Best Daily Driver For Under $10,000

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars)
11/30/2015 at 22:11 • Filed to: None

Even as I write the title, I expect I’ll have many different answers that many of us won’t agree on, but I’m really just curious. Even my own suggestion is completely subjective. But really, Oppo is a community, and I’d like to hear the voices of the community weigh in on the subject.

Background: I’m dumping the Mazda 3 in favor something with more excitement and three pedals. Could be a beater or could use the full $10k, but it’s a matter of chance really. for $10k, I’d elect a six-digit mile CTS V, because it has an LS engine and isn’t a Corvette. That’s basically it.

I’m sincerely at the point where I’ve owned enough types of vehicle that I’m no longer trying to buy something that’s the best. I just like LS engines, comfy seats and saying I own a Cadillac.

However, hit me with your answer in the comment section and we’ll duke it out. Perhaps you’ll nominate a car I’ve completely forgotten about. It’s been too long since I’ve communicated with the people of Oppo, so I’m curious what’s going on around here.

DISCUSSION (81)

GeorgeyBoy > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:15

I have no suggestions, I’m just here to duke it out.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:17

I’m gonna say an SE Camry. There’s a lot that you can do to modify it, being a Camry it’ll never fall apart, mainly it’s reliability. Being a Daily Driver, the fact it’s great to drive is just as important as knowing that it’ll guarantee start every morning.

Zyrtec just kicked in, yo > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:18

Ha, I saw the thread title and came here to recommend a Mazda3! Can seat 4-5 adults, hatchback gives lots of luggage space, stick shift, fun to drive, reliable, relatively efficient. For a little more room and a little less mileage, a 6 wagon would also be a solid choice.

I am also happy to duke it out.

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:20

The answer is (still) e39.

Kinja'd!!!

Jay Lauer > GeorgeyBoy
11/30/2015 at 22:20

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:21

There are plenty of good suggestions, so I’m just going to nominate my car. OR rather, one just like it only slightly newer and with fewer miles.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Or, if you think that a DD should be FWD and get better MPG, have I got a unicorn for you. The 3.7 V8, FWD A8 was only available for a short time in the US and sold incredibly poorly.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:22

Go full Tavarish and get an old S class

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > 911e46z06
11/30/2015 at 22:22

Can confirm. Even a base 528/525 is fantastic.

Jay Lauer > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
11/30/2015 at 22:24

90s Audi’s as your nominations. Bold choices.

I’ll give you credit for coming in well under the budget and assume the remainder is to be used for maintenance whenever everything literally falls apart.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:24

Kinja'd!!!

After this you will wish you still had a Mazda 3 automatic.

Jay Lauer > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
11/30/2015 at 22:24

Because his buying advice is so sound. Might be a $10k car to buy, but it’s a $100k car to service.

Zyrtec just kicked in, yo > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:25

Are you concerned about reliability? A high-miles high-performance Caddy sounds a bit scary to me.

TheHondaBro > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
11/30/2015 at 22:25

I was gonna suggest V6 Accord, but then I realized the only ones under $10k have questionable transmissions. Camry is good.

Jay Lauer > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
11/30/2015 at 22:26

Oh god.

I’ll give you points for creativity. Using the challenge as a form of punishment for me first-world bitching about me not liking my perfectly acceptable Mazda.

Bravo.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:26

i just searched CL quick prices between 8 and 10k. here is a few cars I’d rock.

2008 SRT4 Caliber. found two of these in the price range.
http://duluth.craigslist.org/cto/5330591371…

2007 Mazdaspeed6, once again more than one in the “just under 10k” price raneg http://duluth.craigslist.org/cto/5265008288…

2010 TDi JSW high miles tho to reach the price point. the whole “dieselgate” BS has helped TDI prices a bit. This one really only works id you have a long commute though. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ctd/533810…

2011 Honda CRZ. IDK if the CRZ is fun to drive or not, but I really want to have faith in them. 35 MPG and low end torque, plus IMO a good looking little coupe body. I can dig it. But e quick test drive could quickly prove me wrong http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/533674…

2006 G35 Sedan MT. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/533332…

Jay Lauer > Zyrtec just kicked in, yo
11/30/2015 at 22:27

Not particularly. I’ve had two vehicles with this drivetrain before. Each used car is subjective though.

