So the ST is totaled. What to buy next?

"Garrett Davis" (GarrettDavis) 01/29/2015 at 18:12 • Filed to: None

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Got the estimate back on the Focus, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Still in talks with insurance but so far it's looking like I'll have a chunk of change left over after paying off the loan and I want to buy something cash to hold me over for a while before I get back into another car payment.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I have about $6-7k to spend and really, really would like something with a manual transmission — just about anything else goes. I have this weird hankering to buy something stupid, knowing I'm not going to keep it for longer than a year or so. I would of course like something moderately reliable and easy to work on or cheap to maintain, and at least reasonable mileage.

Here's what I've looked at/considered so far:

70's-90's Datsun/Nissan Z (non-drift beaten, if they exist)

Cherokee 4.0, 4x4

Comanche 4.0 4x4 (If I could find a decent one I'd snatch it up in a second)

Ranger 4.0, 4x4

RSX (As if a clean, untouched one exists.)

Miata (NA preferred, unmolested)

91-96 Bronco (unfortunately can't be had with a manual with a decent engine)

First gen Insight

Focus SVT

I'm pretty to open to most things that parts are reasonably cheap for. Not really feeling the old BMW, VW, Mercedes, Audi, or Volvo thing right now. I would prefer to avoid the headaches in dealing with part prices and availability unless it was really worth it. Any ideas, guys? Need it to be in the San Diego/SoCal area.

Favorite bit of Craigslist ridiculousness I've seen so far today: "A/C is fully function, just doesn't blow cold."

jkm7680 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:17

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Old ass diesel Benz?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:17

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E46 BMW, the maintenance isn't horrific especially if you're willing to do it yourself and the prices are absurdly reasonable these days. As much as I love my FoST part of me wishes I just had my old E46.

Brian Silvestro > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:19

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Here are all of my possible future cars. Pick a few out to consider:

Alfa 105/115 Series Coupe

E34 M5

Any Series Land Rover/Defender

Lancia Scorpion

190E 2.3L 16V Cosworth

GTV6

Corolla AE86

E30 Wagon

Miata

E36 M3

190E

2002

MR2 (1st or 2nd gen)

Sonett

96

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:19

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1979 Classic Fiat Spyder 2000 - $5500 (Carlsbad)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486917…

Garrett Davis > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 18:20

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Might consider one down the line but right now I'm looking to spend 6-7k cash.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 18:20

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http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/486567…

Scary__goongala! > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:20

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I think you could definitely get a nice Z car with that budget. Something like a 280zx

Garrett Davis > Brian Silvestro 01/29/2015 at 18:20

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That's quite the shopping list. Oh man, if I could find some of those unicorns...

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:21

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Thats what E46s go for
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/486567…

Brian Silvestro > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:21

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Found a Scorpion for $6500 near me, perfect condition. Sadly I still have my current car...

Garrett Davis > Scary__goongala! 01/29/2015 at 18:21

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There are a few in my area, frustratingly no one is getting back to me. That's Craigslist...

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:22

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EXCELLENT 2000 Mercedes SLK230 Kompressor 5spd w/ FULL SERVICE RECORDS - $6400

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486914…

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:23

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MANUAL WAGON
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486757…

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:23

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MERKUR XR4TI TURBO fs/ft - $2700

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/486602…

My citroen won't start > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:24

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Some interdasting things.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Garrett Davis > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 18:24

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Oh shit... calling that guy ASAP.

SVTyler > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:25

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If you're looking for something of a questionable nature it'd be interesting to compare an SVT Focus with its newer ST brother. You could get a really nice SVTF for that money if you thoroughly vet the owner and car; along with the RSX and NA it'd be at the top of the list in terms of fun performance cars, they hold their value pretty well so you could probably recoup all your money, and (hopefully) nothing will break in a year so you won't have to go hunting for extremely rare, out-of-production parts. Not many of SVTF's left though, and a lot of those have been beat on and modded by dudebros in flatbills who wanted an American Civic Si so tread carefully if you do go that route.

