Whats a good car?

[miataspeed69]

I am looking into trying out something new. I was looking for something rear wheel drive and fun. I was thinking bmw 325 or 318 but those are hard to find in decent shape. What should i look for? Help me out.

[MeFryRice]

What's your budget?

[miataspeed69]

what i can sell the miata for or trade it for. so like 4000 or so.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Nissan Sentra Se-r? I know someone who might be down for a trade on here.

[miataspeed69]

Its a thought not my first choice. what year is it?

[wildfire0310]

what about a good old Rx7 :D

[metalman]

Its a thought not my first choice. what year is it?

Early 90's Nissan SE-Rs are very cool cars but FWD. I'd have one though.
Also, theyre cheap. An even trade for your Miata better yield a museum piece. ;)

[JennB]

Very cheap. I got rid of my 95 SE-r for about $8k..... in 2000.

[metalman]

I was thinking 91-94 SE-R.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/1994.nissan.sentra.8194-e.jpg


The later ones dont trip my trigger. ;)

[jzilla]

Try to find a good Toyota Corolla FX-16

[RotorNutFD3S]

How about a Subaru SVX with a manual transmission, AWD, and some modification for $4300? This one is for sale in NC: http://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t41087/

1995 Subaru SVX - L w/ Saftey Package (lightest model available with All Wheel Drive)
Emerald Green Mica
Grey Cloth Interior
3.3L H6
143,xxx miles on chassis
I averaged 22-24 MPG around town, 28 on highway driving

Asking $4300 OBO

Contact: Adam
PM or email: l0ck_0ut2k3 @ hotmail.com
I live in Gastonia, NC and work in Rock Hill, SC.

Car is currently my daily driver. Selling because I want to finish one of my long term projects (the miata). Please no trades, no low balls.

This is a fairly rare car and this is one of the few manual swapped cars around. The interior is very clean, the exterior has a few small dings over the car. The cars biggest draw back is the paint which is toast on the roof and rear wing and fair on the body. Please contact me via email for more information and for my contact info.

The pictures are a few weeks old, If you have anything specific you would like to see please request something. I will post up newer pictures when I have a chance to clean the car up and get them uploaded.

Major Modifications:
'02 WRX 5 Speed Transmission Swap
WRX Master Cylinder, Slave, SS Clutch Line, Modified Factory Shift Linkage
ECUTune Flashed ECU
ACT Prolite Flywheel
ACT Clutch
Koni Yellows
Ground Control Coilovers
Stebro Exhaust System
SS Brake lines
Hawk HPS pads all around
HID w/ Projector headlights
Perin Lightweight Crank Pulley

Recent Maintenance:
Fuel Filter
OE Spark Plugs
Brand new Continental ExtremeContactDWs on mint stock wheels
New Battery
Brand New OE Master Window Switch
Brand New OE Hood Struts
Fully Synthetic LubroMoly 5w40 Oil since I have owned it, about 5k miles left on this oil change.

Bad/Needs:
Front speakers are shot, they play fine but rattle. The CD player is a quality unit and it has a Sony amp mounted in the trunk.
Oil leak from valve cover gaskest
Some interior trim needs to be addressed
Paint has seen better days
I would suggest Group N engine and transmission mounts before any competition events

I can include a new in box OE 'Euro' Grill that eliminates the light bar for the asking price, also available separately if the car sells without. Currently primed and needing paint.

Wheels pictured are pending sale, but if I still have them I will be willing to work with an interested buyer. They are 18" ICW Racing shod in 225 Kumho MXs

[jzilla]

AWD Eagle Talon.

[metalman]

He said "good". That should eliminate the Talon and complex SVX. :lol:

[FooSchnickens]

3-series and 5-series are pretty easy to find in decent shape. You're pretty much confined to 99 or older at that price range, but there's a lot to be found. I almost jumped on a 330 a few months ago on CL that a guy was offloading for about a grand. Just stay on the pulse of the car ads and you'll find something that tickles your fancy. Searching for "must go" or "today only" on CL will bring up some interesting deals.

