Oppo! Commuter Car for $3k or Less That Won't Make Me Want to Die

"That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms" (thatbastardkurtis5)
12/18/2014 at 15:00 • Filed to: None

Okay Oppo, here's my situation.

For the last sixth months, I've been working a job that I don't particularly care for for people that I quite like. I gave my notice two weeks ago and tomorrow was to be my last day, but when I went in today my boss (a really great and terrific guy) offered me a different position...a position that didn't exist, but which they've created because they like me and don't want to lose me.

Needless to say, I was flattered and accepted. The problem I have is that a part of my job right now is a service vehicle, and my new position will include a 50 mile one-way commute. That's fine, I'm an Opponaut, I like to drive. But I have three vehicles:

2001 Ford F-150: 5.4L V8, 250k miles, 12-13mpg highway.

1969 Chevrolet Corvair: 45 years old, no radio, 19mpg highway.

1984 Jaguar XJ12: British.

So I find myself in need of a cheap, fuel efficient, and reliable but not altogether boring set of wheels for around $3000. Standard shift is of course preferred, front or all wheel drive since I'm in New England, and 30ish MPG.

My initial thoughts are: 02ish Civic Si or RSX, VW GTi, SVT Focus.

Suggestions?

DISCUSSION (33)

promoted by the color red > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:04

The SVT Focus is the only one you listed worth buying at the 3k price point. Also look for a '92-'00 Civic anything or an Integra LS. Oh, and throw in a few kill switches and buy a pedal-mounted CLUB.

Funktheduck > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:05

I would've sold you my corolla for cheap. You wouldn't be thrilled with the drive but it got close to 40mpg on the highway. Alas, it is no more.

TheHondaBro > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:05

Honda CRX? Of course, if you can squeeze yourself in one.

E. Julius > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:07

I've driven Civics and Foci before; they're good cars and they'll meet your requirements. I haven't driven the RSX, but I've heard nothing but good things about it. The VW will lag behind the rest in the reliability department. In that price range you're probably talking about a non–negligible reliability difference between the performance versions (Si, SVT) and the regular models. If you can find a clean one go for it, but as long as you get even a base model with a manual you should be able to have fun in something that light without the extra go fast bits.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:09

A little above your price, but buy this! http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-have-all-the…

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:09

I know you said fwd or awd but consider a E36 325 or 328 or E39 up to '98 528 or 540 or 530

briannutter1 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:14

Volvo v70? electronic issues but drivetrain is very sound.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > TheHondaBro
12/18/2014 at 15:14

The CRX also came readily to mind. I am, it should be said, a fat tub of goo. Never sat in one, but I'd check one out anyway.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
12/18/2014 at 15:15

I used to have an e36 328i, really nice car, and they've come way down in price. I also briefly had a 540i...I want to say it was a mid 90s model, sold it for a friend of mine. I suppose the drive wheels isn't a big deal, I can always get snow tires.

swansong, rockin' the wagons > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:16

My vote goes to SVT Focus. Kinda wish I would have kept mine, but I couldn't pass up $4k going in my pocket. They're cheap to buy, relatively efficient (premium required though) and reliability/maintenance isn't too much different from a regular Zetec. Just gotta change the timing belt on time, and they can be picky about oxygen sensors and other electronics. Tons of fun though.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:16

I would vote against the SVT Focus, unless you can wrench yourself. There are a ton of SVT-specific parts that are very hard to find now. Also it's really not that much better a commuter car than your Corvair. I have a 2002 Sonic Blue and I only get about 2o MPG in the winter. It's really isn't very good around town.

I would recommend getting an ~05 Focus with the 2.3L Duratec and a 5-speed. Much more reliable, and you can bolt on the SVT suspension and seats for a nicer ride. The 2.3 has more torque everywhere so you'll get better mileage and it doesn't need premium like the SVT does. (And that is REQUIRED on the SVT, not merely recommended)

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
12/18/2014 at 15:16

I saw that in my Bring a Trailer email this morning! I'd love an AE86...in fact, I would consider selling the Corvair and merging it with the money for the commuter for an AE86.

MylesD > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:17

Having owned a bullet proof one of these - Acura 2.2 CL with the 5 speed manual. It's better looking than a civic or something, gives you a tad of luxury (ok, not really but some people might think so), and it's not going to die. Probably more reliable that the RSX and the Si, if I had to guess? Sure, it's slower.

If you can find one that hasn't been riced out or tinted purple, good for you.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:17

Do that and buy this one!

