1995 Mazda MX-6

Mazda has had it tough over the years trying to stand out from Honda and Toyota. Fortunately, they tried really hard in the 90s, with a bunch of cars that were interestingly styled and offered decent driving experiences.

The MX-6 name was used for just a decade on two different generations. This is the much more streamlined 2nd generation.

The design is classic 90s rising sun: smooth, simple planes, rounded corners, blobular lights, organic shapes everywhere. It's shockingly stood the test of time, especially when compared to today's cars, which are both organic and over styled (although Mazda is currently finding a good design language). I also have a hunch it's got a pretty low drag coefficient.

The same goes with the interior. Sure, it's awash in tan and black plastics, but it's pretty sporty and no-nonsense at the same time.

Perhaps the best part of this car is that it's about the size of a Civic from the same era but comes packed with much more power in the form of a V6. Coupled with the stick shift, this is a fun little package. It also seems to be pretty well-equipped with fog lamps, alloy whees and a rear spoiler. All nice touches, and thankfully spared from aftermarket modifying.

This would make a perfect everyday commuter for a young or single person as long as it can be had for under $5k.

Available here on ebay.

1982 Nissan Patrol MQ Turbo Diesel

Winter may be waning in North America but it sure was a long one - enough to make some people want to start preparing for the next year. One thing might to be to pick up a vehicle that can hold its own in snowy conditions.

One such ride would be this sweet Nissan Patrol. The JDM flood is on! Now that every year of the 80s is legal to import to the US, all sorts of fantastic Japanese cars that were never imported to North America are finally seeing the light of day here.

The Patrol is a long-running name that dates back to the 50s and is still in use to this day. This is a "160" MQ series, that was produced from 1980-1989.

The styling is classic 80s Japanese truck, all merciless hard angles, black plastic and entertaining decal text. This one looks great in silver with "turbo diesel" on the sides and rear tailgate.

Inside is an equally brutalist exercise in functionality. The pre-airbag steering wheel is nifty, as are the striped cloth seats. It's all in surprisingly good shape.

A lot of older Japanese cars are usually underpowered but this one has what made it worth the trip across the Pacific: a 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Sure, it won't win any drag races, but it will be torquey, relatively fuel efficient (at least compared to a gasoline V8) and bulletproof for half a million miles with simple care and routine oil changes. It's also mated to a stick shift for extra fun.

The seller says the mileage is an astonishingly low 75k miles, everything works and there is no rust.

This is a really cool and rare alternative to the more common early Toyota Landcruisers and first-generation Isuzu Troopers.

Available here on ebay with bidding over $7k already.

58k-Mile 1993 Audi 90 CS

Remember Audi cars before they were cool? For a while they were still in the shadow of Volkswagen. In the 80s, sales in the US plummeted after 60 Minutes fabricated a report about unintended acceleration. 1990-91 was their all-time low.

Audi spent the rest of the 90s were making a slow but steady comeback. Part of that was accomplished with the 80/90 model. The "90" was an upmarket version of the 80, which was released in the mid 1980s. The B4 generation for sale here debuted in 1991.

The styling is a revelation in today's sea of bulbous, over-styled designs. Lines are straight, shapes gently squared off,  and planes are long, flat, smooth and simple. The greenhouse glass is enormous thanks to thin pillars and allowing for terrific 360 degree visibility. US versions have slightly longer bumpers.

Inside offers a peak into equally old-school but still fresh interior design. Audi have nailed interiors for a long time and the 90 is no exception. Materials are high grade, gauges are clear, easy to read and within reach, and a spattering of wood accents here and there.

Part of what helped Audi stand apart from BMW and Mercedes was their patented Quattro system of all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, this is just a front-wheel drive version. I always thought non-Quattro cars were a bit of joke, because without the unique system you're basically getting a fancy front-wheel drive car along the lines of a Volvo or Saab.

To make up for matters this one is equipped with a 174 horsepower V6, so that highway onramps and passing traffic won't be too difficult.

I've seen this seller before, they're out of New York and have a knack for finding unusually low mileage European cars of the 80s and 90s. This is another odd find. It's not particularly remarkable or fast car, but the mileage is low and condition really clean. I'd prefer it over a Camry, Accord or Volvo of the same era, though.

This one is low-mileage enough that if it's driven pretty carefully it could last for a while, but keep an eye out for rust and electrical gremlins. Also, Volkswagen/Audi automatic transmissions have terrible reputations. A 5-speed swap down the line may make things significantly cooler.

Available here for $4,400.

Lost Wedge: 1987 Subaru XT Turbo

The XT is an up and coming classic. This is a car that was boldly designed, came with an intriguing array of engines and drivetrains and is unlike anything Subaru has offered since.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the styling, some sort of mod-primordial sculpture that looks like a leftover set prop from Blade Runner. With hidden headlights, blacked out pillars and a thin taillight strip it meant business, though. It also belied an extremely low drag coefficient of .29, resulting in good gas mileage and low wind noise. I really can't imagine what kind of person bought these new but they might have been funky, outside-the-box thinkers.