Spaceball-Two > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:28

I drove an Acura TL recently. Good power, nice interior and I understand they're pretty reliable.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:28

So far the only major repair I’ve had in the time I’ve owned mine (bought with 115k miles, now has 133k) is the gradual decay of one of the two cats. Other than that, it’s been pretty much reliable and not at all expensive to run, aside from the fact that it gets 16mpg around town.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:28

E36 M3 would be a very fun and somewhat reasonable choice.

j250ex > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:29

Kinja'd!!!

Jay Lauer > 911e46z06
11/30/2015 at 22:29

I drove an E39 M5 last week and it was fantastic.

But as a fellow Vette owner, isn’t having an LS just better?

Also, god damn. That pictured E39 looks great.

Jay Lauer > j250ex
11/30/2015 at 22:31

Holy shit I forgot about the R-Class.

R63 all day.

j250ex > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:31

Kinja'd!!!

Well before kinja shits it’s pants a minute ago I was trying to add text to the Mercedes r class. Under 100,000 miles and comes with a warranty. I know the looks aren’t for everyone but the color is interesting and it looks good.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:32

I have a 2006 Mazda 3, I love it.

yitznewton > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:33

Just throwing some stuff out there...

2009 Acura TSX manual, 108k

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

2010 MINI Cooper S manual, 56k

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Looks like the Mk5 GTIs are breaking 10k now... not sure I can recommend that investment though :} although I suppose I wouldn’t expect worse reliability than the MINI.

Jay Lauer > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
11/30/2015 at 22:33

I had an 05 hatchback manual. Tons of fun. The 2011 excels in different areas, but the strike against it is the auto.

Also, stepping down from an STI/Vette into this probably affects my judgment.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:35

The first gen CTS has not aged well for me, and I lusted after one forever...

Jay Lauer > itranthelasttimeiparkedit
11/30/2015 at 22:36

I think the second gen kicked the hell out of it in looks, but I wouldn’t say it’s early 2000’s Mercedes levels of dated.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:36

Kinja'd!!!

If you have money to burn and patience with canbus wiring, you can have both.

Zyrtec just kicked in, yo > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:36

All right, my suggestions:

Acura TL. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. Our neighbor has one that he absolutely babies. Sounds like a fun car, but still very reliable.

Nobody’s said it yet, but WRX? Will definitely get you more power and a stick shift while still maintaining practicality.

V6 Accord with a six-speed. You can find one under your budget. 6-speed should negate most transmission worries.

E39 525i, 530i, or 540i, with maint/repair costs going up as the numbers get larger.

DoYouEvenShift > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:36

Do it!!! Good friend has one. LS6 is an amazing engine!! The 6 speed is glorious fun. The Brembos are amazing. As a daily, it blends in to traffic to all the normal people, thats fun.

Do it because everyone should drive something fun as a DD.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:37

Can you get a Lexus LS430 for under $10k? If so, I’d buy that. Comfy, reasonably quick, reliable as gravity, and has more toys than you’ll ever use.

Your boy, BJR > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:38

Kinja'd!!!

Purple Cadillac is always the answer.

Under_Score > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:43

I looked at your older posts, and that’s one nice 3, especially with the blacked out wheels and badges. Keep the 3; depending on your age, if you get married and become a father within the next ten years, the 3 will probably be well-alive still and look a lot cooler than the CPO 2023 Honda CR-V LX AWD another car guy’s wife made him trade in his NB Miata for. Just saying that there’s the general practicality aspect of the 3.

whoarder is tellurium > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:44

Eighth Gen Honda Civic Si Sedan/Coupe - IF you can mind the transmission and a little rev hang, they’re really fun cars to drive. No modifications needed. Rev the piss out of em too and they’ll take every minute of it.

Kinja'd!!!

Jay Lauer > Under_Score
11/30/2015 at 22:47

Oh, I ripped the black off already. It’s already up for sale, and since I normally only keep a car for six months tops, I’ll buy something kid/wife friendly when the day never comes.

I was going to buy a Mazdaspeed3 two weeks ago, but that deal fell apart in the most amazing way. I’m a big fan of hot hatches for daily drivers.

Zyrtec just kicked in, yo > Zyrtec just kicked in, yo
11/30/2015 at 22:47

Ooh, also the RX8.

getFuckedHerb > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)
11/30/2015 at 22:48

Funny thing is, that’s a FREAKING WAGON too.

