Staff Picks

  • Craigslist Treasure: 2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX Sport

    Panther perfection. Source: Craigslist

    The Crown Victoria is without a doubt iconic. First introduced in 1980 and ultimately killed off in 2012 at the ripe age of 32, The Crown Vic served as Ford’s rear wheel drive v8-powered sedan as long as many of the staff here at The Feed can remember. The Crown Victoria rose to fame with its most notable Police Interceptor (P71) package, which accounted for almost 90% of the panther platform production after 2008. It was the vehicle of choice for numerous state and federal municipal departments, making its grille and headlights the most recognizable front end ever produced: see one of these in your rearview, and you’ll still probably check your speedometer involuntarily.

    No Officer, I don’t know why you stopped me.

    Today’s Found on the Feed is a 2002 LX Sport, the most loaded civilian trim package you could get for a Crown Vic, and the most aggressive, save the P71. The LX Sport featured stock 17″ wheels, Monochrome exterior (no chrome), dual exhaust, rear airbag suspension, leather bucket seats with a center console and floor shifter, and more aggressive differential gearing. The seller of this vehicle claims the previous owner changed the grille to the P71 Interceptor style, but includes the original in the sale. Notably, the headlights also seem to be interceptor style or marauder lights.

    Like riding on a cloud.

    The seller claims that this example has never “been tampered, just pampered” and garaged its entire life. The pictures, while they lack in quality, do show a car that has been meticulously maintained and shows signs of regular wear for 18 years. This example has a touch under 90,000 miles on the odometer and the seller is only asking $4750. One Feed editor could be heard yelling “God damn that’s a great deal” when this article was drafted; later on, flights to Atlanta were priced out. So act fast unless you want to read an upcoming Understeer article on this beauty.

  • Found on the Feed: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

    Projector headlights in a 2008. Neat.

    Today’s Found on the Feed is one of the best V8 and Rear-wheel drive sedans of the modern era. The Pontiac G8 was a direct import from Australia where it was built as the Holden Commodore and sold by GM under the Pontiac Brand in 2008 & 2009. Later to be replaced by the Chevrolet Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) and it’s civilian version, the Chevrolet SS. The Pontiac G8 stands the test of time with its LS3 because its rated north of 350 HP mated to a 6 speed automatic (the 6L80 for you gearheads). Both make it very comparable to modern sedans.

    This example is fitted with Chevy SS wheels

    The G8 GT in today’s example is the top trim level for 2008, The GT. In 2009 GM would release the G8 GXP, which would be the top trim. This particular example seems to have some basic modifications that all LS3’s usually ended up with; exhaust and intake. This example should still make for a great highway cruiser and real bruiser on test and tune night with a few more key mods.

    Check out those tips.

    The seller is asking $4800 for the car, which has 140K miles on the odometer. Assuming this car has no lights on in the dash and it drives decent, I’d say that’s not a bad price for what could be a reliable daily driver that could put a smile on a drab commute. With the included creature comforts of heated seats and an 11 speaker premium audio system, this is one fine automobile.

  • Found on the Feed: 1990 Mazda Miata

    The Mazda Miata is the best sports car of all time. This is almost universally known by enthusiasts. But for the uninformed, here are some quick facts for you: When the NA (first generation) was introduced to North America, it had a 50/50 weight distribution. It was also very affordable allowing the vehicle to catch on like wildfire as the amateur racers choice and the weekender’s toy.

    All Original

    The Miata came with a 1.6L I4. Which would be replaced in later generations with a 1.8L. It could be had with either an automatic or manual 5 speed, like today’s example. Typically, these motors were pretty reliable with the timing belt seeming to be the only major part that needs service. The seller notes that this example has had its timing belt replaced already. However, this roadster is noticeably unmodified otherwise.

    Freshly Detailed

    The ad for the vehicle states that this is a one-owner car that has been garaged in the winter, which wouldn’t be hard to verify in person. However, it is tough to discern with the pictures provided. This vehicle also has the optional Daisy wheels and newer radials. I don’t think the $5800 asking price is worth the one owner, optional wheels it claims. With the mileage over 109k, under $5000 seems to be more reasonable. Why not check the Mazda section of today’s Feed and find your own?

