THSCC Forums

I think I'm finally getting ready to (gasp) get rid of my old Neon. Here are the qualities I'm looking for in its replacement:

• cheap (~$5000 or less)
• fun to drive (handling more important than power)
• good gas mileage (30+ mpg on regular gas)
• manual transmission
• small yet fairly roomy (will be road trip car)
• practical (will be daily driver)
• newer (preferably 2000+ vintage)

Part of my problem is I've been out of the market so long I don't know what my options are, and what sub-models (e.g. SE vs LS) are the more desirable.

Here are some cars I've been considering:

• Toyota Corolla S
• VW Golf?
• Honda Civic
• Acura Integra
• Mazda Protege or Protege5
• Ford Focus (does anything handle well besides the SVT?)

What else should I be looking at? My friends, your advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

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Carl Fisher

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=4651531

I like pretending to spend other people's money.

Carl, do you have any requirements as far as what class you want to run it in? Stock, ST, etc? Also, is this an autocross car, a rallycross car, a track day car, or none of those?

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Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

Our miata is a daily driver. They can be had for under 5k, but I dont know about their condition... the NB's seem to range from 6-15k with the 15k being the last few produced.

Maybe a BMW 328i for cheap?

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Karl S.
2014 Baby, 2014 House, 2013 Ford Focus ST, 2013 BMW 328i, 1994 Mercedes E320
(Insert passive aggressive signature line here)

the golf is decent if you get the 1.8 turbo but be prepared to buy premium gas. civics are nice but hold their value so well that used ones are overpriced compared to other cars in the same class. ditto with the integra which is probably too small. focus svt is a solid choice if you're willing to buy domestic. protege is probably the best of the bunch, i had a 2000 sedan (bought new) and loved it, the 5 is even better but it might be hard to find a nice one in your price range. a great car that is undervalued in the marketplace. make sure you get the es model with larger motor, better suspension, etc.

normally i'd suggest a sentra se-r but i've yet to hear anything good about the later models (but i LOVED my 94).

dark horse: kia spectra 5

really dark horse: matrix xrs/vibe gt. lots of room plus 180hp and six speed but lousy chassis and wonky ergonomics. my wife drives a regular matrix and i cringe every time i have to pilot it. great utility though.

My brother has put around 150K easy miles on a Focus sedan. Very few problems. All the road tests (car buff and CR) said handling on normal Focii was pretty good . . . especially compared to most similar competitors. Seats, however, in the 2 door hatch were not rated well as I recall.

Except for the gas mileage bit, a 2000 or newer Mustang GT fits the criteria. I get 24 on my daily drive on 40/540 but it drops fast in traffic. Regular gas for normal driving.

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

None of those. Just a fun and practical DD and road trip trip car (including the occasional rally road I'm sure).

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Carl Fisher

Be Cool to the Pizza Dude:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... Id=4651531

I think Stephen got his SVT Focus in your price range. They are pretty damn good cars.

Dear god the 328is market has dropped like a rock. You know that thing needs 1-2k worth of BMW maintence right off the bat.

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02 Focus SVT
STF 9

You can find the latest model Celica's in the price range (GT and GTS if you shop around).

Does the car ever need to accommodate back seat passengers?

Scott

Unless Carl actually LIKES to work on cars I would never suggest a BMW.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Carl does not work on cars.

Don't consider the standard focus unless you enjoy understeer.

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Silver Honda
Green Ford
Blue/White Suzuki
Red Triumph
Grey BMW

"Never let life be shaped by fear of its end"

No, you're a towel!

The SVT Countor can be had for under $5K all day long. Great car.*


Just ask Wes.

GFY.

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Has no responsibility whatsoever.

GFY?? Go oh nevermind I get it

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

Fixed that for you.

That said, we will have the Focus in Danville if you want to take it for a spin....or feel free to give me a ring and come test drive it one weeknight. We've enjoyed it so far (as much as you can in 2-3 months).

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Stephen Westerfield
2009 Infiniti M35 | 2007 Honda Fit Sport | 2005 Ford Mustang GT |2000 GMC Sierra |1992 Acura Integra LS | Super Westerfield Bros Acura Integra