[Dr.Drew]

If you don't mind repair and expensive parts a late model Porsche 944 is fun. There should still be a red one for sale in Fayetteville on 85 a few miles south of the square. People give a lot of crap to the front engine Porsche guys but they really are endlessly fun (and slightly dangerous) to drive.

[jzilla]

kurt is wise.

[Georgia Cracker]

No porsches, dear old dad does not want to think what the ins would cost. Nor the soon to be needed parts to fix the broken bits.

A 91 to 95 SER would be my choice, too, even though it is front wheel drive. He wants a BMW, but I think he has forgotten (or maybe never knew) how much I sunk into the last one (that his darling step-sister totalled).

[Dr.Drew]

No porsches, dear old dad does not want to think what the ins would cost. Nor the soon to be needed parts to fix the broken bits.

A 91 to 95 SER would be my choice, too, even though it is front wheel drive. He wants a BMW, but I think he has forgotten (or maybe never knew) how much I sunk into the last one (that his darling step-sister totalled).

Speaking of dear old dad, after I finally gave up on my 944 he said if I ever buy another car that starts with a P it better be a Pontiac.

So I bought a Fiero.

I think he's still a bit mad at me.

[metalman]

No porsches, dear old dad does not want to think what the ins would cost. Nor the soon to be needed parts to fix the broken bits.

A 91 to 95 SER would be my choice, too, even though it is front wheel drive. He wants a BMW, but I think he has forgotten (or maybe never knew) how much I sunk into the last one (that his darling step-sister totalled).

How about a somewhat rusty automatic Mini? Those are good I hear. :lol:

[nickt93]

I'd go for an '88-'91 Honda CRX. Those cars are a blast - I had an '86 and loved it. It may be hard to find one in good shape, but I'm sure there are some hidden gems out there.

Here are a couple of nice ones:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1473455544.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/1450588697.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1446988013.html

[jzilla]

I'd go for an '88-'91 Honda CRX. Those cars are a blast - I had an '86 and loved it. It may be hard to find one in good shape, but I'm sure there are some hidden gems out there.

Here are a couple of nice ones:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1473455544.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/1450588697.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1446988013.html

dear diary,

JACKPOT

[Georgia Cracker]

Those are nice CRX's. I had a first generation CRX when they first came out and loved it, the second generation was even better. I hope Alec will consider one of them.

[scandmx5]

Volvo 240, then www.ipdusa.com (http://www.ipdusa.com) and you're done

[Georgia Cracker]

I tried to get him to consider a 240 when first looked at cars. A good friend works at Voluparts so I know I can get parts. But he was not interested. Those things are tanks, and with a turbo they can be fun. Not very sexy looking though.

[miataspeed69]

Thanks for the replies. A lot of things that i have not considered. If i get a bimmer it will be pre 92' so the good ones lol. I just need to expand my mind cause i am really wanting an E 30. Crx is something to consider as well but im kinda in the mood for a back seat. And an rx-7 is a deffinate no go due to the motors blowing up in 10 miles. but alot of good stuff. keep the ideas coming...

[FlipKing]

SE-R b13. I had one and loved it SR20 comparable with a b16, or you can get sr20ve more comparable with th b18c, also responds well to boost and handle well.

[scandmx5]

Not very sexy looking though.

i beg to differ sir Cracker


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/cobrar18s/0402_01z1975_volvo_240front_side_vi.jpg


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c263/cobrar18s/0402_02z1975_volvo_240rear_side_vie.jpg

[metalman]

i beg to differ sir Cracker




Just because you put some Pep Boys rimz yo on yer Volvobox dont make it sexy. :lol:
Looks like grannies car with fancy shoes.