  • Found on the Feed: 2003 BMW (E46) M3

    Picture this: It’s 2005 and you just got home from School. You just picked up your copy of the newly released video game: Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Adorning its cover is the iconic white and blue E46 M3 GTR that was the pinnacle car in the story of the game. Today’s Found on the Feed can help you relive those dreams and bring you back the thrills of those childhood afternoons that you spent daydreaming of owning your own M3.

    Everything’s there.

    BMW has been making M cars longer than most of us here at the feed have been alive and it’s one thing they do well. Many other OEM’s benchmark the M3 as the two-door performance sedan to beat. On paper, that’s no easy feat. M3s have an S54 with ITBS (Individual Throttle bodies) that put out a capable 338hp mated to either a manual or automatic five-speed.

    Those three Colors mean business.

    Today’s example looks to be almost time-capsule status. With only 49K miles on the odometer, that’s practically only driving it to church on Sunday’s for 15 years. Furthermore, you can see that the interior is quite clean and the M specific wheels still have that shine. The seller mentions the car has always been maintained at a specialty BMW shop. They also mention that the car is 100% stock.

    Loaded and Leather. (Title of your sex tape)

    Overall at $19975, You can chalk this one up to BMW’s holding their value well. There are cheaper alternatives out there if you have to be in an M3. I doubt you will find a cheaper alternative with as little modifications as this. At the end of the day, nobody will have a bad time in an M3, even if the car is 17 years old. Maybe then, only for a second, can you relive the moment you win your car back from Razor.

    Want to find your own? Collector Car Feed publishes daily lists of interesting cars for sale, including plenty of BMWs just like this one.

    1997 M3 Sedan 5 Speed
    115000 miles
    $10000
    2001 M3 2Dr Coupe 6speed 98k Original Miles
    98237 miles
    $8250
    2002 M3 Coupe 2D
    41000 miles
    $24000

    Editors note: I know the NFS: MW car was an M3 GTR. however, they only ever made 10 GTRs

  • Found on The Feed: 1984 Pontiac Fiero 4×4

    What do you get when you cross an 80s mid engine sports car with a K5 Blazer?
    A car the previous owner bought as a joke: “One of our clients who has way more money than he needs… bought this car to cruise the strip in Las Vegas. …our client has a wife who for some reason did not think the car was as funny as he did.”

    Note the side pipe location source: eBay

    Topped off with some Ferrari 348-inspired graphics, this Fiero is ready to score boomer points at Cars and Coffee or mildly amuse, for the first five minutes or so, any onlookers at the local dunes.

    source: eBay

    The “Fierrari” is front engine, powered by a small block Chevy 350 v8. Unfortunately there are no pictures of the engine bay or trunk.
    This auction is live on eBay at the time of writing; the current price is $3950 with three days to go. If you’ve been looking for a creative way to piss off your wife, this lifted Fiero is a tried and true method.

    source: eBay

    Be sure to check out all of The Feed’s newest daily listings. We list hundreds of interesting cars daily!

  • Found on the Feed: 1993 Nissan Maxima GXE

    Yes, this is the best picture of the car in the ad

    The Maxima is Nissan’s mid-size car that started life as the Datsun 810, and while it might not invoke the feelings of driving passion or speed, it’s actually quite the nimble family carrier and can be equipped with a fairly potent V6. The sheer amount of Maximas produced ensures that parts will be plentiful for years to come, and making a sleeper out of one isn’t to tall an order.

    The 4DSC decal that proclaims that this, in fact, is a 4-Door Sports Car

    This 1993 Maxima GXE may not have the venerable VQ35DE that graces the engine bay of it’s better equipped younger siblings, but what it lacks in oomph, it makes up for in chutzpah. In 1989, Nissan redesigned the Maxima and set out to create sporty sedan, and they were so proud of the result that they emblazoned the rear windows of the 1989-1994 Maximas with the 4DSC moniker, which stood for 4-Door Sports Car. The SE models received a DOHC 3.0L (VG30DE) that was good for 190hp, while the lower trim like this GXE made due with a SOHC 3.0L (VG30E) making 160hp, still not bad for the early 90s.