Aero > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:25

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I've owned a 1st gen Insight and currently own an SVT Focus. The Insight was an amazing little car, but it was just that, little. I could barely fit anything in the cargo area due to how shallow it was. That said, it got 53mpg average, even with the CVT and my "spirited" driving style, and it was incredibly engaging to drive. I'd buy a 5-speed in a heartbeat if the price was right.

As for the SVT, it's the best daily driver of the 30+ cars I've owned. It's quick, very roomy, relatively reliable, and looks good even though it's over 10 years old. Plus it's one of the best back road burners you can get, but it doesn't have a punishing ride. If you can put up with the slightly hard to find parts then they are totally worth owning.

Saracen > Brian Silvestro 01/29/2015 at 18:26

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Can you really find Alfa 105/115's for that cheap?!

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:26

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1969 VW Baja - $5500 (1250 Activity Dr Vista)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486039…

Garrett Davis > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 18:27

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Doh! I'm an idiot. I saw E46 and automatically thought M3. Interesting, a 330i would be fun.

Thanks!

Brian Silvestro > Saracen 01/29/2015 at 18:28

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A couple of months ago a pretty clean one went on eBay for around $12k I think. But it had 200k miles. Cars like that come up very rarely, but they do appear.

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:28

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1997 BMW Z3 Roadster Convertible - $5900 (otay mesa)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/485867…

Garrett Davis > Aero 01/29/2015 at 18:28

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It's just hard to find a decent SVT right now. Thanks for the... Insight on the matter.

That was a terrible joke.

Saracen > Brian Silvestro 01/29/2015 at 18:28

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Those things are jumping in value so quickly, you used to be able to find a clean runner for $12k. Might have to settle for a Giulia instead some day.

itschrome > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 18:29

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KOMPRESSOR DOES NOT DANCE!

Anima > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:29

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I advise using the money to adopt a Doug DeMuro and use his cars. I hear he comes with an extended DougMax insurance that covers all healthcare for 5 years or up to 100.000 miles.

Brian Silvestro > Saracen 01/29/2015 at 18:29

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*cries*

Garrett Davis > My citroen won't start 01/29/2015 at 18:31

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Oooh, that IS 300 looks awesome. That 635 has me drooling, but I don't think that would be a smart move haha. My GF would murder my face in. But my god is it gorgeous...

Thanks!

carcrasher88 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:31

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Here's a really nice RSX Type-S in Daly City, if that works for ya.

134,578 miles, manual transmission, all original.

$8,250. It's an 'or best offer' listing, so you might be able to get the price down.

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:31

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## 1997 HONDA PRELUDE ## - $2850 (SAN DIEGO)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/486821…

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:31

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LS Swapped Miata!

Or

Ford 302 Swapped FB/C RX7!

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:33

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1986 Pontiac Firebird 5.7 Vortec 5 speed - $3100 (san diego)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/483428…

For Sweden > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:34

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NISSAN 300ZX 1996 V6 5-speed - $5700 (south escondido)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486786…

Garrett Davis > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 18:34

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Oooh, I love those wagons.

Aero > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:34

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Slant6 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:35

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A 2wd comanche would be cool. when I was truck shopping the only 2wd I considered was a comanche.

Garrett Davis > Slant6 01/29/2015 at 18:37

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They're just so hard to find, and any you do see have been cheap work trucks for the past 15 years and it shows.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:38

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Heres a nice manual Legacy GT Turbo with a recently rebuilt engine. http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486357…

Slant6 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:40

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A toyota pickup could be had in good shape for under 5k. It can be your forever vehicle. Keep it as a second car once you get a newer one. Tow your extremely light race car with it.

Garrett Davis > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 01/29/2015 at 18:40

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Hmm, it's gorgeous. Not sold on the lowered springs, hopefully it didn't completely ruin the ride. I'm gonna call him, thanks!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:42

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The guy still has the stock wheels, springs, and air filter, so returning it to stock shouldn't be much of a problem.

