Best DD for a Car Enthusiast?

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars) 01/18/2014 at 19:55 • Filed to: None

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100

I want to hit all the bases in order of priority for me, but I'm open to all offers.

Fun>Not FWD>Gas Mileage>Practicality>Horsepower>Looks

I'm entertaining any and all offers.

No Miatas

$5k Price Cap. If you can, find CL postings to prove the price.

Go.

Spaceball-Two > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 19:57

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T minus 3, 2, 1 until someone mentions a Miata

Bandit > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 19:57

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Jay Lauer > Spaceball-Two 01/18/2014 at 19:59

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Fixed.

Jay Lauer > Bandit 01/18/2014 at 20:00

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I do love those... I drove a customer's that had a 400

but I couldn't deal with that mileage.

Anon > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:00

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Mercedes E class 550. Comfy, has a v8, handles pretty decent, is pretty damn fast, the v8 is actually reliable, decent gas milage. What is there to dislike?

naallday > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:03

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If I have to choose a rwd because of all you ignorant biased people on here who think fwd is the worst thing ever. Who most likely haven't even driven a good fwd example. My vote goes for Honda s2000

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:03

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This is my Si, and I consider it to be a truly all around great car. It's quick, gets good gas mileage, and handles beautifully. On paper it may look like a gussied up econobox, but drive one and you'll understand why I would have it over a lot of other "more pure" sports cars out there.

Nibby > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:03

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AE86

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:04

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I used to be super anti FWD as well. Then I got a Focus ST and actually took it on track, and it was fantastic. Now I am no longer anti-FWD, so I think you should rethink your bias but if you really won't consider something FWD then the RWD/AWD options would be:

E36
E46
Impreza 2.5RS
WRX (Especially wagon for practicality)
Honda S2000
RX8
Mazdaspeed 6

Honestly it's hard to give you a good recommendation without knowing what kind of price range you're looking at. Also where does reliability and cost of ownership come into play?

naallday > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/18/2014 at 20:06

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This right here. Thank you

Burt > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:07

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I would say the BRZ/FR-S should be high on this list, they fit the formula to a T. I would say the Hyundai Genesis Coupe also fits rather well, and for me personally, I would switch gas mileaga and horsepower, and add the Camaro SS (1-LE in particular) and Hemi Challengers. All of the above come with sticks as well.

Burt > Burt 01/18/2014 at 20:08

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Also, if you're feeling a little more luxurious, BMW 328/335 with a stick, or the ATS 2.0T with dat manual.

UserNotFound > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:10

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Focus hatch. Fun, economical, can carry lots of stuff.

80CobraKid > Anon 01/18/2014 at 20:10

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Autotragic.

FireSpittingV12 > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:10

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GTI.

Louros > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:10

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Mini Cooper S.

I'm ignoring your "no FWD" requirement.

Jay Lauer > Louros 01/18/2014 at 20:12

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That is the one FWD I would give it up for. It's such a blast to drive.

Jay Lauer > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 20:14

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I have an E46 now, and a WRX before that, and an RX8 before that. I would totally buy another WRX again.

Never buying an RX8 again.

Jay Lauer > Nibby 01/18/2014 at 20:14

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Not many made it to Kansas..

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:15

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Since you didn't give a price point. This is the ultimate DD.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro 01/18/2014 at 20:15

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MPG... No points.

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:16

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This is always a difficult question. Your criteria make it more so. But I'll have a go.

You don't care much about looks: that's practical. Too many car buyers put looks near the top.

You want it to be fun, but you don't necessarily need or want it to have an unusually high power rating. You also want decent gas mileage and some degree of practicality.

So this basically means a light, RWD four banger that's fun to drive?

See, there's a reason it's called "the answer to everything" around here.

But no Miata's, fine. But u make happy car sad :(

So in that case, and I hesitate to offer this, but the E36 or E46:

Otherwise, go FWD and get a hot or warm hatch. GTI, Cooper S. Or a tuned up shitbox like the Sentra SE-R. Or go AWD and get a Subie Imprezza or Audi A4.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:16

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Damn! So close...

