I have a friend in the Army that lives outside of Atlanta in Smyrna. He likes cars, but I don't consider him a car guy (like us here at GRM), but he can change his oil, brakes, spark plugs, etc.
He and his wife currently have a 2003 Trailblazer and a 2011 Fusion. He actually has a farther commute than his wife, but SWMBO needs to have the Fusion because its the newer car. He wants to keep the Trailblazer to haul crap, but wants something that gets better mileage.
He came to me and asked for my advice on a fun daily driver, so I gave him some suggestions, but I though I'd come to the collective and get your opinions.
Here are his criteria:
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Import
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Something from early 80's to early 90's
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Preferably a Coupe or Hatch
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No preference on drive, but AWD a plus (I already told him AWD isn't going to probably happen)
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4 or 6 Cylinder
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Manual Transmission
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Gets Good Fuel Mileage (mid to upper 20's is acceptable)
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Reliable
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Max Price is $3500
I already came up with:
Any other suggestions?
Also if you have a craigslist link, post it here and I will forward it to him.
Thanks.
mndsm
PowerDork
9/1/13 4:31 p.m.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/4035970178.html
ATL CL isn't showing any good Mx6's, IMO.
Neon! Hecho in mexico is an import! Lol
Why not an early Impreza? A legacy with the same engine can get 25-28 mpg, so that should be ok, and there are both coupe and hatch versions with awd. They are pretty reliable and easy to work on, but some parts are a little expensive, and the quality of a lot of the autozone type stuff is terrible. A VW golf would work too, although in that age range none of the engines they come with are very good.
I know it says import as the very first thing, but the SVT Focus should be on that list.
Awd, import, fun hatch?
How bout DSM? Talon or Eclipse?
JFX001
UltraDork
9/1/13 8:17 p.m.
In addition to the ones listed, maybe a :
2.2 Acura CL
Suzuki Swift GT
Celica
Saturn SC ( I know...but it's a good car)
SE-R
Reliable is also on the list? So no dsm. Lol
EvanB
PowerDork
9/1/13 8:26 p.m.
Corolla with a 4afe and manual trans. High 30s mpg wise.
In reply to Kenny_McCormic:
I already had the Miata talk with him. That's a no go.
An Integra ls, Hyundai tiburon,
For commuting, Prelude or Integra. Next thread. For 3500, you can get a pretty decent example newer than the late 80s early 90s you have listed.
I'd got with Acura Integra. It fits all of the criteria and can be found for pretty cheap. I put 320k on my '87 with almost no problems other than a CV joint and a fuel injector gone bad.
I would opt for a mid-90s model in that price range. They're reasonably fun to drive, economical, reliable, have nice features and interiors, and a nice 5-speed.
Vigo
UberDork
9/1/13 11:11 p.m.
I second the Prelude or Integra suggestion, and i think given the year range he should also include Accord coupes and HATCHBACKS as well. I really like 3g accords and would like a hatch for the uniqueness.
EvanB wrote:
Corolla with a 4afe and manual trans. High 30s mpg wise.
Yeah I think an AE92 would be perfect for this...especially since all the problems with them are racing-related and he's not doing that (except the achey breaky engine mounts...get aftermarket or urethane-fill them).
4AGE models are just as reliable as 4AFE, only not quite as efficient.
In reply to GameboyRMH:
After browsing the Atlanta CL, there are no AE92 Coupes. That was one of the first suggestions I made to him and of course there are none.
I now got him looking at E30s, which I'm wondering if that was a good idea or not.
dj
Reader
9/2/13 8:45 p.m.
If he wants an AWD import getting over 20 mpg for under $3,500 in Atlanta why not any older subaru or DSM? That sounds more like what he wants rather the FWD imports or RWD E30s.
E36 would be a great choice here just have to put a bit of work in to anything for $3500 though...
B13 SE-R is a damn good choice too.
Probe/MX6 with a Kl-ZE is a solid fun bet too.
Forester.. Newer, AT $2500
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4020292590.html
CRV. Again newer AT $3700
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3976952718.html
Volvo. Newer AT, $3450
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/4027874926.html
In reply to aussiesmg:
What Steve said!!! 2001 325xi $3800
http://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/4027908191.html