Cheap Classic: 1983 AMC Concord DL Wagon
The Concord was the AMCs answer to the Cavalier, Tempo, Fairmont, & Malibu — a task that a restyled Hornet brought to market with a typically small development budget. Did the Concord beat its competition with its raised ride height and adventure ready style? No. The Concord was yet another liver spot on the balding head of the almost dead American Motors Corp, and driving on in 1983 meant you were a person who made bad choices in life, but driving one today makes you a cool dude. Amazing how Find this 1983 AMC Concord DL Wagon offered for $3000 in San Diego, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
From the seller:
1983 American Motors Concord DL
condition: good
cylinders: 6 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 62800
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: wagon
Your perfect surf and adventure wagon awaits! I’ve loved driving this classic 1983 AMC Concord DL station wagon, but with two little kids in our house, we’ve moved on to cars with more modern safety features. This car features rear wheel drive and a 258 cu in inline 6 engine (4.2 liters). It averages about ~22-24mpg last time I measured.The Good:
Only 3 owners
62,800 original miles
Runs well and starts up every time
Recently serviced with new carb, spark plugs, and flushed fluids at A New Way Auto in PB
Recently passed smogged and registration is up to date
Very clean inside, some small cracks in seats and some small stains on carpet
All electronics work
Upgraded with aftermarket retro-style radio with aux-in plug
The Not-So-Good:
x One rear hatch hinge recently cracked
x A few small rust spots (see picture example)
x Trunk carpet is faded and a little rough
x AC takes a while to blow cold
x Clear coat on hood and one side is coming off
See a better way to drive a cool old wagon? tips@dailyturismo.com
Kind of interesting how the way it would have seen very dated next to a Tempo or Cavalier in 1983 is now a point in the Concord’s favor. Another case of the final edition of an old technology faring better than a flawed first draft of the new.
Thinking of the Concord / Eagle as a Tempo competitor made me wonder something else for the first time: Was the Tempo AWD package a bodged-together response to the Eagle’s AWD?