FR4R

Hey everyone, I'm in need of some advice....apologies in advance for the length....

My situation: I'm a 31yo student, who is about to be transitioning from a community college to a 4 year school that is about 50 miles from my house ( I know - unfortunately moving is not an option). I have been driving my 1995 Subaru Impreza 1.8 AWD for the last 15 years, but she has seen wayyyy better days so I'm looking for a newer vehicle.

The delema: Given that my commute will be 100 miles of mostly highway driving, I have been shopping your standard Accords, Civics etc. I am a manual type of guy and no matter how much my GF pushes the auto option, I'm getting a manual end of discussion - however this limits vehicle options in my area significantly. The other day I was putting around craigslist and happened upon an 03 Type S 6MT, from a dealer with an asking price of $5K. It has 180K miles, but looks to be in good condition (from the pics), 2 owner with the second owner having had it for 95% of it's life until now( 1st owner traded @ like 6 months of ownership). Clean Carfax with a bunch of service records etc. Before purchase, I will be having the vehicle inspected by an Acura and or Honda specialist. It's 70 miles from my house so I have not gone for a test drive yet so my information on condition is not great.

My question to you is this: given that everything checks out, would you buy it considering the above? Is the vehcile a good highway cursing car? Will my millage kill me?(lol research on mpg has been roller coaster). At this millage do you think the cost of ownership could skyrocket? My budget doesn't allow for anyhting over $5K or massive repair bills, so in my area no matter what I choose it will have 120K+ miles. Should I stop kidding my self and just get something far more boring yet practical or go purchase immediately and let 260 hp speak for its' self? Thoughts, questions, concerns, criticism and advice all welcomed. Hearing from people who actually live with the vehicle every day is more valuable than any research I could do...

Thanks!

mike88se

You're probably thinking about a long answer on the pros and cons. Maybe you'll get a reply like that. All I have to say is... go drive it. You won't regret it.

Scottyknows007

Hey man I have a 6 speed also. It is my daily driver and I love it. I can get about 32 on the hwy depending on how I drive. The fact that that is such a rare find I would jump on it. These cars are very reliable. Your get good hwy mpg, and it will be really fun to play with! like Mike said.. go drive it... you wont regret it!

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

As long as the clutch/timing belt service has been done recently & other maintenance is up to date (brakes, balljoints) then your good to go.

AnthraciteTypeS

As others have said, the only thing I would be concerned about at that mileage is if the 2nd timing belt/wp service have been done. Also look at normal wear and tear items that can quickly add up such as clutch, tires, brakes.

Stuff like that can put you over your budget real fast, especially if you're unable to perform the labor yourself.

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

It's a great highway cruiser. has 6 gears, comfortable seats.

I'd check into when the timing belt was done last. These engines are rock solid and so is the trans. You're in a price range where most cars will have some mileage on them, so the wear and tear items will happen, but you shouldn't have any surprises.

I think most people get around 30mpg on the highway (correct me if I'm wrong someone). Go drive it, I think it'll sell itself.

Edit: everyone posted at the same time, lol

AnthraciteTypeS

Lol #smallcommunityproblems

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

The car is solid in itself. Great cruiser and mileage for a V6. If the 105k service (or 210k in your case) has not been done yet, that could cost you around 600-1000 dollars. I don't own a manual so I can't say anything about the clutch. These are the only things you should be worried about besides normal maintenance items.