Selling an impractical car for a practical one?

In the process of selling my 96 Impala SS... I think.  It's on a few forum classifieds for best offer and I'm not getting many offers.  I currently own 3 cars; the SS, the Fordzda pickup (huffletruck), and Dukes 67 LeMans. (by the way, the LQ9/LS6 hybrid is almost done, and the T56 is built and ready.)

Huffletruck is giving me occasional fits (separate post coming) so I jumpstarted the SS to get it inspected as a backup vehicle.  It passed inspection, but it has 150k and it's, well, old.  The plan was to sell the SS and put that cash into the LeMans, but I don't want to be without a backup vehicle.

My thought was to maybe get an appliance in the meantime, but I don't want it to be boring.  The quick and easy answer is to find the best Corolla I can for my money, but I think I'd rather walk or ride a bicycle without a seat than go that beige.  Since I'm all about trying to find the cars that excel at being good at something but don't cost a fortune, I'm hoping you might have some suggestions.  Some of you might remember my search for an X308 or X350 XJR last year because they have flash and don't suck, but they follow the traditional luxo depreciation curve.

Looking for a personal commuter in the $3500 range that is 95% bulletproof, 60% cool, 40% not a chore to drive.  Bonus points for uncommon suggestions.

Does the personal commuter need a back seat? If not, a Miata or MR2 Spyder could fit the budget. Bonus points for the MR2 Spyder having a Corolla drivetrain - although it has zero luggage room.

GM compacts depreciate like a rock, so they may be a good choice for the "a newer car for your money" category. That budget would probably get you a naturally aspirated Chevy Cobalt SS if you look hard enough. Or a Saturn Astra.

Yep.  Sounds like The Answer is well... your answer. 

A MINI "could" work as well, although reliability in that price range can be a bit of a crap-shoot.

Hell...  For $3500, reliability is going to be a bit of a crap-shoot no matter what you pick.  At that point, it can be as much on the owner and how the do maintenance than the car itself.

Since you mentioned Corolla, have you driven an XRS? They do not feel normal for Corollas! But it still is one, so if you're avoiding that consider Matrix/Vibe as well. 

When you say not boring, does it need to be fast-ish or is just weird/uncommon good enough?

Ian F said:

A MINI "could" work as well, although reliability in that price range can be a bit of a crap-shoot.

*thinks to self: Self, you have a MINI. You like those old SSs and impractical cars. You've got some vacation saved up. You could meet Curtis halfway and trade...

What are you looking for out of the Impaler, just out of curiosity?

I don't think you need to write off so many beige-mobiles as boring.  Lightweight + manual transmission + good reliability make a really nice combination.

-Mazda3

-Mazda6

-Focus

-Fiesta

-Accord

-Civic

-MINI

-Corolla

-Celica

-Vibe

-Golf

-Jetta

Pick one, w/ a manual, and test drive it before you overlook them all.

I've owned 6 off that list and all were more fun to squirt around back roads in than my Camaro, and your SS is an even bigger fatter Camaro.

I'm really loving our LS400.  100% bulletproof, I think they're pretty cool and while they're big luxury cars they aren't a total snoozefest to drive.  The motor is one of the smoothest I have ever driven.

Curtis said:

I currently own 3 cars; the SS, the Fordzda pickup (huffletruck), and Dukes 67 LeMans.

I truly appreciate the sentiment, but she's your LeMans now, and I'm good with that.  I'm looking forward to the build thread updates.

On the original topic:

98% bulletproof, 40% cool, 60% not a chore to drive.  I can't go down to $3500, though (at least not for a while yet).

Following this, as I am really getting bored with the Golf. I've been driving it now for over 6 years.

Toyota Tax up here is really strong and Mazda's rust like it's their core business, so looking to see other options.

Are SRT-4's getting that cheap? Don't see too many of them anymore, but I owned one and it was fun. Maybe just a Neon R/T that was well taken care of?

Also, the hatch version of the Civic Si gets very little love from the ricer crowd, so those can be found for cheap and are pretty bulletproof with the K-series motor.

