Driver's car on the cheap?
June 19, 2010 9:43 AM Subscribe
Car-nut filter: Driver's car for $5,000 or less- what should I look for?
Sporty suspension with little body roll. Manual transmission only, wagon or four-door hatchback for utility, sedans would be considered. This will be a daily driver, so nothing expensive to maintain. I'd value a sharp suspension over oodles of torque. I know $5000 wont buy a lot of car, but I'm not buying for looks or luxury amenities. I'd buy a Miata if I didn't have to frequently seat 5.
Kentucky road conditions are OK to unpassable in the 15 days of snow. I've gotten by OK so far with normal, all-season tires.
Some cars I've driven to give my perspective on "feel", sporty to unsporty (not necessarily what I am looking at buying):
++Mazda RX8
++Mercedes Benz C43 AMG
/Pontiac Grand Am GT
/Saab 9000 CSE
/2010 Chevy Malibu
/Subaru Forester
-Toyota Avalon
-2010 Ford Taurus Limited
-Chevy W-body
So what should I be looking for?
Sporty suspension with little body roll. Manual transmission only, wagon or four-door hatchback for utility, sedans would be considered. This will be a daily driver, so nothing expensive to maintain. I'd value a sharp suspension over oodles of torque. I know $5000 wont buy a lot of car, but I'm not buying for looks or luxury amenities. I'd buy a Miata if I didn't have to frequently seat 5.
Kentucky road conditions are OK to unpassable in the 15 days of snow. I've gotten by OK so far with normal, all-season tires.
Some cars I've driven to give my perspective on "feel", sporty to unsporty (not necessarily what I am looking at buying):
++Mazda RX8
++Mercedes Benz C43 AMG
/Pontiac Grand Am GT
/Saab 9000 CSE
/2010 Chevy Malibu
/Subaru Forester
-Toyota Avalon
-2010 Ford Taurus Limited
-Chevy W-body
So what should I be looking for?
The Volvo 850 and V70 are surprisingly sporty. I'd aim for pre '98 if you go with it. (Issues with the throttle body in '99 to '01 turbo and '99 to '02 non turbo cars.) Manual transmissions are out there, but they can definitely be hard to find.
Also, seconding that point about maintenance. If you get a $5,000 car, odds are it hasn't gotten a suspension rebuild recently. New shocks/struts and new engine mounts make a big difference in how the car feels/handles. Expect to pay another $1,500 ± $500 for that work. (Half that [or less] if you do the labor yourself.)
posted by StarmanDXE at 10:40 AM on June 19, 2010
Also, seconding that point about maintenance. If you get a $5,000 car, odds are it hasn't gotten a suspension rebuild recently. New shocks/struts and new engine mounts make a big difference in how the car feels/handles. Expect to pay another $1,500 ± $500 for that work. (Half that [or less] if you do the labor yourself.)
posted by StarmanDXE at 10:40 AM on June 19, 2010
A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 would fit the bill for a sedan, if you can find one. Four doors, and it's got the DSM drivetrain which means a 5-speed manual and AWD hooked up to a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder that can be made to generate ludicrous amounts of power, along with a thriving aftermarket for anything you'd want to do to it. The turbos on those tend to go out after 100K or so, but replacing the turbo on those cars is a lazy afternoon's worth of work.
Maybe also look for a 90's BMW 3-series. Their handling is pretty sharp, and you can probably pick up an older one in your price range, especially if it's not in the best shape cosmetically. I've got no BMW experience, so I don't know what their reliability or maintainability is like.
posted by hackwolf at 10:41 AM on June 19, 2010
Maybe also look for a 90's BMW 3-series. Their handling is pretty sharp, and you can probably pick up an older one in your price range, especially if it's not in the best shape cosmetically. I've got no BMW experience, so I don't know what their reliability or maintainability is like.
posted by hackwolf at 10:41 AM on June 19, 2010
Subaru WRX
Mazda Protege Wagon
Early 2000s Lexus IS 300 Wagon
As far as really sporty cars, like BMW 330i or Audi S4, anything around $5k is going to be a serious turd. So, think Japanese.
posted by Jon-o at 10:42 AM on June 19, 2010
Mazda Protege Wagon
Early 2000s Lexus IS 300 Wagon
As far as really sporty cars, like BMW 330i or Audi S4, anything around $5k is going to be a serious turd. So, think Japanese.
posted by Jon-o at 10:42 AM on June 19, 2010
Seconding the Subaru. If you can find an old RS they may be kind of cheap.
