Help me find my next car (if you dare)

"190e30-Now with COSWORTH" (190e30) 09/07/2013 at 13:50 • Filed to: None

0

28

So the Neon's sold, (back to the guy who raced it, coincidentally) and the Audi always is for sale for the right price, plus I'd like to sell it sometime soon while its still under 90k. So that brings me to my next car. Normally, I'd just search for a really long time until I eventually found something, but this time its different. I figured I'd come to Oppo, since you guys always know what to do, but here's the catch: I have some very specific qualifications, making my Audi possibly the only car that suits me. So I challenge you, the Opponauts, to find a car that fits me. Here are your qualifications:

-It has to be $5k or less (I'll also accept $6k or $7k, because I could potentially bargain it down to $5k from there) on an under 100k mile car. I typically buy my cars to try and sell for a profit, (even if it doesn't always work) so needing to dump money into the car won't help. Plus, I've found its harder to sell a desireable car once it breaks that 100k

-It has to be safe, (My parents won't let me buy it otherwise) which also excludes convertibles due to their lack of head protection

-Cannot be Japanese (Not that I have anything against them at all, but anyone who has ever been in one will know that weird, thin, tinny feeling the doors have when you shut them. As a result of this thin metal feeling, see above)

-Cannot be too fast (Also by my parents specifications)

-Must be interesting or intriguing- I'm not saying I need another ex-racecar or something like that, but I'd like something I can talk about. Something rare, something interesting, something different, something with hertiage, something abstract...you get my point.

-Must be stick-because racecar

-Drivetrain- I'm not that picky. I've done the whole 4wd and Fwd thing already, but Winter is coming and I'm in New England, so RWD doesn't make too much sense.

-Cheap to insure- I'll be 17 in November. So even if a car costs $1500 for you to insure, it could cost twice that for me.

-I really like cars from 1990-2000 (just my personal preference, inexplicably. However, I'd definitely take cars older or newer)

-Must be fun- As a direct result of the fact that I can't own anything fast, I want something that can either tear my face off in the twisties (such as my Neon or even my Audi). I also love the feeling of just colossal torque, so really either/or would work.

-Must seat people- I don't necessarily need a wagon, (although I'd love one) but it needs at least 5 seats.

-Cheap to maintain- this could either mean that parts are cheap or it could mean parts are expensive yet the car rarely need said parts.

-Reliable-I don't want to always be dumping money into it, but I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road either.

With that, here are some cars that I love but didn't quite make the cut:

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Everything I like. A tiny, wailing 4 cylinder, a blast in the corners, and pretty to top it off. Unfortunately, not so safe.

BMW 2002- Same as above

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Same as above. +2000 points for the wagon

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - We have one in the family right now. I've driven it a lot, and while I love the torque from the turbo, the exhaust note, the space, and those AMAZING seats, something about it just doesn't get me going. Maybe something about the appearance, I'm not sure.

Any E30- This is going to seem weird, but I'm just not that interested. I know its probably the perfect answer to my question, (even if it is hard to find a low mileage, good, clean one for under $7k) but I think I'd rather have something a bit more abstract.

AMC Javelin-Well...there's a number of reasons why this one doesn't work. But I like them a lot.

Merkur XR4TI- While there's nothing wrong with these at all and they're awesome, I'm scared of them. There doesn't seem to be anyone that really wants them, meaning no resale.

And there's a lot more, but you get the idea. Here's some cars that are good answers, but I will not accept:

Miata, Foxbody, F-Body, SVO, S2000, etc etc

I'm a firm believer thatAudi is the only maker that fits these qualities, with the durable 5 cylinder, lots of airbags, thick metal, lots of cars with stick, various fast wagons, and more. I'm a firm believer that my next car will probably be a 95 S6 Avant or a 200 20v Avant, but I'd love to be proven wrong.

And with that, I say good luck and thank you.

