Still daydreaming about my next car...

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck) 07/19/2015 at 22:17 • Filed to: NEED MORE MONEY!

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Though I won’t be purchasing it for some time, I can’t help but scheme. Some time ago, I posted my wish list which featured older, highly-depreciated German coupes (and an AllRoad) that would push my budget beyond its limit once things started breaking. But then we bought a house so that budget was *whoosh* right down the tubes (to something actually worth investing in and has improved my life greatly, however CANNOT DRIVE!).

But now I’m back to window shopping after a brief period of abstinence (not true: I still look up cars everyday on craigslist).

My wife gets her car next, which will be, set in stone, 5-doors, automatic, small, and did I mention automatic. She will get the practical vehicle she wants, leaving me free, FREE, to purchase something impractical and selfish. But with more on the line than some time ago, I need something that’s at least more reliable than an Allroad and more affordable than a well-maintained 840ci (which apparently is only slightly more reliable than an allroad).

Yes, I would love a ‘76 Celica, which shares the same engine as my pickup, so I would already feel comfortable working on it. Yes, I would love an MkII Supra, which is so ‘80s it’s arousing. But the most modern car I’ve ever owned is a ‘96 Civic DX. I’m not even sure that thing had an airbag... maybe in the steering wheel? God I miss that thing. Anyway, I think I’m ready for something more *shivvers* mmm— modern. Modern but quirky!

Yes, I like this thing. I have seen ONE in my life but it was nice. It would also be a way for me to claim that I drive American (even though it’s an OPEL) SILENCE! I can’t find any around here with three doors, let alone with a stick.

You must be stunned that I want the only Lexus hatchback ever sold in the states (we don’t talk about the CT in this household). Well good news for me, as these are also absurdly uncommon in these parts. Will I find one that has reasonable miles, stock wheels, and untinted windows? Nah. I did try to steer my wife towards the Sportcross, but she saw right through me. “Isn’t this a car YOU want?” “Maybe.”

These are pretty much my two frontrunners as of this moment, sure to change bi-weekly. I don’t think I’ll ever want a sedan, I am so-so on most coupes, and I don’t need another truck... I mean a ‘98 T100 extra cab SR5 4WD with the 3.4L would be nice but I already own a much smaller truck with a longer bed that’s paid for. And other than my phase with the $300 dollar Tercel wagon, I have been daily driving pickups since 2012. And I drive a Tacoma for work. Thousands upon thousands of miles. Time for a car again.

There are so many cars I really like and oogle at, but few at this point in my life I would consider actually owning. I can’t keep buying 30 year old Toyotas that need a lot of work but you can ignore for long periods of time because for God’s sake, they’re 80s Toyotas and immortal. I’m open to suggestions. Or any feedback on the Astra.

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:21

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I love the Astra!! Nice small lil car with a HUGE panoramic sunroof! Just keep in mind that the awesome sunroof is only available on the 4-door.

If I could afford an Astra I’d definitely buy one!

boxrocket > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:22

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Mazda3 for her, Mazdaspeed3 for you.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dogisbadob 07/19/2015 at 22:25

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Grrr but I like the way the 3-door looks comparatively. Otherwise it kind of just reminds me of a bigger Pontiac Vibe (though better looking). And by the time I’m in the market, these things will be rarer than common decency in a Gawker comment section.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:29

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Oh if I could find a manual 3-door Astra in my budget.

I see them for sale all the time locally (there’s so many late model Saturns around here, it’s shocking), but they’re juusst out of what I’ll have when I sell the M3.

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:30

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The Astra is the only decent 4-door hatchback sold here with good gas mileage and the awesome panoramic sunroof.

Other good choices are the 03-06 Matrix XRS/Vibe GT. Cool crossover thing with the 2ZZ engine for maximum fun :)

The X-Type is the most awesome Jaguar ever. A cool wagon with a hood ornament and Ford running gear. They were actually available with a manual transmission. Not sure how many exist, but it’s definitely more than zero (which is the amount of manual IS300 wagons). If I could find and afford a manual X-Type wagon, I’d totally run it for as long as it will run, and then do an MS6 swap (the X-Types are mostly AWD, not sure if it was standard in the US, but if not, then most of them have it anyway)

There’s also the 00-04 Volvo V40 which is a cool car.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > boxrocket 07/19/2015 at 22:31

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Mazda3 is in the top 10 candidates for her, but she wants something smaller like the Fit (which I support). As for me, if I’m going Mazda, I’d shop for a Mazda 6 hatchback (though I don’t know if those had sticks). But in a way, both the 3 and the 6 are just more car than I really need... The Lexus gets a pass because Lexus.

