Help selecting a beater/daily driver

"they-will-know-my-velocity" (velocitah) 12/03/2015 at 12:08 • Filed to: Honda?, Toyota?, Definitely Volvo

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Pictured - The best daily. Due to short supply I am unable to acquire one.

The GTO is in the works and will likely be done in the next month or so. Freshly painted and debadged as well as, y’know, not broken anymore.

In the meantime I’m borrowing a Camry that is thoroughly disappointing in every way except the 15 gallons of fuel lasting me all week instead of half that. It also reminds me of learning to drive and speeding tickets in high school since it’s my mother’s spare car that sits most of the time. Cheaper than a rental but I want my own beater. I want to limit my mileage on a car that is frankly too nice to daily drive all the time. (GTO)

So I’m looking for a jalop-worthy jalopy that I can put away wet without genuflecting at the fender.

I’ve been looking at the CR-V lately since Honda, bro. It would be nice to have something that is a bit easier to make the trip to work in all conditions. I commute about 60 miles a day at about 80mph. However my work is the kind of work where I need to be there regardless of weather. Ice, snow, tornado, flood, etc. Nobody cares, gotta be there.

Now, I’ve driven a lowered Mustang to work after an ice storm on nigh foot-wide rubber. I can drive whatever but AWD or 4x4 would be nice and probably relaxing as hell than basically drifting for an hour each way to work. It would also be nice to have some extra space for storage. I don’t haul people around but might be nice to have some space for extra wheels, engines, other car parts I can’t afford, etc. I figured a CR-V is as small as I want to go although I don’t think I want a truck any bigger than say, a club cab Ranger. I’ve also considered a Rav4.

Power isn’t a huge deal as long as it can get out of it’s own way. This 133 HP Camry is killing me. Gas mileage and reliability is my main concern as this is the car I want to put my BS miles on so I can get my smiles per gallon on with GTO. Manual or Auto isn’t an issue but on a higher mileage car the simplicity of a manual car is enticing.

On the other hand it might be nice to have something without 2 brake pedals in case of emergency. I certainly want to keep it under $5k and would prefer to hit as close to sub-$3K as I can. High mileage is a given but I’m perfectly capable of keeping a good car on the road for 300,000 miles or more. However, I’ve always prided myself on driving interesting cars. If I get a CR-V you can bet I’m gonna sticker it up and do some other irresponsible things to it.

I dunno guys, am I on the right track with a CR-V? Since the engine has an interference style head I know the big maintenance item will be timing belt and water pump but what does Oppo think?

Nibby > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:10

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This is a much better beater.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:16

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I think if you want something sincerely decent in bad weather/crap road conditions the CRV is not capable enough. I’m not sure what else to recommend in the price range though.

Under 5k, especially under 3k I would recommend Cherokee XJ’s because they literally drive through anything and the 4.0L is solid.

vondon302 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:19

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My beater is a p71 but the gas mileage wouldn’t do for you. I like my beaters to be disposable so maybe a neon they get a bad rap but I drove one to 225000 mileage with just general maintenance. Buzzy and the interior was crap but not bad to drive.

Wacko > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:20

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A suzuki SX4 manual awd of course.

That’s my answer for everything.

Small as a Fit/Versa so easy to find a parking spot. Easy to hoon. Once we have to replace my girlfriends Elantra, I will give her my pathfinder and try to find another SX4. I really miss mine.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Nibby 12/03/2015 at 12:22

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It would be unique but I don’t think I could fit it next to the owner’s collection of Bentleys, Jags, and Land Rovers.

Wacko > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:23

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A CRV is more than capable in snow. any awd with winter tires does extremly well. Unless you are going offroad then sure a true 4x4.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:23

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Looks like I need some rally mudflaps and a lightbar. That is exactly what I would do.

Cherry_man1 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:24

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https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5326465366… this one you could

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:24

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I have little faith in the CRV

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/looks-like-the…

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:25

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With a few inches of extra ground clearance afforded by the suspension and the AWD model, I would think the CR-V would be decent with proper tires. I’m not worried about offroading so much. Is the CR-V that bad?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:27

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I just remember the article about how CRV’s didn’t really have AWD

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/looks-like-the…

Maybe it’s a flawed test. Maybe an XJ is more than you need. Maybe I’m just not a huge fan of Honda (truth) but I know even in 2015 it’s AWD system didn’t really work.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Cherry_man1 12/03/2015 at 12:32

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“Hello? Pick-N-Pull? I need a auto transmission for an ‘87 Rolls...what’s that? Made of magic and hate you say? Only available during the winter solstice you say? I see.”

