I'm 16, and I have a super basic '05 V6. We're restoring a '66 C-code 289 coupe. Unless we sell our house, which doesn't look likely, we probably can't keep both of them. Would the '66 be a fine everyday driver for me (I'm a very responsible driver)? What about the reliability? What's yall's input?

 

I have a 64 I use as a daily driver, and I love it. But you gotta choose what's best for you. I don't have AC or power brakes, but it doesn't bother me to much. You can make a Classic Mustang a reliable DD, if it isn't already. What I did to mine to make it more reliable was completely replaced front and back suspension, added 11" disk brakes up front, and went with an electronic ignition system.

EDITED TO ADD: OH yea I also became a defensive driver instead of an offensive one.

 

DD is relative, honestly.

If I wasn't afraid of some idiot on a cell phone driving his SUV boat totaling my 66', I'd much, much rather drive it.

That said.

Driving a 66' daily will require a rigid maint. schedule. Although in most cases the repairs are alot cheaper in the older vehicles, they're much more often needing attention. So, if you're willing (and have the bank) to wrench on it, then have at it. Just find a good insurance policy and keep the common parts on hand and you're golden.

 

As long as you have some know howdriving a classic as a DD is just fine. If you dont know how to do it yourself and have to have a shop do the work that is when its def not worth it. Otherwise you might have a few more repairs on a classic but most likely they will be cheaper

 

i daily drive my 68 since last thanksgiving besides 2 days it snowed and i drove my truck. as long as you do the upkeep like you should and remember it dont stop like a newer car youll be fine.watch out for people that cant drive they are right about people on cell phones every state should fully ban them while driving even using a headset your still not watching the road enough.

 

I drive my 67 every day. At least 5 days a week I drive over 100mi each day. It sees about 6,000rpm(or just a hair under) routinely, several times a day. It gets 25+mpg on the highway if I drive conservatively(which 6k rpm is not) and it starts the first time every time and is totally reliable. It can be done, but parts wear out...on anything. If you buy a new car, even it becomes an old car, so you either spend the money to fix up the old car and keep driving it, or spend the money to buy a new car, and when the new car gets old, start over again. When something breaks, like with any car, fix it with a quality part, change the oil and coolant, maintain it properly and there's no reason you can't drive an old car every day

 

I plan on using my '65 as a daily driver, so I don't see why your '66 would be any different. Just remember that the brakes aren't as good as they were on your '05 and that it's a 40 year old car so like everybody else said, you're going to have a little more maintence that needs done on it. These cars are meant to be driven so using it as your daily driver should be just fine.

 

my 65 is my only car for about two more months. its been my daily driver for a year and a half. upgraded to better seat belts, 4 wheel dics, and when i bought the car had the motor all freshend up. its been great, and knock on wood, hasnt left me stranded once.

 

Addingshoulder belts to the front seats was the best mod I made to my 66 coupe. Lapbelts just aren't good enough with that solid steering column pointed at your chest. But a classic can be a fine DD if you keep up with the service.

 

where you drive probably makes a bigger difference than anything else. My 65 was my DD when I was high school. That worked fine because I never went more than about 10mi from the house. If you live in the country then a classic car may be an okay DD even if you drive long distances. If you live near downtown NYC, then a classic car probably won't be a good DD no matter how little you drive it each day. You can buildthe brakes, steering and suspensionto where it CAN do fine in busytraffic. But as a stock car, I wouldn't want one in heavy traffic every day.

And as others have mentioned, making it safe should be a requirement for any daily driver. 3pt belts, and high head rests should be a must. Remember, it doesn't matter how safe of a driver you are unless you're the only car on the road.