What car to buy with my NEW parameters
 

Having just suffered a major loss in the income department, my car project just got crucified. Way I see it, I am now probably limited to $5k. As in, $5k, no more. That throws out the Mazda 3 idea I was gunning for. Maybe I should revisit that $3500 scirocco in GA that I saw. Sure, the A/C is busted, but I guess I can sweat.

DD or not?

If not DD, why not a regular 44 ? 5K can get you a decent one , maybe not pristeen, but mechanically sound...Hell, even as a DD i'de be tempted, my black 85 served me well as a DD, and didn't cost 5K

80% DD. We can walk to work, but I don't want unreliable nonsense. To be honest, I was secretly looking at 968s before my cash requirements changed. Thing is, I COULD buy a 944, but why would I want the risk? Its not the cars fault, but they ARE over 20 years old now, and even a well maintained one is going to blow a $5 seal every other week, which isn't a big deal until you can't fix it yourself. If stuff DOES break, I have to take it to a shop becuase I don't have a garage, and a 944 will break more often and cost more than something newer and more Japanese. I've been perusing 240sx's, and if I found a clean one I'd likely snap it up, but the molestors have gotten to these pretty badly. I'm going to look into an Impreza RS, as they are getting pretty cheap, are unloved by ricers, and supposedly might be reasonable competitive in stock class of SCCA Autocross.

5k? if that is the limit, buy something super soul-less, but reliable. drop dead reliable. like a 1999 toyota camry.

hunker down, face the storm, and rebound later.

My thoughts? Put the money into your "car savings account". Wait out the downturn and buy when it is good for you.

5k?

Reliable DD "sleeper"

Take one:
http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/410...olla_SE_01.jpg

Then add:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1232392951.jpg

and a couple:
http://i20.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/21/eb/9ba4_1.JPG

Then a decent set of wheels and tires. No flashy boy-racer stuff, just go-fast stuff. I remember either a R&T or C&D article back in the 80's or 90's where they built up a Corolla that spanked a BMW on the track. Always thought that would be a lot of fun

Tons of nice/dent bmw's in that range.

I'm with legion.

Unless you actually need to buy a car for transportation now, then rather than put $5K into a yuck car, put $5K into the bank and later add $5K and get an interesting $10K car.

If you don't have a garage and can't do repairs yourself, any yuck $5K car is one head gasket or timing belt away from being a yuck $10K car.

+1 what Legion says. Save it up.

I can't even think about new bicycle wheels these days, let alone a new project car.

"Good" bike wheels are about a fifth of your car budget, BTW. ;)

You might consider a Mazda Protege or Protege5. The Mazda 3 is much more refined but the protege was more sporty with the 2L and 5spd. I had my Protege5 for 230,000km and it was really really reliable. The Carolas and Hondas just seemed so bland and boring compared to the Mazda. Plus, Mazda doesnt seem to have the crazy high resales values of Toyota and Honda.

I am the king of buying just past what I can really afford. (But Rammstein already knew that. ;))

I was pleasantly surprised that when I got my CC statement after the HDTV, Florida, and Christmas, I was able to pay it off this month.

Assuming I don't go crazy next month, that should mean some sizeable coin that I have no designated use for. Time to start: "Legion's next car fund". :D

Well, I need to have SOMETHING, to ferry the dog to the park, and to get groceries and whatever. Otherwise, I would get nothing. Lord knows I've cut back on virtually everything else.

I think the key is something cheap, autoX-able, that ricers hate and will be reliable within reason. Protege is a decent idea.

If I were you I would hold out for a new Fiat-Chrysler :p

Cheap, reliable, cheap to repair.. I say get rid of the dog and get a miata :) Yes I've fit over $150 in groceries in the miata, from walmart. There is the CRX as well

The dog is the 2nd best thing in my life, I can't bail on her. Otherwise Miata is a total no-brainer.

Focus?

Focus, Civic Si/CRX Si if you can find an unmolested one and if the dog fits(not sure how big it is). I've got an unmolested 91 Si and it's a ton of fun @40mpg.

Protege5?

Getta Jetta, either with the 1.8T or VR6 engine.

Miata hands down. Plus a supercharger is a bolt on, and they are great AX/track toys.

More parts and accessories to modify them than even the 911, they make great project cars. I really enjoy taking Miata snobs out in my blown 93. They STFU right away. Probably the most fun you can have in a car that is not a 911.

Jetta/Golf's are tons of fun as well, though I wouldn't put it in the cheap category.
<- just had the timing belt replaced on his 1.8T.

Mk1 GTI?