Car buying advice

"Zibodiz" (zibodiz1) 10/13/2016 at 14:48 • Filed to: oppopinions, car buying advice

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Not my car, but one just like it.

I love my car. In fact, I’ve loved it to death; at 251k miles, it’s developed some valve noise that can only be remedied with a new head. Thusfar, I’ve just fixed everything on it myself (I do a fair amount of shade-tree wrenching), but I’m wondering if this should be the end for my car. I’ve hit two deer (one on each fender, causing small dents, but not much more) and cracked the windshield in a hail storm, so it’s no longer is pristine(ish) shape. The only upgrade I have on this car (besides recent maintenance) is a receiver hitch, which wouldn’t be that expensive of a loss. The car’s worth about $850 in good running condition; not sure I could even sell it with an engine tick.

The things I love about the car:

It’s a wagon. That’s, like, my most important requirement for a car.

It’s got 3 pedals. Completely necesary for me.

It gets me about 32MPG highway. 30MPG is my minimum; I drive a lot. If I’m going to get much less than that, I might as well just drive my Aerostar everywhere (it gets me 22MPG).

It’s reliable. I drive 300 miles once every week, and need a vehicle that won’t strand me. This one has only stranded me once (and it was the deer’s fault, not the car’s; the radiator was damaged.)

The styling. I love that it’s an innocent-looking, happy car. The styling reminds me of an NA Miata. I strongly dislike the popular ‘angry’ face on cars.

It has the two accessories that I need: Cruise Control and A/C. I live somewhere that gets way too hot in the summer, and I can’t show up to a client’s house covered in sweat. Also, I can’t afford speeding tickets, and CC is the only thing that prevents them.

It’s really small. I mean, I have the same interior capacity as my wife’s Escape, but the roof height is only about 6" higher than a Corvette. It’s also got a very tight turning radius, and handles not unlike a go-cart.

It’s really a Mazda. I love Mazdas; the way the drive, the fact that they’ve been very reliable for me thusfar, the fact that they’re easy to work on. Actually, Japanese engineering in general is great, but especially Mazda.

There are, of course, a couple of downsides to the car:

It only has a rated 110HP. It’s really not that bad, considering how light the car is, but it would be nice to have about 20 more.

....and it’s FWD. The real kicker.

So I have options.

Oh, I should mention that I have no budget. Like, zilch. I’ll be lucky if I can scrape together $1,000.

I could fix my car, which would mean a very long day in the cold, and about a $300 investment. Net result would leave me right where I was 6 months ago.

I could buy another Escort Wagon just like the one I have, for $800 (they’re pretty easy to find.) I’d have fewer miles and possibly better overall condition, but otherwise I’ll be right where I was 6 months ago

I could buy a Ford Zx2, and swap the engine into my ‘scort. That would cost about $500, and would give me a 20HP-bump, but would be a long, difficult weekend in the cold.

Or I could buy a whole new car. So far, the ‘cons’ for my current car is a pretty short list. A new car would have to come with a shorter list, or be really cheap. The one car that I’m considering is a Protege5, as it’s the newer generation of my current car, and has about 20 more HP with everything else the same. Slightly out of my budget, though.

What would you do?

I would love to get something RWD, but the fuel mileage and purchase price requirements generally get in the way. As far as the power goes, I just don’t want to drop to a lower power:weight ratio. Higher would be nice, but not really that important, if I could get RWD. Age doesn’t matter, as long as it has cruise control and AC.

There are a couple newer cars I would love to have, but couldn’t afford. And, no, payments are not an option for me, so don’t try to convince me that I should get a loan. Not happening. They are: Mazda6 Wagon, Transit Connect [tragically only automatic], Subaru [anything with a 3rd pedal], and Mini Cooper S.

An ideas? The whole budget thing is the real kicker, but I suppose that’s always the case with buying a car.

Jonee > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 14:57

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Protege5 was going to be my suggestion. Finding one for a grand might be tough, though, yeah. And one at that price will probably be pretty beat. Maybe a Tercel wagon? There’s also probably a bevy of cheap Focus wagons out there.

E92M3 > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 14:58

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I was about to say I wouldn’t invest the hours in that car. However with your budget, any replacement car is just as likely to have hidden problems. At least you know what you have with this one, and are familiar with it.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 14:58

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You might shop for a used engine. You might see what’s available at the Japanese Engine Exchange. The engine swap would be doable and while it’s apart on the ground, replace the clutch and get another 50-100k out of your car.

That’s one option.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 14:59

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For cheap stuff, the ones that come to mind for me are a Focus ZXW/ZTW or a Protege5 like you said. The Focus was basically the successor to your car and is very much a similar size.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 14:59

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I’d just like to add EF Civic Wagon. Commonly manual, D series engines are a breeze to work on and parts are interchangeable with many other Honda’s of the decade.

This isn’t a good example, but it’s the only one in my area on CL. The dude clearly DGAF there’s pics of a pack/herd of raccoons. Not next to the car, he just thew them in.

  http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5825587937.html

(see!)