[miataspeed69]

^ I agree still UGLY!!! If i ever had one of these i would lift it so when i had ppl in the car i could just run off the road on purpose and scare the **** out of them ohh it would be so fun.

[scandmx5]

:facepalm: :facepalm:

[simontibbett]

Crx. E30 (no 318 you will hate it), se-r, rx-7 (any year), 944

[Beastinthebushes]

Get a daewoo!

[jcmkam1990]

I have always like the fox body Mustangs. Nothing like the torque of a V8.

[metalman]

I have always like the fox body Mustangs. Nothing like the torque of a V8.

Again, the word "good" eliminates these. :lol:

[simontibbett]

Again, the word "good" eliminates these. :lol:

Eh, they're not that bad considering parts are like $2 for whatever part you need.

It wouldn't be my choice of car though for getting rid of a Miata.

[roche]

If you don't mind repair and expensive parts a late model Porsche 944 is fun. There should still be a red one for sale in Fayetteville on 85 a few miles south of the square. People give a lot of crap to the front engine Porsche guys but they really are endlessly fun (and slightly dangerous) to drive.

That particular one is a POS, I've checked it out. I'm assuming you're talking about the red one across from Speedi Pig BBQ on 85. The dude there is asking over double what its worth.

[simontibbett]

I like 944's, they don't follow true Porsche rear engine heritage but they're cool cars and from their track record handle well.

I rode in a turbo 944 this weekend and it was very surprisingly QUICK and very solid car.

For the money though I'd go with something else, 944's are not cheap to repair in the slightest, a stock replacement clutch is upwards of $600.

[FooSchnickens]

Eh, they're not that bad considering parts are like $2 for whatever part you need.

It wouldn't be my choice of car though for getting rid of a Miata.
Yeah, but you'll $2 yourself every few days replacing something that breaks.

My friend had an 88 that he's never stopped working on since he get it back in high school. It was never in good shape, and it's just slowly gotten worse over the years. I think the only stock piece left on the car is the headliner. Everything else has been replaced because it broke or he broke it trying to fix something else. Such ****ty cars.

[Dr.Drew]

That particular one is a POS, I've checked it out. I'm assuming you're talking about the red one across from Speedi Pig BBQ on 85. The dude there is asking over double what its worth.

Yeah, I went out there to check it out and possibly buy it once but the dude was kind of a ******, wouldn't even let me crank it.

Figured after all those years of it being for sale he would figure it out.

[nderwater]

I've owned three E30 325is's and while I liked them a lot, I moved on to Miata's because they're more fun to drive, cheaper to maintain, and easier to modify. I don't know that you'll beat the car you already have with a budget of $4,000.

[simontibbett]

Yeah, but you'll $2 yourself every few days replacing something that breaks.

My friend had an 88 that he's never stopped working on since he get it back in high school. It was never in good shape, and it's just slowly gotten worse over the years. I think the only stock piece left on the car is the headliner. Everything else has been replaced because it broke or he broke it trying to fix something else. Such ****ty cars.

Well that one sounds like a complete POS. None of my foxbody friends had really any issues...

[metalman]

Well that one sounds like a complete POS.

They nearly all are/were..even when new. :lol:
One of my friends was a Ford dealer during that era. His words "crappy bucket of bolts POS"...and I concur. The first brand new fox body GT I ever drove squeaked, rattled, and drove like a farm implement. My dealer friend said when asked about it "thats about typical". A friend of mine ended up buying it...against my advice...and indeed, it was a sheitbox hole in the ground thru which he poured $$. Yeah, mostly a few bucks at a time...but constant.
After draining his bank account all while driving a 'new' car he dumped it.

[simontibbett]

They nearly all are/were..even when new. :lol:
One of my friends was a Ford dealer during that era. His words "crappy bucket of bolts POS"...and I concur. The first brand new fox body GT I ever drove squeaked, rattled, and drove like a farm implement. My dealer friend said when asked about it "thats about typical". A friend of mine ended up buying it...against my advice...and indeed, it was a sheitbox hole in the ground thru which he poured $$. Yeah, mostly a few bucks at a time...but constant.
After draining his bank account all while driving a 'new' car he dumped it.