Ask him about his fish tank. Don’t tell him I sent him.

Jay Lauer > whoarder is tellurium
11/30/2015 at 22:48

Perfectly good answer. Makes a ton of sense.

Only reason I wouldn’t is that I’m a torque guy. For reasons that makes zero sense, I don’t like revving out engines. I had an s2000 before, and didn’t like having to rev it so hard. I always thought I was hurting it, even though I wasn’t.

Jay Lauer > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/30/2015 at 22:49

Fuck yes.

I road tripped one of those. They are fantastic. Just fantastic.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > j250ex
11/30/2015 at 22:52

“Nice Pacifica” This is what I think every time I see one of these Benzes. And god do i HATE Pacificas. I’m sure most of the Chrysler’s problems were fixed on the Merc though, being that they were all 100% build quality related.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:54

Considering how awesome the Mazda 3 is, it really is a first world problem, too.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:55

being a Honda guy I love revving an engine out, and I envy your experience in an S2000. I don’t think I could really enjoy driving anything with less than a 7000RPM redline. But that’s not true because I like TDi’s.

Jay Lauer > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
11/30/2015 at 22:55

Corvettes, man. Corvettes.

Jay Lauer > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
11/30/2015 at 22:56

I’ll take my shaming. It handles very well, but needs a manual.

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:57

Not really. I’ve driven the old Vs and they’re kind of pigs. The motor is great, but the car really wasn’t designed to mesh with the motor (on an unrelated note: they did way better with the SS). I don’t know the numbers, but an e39 540 is probably just about as fast as an old V in a straight line, and handles so much better it’s not even in the same discussion. More comfortable and better gas mileage too.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 22:58

How American. Then again, that has always made me wonder about the Europeans - they like diesels and engines like the one in my car, which is like a diesel with a higher redline...

Milky > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:01

Im just here to say shit people forgot/dont like.

Kinja'd!!!

Amoore100 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:03

My dad bought a 2001 Volvo V70 T5 about five years ago as a new DD since his old 740s had more issues than he wanted to fix. It had 175K miles at the time of purchase and today has 205K miles, with a few thousand dollars in repair and maintenance since then, expected of a $4000 car. Overall I think it has cost us around $8000, car, repairs, and all while still being rather nice to drive, reliable, quick, and practical. Overall a good investment I would say. Not Miata spec, but handles well and hauls both tons of stuff as well as goes fast (relatively).

Kinja'd!!!

(Not the actual car but exact same appearance)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:04

Minor details.

Jay Lauer > 911e46z06
11/30/2015 at 23:04

Huh, you do have a point. I need some seat time in one for sure.

The trick would be finding a nice 540i manual that doesn’t have a million miles on it. It’s definitely worth looking into though.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:05

The funny thing is that my GF’s Mazda 3 has the only automatic transmission I have found almost completely acceptable. I have as many complaints about her auto (hunts for gears at some speeds) as I do about the clutch in my car (painfully-vague, to the point it’s hard to drive smooth). I mean, the thing even downshifts when you’re going down a hill and get on the brakes - you can’t do much better than that in an auto.

Jay Lauer > Milky
11/30/2015 at 23:07

An SRT6 Crossfire would be dope. Just a big middle finger to everyone.

Jay Lauer > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
11/30/2015 at 23:09

The bill won’t be.

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:12

Yeah, it’s tough. I’ve been keeping my eye on the market just in case a manual 540 Touring comes along, and there are quite a few really good ones coming up for sale if you’re not set on having the wagon. I’m in Southern California though, so cars tend to last quite a bit longer around here.

Land_Yacht_225 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:12

Well, I guess I can nominate my own car. Ringing up at $9,999 before dealer fees or the crappy warranty I tacked on. And it’s been going like a champ. Everything I’ve had to have done to the car was stuff I bought the car knowing about. The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600. Bi-Turbo V12 and all that jazz we owners go on about on here.

I even found the dealer’s original video on youtube .

But in all seriousness, an S500 is probably more than acceptable for what your’re looking for. Like this one. It will probably sell realistically for about $10k. And it’s even got push button start and ventilated front seats, probably your two most desirable options in a 500. Ask any of the W220 owners on here, go read what Tavarish has archived about his; they really aren’t anything to be afraid of. And $10,000 will get you a more than serviceable example. Or if toys aren’t your thing, a mint W140 would be another option.

