What's the best practical vehicle for $8000 or less?
10-19-2011, 07:43 PM
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What's the best practical vehicle for $8000 or less?
This isn't a "what should I buy?" thread. Just something I was thinking about the other day. What's the best vehicle for $8,000? There's a lot of great cars that are about 10-15 years old.
Has to be practical but also fun to drive. To me this knocks out the practical Honda's and Toyota's (Accord, Civic, Camry, etc). If not "fun to drive" then extra utility (such as a truck or SUV). Also, I think a "practical" car has to be 4 doors (trucks excluded). Even if you drive alone 99% of the time having 4 doors is just far superior to 2 when it comes to practicality. Reliability is also something to consider.
I think my choice would be one of the following but I know don't which:
Pre-02 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
3rd Gen Subaru Legacy/Outback
Last-gen Toyota Tacoma
Nissan Xterra
Acura Integra
Has to be practical but also fun to drive. To me this knocks out the practical Honda's and Toyota's (Accord, Civic, Camry, etc). If not "fun to drive" then extra utility (such as a truck or SUV). Also, I think a "practical" car has to be 4 doors (trucks excluded). Even if you drive alone 99% of the time having 4 doors is just far superior to 2 when it comes to practicality. Reliability is also something to consider.
I think my choice would be one of the following but I know don't which:
Pre-02 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
3rd Gen Subaru Legacy/Outback
Last-gen Toyota Tacoma
Nissan Xterra
Acura Integra
10-19-2011, 08:16 PM
#2
Fun to drive? I don't see the Xterra being an option. For a reasonable price, I'd say S2000...mazda miata...del sol.
It's really hard to get 4 doors AND fun to drive AND practical. Actually...now you got me thinkin...how much are EP3 si's nowadays? I used to love driving mine.
It's really hard to get 4 doors AND fun to drive AND practical. Actually...now you got me thinkin...how much are EP3 si's nowadays? I used to love driving mine.
10-19-2011, 08:26 PM
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Doesn't need to be "fun to drive" if it's super practical (like a SUV or Tacoma).
I don't think a miata is practical. Have to be able to carry 4 adults to be practical, right?
I don't think a miata is practical. Have to be able to carry 4 adults to be practical, right?
10-19-2011, 08:36 PM
#6
GS-R sedan
E36 M3
WRX
E36 M3
WRX
10-19-2011, 08:36 PM
#7
Well, yes...got a point there. Ok, well...I will say this...I used to do field work in my rsx-s. Had a little giant in there..2 12's...and a bunch of duct testing equipment...even with all that in there, I once picked up 2 sheets of plywood and 10 2x4's...
I guess there are different degrees of practicality.
A 2000, plus Maxima is definitely a great option. Then again...you can make some accords look pretty great.
PS...just dawned on me that you HAVE an S2000...ironically, I'm the opposite, the 3G TL is super practical and I'm itching for something lightweight and RWD for fun. Actually...what about a used 2004, higher mileage TL? They are pretty bulletproof...especially the 6MT.
I guess there are different degrees of practicality. A 2000, plus Maxima is definitely a great option. Then again...you can make some accords look pretty great.
PS...just dawned on me that you HAVE an S2000...ironically, I'm the opposite, the 3G TL is super practical and I'm itching for something lightweight and RWD for fun. Actually...what about a used 2004, higher mileage TL? They are pretty bulletproof...especially the 6MT.
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10-19-2011, 08:40 PM
#8
I actually think an older 5MT Accord can be pretty entertaining to drive. Either that or a first generation Mazda6 (also manual).
10-19-2011, 09:09 PM
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How reliable is the E36? I don't know much about them other than the prices seem to vary wildly from around $8,000 to near $20,000
Same with the WRX... in order to get one for less than $8,000 it's going to have some miles on it; how reliable are those cars over 100k miles?
Same with the WRX... in order to get one for less than $8,000 it's going to have some miles on it; how reliable are those cars over 100k miles?
10-19-2011, 09:55 PM
#14
Drifting
depends what your definition of "practical", and definition of "fun to drive" is.
I still love my xB, because it's small, fits anywhere, good mpg, reliable and fits a whole lot of stuff. Doesn't sound like it's "fun to drive" by your definition, but I find that small cars fun to drive, since they're so easy to drive through traffic, and the xB has crazy visibility, it's just such an easy car to drive, it makes everyday driving more relaxing and fun.
