I recently had a reader request my input on what to buy if looking for an American muscle car on a smaller budget. This made my response a little tricky being it was a buy on a tight budget.

Before searching for a small cost muscle car, review these considerations:

1. Parts availability - You want to buy something that has a big enough following to be able to find replacement parts. There are many companies that make reproduction parts for the more popular cars, where as others are hard to find.

2. Repair friendly - Buying a car with a simple straight 6 or a nice 350 small block will make for less headaches as these are easy and inexpensive engines to work on.

3. Fit and finish - Don't buy a car by just what you see on the surface. Take time to look for frame damage or extensive rust. Doing this may require you to take time to look under the car, but it will be well worth your efforts in the long haul.

Chevy suggestions:

Everyone loves a Camaro! So, don't hold your breathe on finding one of your on a budget. Likewise goes for the 60's and early 70's Chevelle. One you may find for a steal is a Chevy Nova (aka Chevy II) this car can easily be converted to V8 from 6 and is a blast to build up (beware of rusted out trunk bottom).

1966 Chevy Chevelle

Dodge suggestions:

Dodge has the high-end classics like the Challenger and Charger, but there are other similar classics in the line up. The Dodge Dart, and Dodge Dart Swingers are comparable to the Chevy Nova. These cars are smaller than most muscle cars of the day but can pack just as much punch (less weight + same power = more punch). Also keep an eye out for the Dodge Satellite, it's just s tripped down Charger!

1969 Dodge Dart Swinger

Ford suggestions:

The given for 60's Ford muscle is, of course, the Mustang. I respect this as a true classic, but think it's a little overrated. One sleeper muscle car Ford had was the Falcon. This was their "F body" car and again, is comparable to the Nova or Dart.

1963 Ford falcon Sprint

While all these cars are nice, their are plenty of choices when shopping for American iron. It's more so the fact that you have something to jump in and take you back to simpler times. Back when phones had cords, kids watched Johnny Quest, and cars were a way of life.

Motor on , Lance

When people know you are a gearhead it makes for easy conversation. Often I am asked where to get the deals, what the best gas to use is, or what I think of the latest auto news. The CARS program (or Cash for Clunkers to most) has definitely become the topic of choice on casual conversation recently.

I'm going to refrain from discussing the logistics of the program. I'm also not going to talk about any dealer or make in particular, as my opinion in know way factors these elements. Instead I want to share what I think is wrong with the program. This will be coming from my influential upbringing in the Bay Area (San Francisco). A place where recycling and the environment have been "in" for decades.

The one thing that has been bothering me about this program is this; what is happening to the "clunkers" once they are collected? Many friends in the business have been telling me that the vehicles coming in aren't really junk. Sure, they get sub-standard gas mileage, but consider how many lower income families could use these vehicles. I would say more over half the country can't even afford a new car.

We have all seen stories and videos covering the back-side of this program. They have images of decent cars getting crushed at a local junkyard. I have to ask why? Fine, take them off the road and get people to step up, but why not really recycle them? I don't mean crush 'em and send them to the metal smelting factory people. Take these cars and part them out like salvage yards have done for the past century. One nineties Ford Taurus could keep a dozen others alive. Many parts on these "junk" cars are are perfect for someone wanting to replace a broken mirror or bumper.

I believe in what some call "the triangle"; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Notice one of these words is "reuse", meaning not everything has to be destroyed and rebuilt from scratch. It takes massive amounts of energy and natural resources to recycle the simplest tin can. This is why recycled materials typically cost more than "virgin" material.

Is the CARS, or "Cash for Clunkers" program a good idea? Yes. It's "stimulating" the economy where it should have in the first place. Stop giving billions to big business' and start passing it down to the people. Because I trust my neighbor more than I trust a blue-hair in a suit at some large corporate bank. But think things through when developing such a plan. The economy and MPG aren't only factors in such a program.

- Lance