Sectorgraphics > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 13:52

0

As always Volvo Amazon.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Sectorgraphics 09/07/2013 at 13:54

0

YES YES YES. I've had my eye on this one on Ebay for ages, that's basically pristine. The only issue with them is that I've heard once they get up there, they can be a bit of a headache and eat parts. A posibility, but I'm not sure

dogisbadob > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 14:06

0

Audi does not fit those qualities: frequent expensive problems, expensive parts if you can even get them!

My 96 ES300's doors do NOT feel tinny, nor did my 91 ES250. Although the 80s cars were tin cans, and Toyota started to cheap out a bit after he late 90s. The ES250 is an interesting car, and is available with a stick. It's funny that you're considering a Datsun 510 though.

How about a Focus ZX5? 4-door hatch, reasonably available manual transmission (unlike the wagon), 4 airbags. There is traction control available, but not too many Foci have them.

The Hyundai Elantra GT is also a good choice. Four airbags available, hatchback, leather, and sporty too! You can use some Tiburon parts too to make it more fun.

How about a Volvo 850 wagon? Not Japanese, decent reliability at least by European standards, side airbags were available from 95-on, and only nonturbo wagons were available with a stick, so not too fast.

There is also the NG900 Saab. Lots of safety, not too fast, only slight GM influence (but more of that would come in 99 when they renamed it 93)

The Saturn wagons were available with manual transmissions, both the S-series and larger L-series (but only the 4-cylinder L-series). Stick to 96+ on the S-series and you shouldn't have too many problems. The SW1 was available in RHD, but only with an automatic transmission.

feather-throttle-not-hair > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 14:08

0

I was about to recommend an old Taurus SHO, but then you said it had to be reliable so never mind.

What about an SVT contour? Unlike the SHO, which has a rep for being kinda unreliable, i have no idea what the rep is for the Contour, other than that it has a reputation for having kind of a small back seat and is supposed to be actually quite good to drive.

Edit: also both of those cars are stupidly cheap to find used.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 14:12

0

E46 BMW. You should be able to find an early one for less than $5k, probably with under 100,000 miles. In January of 2009 I bought a 2000 323i with 89,000 miles for $7800, you should be able to find something similar in the $5k range now.

An E36 BMW could work too but it's getting harder and harder to find one that isn't trashed, plus the E46s had significantly more creature comforts.

Other options: Volvo S60. I used to drive a 2001 Volvo S60 and it was fantastic, comfortable, reasonably quick, super safe, attractive etc. The stick shift ones are rare but they can be found, probably applies to Volvo S40 as well.

VW GTI
Old Volvo 200 series (check out turbobricks.com)

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 09/07/2013 at 14:23

0

All good ideas. There aren't currently any e46s for cheap enough in my area, but I'll be keeping my eye out.

I LOVE all the older Volvos, but my parents have already put a big no on most of them (Not sure why)

BJohnson11 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 14:25

0

Couple questions/notes: What do you deem as "safe"? Airbags? Or just kinda modern and 3 point shoulder harnesses?

And in terms of insurance, register the car to your parents and get on their insurance plan. As much as I didn't want to, I registered my new truck to my dad so that I can be on their insurance plan and have cheaper rates, even though I'm still paying for the insurance.

On to cars though! What area are you in? So that I can browse CL for you. But being a fan of American muscle, I'd suggest maybe a Fox body Mustang (get em cheap, lots of fun potential), maybe a 4th gen Camaro (first ones with LS1 engines). Volvo Turbo wagons can be badass. Maybe a mini truck (S10, older Lightning).

Also, just go to CL, put in search limits up to 7 grand, and look at everything under the sun. You find things that you'd never think of.

EDIT: Didn't read no Foxbody. So ignore that I guess. But out of curiosity, why no fox body?

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > dogisbadob 09/07/2013 at 14:30

0

My Coupe has been pretty decent to me. No real issues and the few that it had were so minor they were practically optional.