Tohru > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:43

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Get a Crown Victoria and stuff a Mustang 6 speed in it.

Garrett Davis > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 18:43

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Damn that thing is gorgeous. I always loved that body style. I wonder how maintenance is on one of those.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 18:43

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Man I wish that was in illinois. I'd be getting cash right now for it.

Garrett Davis > Tohru 01/29/2015 at 18:45

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Ooh, forgot about a Crown Vic, thanks!

Garrett Davis > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 01/29/2015 at 18:45

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Mm, good point.

Tohru > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:47

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you can also get a Caprice / Roadmaster wagon and put a Camaros 6 speed in it. Pretty sure they make a kit for that at this point.

Garrett Davis > Anima 01/29/2015 at 18:50

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DougMax hahaha

stuttgartobsessed > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:51

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E39 530i 5MT?

Cherry_man1 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:54

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Why not Fox Body?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:54

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Chevrolet C-10

Garrett Davis > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 18:55

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Called that guy earlier, still nothing back. Looks really good

I own dead car brands only > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 18:59

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look for a Saab 9-3 Aero with the 2.8T. They're stupidtstupid fast when you tune them.

I had one andholyshititssofuckingfast.

Put 35k on one in one year. All I did was change plugs and coils (necessary before you tune). That was it.

Garrett Davis > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 19:01

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Going to check it out right now.

Garrett Davis > I own dead car brands only 01/29/2015 at 19:01

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Been looking for one, forgot to put that on my list. God I love those.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 19:06

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http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/483134…

Saracen > Brian Silvestro 01/29/2015 at 19:07

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Yeah, I know. I lust for a GTV as well.

Brian Silvestro > Saracen 01/29/2015 at 19:08

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Honestly at this point I'll settle for whatever as long it's a stepnose

Manuél Ferrari > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 19:17

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90s NSX

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/29/2015 at 19:20

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If it was in Texas we'd be in a race

Steve in Manhattan > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 19:23

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Here's how I look at it - if the idea is to get a temporary car until you can build up some cash to get something to replace the ST, I'd get the cheapest, most reliable thing you can stand driving. If you don't spend money on repairs, gas, and other stuff, you'll pile up cash more quickly. So small, Japanese, boring.

WhiskeyGolf > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 19:31

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"A/C is fully function, just doesn't blow cold."

Better charge it!

B_dol > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 19:38

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I'm usually opposed to the stereotypical Oppositelock answer, however... Miata. Hands down.

Proven fun, proven reliability, extensive aftermarket support and DIY community. Especially since you seem to live in CA

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 19:39

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Beauty! Also, "has a nice crack on windshield"...I've always wanted one of those!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 19:40

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Beauty! Also, "has a nice crack on windshield"...I've always wanted one of those!

nafsucof > SVTyler 01/29/2015 at 19:59

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I have both. My SVT has recaros, a torsen diff and spec flywheel/clutch and a tune and borla exhaust. Also konis and eibach springs. It's a momentum car and is quite analog compared to the digital nature of the st. Way slower but second gear with the tune is almost 70mph so short windy road courses are great with its gearing and it has tons of traction with the lsd so you can keep the pedal floored unlike the st which is a struggle putting down power without gratuitous wheel spin. Diff is next in the st I think.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/29/2015 at 20:02

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my only question would be why it's got a salvage title

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/29/2015 at 20:03

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From reading the ad it sounds like it was in a front end collision. I'd have a shop check it out but at that price there isn't much risk.

dogisbadob > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 20:14

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How about a 92-96 Camry? Very dependable car :)

Garrett Davis > Steve in Manhattan 01/29/2015 at 20:14

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Fair point. I still have this hankering for something fun and at least reasonably reliable for a year or so. That's why a Miata or Cherokee sounded good. Fun cars, legendary reliability.