This has to be one of the absolute cleanest AE86s out there. You're unlikely to find one this nice again.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
12/18/2014 at 15:18

This is why I come to Oppo. I had test driven an SVT Focus back in the day, but I didn't know the particulars of it. I used to sell Fords, and I was quite fond of the 05ish ones...I drove a 4 door gray SES as a demo, I liked that car a lot.

And when you own a Jaguar, you have to be able to wrench...otherwise you'll never get to drive it, haha.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MylesD
12/18/2014 at 15:22

The single worst car I've ever seen in my life was an Acura CL. It was one that a guy was trying to trade in at a Lexus dealership where I was working...it was dropped, the interior smelled like the inside of Tommy Chong's favorite bong, and no two connecting body panels were the same color. He wanted $3000 for it, I offered him $100. They're nice cars though, a friend of mine had one and loved it.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > briannutter1
12/18/2014 at 15:23

Probably a little bigger than I want to go. I do like Volvos though, I wouldn't say no to an older brick.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:24

A good commuter car the SVT Focus is not.

A superbly engineered package and a blast to drive? Yes, quite.

But only when you can drive the crap out of it. Seriously I get better mileage in the summer when I can beat the shit out of it. Maybe it doesn't like winter blend. Maybe my smaller 16" winter wheels and tires somehow affect mileage that much. Mostly I think it's because I rarely get the opportunity to really wind the thing out and clean the injectors/valves/etc.

The SVT suspension does not bolt directly to the sedan. You will have to get the hatch to avoid making modifications.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
12/18/2014 at 15:25

That's a fact. They've all been riced or have rusted into neat little piles. I'll be interested to see where it ends, but probably somewhere north of $3k plus a technicolor Corvair, haha.

MylesD > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:27

Haha, I completely believe that. I accidentally undersold mine and still regret it - craigslist guy came and was amazed how stock it was and didn't even try to haggle with me. Deal took all of 10 minutes. Miss her :(

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:30

I'm guessing it will end up going for around $5,000-5,500

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
12/18/2014 at 15:31

That's a fair guess. I was thinking $6000ish myself.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 15:34

I'd say it's worth $5,500, but you're probably right that it will go for around $6,000.

Textured Soy Protein > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 16:00

Everything on your list—and it's a good list—will most likely have been riced to hell by now. Also, many of them need premium fuel, which kinda works against your goal of low fuel costs.

But if you want to focus on options that take regular fuel, that'd be the Civic Si, base RSX, Focus SVT and Celica GT. The SVT Focus doesn't get as good mileage as the others though.

(The RSX-S, Celica GT-S, Prelude and GTI 1.8T all take premium.)

My choice of the bunch would be the Civic Si. It's mechanically identical to the base RSX but has more room and better visibility. The Celica is even more cramped inside than the RSX.

Good luck finding a close-to-stock one.

Juan Tawn > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 16:24

I was thinking on recommending a CRX because every AE86 I have ever seen was ruined. This is something to behold.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/18/2014 at 16:30

Kinja'd!!!

How about a rust free 1993 Mazda 323 Auto on Miata DUBS ? You'll have to come to Canada to get it though.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Textured Soy Protein
12/18/2014 at 16:41

Civic Si and the RSX are the current clubhouse leaders, especially given that examples (especially of the RSX) seem to be available near me and in my price range. Looks like I'll be car shopping this weekend.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
12/18/2014 at 16:42

That's a sharp little car. I think I remember reading the article where you bought the wheels.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > TheHondaBro
12/19/2014 at 08:12

Ever been in a CRX? They're one of the roomiest Hondas I've ever driven.

They don't look big on the outside but they're huge on the inside. Kind of like the Fit.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/19/2014 at 08:15

I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment with your choices. Anything of those you find within your price range will probably be a total shitheap.

Might I suggest a Ford Probe (Mazda MX6). They're decently peppy and you can probably find a halfway decent one for your price cap. Even the base model with the 4 cyl is fun to drive. When I had mine I was pulling down somewhere in the low 30s in mixed driving.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
12/19/2014 at 10:03

Probe/MX6 is a nice car, though I've never owned one. I think I'm skipping all of those for an '03 Civic EX coupe. Super clean, low miles, recent timing belt replacement.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms
12/19/2014 at 10:18

Manual or automatic with the Civic? Honda autos can be trouble prone. At least they used to be. Not sure about that specific generation of Civic.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
12/19/2014 at 11:52

Yeah, I've heard that about the autos on the 7th gen Civic, I think they ended up extending the powertrain warranty on them. This one is a 5 speed...if I'm going to drive something 100 miles a day, I need to at least have a little excitement.