I want a daily driver with no computer.

[DogsRule]

What's the better websites to find a 60's or 70's daily driver car or suv? Beyond ebay and cars.com?

I wouldn't mind driving a Nova for a year or two year-round until the market and manufacturers decide what they want to build.

Sponsored

 

[Pinion]

It depends on how good you are with a wrench. My suggestion is to look for a vehicle you like, somewhere in the desert/ dry states and swap in a rebuilt or crate motor that runs tbi.

 

[AZ Hella]

What's the better websites to find a 60's or 70's daily driver car or suv? Beyond ebay and cars.com?

I wouldn't mind driving a Nova for a year or two year-round until the market and manufacturers decide what they want to build.

you should research Facebook groups in the southwest. We have lots of rust free classics.

 

[2019JLUS]

I asked grok about this once

Finding a modern car that uses only an engine management computer (commonly known as an Engine Control Unit or ECU/ECM) and no other electronic control units is tricky because automotive technology has evolved significantly, especially since the late 20th century. Most vehicles today rely on multiple interconnected computers to manage everything from transmissions to infotainment systems. However, if we interpret your request as seeking the most modern car with minimal computer involvement beyond basic engine management, we can narrow it down to vehicles designed with simplicity in mind, often older models or those built for rugged, utilitarian purposes.
The key here is identifying a car where the engine management computer (controlling fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions) is the only significant electronic system, without additional modules like a Transmission Control Module (TCM), Body Control Module (BCM), or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Historically, cars started integrating basic ECUs in the 1980s to meet emissions standards, and by the 1990s, even "simple" vehicles began adding more electronics.
One strong candidate is the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 with a 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and a manual transmission. This truck is often cited by enthusiasts as one of the latest models with minimal computer reliance. The Cummins 12-valve engine in this configuration uses a mechanical fuel injection system (specifically a Bosch P7100 pump) rather than an electronically controlled one, meaning it doesn’t depend on a sophisticated ECU for core engine operation. While some versions of this truck might have a basic ECM to monitor minor functions or meet emissions requirements (like an oxygen sensor), the engine itself runs without electronic fuel management, and there’s no automatic transmission requiring a TCM. The lack of additional systems like ABS, airbags, or digital dashboards keeps it free of the "fancy modern computer crap" you’re looking to avoid. Production of this spec ended around 1998 when Dodge introduced more electronics with the 24-valve Cummins, so 1996-1998 is about as modern as it gets for this setup.
Another option could be the Jeep Wrangler (YJ) 4.0L with a manual transmission, produced until 1995. The inline-six engine used an ECU for fuel injection and ignition, but earlier models avoided additional computer modules. By 1997, the Wrangler TJ added more electronics, so the YJ’s final years (mid-90s) mark the cutoff for minimalism in that line.
Why not newer? Post-1990s, emissions laws (e.g., OBD-II mandates in the U.S. starting in 1996) and consumer demand pushed even basic vehicles toward more electronics. A manual diesel from the mid-90s is likely the sweet spot—modern enough to be somewhat recent, yet simple enough to rely solely on basic engine management (or less). The Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins stands out because its mechanical diesel design sidesteps much of the electronic complexity that defines "modern" cars, even if it’s not a 2025 model.
So, the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel (manual) is probably your best bet for the most modern car with just an engine management computer—or even less—and no other significant electronic systems.

Unless you really want to mess with carburetors

 

[flyer92]

Never minded messing with carburetors or other old-school components. At least you could fix those with basic tools and automotive knowledge. Today's electronic witchcraft makes that nearly impossible for many issues. My old CJ-5 was the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Interestingly, the only time it ever failed me was when the original factory (1980) ignition module finally crapped out in 2012...and it was the only "electronic" thing on the whole vehicle! Luckily, this is a well-known issue with many old cars, so I installed the spare module I kept in the center console. Four bolts, two plugs and 5 minutes later, I was back in business. So few repairs you can do like that on a JL or any modern car for that matter.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Try https://classics.autotrader.com/

 

[Pinion]

TBI usually where I draw the line. You get relative fuel efficiency, reliability, and no real issues with cold weather starts/chokes.

No computers to cause a problem for the engine if the wiper motor stops working.

 

[grimmjeeper]

TBI usually where I draw the line. You get relative fuel efficiency, reliability, and no real issues with cold weather starts/chokes.

No computers to cause a problem for the engine if the wiper motor stops working.

Trouble with TBI era cars is finding parts at this point. They are simple for sure and a step above carburetors.

My long term plan is to get an older car and throw on a new aftermarket TBI or port fuel injection system. Simplicity of an old car with a fuel system you can find parts for.

 

[Pinion]

Yup. Tree fiddy with a Holley Terminator or something similar works for me. I've really been considering this for my 40.

Sponsored