Daily driver dreaming.

Seriously, I know I was being funny before, but put a Corolla/Prism on your list, specifically of the 93-02 variety, with the 7afe motor and a 5 speed. I absolutely loved mine. Very reliable, just as much potential for performance with simple bolt ons and basic tuning as any other econobox. Parts grow on trees, and theyre super simple and easy to work on. Not to mention that theyre plentiful in the wild for stupid-tiny money. And, since they dont shave a square H on the grille, theyre typically very unmolested.

IJGLTH (Im Just Gonna Leave This Here)

I have to throw in a vote for the ZX2 as well, stupid fun to drive, and last time I checked you could still get the SR suspension straight fro mthe dealer for cheap. The Focus is a better car in every way, but the ZX2 is just fun to hustle.

If you have fun driving a RWD, a front driver will always be "blah". At least I thought so.

I went from a turbo Dodge, to a ZX2, to a 240SX, back to a Escort...and despite the Escort "making sense", it's not fun. With a KLZE or a turbo it would be fast, but sorry, the dynamics of a FWD wagon aren't fun.

If my next car is FWD, it would be something on the shorter side. Civic, ZX2, Focus, but I'd probably want a hotrod in the garage.

The nicest pre-2000 Celica you can find. They're starting to get hard to find in good shape, but they're out there.

They're just as good/fun as the MX3, but in different ways, and the build quality is better.

Another e21? I've seen a few good looking ones pop up under 2k.

In reply to 4cylndrfury:

LOL, I may consider one but I am trying to stay away from four doors.

In reply to PHeller:

I agree and would much prefer a rwd car. However the choices for a small economical commuter that are two doors with a back seat are slim. Pinto, Chevette and GLC are all that come to mind.

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac:

Added to the list. However they are almost as hard to find in good shape as a Civic. At least around here.

In reply to oldtin:

I do love me some E21. However I've had enough experiance with them that I know it'll turn into another never ending project. And I know the amount of work it takes to get the CIS into shape. Although they are very reliable. My last one had over 295k on it this one still has under 100k, although not for much longer. Plus I'm just ready to try something different.

Damn good suggestions here, tough to think of another.

80s 323?

I know Japanese isn't your thing, but Nissan is at the top of your Jap list. How about an early 90's Sentra or a later 200sx? The base model is just a twin cam 1.6, but with a manual trans they are fun to drive. Very reliable, pretty common to find, backseat, good MPG, and usually only the Se-r's get riced out.

Oh, and that Corolla up there is SICK!

How about a Ford Probe Gt? :-)

Racer1ab wrote: How about a Ford Probe Gt? :-)

Can anyone confirm mpg?

nicksta43 wrote:

Racer1ab wrote: How about a Ford Probe Gt? :-)

Can anyone confirm mpg?

I seem to recall hearing that it's pretty mediocre; low-mid 20's. They aren't exactly lightweight.

I missed the two door/hatchback part earlier. What about a Saab 900 turbo, or even an S if you don't need the turbo grunt?

Jaynen wrote: I'm not a brand loyalist so don't take this the wrong way but why do you not like Honda's at all? Based on your criteria I just don't see a Saturn being close to as good as a car And to be clear I am not expecting it to necessarily be anything but you simply just don't like them

[I currently own a Saturn and a Honda]

That Saturn really isn't as a good a car as the Civic. The Civic is a very good car. Now compare a $2000 Saturn to a $2000 Civic

$2K Civic: 225k miles ripped interior, ok body, rusty, possibly in an accident, or modified with questionable parts and taste likely non-functional A/C

$2K Saturn 100k miles stock, clean, and everything works

When I read the requirements in the OP, first two cars in my head were Saturn and Neon. Both are the only mid90s-early 2000s econoboxes that were actually rated at 40mpg or higher, with the exception of the Civic HX/VX.

One tip on the Saturn, since you are looking for mileage, you can get the 5th gearset from a SOHC car, and swap it into a DOHC very easily (like from the driver's side wheel well, just remove the trans cover), and get exception mileage at the speeds you are talking about.

Ok, I've got a pretty good list of potentials. I think it's going to come down to finding the cleanest examples.

I wish I could test drive each to be able to better sort through the list.

Would it be proper to take a ride in private seller's car with the only intention being to determine if I like that model or not? I really don't want to waste anybodys time.

I would feel less awkward with a used car dealer. I mean that's what they're there for. But then I have to deal with "used car dealer guy"

Be upfront about it. I've test driven private sale cars to see if I liked the model in the past. I've also had people test drive my cars for sale that didn't know if they'd like the car. As long as I have the time for it, I don't mind. Just be honest about kicking tires.