I just got my license and I want a historically important classic car that’s easy to work on. What car should I buy?

First of all, pretty much any car made before 1996 is going to be easier to work on than a modern one, due to the modern Onboard Diagnostics II system and other computerized controls. The mechanical systems are much easier to work on, because they had to be. And for that reason, cars made after 1996 are going to last longer with less maintenance. So if you want to buy a classic car, make sure you have the tools, knowledge, and contacts to fix it when something inevitably breaks. And trust me, something will break. And then something else. Those cars weren’t made to last 30 years.

Secondly, determine how much you can realistically invest in your car. Not only fixing it, but also licensing, registering, fueling, and insuring. Insuring is going to be very expensive, thanks to Michigan’s no-fault insurance laws. Don’t be deceived by quotes for classic car insurance if you plan on using your classic as a daily driver. It’s going to be very expensive.

Thirdly, determine how many safety and efficiency features you want. Older cars often don’t have seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. If you’re looking for something made before the mid 80s, don’t expect to find fuel injection, emissions control, and things like that. The most advanced thing you can count on is an electrical clock, and it probably won’t work.

Fourth, determine how practical a classic car is for your lifestyle. If you have to drive and park in congested downtown areas, you won’t want a 25 foot long station wagon without a right side mirror. If you commute around town, you won’t want a 300 horsepower muscle car that gets single digit gas mileage. Also, remember that you’ll have to park and service it somewhere. Inside is much, much better.

Finally, don’t buy something that you’ll be upset crashing. You will be crying yourself to sleep for the rest of your life if you wreck your 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix J series. Not so much for your 1992 Toyota Corolla. Also, buy something that you’ll be able to let go of. Don’t count on your parents to store your car if you go off to college, the military, or anywhere else you can’t keep it. Don’t let the car dictate your life – at least not until after retirement.

With all these criteria in mind, my suggestion would be a Cadillac Cimarron or a Chrysler S or AS body minivan. What about a LeBaron? Maybe a first generation Ford Crown Victoria? And of course, a Mazda Miata. ‘Those are front wheel drive, ugly, boring, underpowered, lame, built for seniors and soccer moms,’ some may say. But you know what? That doesn’t matter. True car enthusiasts won’t judge a high school student driving around a Cimarron. They’ll be happy to see younger generations getting involved in the collector car hobby.

What it all comes down to is finding a classic car that you can afford, service, and enjoy. Once you find one, it won’t matter what other people say. Sure, you might be driving a car considered an embarrassment to 1980s America. But don’t take crap from your critics. You might drive an unpopular car, but at least you don’t have to suffer the soul-crushing blandness of being surrounded by grey plastics while you drive your bland car down the road next to all the rest.

It’s time to stand out. Why not in a Cimarron?