The mechanicals were just as intriguing, ranging from naturally aspirated and FWD to turbo and all-wheel drive. This survivor is half way between, with FWD but a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produced 15 horsepower.

Inside, drivers became more like pilots. The dashboard was inspired by fighter jets with a bizarre asymmetrical steering wheel, pods of buttons, and instrumental cluster that moved with the wheel when it tilted and telescoped.

The seller says the odometer is accurate, but they bought the car from a Subaru specialist who freshened the engine and put in a new transmission. They say it runs and drives fine, a/c blows cold and power windows work.

These cars are endangered. Few were sold and even fewer remain due. It's beyond time we rescue these and start giving them proper recognition as a classic Japanese car.

Available here on ebay.

1987 BMW 735i 5-Speed

I love the E32. I wanted one very badly about two years ago but instead settled for a low-mileage E46 AWD. That's how hard a good E32 is to find these days. This one is even more significant with a nifty and super rare 5-speed manual.

The 80s were BMW's breakthrough era. It not only meant making great cars, but also catching up with the competition. One of those competitors was that other legendary German luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz. While BMW had offered cars that lightly infringed on Mercedes' territory (one could  say the E30 was a shot at the W201), the E32 was designed specifically to take on the big ol' W126 Benz.

The E32 was a resounding success. Sure, it was larger and heavier than it's predecessor, but it gained new engines that helped scoot it along, including a rather insane 12-cylinder.

Styling by genius designer Claus Luthe was a home run, introducing a whole new language theme that the company would use for years, then depart from, only to revisit again and again in the 21st century. Looking closely, it's actually a rather bizarre shape, with a long, low hood, big windows, high trunk and those devilish L-shaped rear taillights. But it miraculously works.

Unfortunately for a while the only engine options in the E32 were the underpowered 3.5-liter inline 6-cylinder or the over-complex 12-cylinder. Only until 1993 did an option in the middle arrive in the form of a V8, but by then the competition had caught up and the body would undergo a major restyling in 1995.

Fortunately, this early model has a stick to liven the driving experience up. Very, very few were brought to the US with 5-speeds and have become a coveted collector item since.

The interior looks sumptuous in a saddle-shade leather and awesome pre-airbag steering wheel.

The seller says it was imported from Canada and all paperwork is sorted with a Florida title. Cosmetically they say it wears original factory paint and chrome wheels. Mechanically, they say all power accessories work and it drives excellently and is ready to go anywhere.

Another great thing about the E32 is that it's still a pretty simple car, especially compared to BMW today. They are known for being rock solid and overall very reliable. With just 95k miles on this one, it's just getting warmed up. Drive it hard, change the oil religiously and just enjoy her.

Available here on ebay for the reasonable price of $5,700.

67k-Mile 1993 Honda Del Sol SI

The Del Sol was almost a stroke of genius by Honda in their glory days of the early 90s. Hot off the heels of breaking through the US market in the 80s, their strategy for the next decade was to expand the lineup and take on Toyota. For a while, it seemed possible.

In 1992 they debuted the Del Sol, just in time for a Gen-Xer's job promotion or a Baby Boomer's midlife crisis. The styling is pretty clever in that it recalls the mid-engine cars of the 70s or early 80s like the Fiat X1/9, but was in fact just another front-wheel four banger. What made it different than their other cars of the time was a removable targa top. This filled in a gap of customers pining for a Civic-like driving experience but with open-air fun.

Honda wrapped that concept in what turned out to be a body that has aged surprisingly well, even in the exotic colors they offered. The whole thing is classic 90s rising sun, all smooth yet taut planes, bubbly shaped lights and hidden-lug alloys. I particularly like the rear taillights, reminiscent of the BMW Z1.

Inside is equally successful with spartan plastic that is simple, clear and functional. For a touch of excitement, they seem to have color-matched the seats and floor with the exterior.

Purists will scoff at this one's automatic transmission, but to make up for it is the SI trim, which included a 1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VTEC engine, power side mirrors, cruise control, rear disc brakes, anti-sway bars and wider tires. Frankly, if you're going to track down a Del Sol, you really might as well only get the SI.

Mechanically, the seller says its been serviced by Honda and runs well. Cosmetically they say it has normal dings and dents but thankfully no rust.

Targa tops were never really in fashion and are rarely offered on any cars anymore, although that could change with Porsche's hi-tech new reworking of the whole thing. Regardless, this can easily be a fun daily driver. Honda stopped making the Del Sol in 1998 and haven't made anything like it since.

Available here on ebay for $7,995 and the Make Offer option.

1999 Alfa Romeo 156

Sigh. Alfa Romeo in the late 90s. It's something we'll never know, because the company stopped selling cars here in 1995. Today, they offer just one car in the US, a snazzy sport coupe for over $100k. That's a shame, because they have a long tradition in something far more practical yet still very fun: compact sport sedans.

