Need a New Daily Driver

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

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.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

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

MarKoBrow · 05-25-2011, 03:51 PM

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

KNS · 05-25-2011, 05:00 PM

How about a used Acura TSX?

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Mini? Madzaspeed 3? Civic Si?

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Used BMW M3?

Oh Haha · 05-25-2011, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KNS

How about a used Acura TSX?

+1

+2 for Mazda Speed 3.

notfarnow · 05-25-2011, 05:35 PM

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

Shaun @ Tru6 · 05-25-2011, 05:51 PM

Mini Cooper S

Fiat 500 Abarth

Ford Focus RS

any of these would be a great daily driver.

Oracle · 05-25-2011, 05:59 PM

Subaru Impreza, that car is a rocket.

Jim Bremner · 05-25-2011, 07:44 PM

Mustsng:d

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

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

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Mini Cooper S

Fiat 500 Abarth

Ford Focus RS

any of these would be a great daily driver.

but only one of those is available in the US

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

maybe a 944...

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle

Subaru Impreza, that car is a rocket.

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

WRX is a freakin' hoot though...

LeeH · 05-25-2011, 09:01 PM

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

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Ford Focus RS

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.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

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....

sc_rufctr · 05-25-2011, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red-beard

Used BMW M3?

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

Shaun @ Tru6 · 05-26-2011, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

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.

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