Need a New Daily Driver
 

I was going all of 25 mph, she pulled out of a grade school and drove right into me, had my headlights on and everything. Happened about 0820. Front bumper cover and energy absorbers are done, RF fender and the little piece of trim on wheel well is trashed, as is the inner fender liner. RF wheel is all scraped up too, seems to be okay mechanically, but it is making some funny noises.

Took it in, initial estimate was like $2000, then they figured out the suspension was all bent. They got a bid for $1900 from the salvage yard, which is pretty high to me. Glad I did not do the timing belt and water pump yet, sort of pissed I bought a new set of tires a few weeks ago, and fixed the ignition to the tune of $400.

So what say you, oh brain trust of Pelicanaan? What should Toby's next daily driver be?

Must be standard transmission, preferably small and sporty. No VW/Audi products, nothing from Government Motors or Chrysler. I have been in the Honda for 13 years, got the integra because it was the sportiest 4 cylinder sedan out there. Would like to spend under $30,000. Primarily used on surface streets, short commute, so an electric car like the Leaf would work.

How sporty? Honda Fit is pretty functional. Mazda 2 or 3. New Ford Fiesta and Focus seem cool as well.

2007 Nissan 350, just bought one for my son, it's a great car for around $25k

How about a used Acura TSX?

Mini? Madzaspeed 3? Civic Si?

Used BMW M3?

+1

+2 for Mazda Speed 3.

if you are trying smaller cars like the Leaf, make sure to test a Suzuki SX4. I was really impressed by what a fun car it was, thanks to it's 2 liter engine.

Also, Fiat 500? I am getting one for a few days

Mini Cooper S

Fiat 500 Abarth

Ford Focus RS

any of these would be a great daily driver.

Subaru Impreza, that car is a rocket.

Mustsng:d

944. Yes, really. Or a 968. Both surprisingly good on gas and plenty sporty/fun.

but only one of those is available in the US

maybe a 944...

WRX and STI, yes. Base Impreza, not so much.

WRX is a freakin' hoot though...

Mazda3 S 6 speed. MazdaSpeed if you need the extra oomph.

Do they sell those in the US?

Seriously I spotted a 21,000 mile 944, very clean, buddy is going to go check it out tomorrow, Do I need any special tools to do the timing belt?

I gotta go talk to my banker.

Only need the thin 27mm and the pin wrench... You can get the tension right by feel...


check out www.clarks-garage.com.

Oh, and both of those tools someone on the forum will loan you if you don't need them too often...


I wouldn't rule out a Boxster either....

+1 They just go and go. Think, reliable VW ;)

Don't get a 944 unless you like driving a Buick.

Get the Ford, it's now called an ST

2012 Ford Focus ST will be exactly the same everywhere in the world - egmCarTech

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