely and legally. For 6k or less, that shouldn't be a problem. If the car meets this criteria everyone will be much happier sooner. I don't have a wife or kids, but "I get it".

 

Welcome aboard! My advice would be to keep your options open - if you're not particular brand-loyal. I wasn't looking for a '69 Fairlane wagon when I started my search, but it was solid and the price was right so I jumped on it.

Will the wagon be a daily driver or "play" car? That will play a part in your choice. If you're going to be hauling the kids around a lot in it, you'll need to factor in the safety equipment (or lack thereof).

I had a similar budget when I started my shopping; my only requirements were V8, little to no rust, and 1972 or older. I didn't want 5 mph bumpers, catalytic converters, etc. I was GM loyal for many years but I'm really glad this old Ford found me. Good luck with your search!

 

Hi Richie, to the forums. See your getting lots of input with your wagon search. These guys specialize in SOPM...spending other peoples money.
Good Luck with your search.

 

Welcome richie954!

 

Welcome Richie!

 

hi rich jeff here in south florida also. my choice for ease of parts would be a 55 thru 57 chevy or a later model early 90's with the lt1 engine

 

might know of a 59 ford if your a blue oval guy

 

Welcome to the nut house! Sounds like you have a worthy goal, finding one of those big old wagons. I guess it depends on just how old you intend to go, and how common you want it to be. The other question is how stock do you want to keep it. In the $6,000 range you have all SORTS of options! Keep an open mind, and remember what was said before. The wagon version of a muscle car makes for easy, and less expensive, mechanicals. My personal preference is for the Fords, but that's me. Any of the old wagons is a great choice. Have fun, and don't forget to join in the discussions.