New (for me) car advise

My wife and I are looking to replace the car we sold before we moved down here to texas. We need something economical, reliable, with as much space as possible, and dirt cheap. I would like to get something that in the future I could use to gain some experience in autocross. Something somewhat competent because I would be in a near stock class. My college student ramen budget is about $3000.

I would really like a protege5, it seems that it would meet all my requirements, plus the added bonus of discounted mazda parts (i work at a dealer) sweetens the deal, but they are just out of my price range.

A focus ZX3 might make sense, but again to find one in my price range I have mostly found cars with 140k plus miles. A little higher than I am comfortable with. Im hoping this car will last at least a few years without major problems.

I found a great deal on a neon RT. Well under 100k miles for close to $2000. I havent gotten to go see it yet and the woman isnt able to send pictures, so I dont know yet if its an ACR. Should do well in autocross, but is lacking in the space department.

Any thoughts/suggestions/advice?

Just realized I spelled advice wrong in my heading there haha

Any of the three would be great, A 100K ACR is no different than a 100K DOHC Neon. You will need to change out the struts soon anyway.

If the Neon is nice it could be a good car.

I know they softened the RT up a bit from the ACR, is it only the struts that are different? I thought the RT also lost the quicker steering rack...

How about an older Camry?

The only difference between the R/T and ACR was the struts and hubs. The R/T was also available as a 4 door and could be had with sunroof, electric window/doors.

For what's it's worth, the ACR was also available as a 4dr.

I am shocked and apalled that no one said Miata yet.

93celicaGT2 wrote: For what's it's worth, the ACR was also available as a 4dr.

Only with a SOHC

Miata. There, I said it. Unlimited (head)room with the top down Since you work at Mazda I'd stick with their products. Older MPV+Miata gives you room plus autox. 626 turbo 5 doors can be lots of fun. A Tracer LTZ wagon is just a 323 with more room. How about a Millenia or 929? Automatic only but rear drive and plenty of room. Ask around out in the shop and I'll bet you'll find plenty of cheap cars available. Then again at your price point I'd just buy the best of whatever you can find and not worry too much about searching for a specific model.

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/dirty-dozen/

See the recent Dirty Dozen Article

neon4891 wrote:

93celicaGT2 wrote: For what's it's worth, the ACR was also available as a 4dr.

Only with a SOHC

Yep!

Which really, isn't all that much worse of a motor, either. I've seen a 4dr ACR run a 14.4 with pretty standard bolt ons, and gutted. The car was also insane amounts of fun to drive.

Miata and a tire trailer with a cargo box for a when you need a little extra room.

Its hard to beat the Focus in that price range. The hatch is great to have. Another option would be an older Mazda Protege but they are sedans.

Older protege is an excellent choice. You should be able to get one with a b-series motor and some miles for next to nothing. Reliable as hell, and built for boost. Plus, the MSP suspension bits are a direct swapover (except for the 5 lug stuff, but.... that swap is easy enough too) and them things handle GREAT for a FWD car.

Saturn 5spd wagon?

Impreza wagon?

When I was shopping I drove a 2003 Focus ZX3 with about 60k miles on it. It was priced around $3.5k. If you have time to shop I think you could find a Focus that fits your needs.

The Focus would be a good platform for autocross and reliability on later models seems to be pretty good.

What about a Civic hatchback?