Oddly enough, I've known a few people who drove Miatas with snow tires. Just be ready to put some weight in the back.
posted by krisak at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2010
Oddly enough, I've known a few people who drove Miatas with snow tires. Just be ready to put some weight in the back.
posted by krisak at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2010
E30 BMW. Find a clean one, rust-free. keep it that way. Simple to work on, not TERRIBLY expensive to fix (if you DIY or have a good indy).
posted by weaponsgradecarp at 11:18 AM on June 19, 2010
posted by weaponsgradecarp at 11:18 AM on June 19, 2010
There are a few Mazdas that meed your criteria. The Protege5 and the Mazda3 come immediately to mind. FWIW, the Miata may well be the all-time great affordable driver's car, but doesn't meet your wagon/hatch requirements.
posted by willpie at 12:26 PM on June 19, 2010
posted by willpie at 12:26 PM on June 19, 2010
I'm looking for something very similar and have been pricing Acura Integras. You'd probably want the sedan vs. the coupe. Honda reliability in a fun package.
posted by bendy at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2010
posted by bendy at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2010
weaponsgradecarp has the same answer I was going to post.
For the money, a clean E30 is one of the most fun drives going. Light, nimble and relatively easy to maintain. Built before BMW went down the technology-über-alles rabbit hole. Even the 4-banger 318i is a very fun drive. It often gets maligned as being underpowered, but I think it's a great match for the chassis, especially if you want something that's simply fun to toss around and throw into corners. Most people, though, opt for the 6-cylinder rides.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:45 PM on June 19, 2010
For the money, a clean E30 is one of the most fun drives going. Light, nimble and relatively easy to maintain. Built before BMW went down the technology-über-alles rabbit hole. Even the 4-banger 318i is a very fun drive. It often gets maligned as being underpowered, but I think it's a great match for the chassis, especially if you want something that's simply fun to toss around and throw into corners. Most people, though, opt for the 6-cylinder rides.
posted by Thorzdad at 1:45 PM on June 19, 2010
What you are looking for is a Miata. I know you said "I'd buy a Miata if I didn't have to frequently seat 5." That's why you should buy two.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:34 PM on June 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:34 PM on June 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
BMW 3-series (E30 or E36) sedan would be good. With enough looking you may be able to find a wagon. Unfortunately, there seems to be 1 wagon for every 100 or so sedans.
Subarus are good, as well. Even the Outback handles the road nicely.
posted by nickthetourist at 2:41 PM on June 19, 2010
Subarus are good, as well. Even the Outback handles the road nicely.
posted by nickthetourist at 2:41 PM on June 19, 2010
I like my Subaru Legacy, but for your price range you might look at an Imprezza, which comes in sedan and hatchback and plausibly seats five as well as my old Honda Civic. The WRX is their sport tuning of the Imprezza, but I have a hard time imagining what condition a one selling for 5k would be in.
posted by pwnguin at 2:52 PM on June 19, 2010
posted by pwnguin at 2:52 PM on June 19, 2010
For 5k, you might be able to find a Volkswagen Golf or GTI. You'd be surprised how sporty those cars can be. Also nthing the BMW 3-series suggestion, those cars are great fun.
I'm also going to agree with Civil_Disobedient and say that you want a Miata. Or two.
posted by Geppp at 5:36 PM on June 19, 2010
I'm also going to agree with Civil_Disobedient and say that you want a Miata. Or two.
posted by Geppp at 5:36 PM on June 19, 2010
I was going to suggest the Saab 9000 but I see it on your list with a mediocre rating. Perhaps an Aero model would help? Or an older one with fewer heavy luxuries and less GM design influence than the later CSE's?
FWIW, I drove one of the early ('87) 9000's for a while. Got into a potentially touchy situation trying a short cut on a snow-blown dirt road in Wyoming in winter. It ended up being one of the most enjoyable drives I've ever had - the Saab rally heritage is still there if you give it a chance to show.
posted by richyoung at 9:39 PM on June 19, 2010
FWIW, I drove one of the early ('87) 9000's for a while. Got into a potentially touchy situation trying a short cut on a snow-blown dirt road in Wyoming in winter. It ended up being one of the most enjoyable drives I've ever had - the Saab rally heritage is still there if you give it a chance to show.
posted by richyoung at 9:39 PM on June 19, 2010
You can find Audi A4s in that range. They are a blast to drive, though not the most reliable by any means. You can turn the 1.8 turbo into a 300hp monster relatively cheaply without sacrificing any reliability. I actually purchased a 99 A4 with the 2.8 for $2000 recently. I love it, but I have definitely had to put some work into it.
posted by thekiltedwonder at 10:50 PM on June 19, 2010
posted by thekiltedwonder at 10:50 PM on June 19, 2010
Best answer: Mazda Protege 5.
