the-G-ride

Alright so I'm hoping you guys can help me out here. I looking for a second car to use as my daily driver. The only requirments are:

1. Under 10K price tag
2. Manual
3. Reliable
4. Under 130K milage
5. Powerful
6. 4 Banger
7. Looks nice (I know that's subjective)

I know reliability can't be a 100% given but seeing as how most cars I'm probably looking at are gunna be in the 90k and up range, I really dont want to shell out big cash for repairs down the road.

Numbers 1,2 and 3 are the most important to me. I know the milage will vary, but I would like to steer clear from anything over 130K. If the car is really good with low milage, I'd pay a bit more. As far as number 5 goes, I want something sporty to drive. As this will be my main car to use, I would like to punch it and have some fun every now and then. Maybe something between 180-200hp. Number 7 goes with number 5. Its going to be my main car so I want something nice looking, not ricer toyish. As for the engine size, all my driving is done in the city and with my current car, I fill up 55-60 bucks a week, every week. So I would really like a 4 banger to save on gas.

I was leaning towards an Acura RSX but I wanted the 05-06 and those go for about 13-15, so no go there. I've been also looking at GTI's, Mazda 3'S, Corollas. My mind is basically everywhere and I need to narrow it down because I'm hoping to purchase said car in the coming weeks. Oh, and the cheaper the better lol

Thanks for your help ahead of time.

d1sturb3d119

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S2K. That was easy. Next question....

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

Miata.

MaxMike93

How about a G35? I just searched cars.com and found a bunch of sedans and coupes that are manual, with under 130k for less than $10k. Only thing is that all manual G35s are RWD and being in Jersey, that isn't the best thing. And it doesn't satisfy #6, but #5 will be taken care of

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

As already mentioned, S2k or Miata.

charliemike

2003 Acura CL-S 6MT

UA6

Brock79

A C5 corvette, I saw one in NJ for 9500, it was a 2000 with 42,000 miles. A divorce sale.
I know it's a V8, but the gas mileage is very similar to those little 4 bangers.

the-G-ride

I would absolutley love an S2K. The only issue is that every one who has one out here swears the car is made out of gold. Indeed the car is amazing in every aspect, but I have yet to find one that is even close to 10K. Most are in the 14-16k range and thats for early ap1's.

Both the miata and S2K's are very nice, fun to drive cars, but im trying to steer clear of a car that will make me want to mod. Those 2 cars will put me into a deeper hole as far as modding goes and then I'll have to end up looking for another daily as that will become my next project car lol.


Wow how did i over look the g35? I totally forgot about that car. I don't know why, but i've aways had a deep hatred for that car Lmao. maybe cuaz I see em a lot and almost everyone who has one thinks their a race car driver lol. but that doesnt mean i'm ruling it out. I prefer the sedan over the coupe.

My Neighbor parked his g35 coupe directly infront of my house one winter and for about a straight hour, all I can hear is that sweet exhaust tone. He went absolutley no where. Ended up leaving the car parked there and took the bus lol. I guess with good tires, I should be okay though.

Joneill44

Might find an old WRX for $10k

the-G-ride

I can absolutely kick myself for not jumping on a sale I saw on the forum last month in my area. ony 4500 for a 6 speed and I let it go.

I currently drive a 03 TL-S and am working on the 6 speed swap. It's a work in progress which is part of the reason for me needing a second car.

MarbleGT

Are you high?

v6cord2k5

iTrader: (1)

Cressida with a 1J.

Brock79

please explain how your question is valid?

the-G-ride

A Vette never crossed my mind, thats a bit on the extreme end as far as a everyday vehicle goes. I should have mentioned this earlier in the op, but im looking for more of a family friendly car. I won't rule out a two seater, but I would prefer a 4-5 seater.

MeehowsBRZ

A S2000 for under $10k would be really hard to find. And the Miata is awesome but definitely not powerful.