I might just have bad experience with Japanese cars then. When I wrote it, the cars I had in mind were a 2009 Subaru STI my dad had, a 2011 Forester my Uncle has, and a 2004 Honda Accord my friend had until she got rear-ended the other day. As far as I can remember, I've never sat in a "real lexus," (my grandma has one, but as far as I can see its really just a Camry) so that's a possibility.

If I was to get a Focus, I'd probably get an SVT, mostly for the increased resale value. I've seen some low mileage ones in my price range, but never really thought of buying one until now. I'll have to keep my eye out.

I asked my dad about the Hyundai, to which he just replied, "Nope." So I guess that's out.

I love me my Volvos. I don't know why, because no one else in my family can stand them. I would be overjoyed with an 850R, but those are too hard to find clean and in my range. An 850 would be great too. I'll keep my eye out for those as well.

Muchos Gracias

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > feather-throttle-not-hair 09/07/2013 at 14:32

0

From what I've heard, the Contours are horrendously unreliable. But that exhaust note...

Sho's are so cool. My parents had one before I was born, so my Dad has been on an eternal search for a clean one. He's never found a good one, so I'll have to look into it more. I do have a feeling that they're a bit too unreliable though, that's a shame

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > BJohnson11 09/07/2013 at 14:36

0

Safe for me would indeed be airbags, a good ole 3pt seat belt, tough metal...not necessarily modern, but when I asked about a Volvo Amazon my dad said they're too old.

My parents also said that Foxbodies and Camaros are too fast/not safe enough. Which is really a shame, because I'd kill for a clean Capri.

Volvo Turbo wagons are interesting. I'll definitely be searching for a clean one. I will also be trying the craigslist trick once I get home. I can't wait for the bizarre things that are bound to greet me.

BJohnson11 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 15:02

0

Ah yes, the airbags requirement does start to restrict things. That's going to mean mid 90's and up. Look for an older Ford Lightning. That'd be pretty badass. 351 Windsor with a decent amount of power potential, sleeper looks, and if you get a late enough year (they made them 93-95), they might have airbags.

GhostZ > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 15:03

2

Not that I have anything against them at all, but anyone who has ever been in one will know that weird, thin, tinny feeling the doors have when you shut them.

You have just described every Classic Datsun. Including the 510!

A 510 wagon is badass. Just remember that they have a solid rear axle (like a Mustang or a truck) and not the independent rear suspension that the sedans had.

Look into a Volvo 240 Turbo also. You may be able to convince your parents that its safety overrides its 'speed' (its still not fast by today's standards).

That looks like it fits your bill way better than any Audi does.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 15:03

0

What about a 190E? I'm sure you could find one for well under 5 grand.

Hell, you could probably find a 2.6 for much less and then use the money saved to offset the insurance.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 09/07/2013 at 15:14

0

I thought the same, until I discovered they are always automatic/project cars, it seems. I looked everywhere for a manual 300E/190E, and almost got ripped off on the manual-converted 300E. They have tons of problems if not taken care od meticulously, and repairs are expensive.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > GhostZ 09/07/2013 at 15:15

0

The 510 would work well if it were safer. I am looking at 240s, but it seems that no one has maintained theirs or they need repairs...

GhostZ > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 09/07/2013 at 15:20

0

You may need to wait for the right car to come up on sale. Maybe go to enthusiast forums (I'm sure they exist) and see if they have a classifieds section.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 15:24

1

Apparently the E36 compact handles like it's on rails and has a nice, revvy engine. It is a very short car with very little overhang, and a very capable chassis. It also came with a nice getrag 5-speed; only problems are looks (subjective) in the interior and exterior and the E30 rear suspension which causes it to go sideways in spirited driving. My neighbor has had one for a long time, and I'm itching to inquire about her plans for it. It's a rear wheel drive hatchback with more interior space than the E36 coupe and a big hatch with room for an S54/S50 swap if you so desire when you win the lottery. Where could you go wrong?