You’ll get all the torque you need from a big V8 and the car is going to be one of the most comfortable you can buy this side of a DeVille or Town Car. As for saying you own a Cadillac, I’d argue that badge of honor gets a little more tarnished with each passing year.

Jay Lauer > 911e46z06
11/30/2015 at 23:15

I thought the 540 touring only come in auto in the states? Either way, I like them.

I’m in KC, so the selection is much smaller around here, but that’s helped me out in the flip game a number of times.

I’m surprised you didn’t suggest an E46 M3, granted a decent coupe manual is beyond $10k now.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:17

Indeed it won’t be. I’ve had mine for 6 months and I have $21,000 in the car, including the $17,000 purchase price.

wrxallday > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
11/30/2015 at 23:20

I would send the previous owner a christmas card to show your thankfulness

Speed > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:22

Kinja'd!!!

I vote for the Goat. There aren’t many great ones out there for under 10k, but what awesome cars. I have had plenty seat time in an 04 and 05.

I like them for all the reasons mentioned about the Caddy, but more. These are understated, surprisingly economical, generally reliable, roomy as hell, have a ton of potential and a fantastic interior (which the CTS lacks). The best part is the selection of color matched interiors available.

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > wrxallday
11/30/2015 at 23:23

No kidding. He was a bit OCD about the car, fortunately.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:23

It’s minor if you’re making more than Bill Gates. Everything is relative.

Jay Lauer > Speed
11/30/2015 at 23:26

Had one already. Literally exactly like pictured.

I have this weird thing where I won’t buy the same type of car twice. No real reason.

Jay Lauer > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
11/30/2015 at 23:28

For some weird reason, I don’t make Gates money. Still trying to crack that one.

whoarder is tellurium > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:28

You do have a point. I cannot deny love for the Corvette. C6 preferably.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:29

Well nevermind then. You could always get a Mirage or Versa.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > getFuckedHerb
11/30/2015 at 23:38

I don’t have a profile on the forums, I just read on the e38 section and the engine conversion threads. I think a fish tank was brought up in post but idk. His estoril blue e38 is awesome.

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:41

Yeah, I’m not sure. I read somewhere it was Euro-only, but I’ve seen a couple come up on Craigs. Probably conversions or grey-market. Whatever, I’m ok with that.

I’d be super careful with a 10k m3. I was willing to spend 25 when I bought mine, and I had my mechanic check out 5 or 6 that looked good but ended up being dogs before I found a really good one. People with e46 m3s tend to flog the everloving shit out them. Me included.

Speed > Jay Lauer
11/30/2015 at 23:44

I wondered what the “other LS car” was! I hear you though; why not play the field?

In that event, perhaps you can find a Mach 1 for about 10k and shake the night away. They’re a great excuse to buy a set of 4:30s!

Kinja'd!!!

On the over 10k side but still really close and silly cheap, I’ve been eyeballing Abarth’s in the 12k range with low miles.

Kinja'd!!!

Jay Lauer > 911e46z06
11/30/2015 at 23:46

Yeah, I figured that’s the case on M3s. That’s a stone I’m probably OK leaving unturned.

I’d like to drive cross country at some point in 2016, so something that can eat miles would be nice, which led me to CTS V/GTO. The 540i/M5 would be good at that, good enough to set the record.

Jay Lauer > Speed
11/30/2015 at 23:50

The other LS car was a C5 Corvette. Great, but way to low for any daily use.

For Mach 1’s, I’ve had a GT of that era. Many many flaws in that design. And I know that my views are solely my views on the Abarth, but I thought it was quite bad.

qbeezy > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 00:16

Kinja'd!!!

Here’s a 328i with 102k on the clock with the I6. Then use the 3 k and get an after market warranty. If I has the cash, I’d do it now.

Tavarish be like “Why buy a new aver when you can get German...” Yada yada yada

http://www.chevyoftulsa.com/Used-2008-BMW-…

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 00:38

A Volvo S80 with the V8. It has aged well, has awd, and is a total sleeper.

You can find them for under or just over $10,000 all day.

Kinja'd!!!

