What Should I Buy?

"El Darto" (el-darto)
03/27/2016 at 13:07 • Filed to: None

My insurance company gave me a check for 8k, and now I need to replace my car. As much as I like my Mazda3, I don’t think I want another one. I want something with some character, and something that is fun to drive. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

DISCUSSION (25)

DoYouEvenShift > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:10

Fwd, rwd, awd? 4-6-8 cylinder? Na or fi? Auto or manual? 2-4 doors?

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:13

A miata with the mazda badge removed?

Slant6 > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:15

That’s 4x4 Tacoma money!

El Darto > DoYouEvenShift
03/27/2016 at 13:18

Manual, and preferably, but not dead set on RWD and 2 doors. Would make exceptions if the car seems interesting. As for the engine, preferably either 4 or 6 cylinders because of insurance costs. With fi, I could go either way. I won’t filter out a car because it is naturally aspirated.

El Darto > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
03/27/2016 at 13:19

I have no problem with Mazdas, just don’t want another 3. And the Miata is a bit small, but I have thought about it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:28

Celi...ca... or sc400?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Slant6
03/27/2016 at 13:29

Severely used and single cab though.

Slant6 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/27/2016 at 13:30

I’m only one man and two dogs. Single cab works for me.

yitznewton > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:30

MR2, V6 Mustang, V6 Accord Coupe, 350Z...

LongbowMkII > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/27/2016 at 13:31

A single cab is the only cab.

So say we all

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > yitznewton
03/27/2016 at 13:33

At that price most Z’s will be auto’s :(

-experience

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LongbowMkII
03/27/2016 at 13:34

I used to think so too, but there are increasing disadvantages as life changes... especially when you have bucket seats instead for a bench like I do.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
03/27/2016 at 13:40

Oh yeah, did you ever explain why you didn’t pull the trigger on that Z?

Tapas > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:41

Manual IS300

350Z

Mini Cooper S

ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 13:45

FOST. Turbo, pretty affordable used, 6mt. If you put the whole check towards the car, you monthly payments will be nice and low too, which means more money for parts...or other adult responsibilities.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > ESSSIX GmbH - Accountant/Wagon Thumper
03/27/2016 at 14:03

Or FiST. You can get them in the mid to low teens now.

Sam > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 14:19

For 8k you could get a really nice NB.

FromCanadaWithLove > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 14:37

I’d look for a clean E46 325ci or 330ci. With the M Sport package, you get great seats and a good looking car. The 325 is a bit slow, but it has a nice balance and ride.

El Darto > FromCanadaWithLove
03/27/2016 at 14:39

My concern is reliability and cost of ownership. I already have my 73 Dart that I need to keep running, so the cost of BMW parts scares me away.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/27/2016 at 14:42

I went to check it out Friday and liked what i saw for the most part, went home to check out prices for stuff that it needed, it sold Saturday afternoon :(

RazoE > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 14:54

Mazdaspeed3. The end.

Monkey B > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 15:02

I’d research that a bit. BMW parts in general aren’t bad. There are a few exceptions but overall the cost of ownership is exaggerated in my experience by those who don’t have much car knowledge. It’s hard to find something that checks as many driving boxes as a 3 series...I just bought another for my wife...it’s my 6th BMW.

FromCanadaWithLove > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 16:51

That's fair. The E46 was one of the more reliable BMWs, especially 2003 and after. I'd avoid early E90s altogether.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 18:53

Easy. Miata

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > El Darto
03/27/2016 at 21:08

I suggest a Deuce and a half truck, AKA an M35. They can be had fairly cheap and they will run in some shape or form until the end of time.

http://meadville.craigslist.org/cto/5493238246…

Here’s one I found on my local CL.