If you're looking for power, it gets harder. I was thinking like a GTI, but I do think having a practical car means having a reliable car too... the Civic Si mentioned above is a good choice, but I'm not sure they're below 8k yet. IS300's are surprisingly cheap, and might be able to find one for under 10k. Has 4 doors, but I wouldn't necessarily call the back seat as "practical".
I still love my xB, because it's small, fits anywhere, good mpg, reliable and fits a whole lot of stuff. Doesn't sound like it's "fun to drive" by your definition, but I find that small cars fun to drive, since they're so easy to drive through traffic, and the xB has crazy visibility, it's just such an easy car to drive, it makes everyday driving more relaxing and fun.
If you're looking for power, it gets harder. I was thinking like a GTI, but I do think having a practical car means having a reliable car too... the Civic Si mentioned above is a good choice, but I'm not sure they're below 8k yet. IS300's are surprisingly cheap, and might be able to find one for under 10k. Has 4 doors, but I wouldn't necessarily call the back seat as "practical".
I owned 2 Saabs for about 2 years and never had a problem.
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phee (11-13-2011)
10-20-2011, 04:18 PM
#16
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Find an older Subaru Forrester XT (turbo model). Actually fun, practical, sit a bit lower, and can be easily modded for more HP.
Or if you can find a Mazda 6 wagon or Legacy wagon w/ turbo.
Or if you can find a Mazda 6 wagon or Legacy wagon w/ turbo.
10-20-2011, 04:25 PM
#19
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
The '97-'99 DOHC engines develop -internal- head gasket failures, allowing engine combustion gases into the water jackets. The '00-'03 SOHC engines develop external head gasket failures, allowing coolant to drip on the ground. Neither is good. In the thread linked, one of the mechanics says "HG replacement on EJ25s should be considered preventive maintenance".
So 2004 and up should be fine. Just ensure the timing chain was replaced at 100K Miles.
Edit: Link with some info.
http://ask.metafilter.com/67090/Is-a-potential-head-gasket-problem-a-reason-not-to-buy-a-2000-Legacy-Wagon
10-20-2011, 05:04 PM
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Do not buy a Maxima or I35 that has lived most of its life in the North east or areas that get snow as these cars are notorious for rusted frame and body.
I'd highly recommend a 4runner as they are very dependable, practical, low maintenance etc.
I'd highly recommend a 4runner as they are very dependable, practical, low maintenance etc.
10-20-2011, 05:13 PM
#22
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They usually go pretty cheap at auctions too, nobody know's about them. But man are they fun to drive and can be modded really nicely. Don't know about the reliability of them though.
10-20-2011, 07:57 PM
#23
Drifting
how much are the saaburus (9-2 aeros) going for these days? I've always wanted one, but they are hard to find.
I also like the IS sportcross. I thought they were kinda ugly when they came out, but maybe since I rarely ever see them, I really like them now.
I also like the IS sportcross. I thought they were kinda ugly when they came out, but maybe since I rarely ever see them, I really like them now.
10-22-2011, 12:24 PM
#26
Guessing the last generation Hyundai Sonata.
Although characteristic is that of a camry sorta, I thought it was a little more fun to drive, and looks clean haha.
Few WRX go for that much, but the transmission probably been beat to death.
a prestine non riced out integras are always a win as well.
Although characteristic is that of a camry sorta, I thought it was a little more fun to drive, and looks clean haha.
Few WRX go for that much, but the transmission probably been beat to death.
a prestine non riced out integras are always a win as well.
10-22-2011, 06:10 PM
#29
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
10-24-2011, 02:44 PM
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I recommend the following:
Maxima / I35 - I would be careful when looking. They do tend to have oil consumption issues. Listen for timing chain rattling around 1800 RPMS.
Pathfinder
4 Runner
Impreza
Older 5 series BMW
Steve, from your original list I would really not consider the Xterra. I always found them very unstable to drive.
10-28-2011, 10:51 AM
#33
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I paid 3500 for my 98 teg GSR 5spd with 143k and its a blast to drive. I drive it 100 miles round trip to work get around 31mpg. I've driven it 5k in 2 months and had no issues what so ever.
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MTEAZY (10-28-2011)
10-28-2011, 03:55 PM
#36
Senior Moderator
Particularly the 02-03 6MT model.
10-28-2011, 06:38 PM
#39