Car search/Best of Oppo update

"DasWauto" (DasWauto) 08/27/2013 at 18:44 • Filed to: car search

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As the title implies, I'm looking for a car, details after the jump. As for the Best of Oppo, I'm hoping to return with it tomorrow; the internet has been out at home for almost 2 days now. I'm on my phone right now and a post as involved as the 'best of oppo' is simply not happening from here. I had yesterday's edition nearly assembled but am kind of stuck with it for now.

On to the car search. I have my e30 but that's my project and though it runs well enough is not on the road and is not something that I'd like to subject to Canadian winters anyway. As for the Mazda3 I've been driving, it is getting passed on to my brothers to drive so I am in need of a DD.

Now, the qualifucations:
- manual transmission required, not optional
- hatchback/wagon pretty strongly preferred, though not strictly required, see next point
- I also like small trucks
- fuel efficient
- not terribly slow (yes, I know that may interfere with the previous requirement, but to give you an idea, the 160 hp of the Mazda3 are enough Zoom Zoom for regular driving duty.)
- Budget of $5000 Canadian monies, though that's not firm.
- preferably under 10 years old
- under 200K km (120 K miles), the lower the better obviously, under 150k km (90k miles) preferred.

What I'm considering so far, starting with small trucks. Main contenders there are the Ranger, Chevy S-10 and Colorado (though these may stretch the budget). I like the Frontier and Tacoma as well but these seems to hold much more of their value and maintain higher prices for the mileage. With the trucks, the 4 cylinder engines ad 2wd are probably necessary to aid fuel efficiency. An extended cab is likely necessary to accommodate all 6'5" of me.

As for the cars, there are a few contenders. Civic SiR, Focus (SVT), Mazda 3 and 6, hatch and wagon respectively. Im not terribly interested in the Hyundai Accent or VW Golf that would fall in my price bracket. I'll consider the Suzuki Aerio but they're not very common. Also in consideration are the Impreza wagon as well as its SAAB brother from another mother. The Dodge Caliber might be in as well but I'm not a fan of the looks, nor do I think I've ever seen one with a stickshift.

Frankly, the leader is probably to get a[ nother] Mazda 3, I really like the way they drive and look, am already familiar with it, they fit my needs well (why I picked our current car in the first place) and they're pretty widely available with a manual.

So, any opinions, cars I've missed or forgotten? I'd love to hear them.

twinturbobmw > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 18:50

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How about an Acura RSX/ Integra GSR?

desertdog5051 > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 18:53

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You answered the questions yourself, pilgrim. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 18:54

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...ours is a '96...

It might violate the 'not terribly slow' clause. 79hp through a permanent AWD system will just about do that.

DasWauto > twinturbobmw 08/27/2013 at 18:59

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Well played on the hatchback requirement, though they're are likely not quite roomy enough for cargo purposes. I should've probably expanded on that. I put my bike in the car quite often and regularly use it to transport things so a 5 door hatch or small truck are really ideal.

I have always had a soft spot for the RSX though. I may yet keep it in there for at least a test drive. Thanks for the suggestion.

DasWauto > desertdog5051 08/27/2013 at 19:01

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Haha, yeah, I was afraid of that. I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything.

dogisbadob > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 19:05

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The Impreza's gas mileage isn't great, mainly due to the AWD. Too bad Subaru stopped bringing FWD cars over here.

The non-SVT Focus hatchback and wagon would be good choices. How about the 2001-2006 Hyundai Elantra GT? Sporty fuel-efficient hatchback with leather!

You guys also got the Toyota Echo hatchback (which we didn't get down here) :( . If not, there's always the sedan. It's not terribly slow because it only weighs 2100 lb. 0-60 was in the mid-8's with the required manual.

Actually, the Caliber is available with a stick, as is the Chevy HHR.

DasWauto > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 08/27/2013 at 19:08

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Hmm, interesting suggestion, I have seen the odd one in my part of Canada and they so have a certain charm. I'm not sure I'd have one for a daily turnabout, for fuel economy, safety and reliability/parts concerns. It would be hilarious fun to run around the fields on my parents' farm though; perhaps a future project. Thanks.

offroadkarter > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 19:09

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I have always liked the SVT Focus, I considered getting one as a cheap daily but I think its a little to small for me. I have heard they handle like they are on rails, and on the SVT forum I'm on the majority of people who have them DD them and love them.

I also don't know of many other cars where you can get HID projectors and Recaro leather buckets around 5-6 grand (provided you find a euro appearance package equipped car)

Here are a couple I've seen at the carlisle all ford nationals show

This one has focus RS rims on it and a turbonetics turbo, it was very well built

2012, same car

From 2012, this was brought by ford, I believe it was a prototype

2012, I always like when they put the cosworth intake manifolds on the car

2012, gutted SVT 5 door that was autocrossing

So if my choice isn't obvious, go check out the SVT F.