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > GhostZ 09/07/2013 at 16:23

0

I'd love a flathood, especially a wagon. But I've been looking forever and haven't seen ONE that was for sale. I just recently joined turbobricks though, maybe that will work out

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > BJohnson11 09/07/2013 at 16:27

0

I've looked into them in the past, along with that Chevy SS with a 454. I love the idea of a fast pickup, but I needz me a manual

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > BJohnson11 09/07/2013 at 16:29

0

No foxbody because my parents already deemed them too fast. Believe me, if it wasn't for that, I'd be all over a notchback

dogisbadob > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 18:10

0

I thought you said "not too fast" and of course the 850R is automatic-only anyway.

Isn't the SVTF too fast also? I don't know if insurance is a factor for you, but it is probably high on anything called SVT, and finding a decent 4-door SVT may be difficult. Anyway I'd get a manual transmission non-SVT wagon if you can actually find one.

If resale value is actually a concern, get a Honda. Yeah I know you don't like Japanese cars, but of course Honda is the king of resale value of any "regular" car. Sadly even the Japanese don't make cars like they used to. Unfortunately Toyota's heyday was between 15-20 years ago :(

The two Lexuses I mentioned are rebadged Camrys, and as such even the Camry had that solid feeling like it was created out of a single piece; heck, even the Tercel and Corolla of the mid 90s felt like high quality in and out. I never owned the LS400 which I'm sure is even better than any ES.

How about the 2002+ Alero? Available as a 2- or 4-door, and manual transmission with the Ecotec. It gets pretty good mpg that rivals that of much smaller cars and can be had with many features of both the luxury and safety types.

And you're welcome.

trynthink > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 20:23

1

If you can find one, you could get a Contour SVT instead of the Focus SVT. They have basically no resale value to begin with, so any you do find will probably be cheap to buy, regardless of mileage. The Contours can be a little troublesome, but if you find one that's been well-maintained, it shouldn't be too bad. I owned one that went 160k without major problems. Also, factory parts are dirt cheap and easy to find.

What about a late 80s Saab 900 Turbo? Probably as interesting to drive as a 240 Turbo but possibly even more quirk cred. Might be hard to find.

I also support others' suggestions of a 318ti or an 850 Turbo.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > trynthink 09/07/2013 at 20:30

0

I've looked into the 900 Turbos. I love everything about them, but I've heard that those too can be a bit of a headache.

There's actually a black Contour SVT down the street from me that's for sale. I'll have to talk to the owner about it. Plus, I love the exhaust note.

318ti is possibly the most realistic response so far. For whatever reason my Dad is absolutely against anything made by Volvo (unfortunately for me, the Audi driver whose favorite T-shirt is a Volvo Racing one and has dreams about owning a flathood 240), but seems to be ok with the BMW.

bhardoin > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 20:51

0

I'm in total agreement with ghost: if you're ruling out old Datsuns, those old volvo bricks are the best. You can definitely find a stick, they're quick but not too quick, RWD, safe, pretty fun.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > bhardoin 09/07/2013 at 21:23

1

I really do love them, but for whatever reason my Dad hates them and doesn't want me getting one.

We've been talking about it a lot tonight, and it seems like (despite breaking my own qualifications) I'll be in the market for a 2005 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.5GT. It's apparently pretty safe, its a complete sleeper, which I absolutely love (0-60 in 5.3 seconds! That's crazy!), parts are reasonable and so is insurance, and reliable.

bhardoin > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/07/2013 at 21:29

0

That's another solid option. Well chosen.

trynthink > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/08/2013 at 11:29

0

That's incredibly bizarre that he'd support a 3er and not a 240 or 850, even though safety is one of the criteria. I guess there's no accounting for people's individual biases.

I'm not sure that the 900 Turbo would be more of a headache than an Audi, but I've only known one person who had one, and it was meticulously maintained its entire life. I guess you would need to find a specialist to get parts, but if you're in New England, that shouldn't be too hard.

Anyway, keep us updated. I'm eager to hear what you find about about the CSVT down the street.

911e46z06 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 09/11/2013 at 02:22

0

second