SVTF
New Reader
7/29/10 7:10 a.m.
I had one of those, too. An S14 (1996). Great chassis, but the engine was a noisy truck engine and not inspiring. My MX6 had a much sweeter engine, and the car itself was more "refined", even if it was FWD.
The best thing about the 240SX is the number of swaps that can be done - best I've seen is an LSx swap. Had one at Road Atlanta - it was wicked fast.
I own both a saab and a bmw...
personally, as much as I like it, I would not recommend the later 900/9-3 saabs.. I have NEVER owned a car that fought me tooth and nail like this one has.
my BMW on the other hand.. has been THE most reliable car I have ever owned. Even over my brief foray into new cars. the one problem that sidelined my Ti was the fuelpump.. done by me for running the tank dry a couple of times.. and it STILL started one last time and got me home.
If you are worried about cooling problems... just like any car I buy.. do a complete fuel, ignition, fluids, and cooling service. It is better to take out all the problem areas BEFORE they become problems.
Somebody mentioned a 4 cylinder BMW.. my Ti has seen the high side of 35mpg at a steady 65mph with the windows cracked, side windows open, and the sunroof tilted up... usually I get around 30 with the windows down, sunroof all the way open and doing 70mph
Tom F
New Reader
7/29/10 9:06 a.m.
You mention the spirit r/t, have you considered a non-turbo Mitsu 3000gt or Dodge Stealth, in non turbo form they are fairly reliable, have a decent amount of power (222hp), can get mid 20s for gas milage on the highway, and look great
they also have a fairly useable back seat and a huge hatch
stay away from the turbo models if you want reliability though
I'm amazed that no one has mentioned the Lincoln Town Car. I love the little slider on the dash that lets you dial in just how tight the rudder--I mean steering--feels.
In reply to Tom F:
I remember driving by a used car lot with a friend of mine that works as a district service adviser for Chrysler dealerships, and there was a Stealth sitting on a lot... with one headlamp going up and down. Car just sitting there off, no one near the thing, and all he could say was "we were so happy when the warranty ran out on these things and they weren't our problem anymore".
For much the same reason I wouldn't touch a Crossfire, they're someone else's technology that's supposed to be supported by ChryCo dealers, so personally I would avoid these things.
2002-2005 Civic SI. Great seats, quiet, decent cargo space, decent gas mileage and of course reliable as the sun. Took one on a 400 mile round trip and loved it. The good looking part...well. Find an early model with slightly high miles and you may get one for $5000. I biased toward hatchbacks. 2000-2001 sentra se with Sr20de maybe? Close to a G20.