Learn me sub 5k daily

Ok so i know there is many other 5k threads out there but i still need a hand here.

As some know i got back my ex-wifes car

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/grm-i-need-your-help/51744/page1/

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/saab-people-where-are-you/54078/page1/

So i decided to take it for a drive back home for a friends wedding in october after i finally got all the major items right, whilst on the way i was on the GW bridge in NYC a box truck decided to occupy the same place as me.

Turns out as of today its now totaled, So GRM collective i need a Sub 5k daily with a manual, suggestions? and anyone in the baltimore area have anything for sale?

For Sub 5K, that kind of leaves the door wide open. You have pretty much anything from the late 90's available to you.

My favorite in that time frame is the Maxima. VQ power, Decent chassis, Pretty reliable, and pretty comfy. With the manual, they last pretty good. Not too uncommon to see them over 200K miles. That will give you room for some repairs as well.

My runner up is the Pro 5. Good room with the ability expand by folding down the rear seats. Decently fun chassis with some cool factory parts available.

In the same spirit, the G20 is a good choice too but hard to find clean.

Miata

I spent 6k on my 2000 jetta TDI great daily. Not sure if you could find one for 5

How many cars do you have to buy for the $5k?

Mazda3 hatch w/ a manual:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3377932066.html

Plenty of Proteges and Miatas under $5k too.

Mazda6 w/ a manual:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3393836874.html

Saab Turbo 9-3 w/ a manual

http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/cto/3445423663.html

In reply to amg_rx7:

Have seen the MZ3 and going to call tomorrow, will have to see whats up with the 6.

Let me be a little more defined, I would like something that will get me around at around 22+ mpg city and have the ability to take me back home to maine to visit the family if need be (yes i still have the RX8 but it does not really work in maine winters even with winter tires) aside from that i am a mazda fan boy but open to anything.

Why not keep the saab? Or is it not a manual?

5K will get you a lot of car.. it is just high enough to get you out of the dregs of the used car lots, but not so high you take a big depreciation hit.

my $1200 Volvo 850 has been a delight so far. 1000 miles and only needed to repair a POs idiocy.. like letting dogs eat the leather seats

I'll second the Maxima. you can probably pick up a 2000-2003 (the best years, IMO) for that, especially the VQ30 cars. And they're damn near bulletproof even at high mileage.

Alternately, you could find a top-notch condition e30 or a good e36 for $5k I would think.

Buy it back from the insurance company. Drive it to death. Pocket the $5K

In reply to singleslammer:

Not manual and my body shop stopped writing it up after $6800, not to mention was the ex-wifes slut-mobile so not really too torn that its leaving, just sucks funding 17.8mpg for a daily lol

My vote goes to Mazda3, 6, or a 626 V6. You can find a 626 V6 just about any day of the week on CL for 2 to 5K. Look hard enough and you can find one with a manual trans.

5k is a hefty down payment on a sub 20k car too

Agreed $5K buys a huge variety of vehicles. What do you want this to do? Is it your only car? Do you have kids? how many miles/year do you drive?

For what it's worth I've never spent over $5K on a daily driver. My current DD is a '99.5 Golf TDI, and with a long commute, it's been stellar (45+ mpg's!)

I'd consider a Focus SVT in that range as well.

The daily driver answer is always, buy the best Civic/Accord/CRV you can find for $5K.

The answer is MX6 GT. Turbo F2T, absolutely bulletproof, can be had for a grand all day, and it gets 30+mpgs.

'95 asking $3,400
no mention of miles.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3452847509.html#.UMICL6wSRH0

'95 w/ 108k asking $3500 and includes hardtop.
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3447524635.html#.UMIDYKwSRH0

F250 Diesel w/ 133k asking $3,200 http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/3442041343.html#.UMIHjawSRH0

With some negotiation on your part, your $5k could buy you one of each from these two categories.

Love my Infiniti G20 - but finding a P11 with a 5 speed in good shape and unmolested is starting to take more effort than it used to. My automatic example leaves a little to be desired, but the punch of the 2 liter mill is still there. Its not the roomiest sedan ever, but beats the size and weight of a normal sedan, and the appointments are nice - leather, bose sound, etc for a 1999 car.

Theres just enough aftermarket around for these still (SR20 powerplant, some swapability with other Nissans of the same timeframe - Z cars included), so it can be relatively inexpensive to raise the fun factor a notch or 3. Toss some Tein, Brian Crower, Stillen, Energy Suspension etc goodies at it and have a fun weekend warrior. Also, these saw some BTTC action in the 90s, so they can go full on racer with some effort.

They made the P11 (2nd gen) G20 from 99-03 before they switched to the G35. Prices for decent 03 G35 coupes are in the low 8ks, but sedans can be found for around 5. VQ power, sharp design...pretty nice vehicles.

$5K should get you into an early WRX.

EK Civic.

W124 Mercedes?

I'm thinking that you can get this bargained down to 5k:

Alfa

I would buy this:

Mustang

I find it funny how many people are pushing their favourite cars...

The point is.. for 5 grand, you can pick up almost any well used (but not abused) mid-luxury or sports car you want. you could probably even get a well used (and abused) 911. So go with what pulls your heart and wallet strings

EDIT

I finally saw the damage pics... a new door, bumper, and some bondo and paint on the fender, it would look good as new.. and you could pocket a few grand from the insurance payout and buy back

Most saabs get written off now as new body panels are getting scarce..