Ion Redline, or Cobalt SS supercharged?

$3500 range, hmm...you could probably get a 2012+ Focus for that much. The manual transmission eliminates the only major problem with those cars (friggin' DCT automatic) and they're not bad to drive, handle pretty decent.

https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/d/cuyahoga-falls-2012-focus-5-speed-with/6977028055.html

You could go a bit older/cheaper and get one of the 2005-2007 ST models, which has a 2.3 instead of a 2.0 engine. I have one, it's broken right now, but they should theoretically be reliable.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/d/manassas-2005-ford-focus-st/6961049549.html

Perhaps an older Fusion, I haven't driven these and don't know much about them but they did come with a 6-speed.

https://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/d/lakeville-for-sale/6971031349.html

I'm bad at this "reliable commuter car" stuff, I keep wanting to suggest totally bad ideas like a Super Coupe.

This might be a little out of left field, and it depends on what you find interesting, but I think a first gen Honda Insight with the manual transmission is a very neat option.

They are incredibly light weight and economical. Obviously it's not going to set any speed records, but I do think they qualify as interesting.

You can get them for your budget with the batteries already being replaced as well. Just thought I'd throw something different out there.

Boring answer: civic. Buy the best cheap one and make it a HondaBoi mockfest. Do stupid things with it for a laugh. Practical, reliable and as not-boring as you want to make it. 

GRM answer: Answer. 

Also see Fox Mustangs and 3rd gen Crammits if you don’t care about gas. 

“Interesting” and “reliable” are not often used to describe the same thing in my world. 

If you don't care a ton about fuel economy, an IS300 or a G35 would fit the bill. Reasonably stout mechanicals, moderate cred, toys and heated seats and surprisingly plush suspension to take the edge off most commutes. If you really don't care about fuel economy, look for an 03-04 M45. Yakuza street presence with all the gadgets and gizmos you could possibly want.

The In reply to Curtis :

You’re on the right track. I’ve found older well depreciated Jaguars to be wonderful. Once you locate the junkyard that has a few for parts should you ever need them life will be good. 

PS that 4.0 six cylinder is wonderfully reliable and tends to be very low maintenance. Common parts, brake pads, etc, spark plugs etc are available at places like Rock auto etc. 

I have a cheap (Ish) SW30 MR2 for sale.... Not quite 3500$, but its a fun little car :)

Get yourself a Yaris hatch with a 5 speed.  Great gas mileage, hatchback practicality, 95% of the fun of the Mini without the self loathing when/if repairs are necessary.  This is a quote from a local foreign specialist repair shop "Mini's keep the lights on around here, everything else is profit".  YMMV

Vigo said:

Since you mentioned Corolla, have you driven an XRS? They do not feel normal for Corollas! But it still is one, so if you're avoiding that consider Matrix/Vibe as well. 

When you say not boring, does it need to be fast-ish or is just weird/uncommon good enough?

I haven't driven an XRS.  As a point of reference, I have driven a few Matrixes/Vibes  (Matrices?).  I felt like I needed a pocket protector and glasses taped together at the nose bridge.  They excel at reliable, but I think they are one of the ugliest and slowest things I have driven.

So for the second part, one or the other.  Vibe didn't do either - it was ugly, common, slow, and handled like a minivan.

So something that looks cool and is reliable but slow might be in the cards, or something that is actually fast and reliable but doesn't really turn heads is ok.  Using the examples above... Miata looks cool, is generally reliable, and would be a hoot to drive despite being underpowered.  Or, something like a (completely random idea) a Triumph GT with a 1NZ-FE swap.  Looks wicked, is reliable, but slow as heck.

Of the three qualities (reliable, fast, cool/unique) reliability is key.  Then pick one of the other two:  fast, or unique and wicked cool.  Of course, bonus points if you can think of one that ticks all three boxes.  When I pick up a first date, something I'm not embarrassed to pull up to her house.

