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On paper, a vintage car doesn't really make sense as a daily driver: they're generally less reliable, less safe, and less comfortable than modern cars. But there are exceptions, and here we've assembled a list of classic cars that we think could make for solid daily-drivers in the right circumstances. With a little preparation, proper maintenance, and the most expensive AAA membership you can buy, we wouldn't hesitate to drive any of these classic cars to work, school, and everywhere in between.
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1938–2003 Volkswagen Beetle
Yes, the Volkswagen Beetle is slow. It's basic, too, but that's what makes it so reliable. It's simple, straightforward, and easy to fix. Break down on the side of the road? Odds are you can get going again with some simple tools.
Among classic Beetles, you're better off looking for models from the late 1960s into the 1970s, as they had larger-displacement engines and improved suspensions that made them better to drive.
The one you see here got a factory restoration
1979–1993 Ford Mustang
The Fox-body Mustang is now old enough to be considered a classic, and with proper care, one can get you anywhere you want to go. They've aged nicely, and aftermarket support is second to none.
The most quintessential Mustangs of this era are the models with the "5.0L" V-8, of course, but the SVO had a turbo-four and a different personality.
1994–1996 Chevrolet Impala SS
The Impala SS makes for a great sleeper—it's sort of like a discount Chevy SS sedan. Offered for just a few years in the 1990s, it's now a true modern classic car. Based on the Caprice of the era, the Impala SS featured an LT1 V-8 engine from the Corvette. It has unassuming looks by today's performance-car standards, bu if you know, you know.
We're big fans of the ICON-restored Caprice version
1997–2017 Toyota Century
Like the Nissan President, the Toyota Century wasn't ever sold in America, but because it's over 25 years old, it can be legally imported and registered in the United States. A buttery smooth ride ride, a high-class interior, and a silky V-12 engine make it the perfect daily cruiser, as long as you don't mind poor fuel economy or the right-hand-drive layout.
Here's why it's the definition of true luxury
1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee unibody design and relatively well-appointed interior means you don't have to compromise much to drive one everyday. It's an absolute tank through bad weather, too, in case you need to get somewhere in a blizzard. We'd only go for models with the stout 4.0-liter inline-six engine, which was available from the mid-1980s until the end of this model's run in the early 2000s.
Watch this one get deep-cleaned by Larry Kosilla
1983–1986 Toyota Corolla (AE86)
Thanks to Initial D, the AE86-generation Corolla has become a full-blown icon in the automotive community. But at the end of the day, it's still a 1980s Toyota, which means reliable, simple, balanced, and fun. These rear-wheel-drive coupes are known best for the role they play as drift machines, and as a result it's difficult to find a clean, unmodified example in today's market.
Toyota just restored two examples
1984–1989 Toyota MR2
The first-gen MR2 is now a classic. It looks great, it's fun to drive, and because it's a Toyota, it's dead reliable. Just keep an eye out for water leaks on the T-top models. The supercharged version was significantly quicker than the base model, if you can find one.
Toyota Is Working on a New Mid-Engine Sports Car
1984–1991 BMW 3-Series (E30)
The 3-series is an automotive legend, and it owes much of its reputation to the excellence of the E30-generation model. For years it's been the go-to for enthusiasts looking for a fun car that can do it all on the cheap. It was only recently that non-M3 E30s became appreciating assets.
We think the best model to shop for is a 1989 or newer 325i with the inline-six. The earlier models were more awkward-looking due to their chunkier bumpers, and the four-cylinder versions are painfully slow.
Following along on our E30 project series
1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Dependability is just one of the many reasons people love the original Miata, and while it might not have much space for transporting a family, it can certainly get you to and from work every day without issue. The later generation of Miata are also great daily drivers, but we think that only the earliest, NA-generation car truly qualifies as a classic.
We suggest looking for one with the larger, 1.8-liter engine. The earlier cars came with a weaker 1.6-liter motor; none of these earlier Miatas will be quick by today's standards, but you'll want the extra grunt of the 1.8. Trust us.
Check out our full buyer's guide
1988-1995 Volkswagen Corrado
Is the VW GTI not your style? The Volkswagen Corrado is a solid alternative, with distinct looks and an equally enjoyable driving experience. Just be sure to keep up with maintenance, as they can be a bit more finicky than your average VW.
The Corrado was offered with four-cylinder and VR6 engines, and we'd recommend one with the VR6 due to its smoothness and enhanced performance.
This is how it saved VW in the U.S.
1978-1994 Saab 900
Saab enthusiasts will swear by the 900 as one of the most dependable classics out there. If you like its quirky looks and front-wheel-drive layout, it could be the daily for you.
The most Swedish of these Saabs are the first-generation 900 models, built before GM's takeover of the automaker. The 900 nameplate continued for a few years on the second-generation model under GM's ownership, before Saab introduced the 9-3 name in the late-1990s.
Geek out over the 900's engineering brochure
1969–1978 Datsun Z
Datsun's Z cars will last forever if you take care of them. They make good cruisers, and wonderful vintage sports cars. If you can put up with carburetors on the early models and find one without rust, you can't go wrong.
The original 240Z is the most desirable of these models, but the first-generation run also included later 260Z and 280Z versions with larger-displacement inline-six engines.
Read our original first drive review
1974–1993 Volvo 240
Volvo's legendary brick, the 240, is known for its sturdy structure, and that theme continues into the mechanicals. Everything is reliable and incredibly easy to fix, which is why you still see so many on the road today.
The wagon is obviously the most quintessentially Volvo body style, but we love the looks of the sedan, too. The 240 Turbo is desirable for its quicker acceleration, but you can't really go wrong with any 240 that's still in running condition today.
The incredible story about how one 240 refused to die
1976-1986 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
While most German cars have their fair share of issues, the W123 Mercedes is known for its indestructability. This precursor to the modern E-class drives like a tank, and can go for hundreds of thousands of miles as long as you keep up with maintenance. Find one with a diesel engine—especially one like the wagon pictured here—and you'll be set.
It could be the best classic you can own, period
1991-1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
If you'd rather have a more modern Benz, we recommend the W140-generation S-Class. Built on the tail end of Merc's bulletproof reliability years, its handsome looks and wide range of engine choices make it a good choice for those wanting a luxurious land boat with vintage style.
The V-12 model sounds amazing with a custom exhaust
1951-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser
No matter which generation of Land Cruiser you're into, you're going to get a reliable car. Toyota overbuilt them from the factory to ensure their dependability in the toughest environments.
The FJ80-generation from the 1990s is the most modern Land Cruiser that can still be considered classic. While it can be hard to find one in good condition, it's a luxurious and capable SUV with plenty of creature comforts and a legendarily reliable inline-six engine.
Toyota just started making new parts for old 'Cruisers
1964–1998 Porsche 911
The 911 didn't change much in its first 34 years of production, so there's a massive amount of aftermarket (and factory) support for keeping them on the road, no matter what year you drive. Purists consider the air-cooled models to be the true classics, which means the 993 generation is the final version that fits this description.
Read our buyer's guide for every generation
1984–1991 Honda CRX
Not only is the CRX fun to drive, it's incredibly dependable as well. It is a Honda, after all. With proper care, it will get you to you destination every day for the rest of time. The first-generation CRX has a blocky appeal all its own, but we prefer the second-gen model (pictured) for its more modern performance.
Check out our vintage review right here
1990-1994 Lexus LS400
The first LS400 debuted in 1989, meaning it falls well into classic territory. As evidenced by editor-at-large Matt Farah's example, they were so overbuilt, they could even last one million miles. It's the obvious choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver.
It also sounds pretty good without mufflers