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 20:18

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I actually like the Miata a lot, and I still may buy one. It's just the highway RPM's that annoy me.

I also own a E46 right now. It's way too finnicky for me. It throws too many fits.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro 01/18/2014 at 20:19

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Should've suggested the LaFerrari or 918.

Also, I've edited in a price cap.

Janx38 > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:19

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Porsche 924(s)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > naallday 01/18/2014 at 20:20

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You're welcome :) I don't like how a lot of people view the Si. It's deemed as "less" than a lot of alternatives, yet cars like the Mini and the GTI get a pass. Apparently German econoboxes can be sports cars but Japanese ones can't. I don't get it.

Anyway. I hope you like yours like I like mine. I just plasti-dipped the emblems tonight, and am looking at parts to begin perfecting my K20. :)

Jay Lauer > Janx38 01/18/2014 at 20:20

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I could get a 944 for that price, but too expensive to maintain.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:21

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Again budget is good to know.

Honestly the best thing for everything other than your no-FWD requirement is a Fiesta ST. Incredibly fun, 35-40MPG, Hatchback (Practical), ~180HP (But very light) and doesn't look half bad. And not a bad price to boot. Or if you need more space the Focus ST. They don't handle like FWD Cars, I took my Focus ST on track yesterday and felt more confident in it than I did with my old E46 323i with the sport package.

EDIT: For $5k you're going to have problems finding something that fits all those requirements that isn't going to be FWD and isn't going to be horribly unreliable. Especially if you won't go Miata. You might be able to find a High Mileage WRX for that price. Or maybe get a 2.5RS. S2000 is out, you already have an E46. Maybe a Volvo S60, but maintenance on those is expensive and they don't get really great fuel economy. Personally for that price range I'd get a MK4 GTI.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:22

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944? It has back seats.

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/4248764492…

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/4258105567…

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/4265550990… (turbo!)

Jay Lauer > naallday 01/18/2014 at 20:22

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I'd love an S2000, but I can't afford one.

And I can't find one that's broken for sale.

Mathias Rios > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:23

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944 Turbo

naallday > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/18/2014 at 20:24

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I couldn't agree more. I myself don't have one. I actually have older civic swapped with a k series I use for auto x. But I have driven countless number of these new si's and I love the honda brand so. This topic I'm touchy about haha

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro 01/18/2014 at 20:24

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I really like the 944, I drove an NA.

But cost of maintenance would be uber high, and the prices for 944's are only going down.

Janx38 > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:24

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The Porsche 924 is actually surprisingly inexpensive to maintain because it shares a lot of Volkswagens/Audi parts.

Jay Lauer > Mathias Rios 01/18/2014 at 20:25

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I would if I could. Hit the nail on the head.

I just can't get one.

Anon > 80CobraKid 01/18/2014 at 20:25

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There's nothing wrong with an automatic on a car like the e class. Might I remind you that the crown vic is only avaliable in a manual.

Jay Lauer > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 20:26

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I'd love a Fiesta ST, but it's too expensive and hasn't been around long enough to depreciate. I'd buy a Cooper S if I could afford one too, its an amazing FWD car.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:26

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Over the course of learning about this car, maintenance is literally the only problem with it. Some say it's underpowered, but you can't really argue that point when you're only spending a few grand on it.

Jay Lauer > Janx38 01/18/2014 at 20:27

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Well no offense, but I don't care for the 924 looks. I'd buy a 944 instead.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:27

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I've edited the above post since you put in the $5k price limit. I think a Mk4 GTI could be your best bet, next to that try to find a lower mileage Impreza 2.5RS, which is difficult. Or if you could find a E36 318ti in good shape that could be fun.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro 01/18/2014 at 20:28

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You're exactly right. I keep coming back to it, but I know it's a bad idea. I love the one I drove, but I don't want to spend and arm and a leg to keep it going, and then have more trouble selling it.

Jay Lauer > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 20:29

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I thought the 1.8T GTI's weren't that good? The quality of Volkswagens at that time was just not very good.

I'd love a Mk5 if I could get it.

80CobraKid > Anon 01/18/2014 at 20:30

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Yes, but best DD for an enthusiast? and Sub $5k budget?

