THSCC Forums

Thanks for all the suggestions! I definitely don't like working on cars- I just like beating them up.

Do any of the non-SVTs handle better than the base model? I test-drove an SVT once and liked it OK but the steering wheel seemed in the wrong place, and there was no tilt wheel.

Scott, I don't often need a back seat for people, but I do fairly regularly load a lot of stuff in the car, so it'd be nice to have reasonable carrying capacity. Do you have any opinion on the Corrola S? Last year when the Neon died I was looking a bit at the Corolla XRS? I think- had the 180hp engine from the Celica GTS. I think right now I'd rather give up the power in favor of gas mileage and keep the handling.

Jason, thanks for the good stuff. Actually I've noticed those Spectra 5s are pretty good looking cars.

Can anyone give me info on what models of things I should be looking for for bare-bones but good handling options? Like what model Civic- there's the DX, EX, LX, and more?

For the Integra- is the GS-R what I want?

Thanks again!

_________________
Carl Fisher

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

How soon are you looking Carl? I'll probably be unloading my Celica soon. I've gotten as good as 39 mpg on a highway trip. 6spd FTW! - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

The Celica can haul a lot, it's a lift back with fold down seats (no problem getting 8 tires in there).

The back seat is pretty much useless for adults.

Corolla "S" would be a dog (IMHO). You would hate the handling (well, the parking brake would be good for rotation). The Corolla XRS would be better, but probably still over $5K, and probably unattainable since Toyota might have sold 3 of them.

Scott

Shelby Charger
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1380364774.html

A GS-R will be "faster" than a normal one, but isn't a particularly torquey engine. The non-GS-R variants feel a little faster around town, even if they're slower according to a stopwatch.

The trouble you'll have with Integras is finding one worth buying. I can think of few other cars that have been butchered by the high school kid / street racer / NOPI crowd more than Integras. The ones still floating around in stock (or nearly stock) form usually have a shedload of miles on them, rust, or both of those things.

Preludes are nice cars too. They too have fallen victim to the kids in baggy jeans and visors, but to a lesser extent. They're a little less common, I think because they were more expensive than their Integra and Civic cousins. Stay away from Preludes with four wheel steering. A last-generation Prelude with the clever ATTS diff would be a nice car, but probably difficult to find.

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

Back Off Johnson! Mike Dishman told me he's going to buy that car "for his son".

Re the Corolla S - I doubt it handles much better than the base CE or faux-wood express LE. My mother has a 2004 CE, and though alignment and more tire would certain help, that car is a born understeerer. It also features an "Italian" driving position (steering wheel far away, pedals really close). On the other hand, it rides well and has lots of room, has very good outward visibility, and averages 37 mpg on highway trips.

_________________
Art McDonald
Premier Amateur #518
2008 Dishman Cup
Pivot Cone Snob

Rodney is a waxer (but in a good way)

Ha- my rally car was a Omni GLH turbo, so this actually hits a sweet spot for me. But no.

_________________
Carl Fisher

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

I'm looking right now. We're taking a road trip up to New England in 2 weeks and I'd like to be driving something else.

_________________
Carl Fisher

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

If a Celica GT-S is in this price range, I think we have a winner. I like those cars a lot. Great fun to drive factory stock. I felt Aaron's and Scott's both handled WAY better than a stock Integra GS-R (I've driven all three in stock trim). Great seats too, IIRC. And once the Mini Cooper moves to DS, I'm guessing it'll be a great GS car.

If I were to sell the CRX, I'd go looking for a Celica GT-S.

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

I'm guessing a $5K example will be a little rough body wise (like mine), but quite probably mechanically sound.

Here is one that is over budget, but in good shape and low miles.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1343551732.html

I would worry that the tranny has been out, and if the work was done properly.

Scott

I have been happy with my Focus ZX3. When I road trip with it I have always gotten over 30 mpg even at 20 over the limit with AC on. I find the seats are comfortable but I am a a rather different shape then you.
The only problem I have had is that the dealer and tire stores tend to break the wheel center caps by putting them on in the wrong orentation. Now I just pull them off before I take the car somewhere.

Crossroads Ford broke the rear ones doing a recall on rear wheel bearings. The service writer told me that they did not pull the caps. I asked how you can change the rear wheel bearing without pulling the center caps and he was stuck for an answer, but refused to replace the caps.

_________________
George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.

I'm currently looking at a few Proteges and Protege5s. I'm still open to Focuses but they're hard to shop for because their models keep changing names over the years (the SVT has stayed the same but they are hard to find)...

_________________
Carl Fisher

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

I saw a Red SVT on a car lot in Greenville last weekend. Yeah, I know....real helpful. Maybe Vincent remembers the name of the dealership?

Just a note since George mentioned gas mileage. The SVT isn't quite as good. I see 20-22 around town and 26-28 on the hwy.

_________________
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

One of my neighbors was selling his bright yellow Protege5. I can see if it's still for sale.

_________________
Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com

Yes please, Rebecca and I are looking at P5s and the yellow ones look real good.

Of course, I have to sell at least one if not three cars before I can buy another one.

And to sell them, I have to actually advertise that they are for sale.

_________________
Todd Breakey
STS 42 - 1992 Sunburst Miata
Dammit!
"You souldn't play leap frog with a porcupine. You might get hurt." - Eliza