What terrible cars do you secretly look for? 

"fhrblig" (fhrblig) 10/11/2015 at 14:07 • Filed to: None

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Everyone loves to search Craigslist, eBay Motors, cars.com, etc. for cars and trucks,whether or not they are actually going to buy something. But do you look for cars that nobody else likes? I do. A LOT.

I can’t help myself, I like these rolling abominations. You can find them in manual form, even. Sure, it’ll be the worst manual you’ve ever driven, but whatever. I like the Suzuki Reno (neé Daewoo Lacetti hatch) too. These aren’t the only ones, either; I like Isuzus, Daihatsus, Renaults... basically anything orphaned I seem to have a soft spot for.

What terrible cars do you keep an eye out for?

dogisbadob > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:14

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The FWD A8, first-gen TT, Cateras, PT Cruiser GT’s, Caliber SRT4’s, HHR SS, the 00-04 V40, X-Type wagons come to mind. The Hyundai XG/Kia Amanti is cool for some reason, too.

Don’t forget about the Suzuki Forenza/Chevy Epica (Daewoo Magnus), which has an I6!

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:15

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1980s turbo Dodges: Daytonas, Shadows, Chargers, Lancers...hell, even Spirits and LeBarons. They're awful cars, I've owned like five of them and won't buy another, but I like to look.

dogisbadob > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:16

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4-cylinder wagons are usually awesome, but they really went out of their way to bomb with this one, though, with poor fuel economy as well. Suzuki Forenza here in the US, Chevy Optra/Optra5 in Canada.

My citroen won't start > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:23

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Reliable things: like the Azera

fhrblig > dogisbadob 10/11/2015 at 14:25

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I like the Caliber, even the non-SRT ones. At least as long as they don’t have a CVT. I approve of the XGs too. I don’t think I can quite appreciate the Verona though.

fhrblig > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 10/11/2015 at 14:27

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I really wanted a LeBaron GTS/Dodge Lancer. I almost bought one once, but the evil salesperson steered me toward a Sable instead.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:28

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Birddog > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 10/11/2015 at 14:28

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I knew I wasn’t alone. They can be made terrifyingly quick for pennies and usually sell cheap.

L bodies are where it’s at!

fhrblig > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/11/2015 at 14:31

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YESSSSSSSSSS.

Sam > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:32

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I always look for Mazda Protégé5s. They aren’t really terrible, but it’d be a downgrade from my E34.

Birddog > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:33

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Aside from Turbo Mopars I only search for 80s 3 Wheelers.

Kawasaki Tecate 3, Yamaha Tri Z and Honda ATC 250Rs and other semi Hi-Po bikes pop up once in a while in the $600-$800 range. At that price you’re almost guaranteed to turn a $400 profit on them.

fhrblig > dogisbadob 10/11/2015 at 14:33

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I didn’t know a manual transmission could be so bad before I drove one of these. It still won’t dissuade me.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:35

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I also saw one of these when I last went on vacation. I so regret no photographing it. It was maroon.

fhrblig > Sam 10/11/2015 at 14:35

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Yeah, I think I’ll have to disqualify that one because the Protegé5 is awesome.

fhrblig > My citroen won't start 10/11/2015 at 14:36

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Azera=Buick. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

duurtlang > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:38

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Anything from the Soviet block. Lada 2101 and the Trabant are the most obvious picks.

I also spotted an ‘86 Peugeot 205 CTI (GTI convertible) not too far for me. It’s in terrible optical condition with holes in the roof/plastic rear window taped shut and it has flat red paint. It does have a very recent inspection, so it can’t be that bad. To be fair, these are absolutely great car if in good condition. I’m planning on shoving a piece of paper under a wiper showing my interest plus my phone number.

PS9 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:39

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127 HP in 2008 from a 4 cylinder? That is terrible!

gmctavish needs more space > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:42

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90s Pontiacs for some reason. Bonneville SSE and SSEi

Grand Prix GTPs

I really don’t know why I like these

There's many more terrible things, but mobile kinja is hateful and it would take me all day

fhrblig > PS9 10/11/2015 at 14:48

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Oh,please. They got only 155 hp from an I6, what did you expect?

TheHondaBro > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:49

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It’s a secret...

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Birddog 10/11/2015 at 14:49

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They're actually shockingly expensive in New England now, since most of them are looooong gone thanks to road salt. There's some Daytonas nearby, but not much else.

PS9 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 14:51

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Numbers like those make baby Jesus Hephaestus cry.

fhrblig > gmctavish needs more space 10/11/2015 at 14:52

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No, those are good, Oldsmobile LSS included.

Birddog > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 10/11/2015 at 14:59

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Salt killed many here in the Midwest too. The ones for sale are usually Non-runners or Non-Turbo Grandma cars.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > dogisbadob 10/11/2015 at 15:00

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Correction:

The Verona was the US name for the Magnus and had the inline six. A 2.5 liter mill with a head designed by Porsche. No lie.