    Minimal number of farts in driver’s seat, an often overlooked metric

    One thing to take away from this ad is that it’s almost a lesson on how NOT to sell a car. The pictures are terrible, and very little effort overall has been put into the description. “Still has the owners manual :)”, gee thanks Karen. However, this ad is also a great example of how to score a diamond in the rough, because this car is low miles and appears to be in great condition, inside and out. The paint still has gloss, and the close up of the roof shows superficial scratches that a weekend and a buffer will easily remedy. It’s very low miles for the age, and would make a unique daily driver for somebody looking for some ’90s nostalgia in their life.

    Shit’ll buff out

    The asking price of $5,000 is, admittedly, a little on the high side, but that’s what negotiations are for. People aren’t exactly breaking down doors for early Maximas; coupled with the effort put into the for sale ad, that’s a recipe for $1-1.5k off that asking price. I just wish I lived closer to Kentucky.

  • Found on the Feed: 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four

    The Toyota Celica is unquestionably a rare car. During the height of the JDM influence in the American market, this often-overlooked model had quite a few desirable performance variants. North America saw a few trim levels of the Celica on our shores, most notably the All-Trac, (Fifth generation) GT (Sixth Generation) and GTS (Seventh Generation) but quite a few more were overseas only. While today’s example never arrived officially, It has been imported legally.

    uniquely JDM

    The listing for this example claims to be (and checks out to be) very rare. With original Tri-Spoke wheels, only 62k Miles, this was not only a rare find in Japan but a very solid import into America. The GT-Four featured the 3S-GTE engine, which is shared with the MR2 Turbo of its time, it’s a proven solid drivetrain that can be built into an in JDM legend or used as a reliable showpiece.

    Mostly Orginal, Untouched goodness.

    As with any build, it’s nice to start with a generally unmodified platform. The listing states this car has very minimal, yet tasteful (above pictured Strut Tower Bar) aftermarket parts. I’d make the exception here though, with the GT-Four being such a rare vehicle that its value should only increase as we see the wave of JDM imports hitting American shores. That being said, the importer is asking $17,995 for this Celica GT-Four. It’s a tall price to pay for a unique JDM legend, but this piece of history is sure to stand out at any Radwood you plan to visit.

  • Found on the Feed: 1999 Honda Prelude

    The Honda Prelude is an often overlooked JDM classic. Available worldwide in a variety of trims, the Prelude could be configured a plethora of ways with either an F22 or the more sought after H22. These motors were similar to the coveted K series but more affordable and easily built. The Prelude is often a unique foray into the JDM market, instead of the all too common Honda Civic.

    Looking relatively clean and stock.

    This 2001 Honda Prelude example appears to be perfect for your first foray into building a streetable JDM classic. Particularly clean as the below picture shows, this body has 176k miles with a replacement clutch. while initially, that seems to be a lot of miles, this car is rife with Ebay Build potential. The H22 Motor that comes with this example is a great first motor to work on, as things tend to be a bit more simple.

    Just as clean on the inside.

    Overall, this is still a Honda and it will be a very reliable car even without the motor work. However I believe any expert will agree, you should always start your build with a stock, clean example so you know what you’re getting into. With this vehicle being a California car, you can rest assured that rust won’t be the biggest issue you will run into during your build. With a price of $4000, you’d have to wheel and deal a bit to make this a great deal.

  • Look at this: 2003 Ford SVT F150 Lightning

    The second generation of the Ford F150 Lightning was arguably one of the best. With the (new for) 1997 body, Ford reintroduced the Ford Lightning variant. Like the original Lightning, the second generation featured an Eaton supercharger on top of the 5.4l V8 that was shared with the regular F150 lineup. Additionally, Lightning’s featured a unique front and rear bumper, as well as suspension components to lower the truck.

    Like a true performance vehicle, the interior was very basic.

    Today’s example, a 2003 SVT F150 Lightning was nearly one of the last model years for the truck. This one specifically features a Kenne Bell kit in replacement of the original Eaton. The wheels are the standard OEM while the bumper is aftermarket. The seller states within the listing that he will provide the original parts with the truck.

    The aforementioned Kenne Bell.

    Overall, This is a little pricey at $16,900 for this low(er) mileage example. With 87000 miles on the truck, it seems to be in pretty good condition from the included pictures. As the overall truck market expands and inevitably we see a return to more performance-based trucks as enthusiast cars disappear, this could be a great future buy.