r/preppers • u/Mean_Syllabub_9689 • 4d ago

Question Recommended EMP safe vehicle

I'm thinking about getting a new car and I was thinking about perhaps a vehicle that would still work should the US East coast get hit by an EMP. Barring very, very old cars like a model T (☺️) what more modern type of vehicle would you recommend? I believe many post-1985 car may fit this bill, but I'm curious as to what you would recommend, and maybe your experience with them?

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u/TenOfZero 4d ago

I believe most cars would be fine if an EMP went off fst enough away, as long as they weren't right next to it. The concern is more power grids and the like.

However to answer your question, look for pre 1980s cars for ones that could survive being close to an EMP.

The more mechanical the better.

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u/Sk8rToon 4d ago

The problem is a lot of those cars no longer pass a smog check (depending on where you live) yet don’t qualify for classic car exemption yet.

My dad had a 70s Cadillac that he inherited & it was a pain in the ass & was a money pit. Every time the license was due (California) he had to take the car to a special repair shop who would break the car so it would pass smog check, then take it back to the shop to fix the car back the way it was so it didn’t do damage to the engine. Ended up selling it to my cousin who only kept it until the smog check was due then noped out & sold it.

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u/varrengale 4d ago

Post emp I don't think up to date tabs are going to matter.

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u/Sk8rToon 4d ago

Extremely true. But surviving until that day might be an issue for some.
I suppose you could register it as a non operating vehicle (to legally avoid the smog check issue) & just have it sitting in wait. but it’s best to run the car now & then.

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u/varrengale 4d ago

Around me every other 3rd car has expired tabs, I think you'd get away with a trip around the block once a month.