Stupidru > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:31

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Let me suggest something out of the ordinary... Why not get an NA Subaru wagon? They're reliable as all hell, they get decent mileage (and no premium gas), extremely practical, huge mod community, stick shift is available, and the looks are subjective. Oh, and they don't weigh hardly anything, plus they have 165hp which is enough to get out of their own way.

If you choose to forego the FWD part, I'd suggest a Mini S or a MS3

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:32

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It's good that you're thinking rationally. If I were you I'd probably already have the 944 and be in mounds of debt. I would say E36 (M3 if you get lucky and find one), but the maintenance problem comes up again. And I'd much rather have a 944 then an E36.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:32

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I've never driven one of the 1.8s but I test drove a VR6 Mk4 here in Austin over the summer. Seller wanted $3800 and it only had 97k miles on it. No the quality wasn't that good, but for the price point you're looking for and with the limitations you've put on it you're probably not going to find good quality anywhere. If you want good quality that fits all your requirements get a Miata, otherwise you're going to have to make some compromises.

Jay Lauer > Stupidru 01/18/2014 at 20:32

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I may be buying another WRX or Legacy GT, so you're on the right path.

Also, I'd totally to a Mini S or Mazdaspeed3. I know the Speed3 is ludicrous, but that's the point. But I've also owned a Mazda3 already, and I like to keep things new.

Jay Lauer > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 20:34

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I'm still open to Miatas, at the right price.

Well I'm thinking about sellability, and the values on Mk4 GTI's have tanked.

Jay Lauer > Brian Silvestro 01/18/2014 at 20:35

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Well I'm in the business of flipping CL cars, so I have to think rationally. I've run across a couple of M3's, but I'm so over BMW problems. I own a E46 now that I'm selling.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:35

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Which means you can get one cheap. I'm not sure thinking about resale value in a $5k car is that wise. But again if thats what you care about then the answer is clear:

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > naallday 01/18/2014 at 20:37

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That sounds awesome. If I could have a DC2 like my old one with a K swap, I would in a heart-beat. People just don't give these things a chance. But everyone I know that has never goes back.

Jay Lauer > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 01/18/2014 at 20:39

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I'm very open to Miatas, but I just didn't want everyone saying Miata.

I'm just looking for the right one to sell cheap, so I can sell for more.

Brian Silvestro > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:43

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Hmmm, it seems Miata is the answer, but won't solve your practicality problem.

Stupidru > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:44

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Right on. I had a Legacy GT prior to my downgrade, and it was a hoot. I'm making the most of the Impreza wagon but I'm having a lot more fun than I ever thought I would.

JR1 > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:52

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For 5k if it's just you you can get some domestics with a good ol' V8!

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:53

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So other than the hissy fit throwing, does the E46 tick most/all of your boxes?

If so, that means finding a more reliable 3-Series.

Here's your answer then, the IS 300

Even the 1st gen's aren't cheap, however.

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 20:56

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Perhaps with a manual, I'm open to it.

Jay Lauer > JR1 01/18/2014 at 20:57

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I've already owned two Mustangs. I've had my fill of muscle cars.

TyFc3s-A car hating millennial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:57

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you answered your own question. An Rx7 GSL-SE (1985 13b equiped first gen) or a Fc turbo 2 would both be in your price range, fast, light and tossible, and dont let anyone tell you theyre unreliable. The first gens will go to 200,000 miles easy and turbo 2s wont do too bad either. Plus when they break they are way cheaper to fix than piston motors. And if your in the new jersey area, I work at JPR imports and we can help you find a car and fix or modify it.

Jay Lauer > Stupidru 01/18/2014 at 20:58

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Oh, they're still fun. I had a WRX Wagon that was fantastic.

But, I'm totally looking forward to a Legacy GT. I'm just looking at options that make better mileage.

Mathias Rios > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:59

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Wait why? Is price a limiting factor or the "practicality" haha.

Jay Lauer > TyFc3s-A car hating millennial 01/18/2014 at 20:59

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My dad's a mechanic of 40+ years. He tells me they're unreliable. I believe him.

