That's it, that's all. Mazda is Sold.

"80CobraKid" (80cobrakid) 04/20/2015 at 17:31 • Filed to: Of Happenings

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My 2005 Mazda 3 is officially sold. Now the real hunt begins.

It has been officially 1 year and two days since I got it from my sister, and now it is on to it’s new owner. It’s bittersweet. On one hand, the high mileage was bringing expensive repair bills left and right, and I can now get something more fun; on the other, it was a great car when it worked, and I’ll kind of miss it (kept one of the plates as a memento). As far as new cars go, I’ve been looking into a few options:

S14 240sx (only want a clean one with working AC)

Z32 NA 300zx

IS300 (there’s one for sale locally but the seller isn’t responding)

E30 (Hard to find a nice one down here in my price range)

EP3 Civic Si

RSX Type-S (Would prefer over Civic)

Mazdaspeed protege (That’s iffy)

SC300

Really anything sporty in the $4500 range. I don’t really want another mustang as a DD, so that leaves out SN95/New Edge GT mustangs. Has to be manual. I would get a miata, but I really can’t sacrifice that much space for a DD, and I fit in an NA, but not that well. Suggestions are welcomed! But please post something you truly know to be reliable (Looking at you, E46 BMWs).

boxrocket > 80CobraKid 04/20/2015 at 23:29

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Congratulations on the sale! I know the feeling: I sold my beloved Volvo of almost 8 years yesterday, and while I thought I was emotionally detached, I still miss having it and knowing it's there if I need it. Even after I remember all the stuff wrong with it and the miles it has racked up, I still miss it. Knowing the new owner has plans for it that make my eye twitch (from what my wife said while she was talking to him while I was having the money counterfeit-checked) doesn't help, but the money and the peace of mind having the much newer car helps some.

As for suggestions...

The Mazdaspeed Protege is a hoot. It may feel like a step backwards from the Mazda3, but it really feels like a more-practical FWD Miata. Good luck finding one in good shape for under $5K though. A Protege5 with Mazdaspeed modifications can be practical and fun.

Ford SVT Focus: Same platform as the Protege, but more power and more European. I hate the angle of the ignition key though, as it's a 90-degree rotation from most column-mounted ignitions.

Volvo S60R/V70R: Probably a thousand or two over your budget, but certainly fun and a huuuuuge enthusiast community.

Mazdaspeed6: Same story as the Volvos.

You mentioned the Lexus IS; consider the GS as well. To me, the first generation IS feels too narrow and cramped - even compared to the Protege, probably because of the RWD tunnel and shape of the door panels. The GS is often overlooked, but feels all-around better.

Infiniti G35/37/25 and M35/37/45: Nicer Nissans, in essence, and the Gs are the Japanese Skylines. My chief complaints with them are oddball electrical issues that lead to battery drain if left to sit without a trickle charger, and the fuel door being on the wrong side.

Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type: Some electrical and powertrain issues on some models, but they add personality, and once fixed, they usually remain fixed.

Suzuki SX4 and Kizashi. Often overlooked, but they're a fun drive and hold up well. Available with AWD and manuals! Think of them as better-priced Subarus without the stigma.

Kia Soul: Yeah, they're a little on-the-nose, but they have charm, and loads of mods available. Being on the Rio platform makes them reliable and cheapish to own and repair.

Kia Spectra5/ Elantra Touring: FWD hatchbacks that have depreciated into your budget. Similar to the Protege and Mazda3.

Dunnik > 80CobraKid 04/21/2015 at 01:33

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Grats on your sale, and yea, was probably a good call to sell it and move on.

You’re on the right track by being open-minded and not insisting on one particular car. Some thoughts on your thoughts:

240sx - an un-molested S13/14 is a unicorn. Good luck.

Z32 - Such a pr0nstar car. Lusted after it back in the day, but it doesn’t enjoy a good rep these days, especially as a DD. Forget exactly what the issues are, but this car does have them.

IS300 - Good choice, but it may be out of your stated range. Even first-gen IS’s go for upwards of 10k around here. But if you can find one in a manual in good condition, buy it.

E30 - As legendary as it is, remember that a good part of the appeal is u can wrench it yourself. If you can wrench, go for it if you can find an un-molested one in good condition (which is also a unicorn). If you can’t, I’d say pass, unless you know a good, cheap BMW indy.

EP3 Civic Si - Saw one the other day, sigh. The last of the Civic hatches. Hard to find, though.

RSX Type-S - another great choice, but it’s one of the most stolen cars ever. Your insurance bill will be huge. Maybe just get an RSX in Premium trim and go from there (motor swap from Japan, suspension mods).

Mazdaspeed Protege - You just sold a similar car, and Proteges are rust-buckets.

SC300 - Another good choice, but they’re getting old now though (assuming you want the 1st gen and not the nasty-looking 2nd gen).

I’d add: the CL9 Acura TSX. Reliable, economical, available in a manual, more room than quite a few of the cars on your list.