Fun Behind the Wheel

Richard R. Rawlings is back!

As you know, I have been wheeling and dealing cars since before I could drive and I always have my finger on the pulse of the market. I want to tell you about three cars of different price points that are great buys and tons of fun for the money—because life is too short to drive boring cars.

Fox Body Mustang, 1979–1993 ($10k)

Ahhh, the good ole 5.0. Looking to break out your old cassette collection and go down memory lane? The Fox Body may be for you! This Mustang was a welcome change from the Mustang II and sorely missed after the SN95 was introduced in 1994. The Fox Body received a facelift in 1987, which gave a more modern look to the interior and exterior. They’ll never be the fastest car around, but when you can pick up a nice driver for around $10k, they are hard to argue against!

C6 Corvette, 2005–2013 ($25k)

Now before you say, “Ooh, another Corvette,” there is a reason why so many people buy and love these. Every C6 Corvette came equipped with the legendary LS motor, which starts at 400 horsepower. Pair that with a manual transmission and you will be chirping tires everywhere you go. These cars have a huge amount of aftermarket support if you want to make some upgrades along the way. Have another $10k to spare? You can step up to the Z06, which has another 100 horsepower thanks to the 7.0L 427 and is built to race!

Aston Martin DB9 V12 Vantage, 2004–2016 ($100k)

The name is Rawlings, Richard Rawlings. Break out your wallets because this car offers it all—power, luxury and looks. It is powered by a 5.9L V12 that makes up to 510 horsepower with a classic deep rumble and an aggressive but timeless look that will turn heads. This generation brought back the DB5 styling we all fell in love with that was missing in the DB6 and DB7, but with a modern twist.

Be warned, these cars are addictive. Once you get behind the wheel, you’ll never want to get out. That’s all for now, folks, I’m out!