Garrett Davis > WhiskeyGolf 01/29/2015 at 20:15

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"AC blows ice cold"

Later in the ad...

"AC just needs a recharge"

Dsscats > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 20:18

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Manual NA Z32.

Steve in Manhattan > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 20:18

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Yeah - you don't have to eat your peas here if you don't want to (Corolla, Camry) but having to replace a transmission on a temporaray car would suck.

Garrett Davis > For Sweden 01/29/2015 at 20:20

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Just drove it. It's super solid, very clean, everything works as it should. Interior is pretty much immaculate, very little wear on anything.

I was expecting a little more power though, he has a dyno sheet from last year after he put the exhaust and intake on, and it was putting down 204 to the wheels, which is pretty good, but i guess its just the weight because it definitelly was not a quick car.

Still really nice though, im seriously considering it. The guy took great care of it.

Garrett Davis > Dsscats 01/29/2015 at 20:47

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Funny you should mention, i just drove this: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/486786…

It was super clean, interior was nearly perfect, very solid, everything worked. The only thing is that it felt a bit underpowered compared to what I was expecting. It has a great sounding exhaust and an intake, but it didn't have much passing power on the freeway. It was torquey, but not what I'd call quick.

How long have you had yours? Anything I should look out for with these? Does it down like this one was just down on power? It didn't really feel like 200hp.

Garrett Davis > Steve in Manhattan 01/29/2015 at 20:49

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Very true.

Garrett Davis > My citroen won't start 01/29/2015 at 20:53

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Worst dealership ever. Called 5-6 times and it went to voicemail every time. And this was between 3 and 6 pm...

Benzed92 > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 20:56

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http://windy-city-motorsports.ebizautos.com/detail-1989-je…

Just missed it... but it's been on the site since Jan 1 so they might back out. I've seen this in person and it is spotless. Nicest one I've ever seen.

Dsscats > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 20:57

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I've had mine for nearly a year (This weekend, actually!!!). Biggest things to look for are that the 120k service is done (Timing belt is a killer cost. Ask me how I know). On top of that, make sure there's no VTC rattle (Not a problem on the 96s because they lost VTC). Main one is injectors failing, but I believe they switched to the new design in 94. The year I'd go for is a 95 because it still has VTC, and is still OBDI, but has the updated injectors and seatbelts (On the pillar rather than door).

Garrett Davis > Dsscats 01/29/2015 at 21:41

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It recently had the timing belt done maybe 10k miles ago. I did hear a little bit of what sounded a little like ticking valves when I put my ear over the engine. It didn't sound too bad, but that could have been indicative of something bigger and I wouldnt know.

How about power? Like I said, it didn't have much passing power at all, didn't feel like 200hp at the wheels, which is what it dyno'd at last year when he put the exhaust and intake on last year. Though the car is pretty heavy I guess.

Dsscats > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 21:50

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Should be 222 HP at the crank. That's a claimed 20 HP from intake and exhaust.....but I'd say test drive another one to see. Maybe this one?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/486716…

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 22:07

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That sounds like a really great car. reasonably fun,reliable,good looking,RWD,manual. I'd buy that in a heartbeat. looks in great shape for what it is.

There is more to life than flat out speed and this seems to meet about 90% of what you are looking for.

Garrett Davis > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/29/2015 at 22:48

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Very well said, I'm just worried it was down on power, even if it is 3600-3700lbs, it didn't feel like 200hp. Still, its not like it was slow.

I'm gonna test drive another one and see. If the other one feels similar, then I'll most likely buy this one. It's rare enough to find a stockish one, let alone in such amazing condition.

SVTyler > nafsucof 01/29/2015 at 22:57

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Right on, always wondered how the two stack up. Ask you this, which one do you like driving better, SVT or ST?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Garrett Davis 01/29/2015 at 23:21

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Miata. Cheap. Reliable. Many aftermarket parts. Also crazy fun. Good daily driver

Garrett Davis > Benzed92 01/30/2015 at 01:20

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Damn. If that thing was anywhere near California I would have jumped on it in a second.