It's the only 5k car I know with a factory-mounted front strut tower brace. It feels buttoned down to the road, and a well maintained one (or one that has had struts replaced) will feel nice and tight in the corners. The BP
I've heard an e36 (92-99) 3 series will nickel and dime you to death if you're not handy with your own simple repairs.
- '99-03 VW/Audi. Lots of talk among owners about electrical problems and little niggling stuff that end up costing down the road. But then, people with these troubles are vastly over-represented in the car forums.
Honda makes the most gratifying manual transmissions this side of real performance cars, but you have to go 10 years old to get a 5000 dollar deal. Their resale value drops very slowly.
You can still get into a 94-01 Integra GSR sedan, which weighs under 3000lbs, and has a 170hp B18 engine that screams up to 8K rpm. Double-wishbone suspension all around.
Nissan Maxima SE- '95-03 (most likely a 98 in your price range)
Until 2000, they weighed under 3000lbs, and were powered by a ~220hp 3.0L V6. The SE has a manual transmission, and it feels properly quick, and more nimble than an avalon/accord/camry.
A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 would fit the bill for a sedan, if you can find one...
It's getting hard to find a DSM that hasn't been beaten on or pooly modded to the point of unreliability. It's even harder for Galant VR-4s since they only ever imported 3000 into the country between 91 and 92.
TL;DR
'01-03 Mazda Protege5
'94-01 Acura Integra GSR (the LS will do but with 30 fewer HP)
'95-98 Nissan Maxima SE
Here is a list of cars for sale that meet your basic list of demands.
posted by onehalfjunco at 11:21 PM on June 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
It's the only 5k car I know with a factory-mounted front strut tower brace. It feels buttoned down to the road, and a well maintained one (or one that has had struts replaced) will feel nice and tight in the corners. The BP
I've heard an e36 (92-99) 3 series will nickel and dime you to death if you're not handy with your own simple repairs.
- '99-03 VW/Audi. Lots of talk among owners about electrical problems and little niggling stuff that end up costing down the road. But then, people with these troubles are vastly over-represented in the car forums.
Honda makes the most gratifying manual transmissions this side of real performance cars, but you have to go 10 years old to get a 5000 dollar deal. Their resale value drops very slowly.
You can still get into a 94-01 Integra GSR sedan, which weighs under 3000lbs, and has a 170hp B18 engine that screams up to 8K rpm. Double-wishbone suspension all around.
Nissan Maxima SE- '95-03 (most likely a 98 in your price range)
Until 2000, they weighed under 3000lbs, and were powered by a ~220hp 3.0L V6. The SE has a manual transmission, and it feels properly quick, and more nimble than an avalon/accord/camry.
A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 would fit the bill for a sedan, if you can find one...
It's getting hard to find a DSM that hasn't been beaten on or pooly modded to the point of unreliability. It's even harder for Galant VR-4s since they only ever imported 3000 into the country between 91 and 92.
TL;DR
'01-03 Mazda Protege5
'94-01 Acura Integra GSR (the LS will do but with 30 fewer HP)
'95-98 Nissan Maxima SE
Here is a list of cars for sale that meet your basic list of demands.
posted by onehalfjunco at 11:21 PM on June 19, 2010 [2 favorites]
88-95 E34 5-series BMW. Fun car, fairly low maintenance (stay away from the V8s)
posted by wongcorgi at 7:47 AM on June 20, 2010
posted by wongcorgi at 7:47 AM on June 20, 2010
Seconding a used VW GTI. At that price point it's going to be higher-miles, but as long as it has had proper maintenance, you should be okay.
I'd recommend anything pre '99.
If you can find an '86 or '87 GTI with the 16V motor, you're set. It's a little pocket rocket and very fun to drive.
posted by Thistledown at 7:54 PM on June 20, 2010
I'd recommend anything pre '99.
If you can find an '86 or '87 GTI with the 16V motor, you're set. It's a little pocket rocket and very fun to drive.
posted by Thistledown at 7:54 PM on June 20, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rtodd at 10:24 AM on June 19, 2010