DasWauto > dogisbadob 08/27/2013 at 19:15

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Ah yes, we go both the Echo and Yaris in hatchback form so that's a contender. I also just remembered the Matrix and it's Pontiac cousin, the Vibe, ilk have to consider these as well. I am admittedly weary of Hyundai products from a couple of years ago. I know they're miles better now but I'll have to drive one to see if my apprehension is justified. Thanks for the suggestions.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 19:17

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I plan on DDing ours for a little bit when it's all fixed up, so I can let you know what it's like.

I strongly suspect it'll be horrendous and brilliant fun in equal measure.

Saracen > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 19:17

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Mazda Protege5 is a damn fine car as well. My brother owned one. So much fun to drive.

dogisbadob > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 19:17

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That generation Elantra is the first good Hyundai.

The Vibe and Matrix might not be in your price range. Also, every single 2003-2008 Vibe, Matrix, and Corolla has a silly odometer that stops at 299999. Up there it means 299999 km.

DasWauto > offroadkarter 08/27/2013 at 19:19

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I've always loved the SVT Focus too, they look great, IMO. I'll check on the forums for opinions on DD reliability.

DasWauto > Saracen 08/27/2013 at 19:26

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They are good to drive indeed. The newer 3 is just as good if you ask me, that why I've got one now and will likely get another. I'm drawn to the newer car because of the improved safety and the timing chain instead of a timing belt which would likely need service in the mileage range I'm looking at. Thanks.

Dunnik > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 20:20

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You may as well get another Mazda 3. It satisfies all of your criteria. You're already, no doubt, very familiar with the car, which is a huge advantage when buying used - you should be able to get a deal. Also, the 3 has long been a popular car in Canada, so your odds are good in finding a rust-free example.

If you go truck, Ranger all the way.

offroadkarter > DasWauto 08/27/2013 at 20:22

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i think focaljet is the big focus forum

If I remember right, the engine in the SVTF is not the normal zetec like the ZX3, it is actually a cosworth derived DOHC I4, and the most important thing to change on those engines is the timing belt and water pump. Otherwise its just like any other car.

6cyl > DasWauto 08/28/2013 at 11:32

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BMW 318ti. Hatchback, efficient, manual, rwd, light, not terribly slow (the engine also has lots of potential as it is in some ways a detuned e30 m3 motor).

Second suggestion would be the Civic SiR (ep3) hatch from the early-mid 2000's

DasWauto > 6cyl 08/29/2013 at 22:30

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Unfortunately I'm not a fan of the e36 hatchback, at all. I don't like the way they look and they don't quite meet the hatchback practicality requirement. I know they're pretty reliable and have performance potential but the only reason I'd ever buy one is to steal bits to do a 5-lug swap on my e30 :)

The ep3 is a definite contender though. Not terribly common but they can be found.

6cyl > DasWauto 08/29/2013 at 22:53

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I used to have an ep3 it was a great car and I have often regretted selling it.

I used to think the 318ti was dumb BMW wannabe but the more I think about it and learn about interesting BMW qwerks the more I like it. The m42 is apparently quite a good motor and the e36 a very nimble car. If I got one I would swap in glass euro headlights as they make the e36 look much better. Most BMW sedans seats don't fold down to make the car stiffer. So that combined with the efficient 4 banger really makes 318ti is really one of the most practical BMW's that is still light and nimble which is something that can't be said of any of the 5-series wagons.

...I wish we got the 3 series wagon

DasWauto > 6cyl 08/29/2013 at 22:58

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Luckily I'm in Canada where we did get the 3-series wagon. Well, the e30, e46 and e9x at least, I don't think I've even seen an e36 touring here. I could be an idiot and buy this but I don't want to put it through our winters: http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthr…

6cyl > DasWauto 08/29/2013 at 23:08

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Why did you have to tell me this!?! I am also looking for a reliable daily I can put through the winter... but... but... but I want an e30 wagon...

Jeff > DasWauto 08/30/2013 at 00:43

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An RSX is probably my favorite choice of <10-year-old FWD hatchback.. the Type-S models in stock form are a complete blast to drive.. and they're not as ugly as a Mazda3

If the rear seats fold down, I wouldn't be surprised if you could fit a bike with the front wheel removed. Unless you're some giant riding a huge frame...

Then there's also roof racks! My IS300 and x-country trip were the first reasons for me getting a roof rack and I went crazy looking for the best combination of versatility/price. The rack on my car has built in bike fork mounts on the basket so you don't need to spend the extra $200 on bike mounts.

DasWauto > Jeff 08/30/2013 at 07:41

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I'm kind of partial to the looks of the Mazda3, and they drive quite well for what they are and amusingly, I am some giant riding a huge frame. I'm 6'5" and my mountain bike is a 21" frame and if/when I get a roadie it'll be a 60+ cm frame. The RSX is still a consideration though, I've always liked them.