1st Gen Mini Cooper S, Focus SVT, or an early 2000's Mustang are all good options.

justnspace

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damn, brock found cartalk?
this thread is about to get dumb.

Brock79

Why, what are you getting ready to say to dumb it down?

JS + XES

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d1sturb3d119

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You'll have to look outside of your area to find them for under 10k.

http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars...s-tx-228762977

http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars...d-nc-226284179

oo7spy

Civic Si. Satisfies everything but "powerful".

charliemike

The highway mileage is really good for the 6MTs. Buddy of mine got over 30mpg on his '99 FRC because it was doing 1800RPM at 65mph

1killercls

Audi A4 Quattro,.....should be able to get a 2005 for around that price.

F23A4

Acura RSX Type S fits the criteria very well.

Is the 1.5G any better than the 1G, other than being newer?

Hockeyman

See if you can find a Cobalt SS to test drive. It may hit all your requirements. Mine has been very reliable and easy to work on/repair throughout the years since I bought it new in 07. That is, of course, if you accept the fact that you're driving a glorified cavalier.

charliemike

Man, at this point with all the recalls for cars of that era I dunno that I'd buy a Cobalt. It sounds like a bunch of drunk monkeys ran that company.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Or buy a cheap tuner car. Lexus SC is one that I love. Motor and transmission swap would be 3G's. Car alone is 2G's. 5 Total for a nice interior manual 2JZGTE conversion. Plus suspension 1K for coilovers. 1K for used wheels and nice tires. 7K and mostly everything is done. Then tune car beyond that if you want more power or better handling. Even replacing the control arms and bushings and all that crap would run about 1K.

But all that is if you like tuning.

Costco

Second car to save gas and yet you're looking for something that won't tempt you to mod?

It would be cheaper to just keep your first car assuming it's not a project car. You may recoup hundreds of $$$ annually, maybe over a thousand if the difference is that large, but you'll be spending the same amount of money on the second car itself, insurance, etc.

Even with a motorcycle (50+ mpg) you're not really saving all that much on operating costs.

MaxMike93

Not sure exactly where you are in NJ, but if you're south then DE isn't all that far. Just not sure how much you'd want one since you said how some people are wannabe racers in a G35.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...6727/overview/

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

350z ?

S2000s would be hard to come by for under 10k - I spent 12,500 on mine and it needed around 2,000 worth of work to make it solid again.

G35 6mt sedan would be a good choice, VQs are solid motors with tons of torque - just watch out for oil pressure, leaks and timing-chain whining.

MTEAZY

I have the CL-S as well as the NA Miata. The Miata is definitely more fun and tossable; it sh!ts all over the BRZ. The CL is great as a refined daily with soul injected into it.



In short:
Everyday car- CL
Weekend toy- Miata

Marcelechka

You're in luck...

FS: AustinTX - '03 CL-S 6sp+NAV+AMR coils, m5 lip, 18/8.5 Aspecs, excellent condition

Austin's taken great care of that car; I'm sure you'll do the same if you decide to buy.

G/L on your search.

the-G-ride

I've looked into the civic and it was one of the main go to cars on my list but I can't seem to find a 4 door SI. I like the 2 door SI, but if i were to pick the Civic, I would prefer the looks of the 4 door.

Audi did cross my mind, but being that it would be an early 2000 model, would the reliability be there?

This was the first car I had my mind set on because it fits perfectly for my needs. However, I wanted the newer one because of the refreshed front and rear end. I can find a bunch of them for cheap in AT but the MT carries a higher price tag.

The only difference I know of between the two is the refreshed look. Maybe I can buy an old one and swap out the bumpers and lights.

I've heard some pretty bad horror stories about chevy. I mean every manufacture has their issues, but chevy seemed to be at the top of the list back then. I'm not to found of the cobalt look stock. looks kinda plain. I will say however a cobalt looks absolutely bad ass with a drop and rims, but thats something im trying to refrain from doing.

