Good daily driver for $3-6K?

[87 Turbo II]

Ok, my mom said she is tired of me going to school every single day in my 25+ year old Rx-7. I told her there is no way I could bring myself to sell it, as it has TONs of sentimental value. So we made a deal. If her and I both save up this next year, Around February 2011, when we both get our tax returns on top of whatever we save up in 2010 (this year's tax returns were used up when our water heater exploded), she would help me buy a second car, that would be my reliable daily driver. We both have terms. Mine are that it's a manual transmission, and VERY biased toward RWD. Hers are that it seats 4 (can be a 2+2), has trunk space, doesn't make a crap load of noise when driving, gets somewhat decent gas mileage, and that it would be something she would be ok with riding in/driving a/c, heat, radio, whatever.(I think these requirements are for if she ever wants to borrow it)

I was thinking of a later model E36 BMW (325 or 328, only a 318 if it was super clean, it's not going to be a "fun" car for me, so I'd take the 318, but they tend to have none of the option boxes checked, but a somewhat stylish classy DD is what I'm going for, it doesn't ave to be fast, or even RWD, I just prefer it).

Anyone else have suggestions. We're expecting to have $3,000 to $6,000 depending on how much money we can save. I'm only asking so early, because I'd like to research the cars that get suggested, and maybe join forums to get to know the community.

[roscoe]

e36 sounds like a good choice. or maybe an older lexus or infiniti??

[HypnoToad]

how bout a celica?

[87 Turbo II]

e36 sounds like a good choice. or maybe an older lexus or infiniti??

I thought about a nice Lexus, or Infinity, but it would be mad hard to find a manual transmission, I mean, I might be open to an auto if the car is pretty 90s-class luxurious, but damn every time I drive one I feel bored to tears, and fear becoming one of the people in society that gets the idea they can multitask and become sloppy asshole drivers haha.


how bout a celica?

I could go for a Celica, I have always liked the way they look, I would like to know what a comfortable optioned late 90s one is like.

I just realized I might like an older Imprezza or Legacy too :) Will have to look into those and what they go for (the non super expensive and desireable 2.5RS or WRX of course)

[HypnoToad]

yea i had a 97 celica,it was very comfortable,reliable and well made car, but i had auto it was very slow...lol

id like to have another one that was a GT 5speed.

[roscoe]

Don't have much good to say for Celica's. I had a 2000 model and it had a few tranny problems that were common for it. I think the gt(5 speeds) were ok but the gts(6 speeds) had some tranny issues

[roscoe]

Well I think I'm thinking about 2 different generations of Celicas

[Slomaro Z28]

I say a nice E36 M3.

[TougeGTR-33]

hmmm ill sell you mine for 6K right now if you are serious. Give me until monday to make sure of everything.

this is a one time offer.
http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275217

[roscoe]

^^ U willing to wait a year?? lol

[TougeGTR-33]

If i still have it. Then Def. Free Reps :goodjob:

[chriskm]

how bout a celica?

x2
;)

[chriskm]

Celicas have more potential than people give them credit.
5th Gens ('90-93) are where it's at.
ST/STX models are 4AFE. You can swap in 4AGE, 4AGE 20V, 4AGZE (supercharged), or build up a 7A block with a 4AGZE head and go turbo.

GT/GTS models are equipped with a 5SFE. You can swap in a 3SGTE, you can put the FE head on a 3SGE block.

[Elbow]

LOL at BMW's being good daily drivers, maybe good, reliable and cheap?

[David88vert]

Ok, my mom said she is tired of me going to school every single day in my 25+ year old Rx-7. I told her there is no way I could bring myself to sell it, as it has TONs of sentimental value. So we made a deal. If her and I both save up this next year, Around February 2011, when we both get our tax returns on top of whatever we save up in 2010 (this year's tax returns were used up when our water heater exploded), she would help me buy a second car, that would be my reliable daily driver. We both have terms. Mine are that it's a manual transmission, and VERY biased toward RWD. Hers are that it seats 4 (can be a 2+2), has trunk space, doesn't make a crap load of noise when driving, gets somewhat decent gas mileage, and that it would be something she would be ok with riding in/driving a/c, heat, radio, whatever.(I think these requirements are for if she ever wants to borrow it)

I was thinking of a later model E36 BMW (325 or 328, only a 318 if it was super clean, it's not going to be a "fun" car for me, so I'd take the 318, but they tend to have none of the option boxes checked, but a somewhat stylish classy DD is what I'm going for, it doesn't ave to be fast, or even RWD, I just prefer it).

Anyone else have suggestions. We're expecting to have $3,000 to $6,000 depending on how much money we can save. I'm only asking so early, because I'd like to research the cars that get suggested, and maybe join forums to get to know the community.


If it is going to be a daily driver, and your mom may borrow it, get a good automatic car. I use a low mileage Buick for my daily. It is comfortable, quiet, cheap, and gets great gas mileage. Look for something like that, and choose comfort. 90% of the time, you will drive the RX7 when you want to have fun. Choose your daily to be the opposite - comfortable, and cheap on insurance.

[e30pwr]

If your thinking e36, see if you can pull a little more and pick up a e46 323 or a 325. They are basically what you want, and can look damn good. You would really only have to reinforce the subframe to insure it wont tear.

But for something a little more DD status why not just get an automatic and drive it? 02-03 acura tl's are nice

[bigdare23]

Why not consider the car you hate, a Civic? LOL

Get a 96up Civic from a person that has the maintenance history, and you will not have a problem out of it. It would meet all of your requirements except the RWD.

[DecoyOctopus]

Why not consider the car you hate, a Civic? LOL

Get a 96up Civic from a person that has the maintenance history, and you will not have a problem out of it. It would meet all of your requirements except the RWD.


x2...if you need a cheap and reliable car...it's a civic....just not rwd, but thats what you have the rx7 for......i'm kinda in the same position...i have a 03 miata and a 91 integra that i bought for $500, still running strong for 2 years. I only change the oil and battery lol

[40th GT]

Mazda Mx-6. Lightweight, cheap, and fun to drive.
Or a Miata.

edit: Never mind on the Miata, just re-read your post lol.
1st gen Dodge Neon maybe? Because I think BMW Ms in decent condition will be hard to find.