And thus begins the LS swapped Rolls Saga.

Wacko > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:32

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I think this guy did that.

Mine was blue, and the onlything I did was change the tires for oversized General grabbers AT/2. Was going to lift it, but crashed it. I still have the wheels, so i’m thinking of selling the wifes car and getting back in a Sx4

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:32

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I’ll second the CRV for nearly any weather. My mother in law has one - 25 MPG all day, and has no issues in our harsh North Carolina Piedmont winters.

Seriously though, I’ve taken a road trip in a first-gen 4wd CRV in Pennsylvania, in January and it’s not bad. The early 4wd ones are nice and roomy and can hang the tail out if you want. Good luck finding a 5-speed though. Also, slow. 120 hp in a 3000-lb mini-SUV isn’t exciting.

You may want to look at another Toyota - the early RAV4 was pretty capable too. I believe one of our opponauts had one and took it off road a lot.

For 3-5K you could find a beater bugeye WRX. It’s fast, awd, and has tons of potential. Gas mileage isn’t the greatest, though, and it requires premium.

Cherry_man1 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:33

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Just put a TKO in it you will be fine. Just don’t change the brakes w/o the help a witch.

Wacko > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:34

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also 2010 and up was a timing chain. and had VVT. but also beware since 2010 and up autos where CVTs but manuals where 6 speeds

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:39

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Intredasting. I dunno, I get maybe a month of snowish-ice condtions a year (probably less) in Dallas. Like I said, I did it in a lowered Mustang so proper snow tires and even just front wheel drive would probably make it easier. It’s nerve-wracking as hell if for no other reason that I see other people spinning around me and I’d rather not put the GTO in that situation.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:39

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How hard is it to make an adapter plate from a GM TH400?

they-will-know-my-velocity > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:39

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Bwaha I love it. I may look for one just ‘cause it’s weird.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:40

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Well then yeah an XJ is probably overkill unless you want to have some off road fun as well.

Wacko > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:40

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I had an AWD Suzuki SX4 and can tell you for a fact the AWD system works. on every corner (in winter of course) if you would give it just a bit more gas the back end would slide. So I basically powerslide at most intersections (when no other cars around)

Now I have a 2014 pathfinder, which is basically a FWD, that only sends power to the rear if front slippage. It does also have a 50-50 lock function, but turns back to auto mode at about 35mph

they-will-know-my-velocity > Cherry_man1 12/03/2015 at 12:42

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My friend had an 03 Turbo Beetle. We know a good Shaman.

AkursedX > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:43

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When people ask me what to buy as a beater, there is only one answer I give:

Ford Crown Vic P71 Police Interceptor

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:43

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I was talking about the CRV’s AWD system not the SX4

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:45

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another thought is just a FWD car or AWD car.

My FWD Mercury Milan V6 has driven me on (really great mind you) All Seasons through 2 Metro Detroit winters now, included a 100+ inches of snow year. Drove it through 9-10”s of unplowed snow once with no trouble.

You can get them in AWD and 4 cylinder for a fusion or milan and get great mileage. the 4 and 6 cylinder engines are solid.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 12/03/2015 at 12:45

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Probably not too hard. Hell it may be a GM trans in it already. I doubt Rolls made their own trans.

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:46

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I’ve considered and XJ but I don’t know anything about their or their reliability.

Wacko > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:47

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I had the the same tires as the last one.

I had mine for 5 years, and never once got stuck, even went in some jeep trails.

Wacko > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:48

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I know

I just miss my SX4 I guess.....

911e46z06 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:49

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I’d say a Tahoe/Silverado/Yukon/Suburban. The gas mileage sucks, which is bad because you drive a lot, but other than that it would be perfect. Since you’ve already got a fun car, you might as well get a truck. They’re comfy highway cruisers, handle any weather no problem, plus open up the possibilities of off roading and hauling shit around. You can find good ones for 3 grand all damn day.

misfitmascots > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:49

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Honda Passport/Isuzu Rodeo

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:49

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Their supposed to be one of the cheapest off road-able vehicles you can get these days.

I’ve seen 4.0L’s run for 100’s of thousands of miles without real problems.

I’ve seen them run with 2 dead cylinders for 10’s of thousands of miles lol

solid cool trucks extremely modifiable.