Zibodiz > Aaron M - MasoFiST 10/13/2016 at 15:03

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My car was engineered by Mazda, and the Focus was a pure Ford, hence why I would lean towards the Protege5 rather than a Focus. I don’t really have anything against a Focus, except that I’ve heard they weren’t as reliable as the Escorts, and I believe the fuel mileage dropped a bit, as they were a bit heavier. I might need to look into one, though; they’re common enough that I should be able to find one to testdrive.

Zibodiz > Jonee 10/13/2016 at 15:08

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Yeah, the Tercel Wagon is interesting, but I don’t believe they’d thought of Cruise Control yet. I’ve seen one P5 that was close to my budget, but it was pretty beat (and autotragic.) That still might be where I go, though; I have yet to hear anything bad about the P5, so perhaps it would be worth scraping up the extra.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:09

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Certainly fair criticisms, I don’t know enough about the Focus to say either way. That said, I can’t think of any of other small wagons anywhere near your price range unless you’d be willing to go older and get a Corolla Wagon or roll the dice with a Jetta.

bhtooefr > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:09

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A lot of the reliability issue with the Focus was with the SPI engine (same engine that’s in your Escort, but a newer version, that was worse about drupping valves). Get the Zetec, it’ll be fine.

The problem is, of course, finding one that’s a Zetec manual wagon.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:09

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Oh, derp. Subaru Impreza. Duh. Find an old one with the 2.2, they’re bulletproof.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:10

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Uh oh! Sounds like time for a Mazda BP engine swap! Escort GT RallyWagon? Escort GT RallyWagon!

Zibodiz > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 10/13/2016 at 15:11

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For the same engine I have, I’ve seen one available for a few hundred. If I’m going to go that route, I’d rather buy a totalled Zx2, and just swap the whole drivetrain. That would give me a new clutch in the process, and be easier than just swapping the engine. It would also give me a 20HP increase. Only problem is, winter is here now, and I don’t have a garage. Plus, it’s my most reliable car; I’m not crazy about going 300 miles regularly in any of my other cars at this point, while this car is apart.

Zibodiz > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 10/13/2016 at 15:14

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Hey, the coons are the best part about that car!

I’ve test driven one of those, and was really underwhelmed. Of course, it may have been a fluke, but it couldn’t reach 65mph. Also, my previous car was a Civic EG hatch. Fun looking car, but really unpleasant to drive. Terrifying in the rain on a highway. Also a total lemon (but it was owned by a ricer before me, and I don’t think he cared much about the car.)

Zibodiz > E92M3 10/13/2016 at 15:15

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Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel. It does feel like there’s enough wrong with this that it might be time to throw in the towel, but a replacement in my budget may not be any better.

vicali > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:20

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Screw Doug and Freddy, this here is real life Oppo!

I already saw someone come up with an Ej22 Subaru Impreza so I’ll leave you mine (which I got for $1800CAD and sold for $3000)

Also, I see your first point but I’m going to ignore it because you don’t really give reasons why you need a wagon, So I’m going to vote Protege.. wait for a 5 if you can, but manual, CC, A/C proteges sedans sell for sub $2000 all day long - they are always grey or beige..

Also consider the realities of shopping this sub 2K market; everything likely needs new tires, oil change, plus some fluids, maybe battery.. etc.

Zibodiz > Aaron M - MasoFiST 10/13/2016 at 15:24

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Only problem is, the Impreza got low 20's on the highway, which means I might as well just drive my Aerostar.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:25

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Interesting, although I’d think it’d be a fluke since at least the 4wd ones had the same engines as that gen’s Si.

I used to have an EG sedan. The previous owner had put 15" Integra wheels (and 195 instead of 175) on it and it handled fine even in the rain at high speeds. All though it still had the twitchy handling, especially on not so great highways, I wouldn’t say scary though.

It’s also likely the Ricer cut the springs which makes me cry :’(

Zibodiz > bhtooefr 10/13/2016 at 15:26

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I actually wasn’t aware the Zetec was used in the Focus; I thought it died with the Zx2. I might have to keep an eye out for that.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:27

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Can’t argue with that, sadly. On Fuelly even the old 1.8s are eking out 26 combined...that’s appalling for an engine that small.

Zibodiz > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/13/2016 at 15:28

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If I had a 2nd Gen wagon, I’d be all over that. Problem is, the 3rd Gen isn’t a direct bolt-in for the BP, and I’m not at the ‘weld a new motor mount’ level yet. For 3rd Gens, you swap the Zetec, instead, which is something I’m strongly considering.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:31

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Last almost-wagon I can think of is a Toyota Matrix. If you get an FWD one they’re pretty good on gas (the AWD ones...less so). Pontiac Vibe is the same thing but cheaper. I know they’re technically hatchbacks, but they’ve got upright liftgates and are way less swoopy than most modern hatches.

Zibodiz > vicali 10/13/2016 at 15:35

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What sort of fuel mileage did the Impreza get you? They’re rated really low, but I know some cars tend to get a lot better than they’re listed (I always average 2-5MPG better than sticker.) Of course, I’m sure you use a different measurement than I.

