Thinking of buying a beater

"Old Red Wagon" (wr10) 11/13/2017 at 20:02 • Filed to: None

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So I don’t daily drive my M2 and don’t like that my E30 is now my daily driver. Looking to spend no more than 2k on a beater just to get to and from work. Came across a 2003 Pontiac Vibe and a 2005 Lancer ES. The vibe is a six speed with 106k miles and the lancer is a five speed with 117k. Both look to be in good shape from the pictures I’ve seen. Have yet to check out either of them. I’m confident I can get either for under 2k.

Now I know the Vibe is basically a rebadged Matrix so that’s definitely a good thing. Anyone have experience with either of them? One more reliable than the other? Anything I should look out for when/if I take a look at them in person?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 20:06

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Just make sure the hand break works

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 20:10

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I had a 2003 AWD Vibe. Great as an appliance, the AWD system was crap. Drove like large fridge, but had the interior space of a large fridge. The rust got too it, watch for rust of the rear hatch. Mine had the 1ZZ (& 4spd auto), but if it has 6spd it’s a GT with the 8000rpm red line 180hp 1.8L 2ZZ. Also, fold flat front seat.

Old Red Wagon > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 11/13/2017 at 20:14

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Which is perfect because I need it as an appliance. Something I can throw my bike into. One I’m looking at is fwd. I’ll take a look for rust, I’m in Texas so it shouldn’t be an issue.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 20:17

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The one you described is the sporty-ish GT with the 2ZZge.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 20:22

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If it’s a 6-speed, it’s an 8k rpm screamer with an LSD.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/13/2017 at 20:29

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The Vibe GT never got a LSD.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 20:49

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I have a 2008, 1ZZ, auto. Ask away.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 11/13/2017 at 21:25

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Nevermind then, I swear it did.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 21:26

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No LSD, nevermind.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 21:27

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Bike? Road or mountain? If the latter we should ride some time. If I recall you’re just up the road from me.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 22:00

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A manual vibe with the high revving engine might actually keep you entertained enough to avoid miles on your other cars.

I think one problem when you own a cool car, or in your case two, is getting a DD beater that’s entertaining enough to want to drive.

AM3R, lost another burner > Old Red Wagon 11/13/2017 at 22:56

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Why not just split miles between the M and the E30? Fun cars, enjoy them!!

Old Red Wagon > AM3R, lost another burner 11/14/2017 at 01:45

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That’s basically what I’m doing now. I work overnight in a bit so nice area of San Antonio and don’t like leaving my M2 where it would be. Hell I don’t like leaving my E30 there either but between the two, E30 it is. E30 didn’t have air conditioning so after the winter months it’s essentially undrivable in this Texas heat.

Old Red Wagon > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 11/14/2017 at 01:46

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I’m actually completely okay with having a very boring car if I end up with one. Knowing I have the other two cars I could live with a boring car as my commuter car.

Old Red Wagon > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 11/14/2017 at 01:47

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Granted yours is newer with a different transmission, what is ownership like? Has it been reliable?

Old Red Wagon > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 11/14/2017 at 01:48

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I ride road. It’s been a long time since I’ve been mountain biking. I considered getting back into it but don’t want another reason to spend money lol.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Old Red Wagon 11/14/2017 at 02:52

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Bought it with 68k, now has 105k. I’d say it’s been reliable for sure. I’ve replaced the front brakes, radiator fan, some various bulbs, and oil.

If you want a car that you will feel no real love for and make you look forward to jumping back into your superior M2 or E30, this is the perfect car. It’s disposable, it’s practical, and it’s cheap.

Old Red Wagon > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 11/14/2017 at 02:54

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Awesome, appreciate the reply.

briannutter1 > Old Red Wagon 11/14/2017 at 03:42

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Vibe if you would rather sink money into the he others than fixing.

Milky > Old Red Wagon 11/14/2017 at 09:34

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Whats the point of fun cars if you don’t drive them?

Old Red Wagon > Milky 11/14/2017 at 11:51

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I work in a bad area of the city, during the night, and one doesn’t have air conditioning. Living in Texas it makes one of them almost undrivable the majority of the year.