Biggest challenge is finding one that isn’t rusted or overly modified/excessively off roaded.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:49

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Haha, I get it I miss all my old 4x4’s.

Just saying, I’m not anti AWD, just anti CRV

Cherry_man1 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:51

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Then make it happen!

they-will-know-my-velocity > 911e46z06 12/03/2015 at 12:55

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I dunno, if I get something that big and so-so mileage, I’ve got a twinkle in my eye for the 3rd generation 4Runner...

they-will-know-my-velocity > Wacko 12/03/2015 at 12:56

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This is ridiculous and I think I like it. This is going on the list of cars to research.

they-will-know-my-velocity > misfitmascots 12/03/2015 at 12:56

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Hadn’t considered that. Good idea.

Wacko > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 12:58

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they dropped in price since suzuki left northamerica too

only problem is in the states you find newer than 2012. here in canada they left in 2013

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 12:58

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Any issue auto - vs- manual trans?

And what’s the mileage like?

911e46z06 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:04

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Fair enough. Most people prefer the Toyotas off-road anyway, but I like carrying some extra weight in exchange for double the torque. The GMs will be cheaper too.

they-will-know-my-velocity > 911e46z06 12/03/2015 at 13:08

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Also if I wreck it I have an LS I can put in something stupid...

911e46z06 > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:10

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Lol. True.

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 13:17

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Oh...

BringBackTheCommodore > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:21

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Here ya go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-…

You might get some strange, suspicious looks or the occasional cop tailing you, but hey, life is about adventure, right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-S-S…

Saturns seem to come about a dime a dozen, and typically run below the $2K price range.

But, you want interesting, you say?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-B…

High mileage, but it is a Benz diesel. These models seem to run around this price range, below $3K, and are decently reliable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Ford-…

Listing says Ford GT, but the ad has it stated as being an AMC Concord, and the VIN identifies it as an AMC. Might be worth looking into with the $1,800.00 price tag.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-940-…

It’s the 2 generations ahead of the Volvo you posted, going for just shy of $3K. It is an automatic, but it can still be fun to drive on the right road.

Jonee > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:22

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These early 90’s Pathfinders make great all weather beaters. Cheap, ugly, indestructible, and entertaining to drive in an unrefined way.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:23

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What about an older Subaru Outback?

In lieu of that, maybe something like the Honda Element? There's something appealing about an interior you can hose off.

they-will-know-my-velocity > BringBackTheCommodore 12/03/2015 at 13:29

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Volvo and a wagon so 2 out of 3 ain’t bad...

they-will-know-my-velocity > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 12/03/2015 at 13:33

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I love Subies but don’t know enough about their specifics to trust there reliability. Also, they’re beloved so command a higher than normal price.

jjhats > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:42

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my first car was a silver 97 crv. loved it to bits nothing but positive things to say. I suggest you get one

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 13:48

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LOL you went the wrong way with it!

Mileage isn’t going to be in CRV category I can tell you that much.

Most people do this with them:

they-will-know-my-velocity > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 12/03/2015 at 13:54

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I mentioned I’d be irresponsible with whatever I got!

Yeah, I figure a nice big set of wheels and tires would be suffiecient. I’ll put Stance stickers on it to see if any Hoodlums are paying attention.

A quick CL check shows about 10 for sale in my area, all dirt cheap. This is a possibility. Need to research a bit.

TractorPillow > Cherry_man1 12/03/2015 at 13:56

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According to the ad it has 18 million miles! All the problems should be worked out by now.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Cherry_man1 12/03/2015 at 14:02

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So plush

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 14:12

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Corbin goodwin would like to have a word about this.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/03/2015 at 14:27

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Holeee fuck he’s building a Drift Rolls.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 14:28

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Definitely do your own research, and find the things to watch out for.

Biggest issues are rust but I think your in TX so there’s less of it there, but watch the door sills quarter panels, etc.

Don’t bother changing the wheel size, just bigger tires, sidewall is a good thing when not on pavement.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 14:53

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Yeah. Turbo and has a Ranger trans I think.

RallyWrench > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 15:00

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they-will-know-my-velocity > RallyWrench 12/03/2015 at 15:16

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Did you go to the future and take a picture of my car?

RallyWrench > they-will-know-my-velocity 12/03/2015 at 15:20

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I did. In the future you’re in Australia.

they-will-know-my-velocity > RallyWrench 12/03/2015 at 15:25

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Judging by the blower even my car wants to kill me so that fits.