I would 5.0 swap one in a heartbeat

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 20:59

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The manuals are less common that you might think (was skimming through listings the other night) but they are out there.

You'll have to live with less luxury when compared to the Bimmer. Smaller back seat too, I think. This is, after all, a Toyota Altezza with leather, basically. It's more plasticy and Corolla like compared to the BMW. That may be a bit unfair to its interior, its chronograph style gauges are pretty neat, at least.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:00

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Jeep YJ

Jay Lauer > Mathias Rios 01/18/2014 at 21:00

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Price is the limiting factor. They're expensive in my area.

Jay Lauer > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos 01/18/2014 at 21:04

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Oh, you bastard.

I want one of those sooo badly.

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 21:04

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Oh, I'm aware. But I compromised getting an automatic BMW, and I sorely regret it.

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:07

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So maybe try your luck again with the E46? As Bimmers go, it has a reputation for reliability. I still see tons on the road in winter. You know the car well enough by now to know what to look for: bide your time and find a manual with a history of care and maintenance.

TyFc3s-A car hating millennial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:08

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my uncles a mechanic of rotarys for 25 year, and weve seen plenty of cars make it quite a while.

5.0 swaps make no sense. first of all, the V8 to do really is the LS motor. plus that breaks your budget and makes the car worse all around..

Buy a camaro

Bandit > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:08

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Yeah... I get around 10 mpg. Not the best for DD duties.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:08

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I'm ignoring your first requirement because ALL cars are fun to drive, you just have to have an open mind....unless you want to do a track day, then you need certain requirements to be met that include a good radiator and brakes that don't fail. Autocrosses however, are arguably more fun in a non-performance car.

So right now, I would recommend something obscure and random to astound people with and a nice blank canvas - The infiniti J30.

-220hp VG30 V6, so plenty of parts both aftermarket upgrades and OE replacements.

-4-door luxury sedan

-90's japanese so things actually work well past 100k miles

I see a few examples in good shape for 4-5 grand. All are 4-speed autos but I have no doubt they would be hilarious to drive hard. You would also reach maximum jalop points if you upgraded it a bit and actually did autocrosses or track days with it. And you would triple those points if you had in-car camera of you doing things like adjusting your A/C or heated seats while in a helmet and driving in anger at an event.

here's a near perfect condition one - but it's too nice. Get one a bit ragged on the outside and paint/plasti-dip it flat tan and give it black wheels and bolt on fender flares. Go nuts. Make it a drift missle despite being auto.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:08

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With the 4.0 I6 and the manual? Hell yeah you want one.

Mathias Rios > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:12

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Where are you located? You could get an NA 944 and those are lots of fun too! I'll find you a 944 Turbo under 5k, theres a good bunch in the NE area.

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 21:13

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Maybe if I could find a manual 330 or 325, but it's iffy.

What do you think? http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/4291587548…

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 21:13

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And it is insanely hard to find an IS w a manual trans.

Jay Lauer > TyFc3s-A car hating millennial 01/18/2014 at 21:14

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The Mazda used many Ford components that are compatible with the swap. You take the crossmember, flip it, and bolt the 5.0 right in.

What's the mileage like for the rotary?

Jay Lauer > Mathias Rios 01/18/2014 at 21:15

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Wichita, KS.

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 21:17

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or this one http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/4280478568…

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:18

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"I also has rebuilt title but can't tell I want a chevy truck or Tahoe or a older chevy drag car really anything fast or chevy let me know"

Jay Lauer > Dunnik 01/18/2014 at 21:20

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Didn't see that part.

TyFc3s-A car hating millennial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:21

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life span? Na (na fc and gsl-se) 150,000-200,000. Turbo 2s 125,000-175,000

Gas mileage? Fc turbos got 23/17 (epa est.) GSL-SEs should do about that too (dont have a sales brochure for them lol)

Jay Lauer > TyFc3s-A car hating millennial 01/18/2014 at 21:24

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What do you think? http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/4291451380…

Dunnik > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:25

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"The car ran hard and drove like a drift car when I had everything tuned up...Needs: Upper ball joint, struts."

So when's the rest of the suspension components going to fall off?

