Need a car recommendation - Input Welcome

[phoenix_iii]

Currently own

1990 Honda CRX HF

1991 Honda CRX HF

1985.5 Porsche 944

I commute about 8 miles to work each day, max speed about 45 (I might reach 50/55), I travel during off hours (6am, 6pm), so it's a pretty easy commute.


I DD the CRX's. The HF's get excellent fuel economy (in the 40s without trying). Yup, pushing 62hp will get you that out of 1900lbs. =)

Very reliable, inexpensive to own and operate.

The 944, has new timing belt, water pump, brakes, rear suspension+, tires, fuchs, great interior, and 94k on it. I even think it has a replacement clutch...


However, the CRX's are small, and serve their purpose (one is modified, one is bone stock and 109k, pretty rare).

944 is cool, but I do not have the resources to put into it, because frankly, I'd want it to be a 951 or S2... or LS-1 944... and it cannot be that for quite some time.

So I'm thinking of selling the 944 and one of the CRX's and getting something else.

For some reason, I've been eyeing the Mercedes C230 Sport Coup in a 6spd. Tons of airbags, ABS, ESP, RWD, and manual gearbox, semi-sporty (just a c-class with sports suspension), and can be had for less than 10k (2002-2004 with 40-80k miles).

So, my requirements

Airbags, ABS, ESP (or DSC), RWD or AWD, Manual gearbox, less than 10k ideally. I don't like Sedans. Coupes significantly preferred.

If I am getting a new car, it needs to have ESP (electronic stability programming by Bosch, or dynamic stability control (what bmw calls it) ), and the above.

I would still DD one of the Honda's, and keep the new car for fun/taking my girl around in.

Sell the 944 (noooooo!) and one of the CRX's (most likely).

Thoughts?

p3

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Mercedes SLK. Fun, pretty good power (not gobs, but enough to be interesting), good handling, solid as a rock, etc. And it's a 2-seater and you can put the top down. What's not to like?

The 320 has the 6-speed manual tranny too (that's what I have). I'm biased I know, but it meets all your requirements and is a really good overall car. Mileage ain't in the 40s but it's not terrible. I think you can find 'em for around $10k now.

[phoenix_iii]

Interesting. Not finding too many, I'll have to keep my eye out. My girl has a dislike for convertibles but maybe a hard-top convertible would fly...

[m21sniper]

Hey, another Philly guy.

[poorsche930]

In 1998 I had an early 944 and bought a '91 CRX Si from Champion Honda. I think it was on Frankford. I used to live in the "city of brotherly love" too.

The HF's get killer mileage and you just cant get cheaper to reapir, SUPER easy to work on, VERY reliable and did I say, CHEAP to repair. If your looking for a DD on a budget get the Honda.

I worked on them for like 5 years, besides the air cooled 'dubs, theres nothing more straight forward or simple. Forget all the beloved "over-engineering" you learned with your 944, and pop the hood on an older Honda and say "wow, it's simple, works and it's all easy to get to"


Just an opinion.

[lendaddy]

I am interested in the stock CRX if you're selling.

[phoenix_iii]

I'll post when selling either.

the 1991 is so stock it still has the [functioning] factory radio. Oh, the only thing not stock are the seats. Has Non-ripped Si seats in it, and the foam is 80% good underneath too... 109k on the clock, and it came with the stock HF wheels (13'', with original caps). I now have Si alloys on it (14'') with Yoko's on it... Only thing needing repair was the glove box. Also has factory AC, haven't tested it yet though, but I believe it's been converted too.

p3

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by phoenix_iii

I'll post when selling either.

the 1991 is so stock it still has the [functioning] factory radio. Oh, the only thing not stock are the seats. Has Non-ripped Si seats in it, and the foam is 80% good underneath too... 109k on the clock, and it came with the stock HF wheels (13'', with original caps). I now have Si alloys on it (14'') with Yoko's on it... Only thing needing repair was the glove box. Also has factory AC, haven't tested it yet though, but I believe it's been converted too.

p3

What colors?

I am serious so PM me with a ballpark price and we can go from there if you like. I had an '89 HF after high school, nice little basic cars.

[crustychief]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Mercedes SLK. Fun, pretty good power (not gobs, but enough to be interesting), good handling, solid as a rock, etc. And it's a 2-seater and you can put the top down. What's not to like?

The 320 has the 6-speed manual tranny too (that's what I have). I'm biased I know, but it meets all your requirements and is a really good overall car. Mileage ain't in the 40s but it's not terrible. I think you can find 'em for around $10k now.

+1 for the "Barbie "car, I had an 01 320. I swear it had honda headlight styling. Quicker than the 944 and handles really well too!