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 00:44

I did 9 cross-country trips in an e39 528. It’s pretty much the perfect road trip rig. Super comfy, room for all your shit, best climate control ever, and fun to drive all while getting 30+ mpg. But now that I’m settled down enough where I’m not doing 2 or 4 cross-country drives a year, and established enough where I can afford to pay for gas, I’d definitely go for the V8.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 00:57

You can get a good condition, stock 350Z within your price range. and in case you’re worried about practicality, I fit a full size drill press in mine ;)

Kinja'd!!!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 02:28

Kinja'd!!!

for a DD (assuming I have a 2nd car) I’d take a jetta 2.5 SE with a stick.

it’s got everything I need, nothing I don’t.

Kinja'd!!!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 07:24

My 2002 SVT Focus for $4k, which leaves $6k for mods. That ought to cover a custom turbo build and tune.

I already have the poly bushings kit, just not installed. Just did the timing assembly as well.

Car needs front brakes soon.

111k miles. Short-throw shifter, poly lower engine mount, FSWerks Stealth exhaust, and SVT Contour 16s for winter tires along with the factory 17s with summer tires.

Both sets probably need replaced. Plenty of tread on both sets, but they are 5 years old.

Speed > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 07:48

Tough crowd! I had two SN95 Mustangs. My first two cars actually. The shifters are in the most awkward spot and they snap oversteer like it’s their job, but I’d still like to have another one eventually. Everything I’m about tells me to GTFO when I browse Abarths, but the price pulls me in. I’ll have to drive one and see.

How about a classic AND something regular? When I bought my Z28 I had been daily driving an ‘80 Formula for two years. 400/TH400 combination and 10mpg! I paid $3,800 for a super clean car. I could see doing that again, but with something old and another Jeep or an economical car.

Here’s the bird after I gave it to my brother. Looks the same as when I had it, but with new wheels and a carb’d LT1 swap. That’s him.

Kinja'd!!!

BLCKSTRM > Jay Lauer
12/01/2015 at 16:42

I’m afraid you’re going to get a lot of “pick my car!”

Having said that, I had a CTS-V and an E36 M3 sedan at the same time.

The M3 needed more maintenance, but with an extra 100k miles compared to the V it should have. And maintenance on the M3 was a far easier (better engineered) affair than the V. Engine mounts took an hour or two on the M3. They took 5-6 hours on the V. And everything was like that. Check out oil filter location for the two cars. BMW hands down has the superior design.

Surprisingly, the M3 had a roomier interior - it was just laid out well, and even the trunk wasn’t much smaller.

The M3 also supported installation of a roof rack. No such thing for a first-gen CTS.

At this point I’m sure you can guess which car I kept when we had kid #4.

You’ll get a pretty beat up CTS-V for $10k. You may find a well-maintained M3 with fewer miles for a similar price, or a higher mileage one with a significant number of the right improvements for $10k (I can enumerate what those are if you’re interested). And as far as improvements go, I always felt like the V’s engine had a lot of potential, but there wasn’t much for the rest of the car. The M3 on the other hand has incredible aftermarket support (including multiple options for each part) for every single piece of the car.

Whatever you do, don’t buy a cheap E36 - you get what you pay for. Unless you want to refresh all the bushings yourself, which may or may not save you money.

BringBackTheCommodore > Jay Lauer
12/10/2015 at 11:47

This one weird trick will help you make more money than Bill Gates...

BringBackTheCommodore > Jay Lauer
12/10/2015 at 12:09

Okay, a couple of ideas for you:

A Z4 with 103K on the odometer...

A 1988 RX-7 Convertible with just shy of 38K on the odd meter...

A 1984 C4 Corvette with the nightmareish interesting 4-3 manual...

Another rotary-engined machine with 55K on the odd meter...

A casually-dressed SLK with 60K on the odometer...

I’m seeing a lot of RX-8s, C4 Corvettes, and a myriad of other machines in that price range equipped with a manual.

I decided to hit up another favorite website of mine and turned these up:

1983 Shelby Charger

A 1990 Taurus SHO

A 1992 Dodge Daytona IROC

A few options out there. While not exactly bulletproof, most of the cars listed have a good fan base, are reasonably fun to drive, have a manual transmission, and would be fun times all around because of their uniqueness. The SHO is $12,500, but if you waved $10K under the owner’s nose I bet they’d take it.

Happy hunting!