I need a wagon for two reasons: One, I’m an on-site technician. I have to haul a ton of tools, supplies, and ladders. That’s why I’d love to have a Transit Connect. I’ve done it with smaller cars before, but having a hatch makes a world of difference. Also, on my days off, my dog gets the rear area to himself. If he sits in the back seat, he drools over my shoulder the whole drive. Not cool.

And of course, anything I can afford will need a ton of TLC. I’m okay with that; I’ve only bought ‘new’(ish) cars twice in my life. My most recent was a 25-year-old truck that was abandoned in a field 5 years ago. So yeah, I’m fine with the new car needing lots of overdue maintenance.

Zibodiz > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 10/13/2016 at 15:37

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The springs were shot — not sure if he did it or just old age, but they were crushed. I replaced them, and it was still a terror in the rain. Every patch of water on the highway would just about rip the wheel from your hands, and I went into a fishtail a couple times. Mine didn’t have Power Steering, though.

bhtooefr > Aaron M - MasoFiST 10/13/2016 at 15:38

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I would count the first gen Vibetrix as a wagon, really.

Be aware that oil consumption is an issue with the 1ZZ motor (not sure about the 2ZZ).

However, the Vibetrix has a twist beam rear suspension, which’ll likely be a downgrade from the Escort’s independent rear. (Yes, the Escort has an independent rear. Thank you, Mazda.) Then again, everything I’ve heard is that the 2ZZ-powered Corolla/Vibetrixes are quite fun to drive.

If MPG is your priority, and you don’t need the cargo height, but need the cargo length... Priuses are cheap to fuel and long, and Corolla/Vibetrix suspension parts bolt on (they’re a long-wheelbase version of those cars) - Gen 2 is the same chassis as... whatever the mid to late 2000s Corolla/Vibetrix is, Gen 3 is the same chassis as the 2nd-gen Vibetrix and the 2014+ Corolla, IIRC. However, steering ratios are slow as shit unless you get the Gen 3 with 17" wheels, and they’re just not that much fun to drive (although there’s a tiny part of me that’s wanted to see if a cheap Gen 2 could be modded into something fun). Edit: Looked back at your requirements, it’s below them. No three pedals (although my Gen 4 is the best-behaved automatic I’ve driven by far), and only 110-134 system horsepower.

Zibodiz > Aaron M - MasoFiST 10/13/2016 at 15:39

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Yeah, I’m going to have to check into one of those. I’ve never really considered them before, but they might be a viable option for me.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:40

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Ahhh. That must be it, mine had powersteering.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:41

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My ex-girlfriend had one. It was impressively reliable for how poorly she treated it.

vicali > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 15:46

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fuelly says avg is 22.9 for a 1998 like mine, I got a bit less because gravel/ rally/ snow/ <> good mpg. Awd is not the king of mpg either, but it was unstoppable with snow tires.

The ej22 is bombproof though, and I swapped out suspension from a 2005 impreza, added a wrx rsb, exhaust off our Forester.. it was a great little toy.. Many grins were had.

Zibodiz > vicali 10/13/2016 at 15:57

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That sounds like everything I would love to have, if only the fuel mileage were better. My parents drove Subarus while I as growing up, and they’re basically the definition of what I like in a car, but they didn’t really get their act together on fuel mileage until last year or so. Maybe in 15 years I’ll be able to afford one.

vicali > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 16:03

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If your looking at anything with the EJ25 count on $2k for headgaskets..

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 16:58

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Can you really get a new head installed for $300? If so, and the rest of the car is fine, the most financially sound thing to do is keep the car and fix whatever comes up.

tacogx > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 17:26

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I’ve heard of Buick Roadmasters with manual swaps. Maybe buy an auto, save up, than swap the manual in?

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 17:43

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The idea behind the Japanese Engine Exchange engine is that you’d wind up with something that had few miles on it. Plus, if you buy a donor car, then you have two engines to pull.

It’s not a very easy call to make.

Zibodiz > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 10/13/2016 at 21:25

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I can buy a head for $300, and install it myself. Problem with that, is that it’s not that much less work than replacing the whole drivetrain as one piece, and if I did that, I could get more horsepower for another $200 or so. Plus, of course, we’re still talking about having my DD non-usable for several days.

Zibodiz > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 10/13/2016 at 21:27

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Interesting, I’ll have to look into that. While I would have to pull two engines, they’d be complete drivetrains, rather than pulling just the engine and replacing the clutch while the engine is out, then putting it all back together. I’m not sure that swapping two full drivetrains would actually be an more work than that.

Jonee > Zibodiz 10/13/2016 at 21:44

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Oh, I’m sure they made Tercels with cruise. It may not have been a common option on them, though. I’ve never heard anything bad about the Protege, so that could be your best option. Good luck!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Zibodiz 10/14/2016 at 08:42

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Personally, I wouldn.t go to all the trouble and not replace the clutch and the rear main seal while the pack is on the ground.

Zibodiz > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 10/14/2016 at 21:44

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That’s definitely a valid point.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Zibodiz 10/14/2016 at 21:51

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I’ve faced similar decision points over the years. It’s easier, IMHO, to yank the engine/transmission than it is to remove the head. Well, not easier , exactly...