we aren't talking new with warranty cars here. talking s197 types that are what 18 years old now.. my 08 mustang will still go through inspection with a tune on it here in nj. challeneger came out in what? 08-09? 15 yearish old. been imports over even a larger window.. plenty of mods that can be done to newer muscle that isn't run of the mill. just like classic muscle.
what did you pay for that thing 16 years ago.. the same car probably brings triple what you paid today and its not like a typical teenage job pays tripple what it did then. that starting buy in is the problem.. there are always excptions but look whay you have to pay for a rusty mess when if comes to classic cars. its not just the classic muscle anymore either its the run of the mill slant six no options cars bringing strong money. hell look at the 80's G-bodies.. they have gone nuts too.... one can buy a more modern car. no rusty POS, needing a few minor things for 5-10K and be driving it in a day...
like i said if thats what one whats to do then go for it.. there are the occassional great deal out there but they are becoming rarer and rarer these days. hell even the roadkill red duster with a bad slanty was something like 4K. no doubt that was a celebs price. doubtyou or me could have only paid 4k for that same car. like i said if a young person whants to get into classics (any brand) i'd advise against it (at that age) more for econimic reasons but thats not saying i wouldn't help them in any way i could. i'd just encourage them to buy something more affordable to work on and drive.