Depending on what the seller did to have it "tuned up", it could be pretty solid underneath. But no pics of the seats, and since this is Craiglist, assume it's a lawn chair bolted to the floor. If interior condition is good...lowball him under 2k. You'd have to do something about those wheels, too, I think.

TyFc3s-A car hating millennial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:31

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hmm.. pretty scarce on info.. and its a 12a model and not a faster 13b car, but it should still be fun, and its easy to put any 2 rotor into that chassis. its a good price if it runs good and has, say, under or about 150,000 miles. it looks straight, and rust isnt a huge problem with these cars so i wouldnt worry about that (still, look). I say check it out if you're close

TyFc3s-A car hating millennial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:33

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looking close at the pictures, the car has clearly been in some kind of accident in the front passenger side, so make sure it drives straight and isnt bent like a pretzel lol

Axial > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 21:34

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C4 Corvette.

Here's a link, and it's not even as low as a CL link.

It's also a manual, evidenced by the pictures. Ignore what it says on the side.

Seems to be in decent shape.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 22:19

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As a Miata DD owner the highway rpm's are not a big deal at all. U get used to it and it really doesn't affect MPG.

No offense, but with what your asking Miata is the answer.

Jay Lauer > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/18/2014 at 22:30

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I like the Miata, I just didn't want everyone saying Miata is the answer.

Also, I can't find a super cheap one near me.

bhardoin > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 22:50

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Rx7s get terrible mileage. I was considering one, but that's part of the reason I bought a Z car. 280z's and ZXs are definitely within that price point.
So are VW bugs, Novas/Falcons/Dusters.

Scott Keelan > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 23:06

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E30 325is

240 Wagon

MR2

Jay Lauer > Scott Keelan 01/18/2014 at 23:11

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There's a MR2 Turbo with 200k miles I'm considering.

Also, do E30 325s get very good mileage?

And the 240 is nice with it's irony and all, but I wouldn't buy one. Unless it had a V8

Scott Keelan > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 23:28

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I would get the MR2 inspected before you pull the trigger considering the high mileage.

I think the 325i gets pretty decent mileage. There was also a 325e (e for efficient) that had a slightly detuned engine that traded some power for better fuel economy.

If you are anywhere near the Seattle area there is a V8 Volvo 242 for sale:

Craigslist Link

Stupidru > Jay Lauer 01/18/2014 at 23:30

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Be careful with the LGT. Mine nickel and dimed me for 3 years from the day I bought it until the day I sold it. Aside from spark plugs, it was fairly easy to work on and an absolute dream to drive (swaybars, endlinks, Bilstein HD suspension with STI pink springs, riding on Pilot Super Sport tires). But mine eventually had compression issues due to a broken ringland in cylinder #4 and my wife wanted a Forester since we just got a dog so... yeah. I got her old car and she got my replacement. Ah, the joys of getting old... lol

Scott Keelan > Scott Keelan 01/18/2014 at 23:30

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My money would go towards a nice E30. I think it ticks all the right boxes.

Mike > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/18/2014 at 23:51

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As someone who drives a sort of franken-Si (Si 2.0L VTEC in a regular EX-L Coupe, because the previous owner was just plain odd), I wholeheartedly support this. Even with a slushbox, my Civic is an utter blast to drive. I'd argue that it's more fun than my dad's old Audi A4. Everything about the car just feels "right".

I still want to get a V8 Miata down the road, though.

Jay Lauer > Stupidru 01/18/2014 at 23:55

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Yeah, the one I'm looking at is already fucked up. Knock in the motor. My father owns a mechanic shop, so we're going to pull the motor and get all up in it. Everything else looks ok. Only 108k miles

Jay Lauer > Scott Keelan 01/18/2014 at 23:58

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Oh, definitely on the MR2.

I do like the E30, it's just about finding a good one. There's one that desperately needs a tune-up for $1500, so it just depends.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Mike 01/19/2014 at 00:00

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They never made the VTEC K20 with an auto. How'd you find one to hook up with it? Lol

Mike > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/19/2014 at 00:09

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The most redundant engine swap ever. Like I said, the previous owner was weird .