The wagon he posted was the Forenza/Lacetti.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:02

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At work there’s a leather kit for a 2005-07 Suzuki Forenza wagon in gray. It’s been sitting on the shelf for about nine years. The dust on the box is easily a quarter inch thick.

gmctavish needs more space > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:05

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I've never driven any, but I have an s10 blazer, and I'd be a bit concerned if their build quality is as bad as my blazers...but I do like them

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:05

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From a Porsche-designed I6 even!

fhrblig > gmctavish needs more space 10/11/2015 at 15:07

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Build quality, schmild quality. Whaddya, wanna live forever?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:08

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Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-type. Such a damned nightmare but I want one. Plus a Lincoln with a stickshift and V6 can’t be that bad, right? RIGHT?

El Rivinado > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:09

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1990-1992 Oldsmobile Toronado/Toronado Trofeo.

I like the styling, I heard the engine holds up pretty well, but it's an early 90s GM Product that started life in the mid 80s. I have a feeling it's going to be a plasticky, cheapo, POS. Still won't sway me from one anyway.

fhrblig > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 10/11/2015 at 15:09

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This times a million. I fucking love the S-type and the LS.

dogisbadob > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 10/11/2015 at 15:13

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Yes, you’re right, I knew that. I don’t know why I wrote Forenza!

Berang > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:14

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Daihatsu Charade.

I also look for Subaru Justys, but those were good cars and some people like them.

fhrblig > Berang 10/11/2015 at 15:16

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They were so popular here. I see Charades often.

Amoore100 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:27

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fhrblig > Amoore100 10/11/2015 at 15:31

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See, I don’t think that’s terrible though. Understated and tasteful are good things in my book.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:41

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I keep looking for a 1st Gen Ssangyong Musso GX220. I have no idea why, but I really want one.

Amoore100 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 15:48

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I don’t know... Jalopnik begs to differ.. .

I’d take a nice one in a heartbeat though, preferably a later one with a redblock turbo 4...

fhrblig > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 10/11/2015 at 16:03

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I had hoped that Daewoo would have imported those to the US for the brief time that they controlled SsangYong (and the Korando), but it didn’t happen.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 16:11

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I always liked the look of the Korando too. Given a few inches more ride height and some chunkier rubber, it would’ve been a good looking car. But alas...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 17:21

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Pre-2011 Dodge Avenger R/T 3.5L SOHC V6

Cavalier Z24

90s Bonnevilles

Refreshed blob Taurus SES Duratec

Isuzu Axiom

Early Saturn SC2

Dodge Nitro 4.0L

That’s all I can think of right now.

wiffleballtony > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 18:08

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Anything riced. Preferably a base model Eclipse. Not because I like them in any way. It’s just like a morbid Where’s Waldo game.

QCGoose > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 10/11/2015 at 19:06

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Ah the Axiom. I always liked those things, and if I remember right, they were actually pretty well liked by the media.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 21:16

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I saw a Suzuki Aerio sedan earlier today....I’ve never actually minded them and they supposedly weren’t THAT bad, but they are very uncommon now...

fhrblig > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 10/11/2015 at 21:18

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I’ve driven one and it was ok for the most part, but they were so noisy inside. It gets on your nerves quickly.

Big-Oil > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 21:59

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‘74-’76 Mercury Cougars, Ramblers, late 50’s Ford Pickups, AMC Hornets, Ford Econoline Pickups, 1st gen Corvairs, Volkswagen 411s and 412s and Dashers, Subaru Justy, Porsche 924’s, Mopar C bodies (especially brown or gold Imperials, Dodge Raiders, Dodge A-100 vans, BMW Bavarias, 1st gen Land Rover Discoveries. That was just today’s searches.

Big-Oil > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 10/11/2015 at 22:01

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In 2007 I took a trip from Denver to Los Angeles in her brand new Forenza. That is the worst, most uncomfortable road trip I have ever taken. The worst seats ever.

fhrblig > Big-Oil 10/11/2015 at 22:05

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You had me at VW 411. And also Justy.

 > fhrblig 10/11/2015 at 22:42

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Define terrible. I have an aquired taste.

911e46z06 > fhrblig 10/12/2015 at 00:26

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Someday I’ll wake up from a 3-day bender and find one of these in the garage.

fhrblig >  10/12/2015 at 00:27

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Cars that most people look at and have to stifle the dry heaves. You know, like a Caliber. Which is also a car I secretly like for no good reason.

pip bip - choose Corrour > fhrblig 10/12/2015 at 05:51

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Lada Samara.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > fhrblig 10/12/2015 at 20:50

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My dad has a Suzuki Forenza wagon. It’s pretty terrible.