Also, keep in mind, when I say "fast," I'm usually talking 60% right-foot oomph and 40% steering wheel twisties.  Many of us here reverse that ratio which is why The Answer is usually the answer.  Maybe this is the time for me to dip my toes in the Answer pool.  I'm told I won't be disappointed.

Can a fella get a decent Answer for $3500?

$3.5k would probably buy the nicest un-molested SVTf left out there.  It is out there isn't it?  Maybe a similar peer the Sentra SE-R.

Never mind hawt hatches don't get looked after.  

JohnInKansas said:

Ian F said:

A MINI "could" work as well, although reliability in that price range can be a bit of a crap-shoot.

*thinks to self: Self, you have a MINI. You like those old SSs and impractical cars. You've got some vacation saved up. You could meet Curtis halfway and trade...

What are you looking for out of the Impaler, just out of curiosity?

Wish I really knew what it was worth in real life.  NADA and KBB put it at a crack-smoking $5-6k, even if I select "fair" condition.  In reality, I have seen similar condition examples (minus the fender/door smash) go for as little as $3000.  If I could get $4500 for the car I'd feel guilty.  If I got $3000 I would feel like I got hosed.

Here is the for sale thread. You'll see that I also have a fully GM-converted TNET 1247 T56 with zero miles that could go with the car.  I figure if I got $6000 for the car and T56 together I'd be cool with it.  $3500 car and $3000 T56 if separate.  But lowball offers are accepted.

Hadn't thought about a Mini.  I'm a bit concerned about parts cost and reliability in this price range though.  Not that you didn't maintain it flawlessly, but it's one thing to have a high-mile Toyota with $15 rotors and $75 alternators, but aren't Minis more like $80 rotors and $250 alternators?

nutherjrfan said:

$3.5k would probably buy the nicest un-molested SVTf left out there.  It is out there isn't it?  Maybe a similar peer the Sentra SE-R.

Never mind hawt hatches don't get looked after.  

 

+1 for a clean Focus SVT. I'd pay my own money for one. Not sure I can give a stronger recommendation.

$3500 will put you in one of the new Taurus based interceptors at the police auctions.. Ecoboost, maybe even AWD.. 

Yes, I have an unhealthy obsession with them. I think they'd be fun at rallycross in SA

RedGT said:

I don't think you need to write off so many beige-mobiles as boring.  Lightweight + manual transmission + good reliability make a really nice combination.

-Mazda3

-Mazda6

-Focus

-Fiesta

-Accord

-Civic

-MINI

-Corolla

-Celica

-Vibe

-Golf

-Jetta

Pick one, w/ a manual, and test drive it before you overlook them all.

I've owned 6 off that list and all were more fun to squirt around back roads in than my Camaro, and your SS is an even bigger fatter Camaro.

Did you just call my car fat?

Ok, yeah, it's fat.

I have driven everything on that list except the Mini and the Fiesta.  All of them are seriously way too boring.  Appliances.  I'm looking for something that either LOOKS cool or is actually fun to drive.  None of those cars I consider to be either.  Of all of the ones on that list, (that I have driven) the Golf and Mazda 6 are the closest to what I'm seeking

You are talking to a guy who is into classic iron sleds.  My idea of fast is to stuff a cam in the biggest V8 I can find and then cobble up some suspension parts to make it handle OK.  Something like a Ford Focus is a hard sell.

Duke said:

Curtis said:

I currently own 3 cars; the SS, the Fordzda pickup (huffletruck), and Dukes 67 LeMans.

I truly appreciate the sentiment, but she's your LeMans now, and I'm good with that.  I'm looking forward to the build thread updates.

On the original topic:

98% bulletproof, 40% cool, 60% not a chore to drive.  I can't go down to $3500, though (at least not for a while yet).

 

Nice car.  I should just come to you first every time :)

java230 said:

I have a cheap (Ish) SW30 MR2 for sale.... Not quite 3500$, but its a fun little car :)

How much "not quite?"

link to an ad if you have one?  I like the idea of 1ZZ plus ragtop plus mid engine.  Reliable, looks cool, and fast in an Answer kind of way.