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:31

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And they’re already rare than such deceny now! Especially with the sunroof, let alone manual and sunroof. Ideally, mine would be either blue or white, with the aforementioned goodies :)

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:35

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Yes, the 6 hatchback was available with a stick. So was the 5 :)

Under_Score > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:39

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If y’all are planning on having kids, plan her car around that. The Fit is pretty big inside, and it’s reliable.

Another suggestion: the Pontiac Vibe. Pretty much the same as the Matrix, but cheaper.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dogisbadob 07/19/2015 at 22:40

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Hah I think the Jag is just a little too far out of my comfort (and price) zone.

The Matrix/Vibe are on the table, but the wife may end up getting that anyway.

I don’t know about the v40, but hopefully the C30 depreciates quickly enough because I think those little things are great too.

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:42

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Allroad+Aftermarket Warranty.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Under_Score 07/19/2015 at 22:45

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That’s effectively the plan. She’s the one who insists on 4+ doors and a hatch for, sigh, a DOG.

I do like the Matrix quite a bit as an option for myself, but they are EXPENSIVE. Especially if I want the the correct engine and the correct transmission.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > jkm7680 07/19/2015 at 22:47

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Stop that! You’re like the guy at the party who keeps offering me a bong hit. You know I’ll say no the first fifteen times, but what about the sixteenth???

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:49

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EnduranceWarranty.com

Freeeeee quoooteeessssssssss!

Wanna bong hit?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/19/2015 at 22:51

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My funds will have to start from scratch. The budget will be devoted to her next car first, and since I am never EVER selling my pickup (which isn’t worth much anyway) I will be counting nickels for years.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > jkm7680 07/19/2015 at 22:54

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The Allroad is the ultimate lie. They’re allegedly horrendous and yet I see them everywhere. People fall in love with these things and they keep throwing money at them. To me that only makes them more tempting. What does this machine do? I must know

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:54

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Also, for your consideration.

i’m a bad influence.

but doooo eeeeetttttt

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:56

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It’s a family wagon with adjustable air suspension, a 4.2 liter V8 or a 2.7 liter twin turbocharged v6 with the same qualities of family sedan, wagon, suv and sports sedan at the same time. What’s not to like? Besides the air suspension issues.

I still see tons of them everywhere, I know non enthusiasts who still love them.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > jkm7680 07/19/2015 at 22:56

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This will vault me over in the maintainence department over that guy on here that owns a Phaeton.

dogisbadob > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:56

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That’s what the Vibe is for :)

Als, the correct engine and transmission weren’t available in the model you pictured; the ones that do have it are a bit older and do cost less.

jkm7680 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 22:58

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There’s an Opponaut with an Allroad! No idea what happened to him though.

It’ll probably be better than the Phaeton, Sm70 has a 4.2 in his A8L and that’s going well for him. The twin turbo engine is the one to avoid a little more.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 07/19/2015 at 23:03

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While not as powerful as the first gen with the 2ZZ, the second gen with the 2.4 has plenty of pep, even with the slushbox. Source: Have hooned the shit out of my mother’s Vibe GT... Also, it has had not a single problem in the 130k miles we have owned it.

Under_Score > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 23:03

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Get a golden retriever or a lab. Not only are they good with kids, but they’re also big and adorable.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 23:06

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The Saturn Astra is an okay car. My wife bought one, 5-door, blue, manual, with the huge sunroof. I dislike driving it.

My DD is an SVT Focus, so I might be biased. And by might, I mean I’m biased.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 23:13

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I had one. Loved everything about it. Miss it very much and would love to have another to DD or hoon one day.

Also, that sunroof was unrivaled. Only the MKZ could beat it to me, and it's in a completely different segment.

Amoore100 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 23:16

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Volvo V50? I just got one as my first car for $4500...it’s not fast without the T5 but it’s nice all around and should (hopefully) be pretty reliable...

(Not my pic...)

If you need bigger there is always the V70 with nice ones also in the $4-7K range (that’s where my dad bought his...)

(Also not my pic...)

Side note: If you get the Astra you should put Opel badges on it, just to screw with everyone’s mind...