I like tuning but I don't want to get a car that needs tuning or that has potential to be a project car lol. I know any car can be a project car, but that car would have so much potential that I would be way in over my head before i realized it.

I kept going back and forth on whether I really want a second car or not. I have one car now, my 2G TL and while its no race car, I have come a long way with it and plan to go further. Full bolt ons, full suspension and I'm in the works of doing a 6 speed swap and a 3.5 build, so it has become my project car. I tried parting with the car, but i can't, it was my first car and I basically replaced every on the car to tip top shape. The whole "sentimental value" thing is a pain in the ass.

Every week I wash the car, I find a new scratch or dent or somethign else that has to be replaced and its frustrating to know that I just keep dumping money into the car to have to "fix it up" all the time.

My first thought was to get a motorcycle to commute back and forth to work but it was not practical for me to use for any other reason besides commuting to work.

I'm not saying all people in g35's are wannabe racers, just the ones I come across. I really like the sedan, its roomy, looks good and 6mt for the win. If i decide to get a 6 cylinder, this would definitley be it.

I know with any used car I buy I'll have to spend about 1500 to get it up and running to par so I don't mind that, its repairs after that that I mind.

Yea, I'm set with a g35 if I decide to go with a 6 cylinder or possibly a accord if i can find a MT. Just a tad bit worried about the winter with the g35.

I messed up by investing too much into the TL. I tried using that as a daily and picking up something race worthy to mod, but I just couldn't do it. I've spent so much money on it already i'd rather just keep that as a project car nd see how far I can take it.

The only reason i'm not entertaing the thought of a CL is because I'm already begining the 6 speed swap on the TL. Makes no sense to have 2 of the came cars lol.

1killercls

My 07 A4 has been reliable..has 60k on it...2.0T. Only big expense was I had to buy new cooling fans and the module for it a month ago. $1500.00 Bucks installed. Ouch. But what a nice Luxury Car that is quick and handles like a dream. My next car will be another Audi...

the-G-ride

What are your guys thoughts on a Volkswagen GTI? those seem really nice and come at a decent price.

Some pics of my car just incase anyone wondered. It's a work in progress...

MarbleGT

Yea, they get awesome gas mileage on an open freeway when you're driving it slow. What's the point of buying it if you don't 'use' it.

Broccoli, this is why you are high.

1) How much open highway daily driving is there in NJ? 6th in a Vette isn't happening below 60mph. I would still expect it to get 15-20 in the city, but that's not what I'd classify as good. Plus if he is wanting to "save on gas," a V8 is illogical.

2) One of his requirements was 4cyl.

3) Doing a quick nationwide search on Autotrader for C5 Corvettes under 10k nets me 4 results. None of which I would want anything to do with.

I would rather have a $10k Honda/or the like than a $10k Vette. Hundreds to choose from, probably with half the mileage requirement, in MUCH better shape than any 15 year old Corvette.

MarbleGT

GTI's are widely known as a great car. I don't think you'd be unhappy with one given your requirements. Very practical daily that's easily modified and efficient.

1killercls

Yep...GTI...good call.

Brock79

1) I do 62 miles one way everyday at 80 MPH, so if his drive is like mine, it would be fine. I average 28 MPG in my Vette at that speed, at 65 it goes up to 31 MPG.

2) He didn't say it had to be a 4cyl, just that he would like one.

3) Try looking on Craigslist, there are some great deals out there. Since the C7 is readily available and people are trading or selling their C6 Vettes for C7 Vettes, the C5's are now becoming cheaper because C6's are flooding the market. Just on Craigslist in CNJ there are 5 that are under 10 grand in great shape. Go onto the Vette forums and there are even more at that price point and in great shape as well.

4) You're from Texas and drive a Miata, what would you know about NJ or Vettes?

5) You are obviously HIGH and UNEDUCATED on both Vettes and NJ.

JS + XES

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