Garrett Davis > Manuél Ferrari 01/30/2015 at 01:21

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You can't touch an NSX for this sort of money around here.

Benzed92 > Garrett Davis 01/30/2015 at 02:51

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Believe me I know, almost laid down the $6600 the minute I saw it.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Garrett Davis 01/30/2015 at 07:15

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buy another one!

nafsucof > SVTyler 01/30/2015 at 07:44

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

the power in the st is just awesome so for street driving and back roads the st, the SVT is better sorted for Autocross and short course. It's got less suspension travel and is pretty firm on the streets. Before my SVT I had a 2000 zx3 which I did a complete SVT swap(engine, trans, brakes, suspension{sway bars, poly bushings, konis, eibachs} wire harness). Quite the sleeper. That was probably my favorite as it was essentially and SVT lightweight. I scraped all the sound deadening and ran the car with literally just a dash, door cards and front seats. Factory tune the car would run a 14 flat 1/4 at 100 which is what I've run in the st. It only weighed 2300 lbs. don't think the st could ever weigh that. The all motor power and long power band was awesome with smaller than stock wheels and less weight, It yanked over 2nd gear when the gear spacing tightens up. So lots of feels for the focus. I love them all. I dd the st and the SVT is now my wife's dd. When she's done and gets her electric car it'll be turned into a dedicated cone carver. Lsd makes turn in on these cars magical. All that being said the st is a great evolution of the focus brand and I'm lucky to live in a world with so many Ford Focus options. I'll have an rs...

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Garrett Davis 01/30/2015 at 09:38

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Where do you get 3600lbs from? only the 2+2 turbo t-top weighs that much.

If some one else goes to see that car you will most likely be missing your chance.

Garrett Davis > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/30/2015 at 11:29

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Yeah, I realized after typing that and doing more reading that only the 2+2 T-top weighs that much, and not all T-tops.

I could just have unreasonable expectations for it, but down shifting into 4th and flooring it at ~70 mph didn't really do a whole lot except make noise. About equal passing power to my rental base Elantra right now, which doesn't feel right. Still, if it's not down on power then I think I'll be picking it up. Going to test drive another one today for comparison.

Hans Kuiper > Garrett Davis 01/30/2015 at 12:05

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why not something like a manual corolla? like Steve in Manhattan said, you'll save cash faster and, it might be a cleansing from power and good handling lol, therefore the next car acquisition will be more joyful, getting something nice and getting out of a corolla.

Garrett Davis > Hans Kuiper 01/30/2015 at 12:37

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Because I'm stupid and value fun over function ;)

Manuél Ferrari > Garrett Davis 01/30/2015 at 13:36

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You need to do what I do and increase your budget using a really long term loan to keep the monthly payments down!

It's worth it cause the car will be going up in value while you drive it :D

SVTyler > nafsucof 01/30/2015 at 18:01

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I just love the idea of the performance Focuses, it seems like Ford's the only American carmaker to give a damn about affordable performance cars like that, especially since the RS is coming. I probably wouldn't buy one but I'm so stoked that it exists.

I delivered pizzas in an urban town so I know what you mean by a firm ride in the SVT (steep driveway curbs were the bane of my existence); I don't really mind it, actually just put a new OEM kit on the car over the summer (it was half the price of any coilover setup I could find anyways).

I don't plan on tracking the car anytime soon so I'll probably be keeping mine mechanically stock (could get a tune to cancel out the crap idle at startup), but you're just one of many people I know who say an LSD makes a huge difference so it could be something on my radar in the near future. I really like this car and plan on keeping it for as long as I can but I might get bored with it and decide to do something stupid like strip the interior (buddy of mine does fab work and we've hypothetically modeled out a GT3RS-like rear bar across the back strut towers for the hell of it). I'd take out the rear seats if I could find one of those rear-delete kits that people on the forums sold a few years back but it seems like you'd have to DIY nowadays.