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/19/2015 at 23:23

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Oh yeah, the 2.4 is a great engine, like most Toyotas are, and lots of torque, and I heard they love boost (there’s even a TRD supercharger available for it)

It’s just that I really really like the idea of 8000 rpm, especially in a crossover, which you could even get in outback-esque black door handles and lower body cladding, so lots of stealth to be had

And yeah, 130k is nothing for Toyota :)

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/19/2015 at 23:23

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Once you get through the usual maintenance issues the All Road is great (suspension, sweating turbos and electrical gremlins). I almost bought one before my A4. You should drive mine. But yeah I feel you. Mrs. gets a new ride before me. I won’t be happy with what she picks.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 07/19/2015 at 23:27

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Oh I know, I really want a 2ZZ swap in a MR2.

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/19/2015 at 23:32

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I still think Toyota didn’t make it that way from the factory in order to not steal sales from the Elise (which itself was also available with the 1ZZ in Europe).

You’ve probably seen this video already, but still worth seeing again :)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two 07/19/2015 at 23:53

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Yeah didn’t you say she wants a Mazda Cx-5? Tough break.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/20/2015 at 00:08

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Oh that is disappointing to hear. Is thete something specifically you did not care for?

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/20/2015 at 01:16

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I’ve had my eye on C30’s in case my wife ever gets over this whole all cats must have 4 doors thing. The 2008’s are dropping well under $10k now depending on miles. Here is a bright red one with a stick and only 80,000 miles listed at $11k. http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1806F7F…

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/20/2015 at 05:34

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‘76 Celica. Do it. Such a damn cool car :)

DoYouEvenShift > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/20/2015 at 07:47

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I vote SAAB 9-2X Aero

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/20/2015 at 09:23

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It’s slow, at least compared to my SVT. I realize an SVT isn’t the fastest thing around, but it will at least get out of its own way, the Astra struggles with the AC running. The shifter is sloppy. The clutch is too soft, I can’t even tell when it bites. The engine hates to rev, but you have to to get anywhere. The seats are uncomfortable. I feel like you sit too high, this is a problem with all modern cars though.

It is very good on gas. It’s been trouble-free so far. The sunroof is nice.

The Vibe Guy, Apparently > dogisbadob 07/20/2015 at 10:42

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Owner of a supercharged 1ZZ Pontiac Vibe here. Love the crap out of it. 145k miles, fun, and reliable. I’ve also lowered it two inches or so, giving it a proper hatchback profile. The supercharger, while uber rare, is more usable than the GT’s 2ZZ (180hp/125lb-ft 2ZZ vs 170hp/170lb-ft est supercharged 1ZZ), although the 2ZZ is a gem of an engine.

dogisbadob > The Vibe Guy, Apparently 07/20/2015 at 10:56

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Wow that’s awesome! Always nice to see someone with one. Yeah I heard about those supercharged 1ZZ’s, too bad they didn’t use it more often, and it’d be really good on the Elise! Glad it’s holding up like a Toyota should :)

The only things keeping me looking for a 2ZZ over the supercharged is the rarity of the blower, and the rear drums. What kind of shocks do you have on them?

The Vibe Guy, Apparently > dogisbadob 07/20/2015 at 11:08

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I have Megan Racing coiloves on mine. I could go lower, but then I risk not clearing curbs. Before that I had stock KYBs with lowering springs, which was a good combination, but too soft. And the rear drums aren’t an issue, as the rear discs from the Vibe GT/Matrix XRS/Corolla XRS/Celica GT-S will go right on no problem (for me at least). With a few chassis braces she does pretty well. I plan on methanol injection, bigger injectors, and manual swapping. The auto taught me how to drive pretty well, but I need to row my own to really get the most out of this setup. Not to mention the auto has gone from acceptable to terribad with boost.

A friend of mine rally races a Vibe GT with Rally America. I have yet to attend an event with him but I plan on going later this year to a rally or two with him.

dogisbadob > The Vibe Guy, Apparently 07/20/2015 at 12:26

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Coll stuff! Nice car and that rally Vibe is awesome as fuck! Have fun at the rally when you go. Do you plan on using the 5-speed or 6-speed manual?

The Vibe Guy, Apparently > dogisbadob 07/20/2015 at 23:26

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Thanks!

The six-speed would be nice, but if I am swapping on a budget I’m going for the 5-speed with the longer gear ratios. Better for the 1ZZ engine as the power band isn’t as narrow, and I won’t be going only 55mph at 2500rpms in top gear. Got to keep the fuel economy up. Especially since I have many twelve-hour drives ahead of me. Eventually I want the six-speed with LSD from Monkeywrench Racing that is essentially the five-speed but beefier and with a .8 gear slotted between fourth and top gear. But in the shorter term, a five-speed will be better for me than the six-speed, and cheaper too.