The last Alfa most Americans remember was the 164. Based on a Euro platform it shared with Lancia and Saab, it was a slight betrayal with front-wheel drive, but the styling and engine power were still quality. Alfa basically continued and expanded their front-wheel platforms after that, resulting in the 156, among other models.

The 156 debuted in 1997. European auto styling in the 90s completely eschewed the 80s hardcore techno-industrial angles in favor of soft corners, organic shapes and minimal details. The 156 is a great example, with small lamps, no anti-dent molding and rear door handles built into the c-pillar keeping the side profile clean. It's good looking, especially considering today's over-designed cars.

Under the hood of this example is a "Twin Spark" 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a stick shift. Alfa's are renowned for their exhaust notes and excellent handling. I certainly would have preferred this puppy over a mechanically similar Honda or Toyota back in the day.

The seller says the car has 145,000 kilometers, which is about 90k miles. They say it has one previous owner, some service history, a new timing belt and in good condition throughout.

This one is in Canada and is not exempt under the US 25-years-and-older import rule unless it is federalized, and who knows how much that entails or costs. Still, it's not impossible and is good to see this one on this side of the Atlantic nonetheless, especially in such a sweet color combo as silver over red leather.

Available here on ebay with no bids and a Buy It Now of $10,500.

1994 Lada Niva 1600

The Lada Niva is to Russia as the Jeep Wrangler is to the US: that standard, rugged, dependable two-door off-road vehicle. It is made by Russian auto manufacturer AvtoVAZ, formerly just VAZ. The Niva has been in production since the late 70s, remarkably surviving the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the USSR.

The Niva was the first AvtoVAZ product not to be directly based on a Fiat. It shared some Fiat 124 mechanicals, but the body, four-wheel drive system and independent front suspension were all unique to AvtoVAZ.

Styling is pretty neat. It's typical 70s Eastern European mod, compact, hard angles and pure function but not without some character and soul. The red paint helps brighten things as well.

The seller says this is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas version mated to a manual transmission. It won't win any drag races (unless your racing a Yugo) but it will get the job done and not guzzle fuel. Another bonus is the 4WD system, so fear no winter, either.

Mechanically, the seller says it runs like mint, with new battery, fuel pump, oil and filter and brakes. They say it has racked up just 85,000 kilometers which equals only about 52k miles. Cosmetically, they don't mention the exterior but say inside is immaculate with no rips, scratches or tears.

I would definitely check for rust. Otherwise, this is a sweet alternative to the ubiquitous Wrangler or too expensive and fussy Defender 90.

Available on ebay here with bidding at $2,300.

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

Hybrids are still viable contenders as gas prices continue to hover just under $4 a gallon and no relief in sight. Alternative energy vehicles have a very checkered and infamous past, most notably with General Motors EV-1, which by most accounts was a pretty cool automobile until they abruptly canceled the program. It wasn't the first time GM pulled a weird move that resulted in several conspiracy theories.

Only a couple years later however, the Japanese marched in with the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. The first generation Insight was truly cool, using expensive high-strentgh but ultra-lightweight steel, and super aerodynamic design to achieve a new level of efficiency. Then the four door-Prius came along and found a spot in garages across American suburbs.

Honda introduced a Civic Hybrid, but it didn't have a hatchback or "hip" status like the Prius, which Hollywood celebrities drove to award ceremonies. Then Honda rolled out an Accord Hybrid. This was based on the North American seventh generation Accord. Hondas are frustrating cars. You feel like there's potential for a really great car, but they always seem to settle for just good. Unfortunately, "just good" meant they still had flaws. One of the things that has always bothered me about Hondas is ride quality and road noise, two things competitor Toyota seemed to care about and try refining.

Flaws aside, the Accord Hybrid seemed like a good idea. If you couldn't stand the dingy looks or compact size of the Civic but still wanted fuel savings, the Accord Hybrid was an option.

One of the things that made it interesting was the pairing of 6-cylinders and an electric motor. The 1st-gen insight only had three cylinders and the Prius just four. 6-cylinders seemed to address hesitations about hybrid performance while still utilizing the electric motor for efficiency. In fact, the combination produced 15 more horsepower and made the '05 Accord Hybrid faster than the gasoline V6 Accord. There was just one problem: the 29/37 mpg wasn't that much better than the regular Accord and not great as far as hybrids go in general.

Not surprisingly, since it looked like a regular Accord, drove like a regular Accord and was $3k more than a regular Accord, the Hyrbid Accord didn't take off, and wasn't offered after 2007.

The seller of this example seems to be a former Marine who "just got married at age 66" and took exceptional care of the car. With just 57,008 miles on the clock, they also barely drove it. Accord Hybrids were positioned at the top of Honda's lineup, so they usually come very well-equipped, and this one has nice leather seats and a bunch of other goodies.

Honda just reintroduced an Accord Hybrid for 2014, but until now this was the only Accord Hybrid, and it still remains a rare and interesting alternative energy car. Being a hybrid, it still bears a price premium, but it's a good design and will still be mostly efficient and very reliable transportation for a long time. Or, at least until it needs a new electric battery (every 10 years).

Available here on ebay for $12k.