WAY back when I used to be a NYC commuter, I had a maroon 1968 Ford Galaxie XL Fastback (the COOL one with the bucket seats, center console, and vacuum operated covered headlights!) that I bought for 500 bucks. I had to throw a new water pump, starter, belts, 2 new front tires, and an alignment at it, but I got another 20,000 miles out of it before part of the frame fell out. I bought it from the original owner, complete with service records going back to day 1, and his family crying as I drove it away.

It was a GREAT "station car" and "NYC car." I could drive it to Hell's Kitchen and party at the punk clubs, and no one would ever mess with it. I could pile gold bars on the back seat, and no one would ever notice. Great car!