I don't think Ford ever made a car that didn't do this...

[metalman]

I don't think Ford ever made a car that didn't do this...

I think youre right for the most part.

I'd still rock a GT though. ;)

http://www.sportscarcup.com/cars/ford-gt.jpg

Or a bucket of bolts Shelby Mustang.

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200511/1967-shelby-mustang-gt-50_460x0w.jpg

[simontibbett]

I'd rock a Ford GT, but that's barely a Ford.

[Atlanta93LE]

RWD and fun? Try a Geo Tracker ;)

[nderwater]

How much are early 90's MR2's going for these days? They were made in very limited numbers, but are nimble and mid-engined.

[metalman]

To me the best real suggestions for the OP in this thread so far are:

91-4 Sentra SE-R
Honda CRX

However neither is RWD but both can handle quite well and be fun to drive, and provide reliability.
If a back seat is needed/desired then its SE-R. I know for me that would put that
one ahead of the CRX. I already have plenty-o-2 seaters! :lol:

[miataspeed69]

I've owned three E30 325is's and while I liked them a lot, I moved on to Miata's because they're more fun to drive, cheaper to maintain, and easier to modify. I don't know that you'll beat the car you already have with a budget of $4,000.

I know these are the best cars i could own for my price which really stinks cause it was my real first car in a way. but i relize this and im young and i dont think good E30s will be around much longer, but im sure miatas will be around for a long while. So i kinda want to try out other cars and E30s just are sexy to me right now. Now there is a possibility of me taking this phrase back later if i get one haha but hopefully not.

[simontibbett]

E30's are reliable as hell and parts cost as much as a Civic. Very few E30 OEM parts really hurt the pocket. Aftermarket cost more then a Miata but...

Plus you get a sexy sound from the engine bay.

I say get an E30 or a CRX.

[miataspeed69]

I say e30 crx only has 2 seats. but if i did it would have to be an Si.

[nderwater]

I'm young... my Miata was my real first car

All right, now you're talking. Most of us geezers who are into cars have owned many before settling into the cars we really like the most.

In my case, I was a valet in college and drove pretty much every non-exotic car recently sold in the USA. What was quickly obvious to me was that 90% of cars are just transportation appliances, some nice, some ****e - but only a handful really stood out to me as being special to drive. Old BMW's for instance, and Porsche's, a few obvious sports cars and a few surprises like the Miata. After college and my experience driving so many cars, I've made a habit of buying cars I enjoy driving - which is why I've owned five BMW's and two Miata's.

My point here is that I drove many, many cars before finding the ones I liked the most and bought them. I'd encourage you to do the same - spend a few Saturdays at CarMax or local used car lots and drive the cars you think you'd be interested in. Take an or older family member with you and the salesmen will often let the two of you test drive alone, so you're more free to exercise the car a little more. Don't feel pressured to buy, just explain that you're trying to figure out if the model you're interested in is the right car for you.

I've done the same and my short list of 'cars to buy one day' currently looks like this: Honda S2000, Mazda RX-7 FD, Porsche 996, and Lotus Elise. Take some drives, then let us know what's on Your list.

[FlipKing]

To me the best real suggestions for the OP in this thread so far are:

91-4 Sentra SE-R
Honda CRX

However neither is RWD but both can handle quite well and be fun to drive, and provide reliability.
If a back seat is needed/desired then its SE-R. I know for me that would put that
one ahead of the CRX. I already have plenty-o-2 seaters! :lol:

This. :) You fill find them lots of fun.

[simontibbett]

Sounds like me, I detail cars and have driven LOTS of boring everyday car and quite a few exotics! It's hard to find a car as fun as a Miata for the price, E30's are fun but not the same way a Miata is fun.