If you had $5000

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
01/04/2018 at 22:27 • Filed to: None

I’m strongly considering picking up a fun, but comfier daily so I can really go all in on the Mega-Miata build this summer. Here are the current top picks, in order.

No real requirements, just something that’s a bit comfier and less hardcore than the Miata. Preferably won’t leave me stranded every other day. Manual or auto, preference going to rowing my own except for a few unique cases but not a deal breaker either way.

Financing something in the under $10,000 bracket is on the table as well, because then I can get a fun car AND justify it by saying I’m building credit. Woohoo!

1. Porsche 944.

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The ones worth looking at (decent body, service history, not complete basket cases) seem to be 7-10k. This is currently my top pick IF... if I can find a decent one for a bit less. I haven’t watched these so I have no clue if that’s likely. I just love the 944 bodystyle, and it’s a freakin Porsche. Nuff said.

Pros: join the Parsh club

Enjoy Steph’s internal struggle when she realizes someone has a Miata and a 944

Looks bitchin’

Lots of potential

Cons: maintenance looks fine by German standards, still a lot more intensive/expensive than what I’m used to.

I’ll regret not getting the 944 turbo

2. RX8

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I will have a rotary in my life at some point. The FD rx7 is well out of reach right now, but the rx8 is probably the best value sports-car on the market period. I’ll settle if the price is right.

At least.... It was the best value for a sports-car last year when I was looking at ‘em. They were 3k all day for a decent one, 4k with a new engine, pocket change for one with a blown engine.... Unfortunately I see that pricing seems to be quite a bit higher now. About the same as the 944, in the 6-10 range for well sorted examples. The ones with blown engines still seem to be killer values.... But buying a project car because it’s a great value doesn’t solve the reason I want another car in the first place, unfortunately. But come on, look at these! Gahhhhhhh

Pros:

rotary

Nice seats

Perfectly sized

Keeping it in the family

Cons:

rotary

Probably not much faster than the Miata in a straight line

I already now all the good places to get parts, so this would end up being modded in short order

Not an FD

Volvo s60r

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This has been one of my attainable dream cars for a long, long time. 300hp, unique spaceball manual transmission, the best seats upon which my buttocks have ever sat in, and wheels that are in my top three favorite OEM designs of all time. Prices are all over the place, sometimes they’ll be down near 4k, other times 14k. Interior and exterior color seem to make a huge difference on pricing, as well as the transmission. I would not want this with an auto. The v70r would be great too, but I actually prefer the sedan here.

Pros:

This is my favorite sedan design of all time

Favorite OEM wheels

One of my favorite interiors

Lots of power

Luxury, without blending in

Cons:

I would legitimately have trouble walking away from a bad financial decision if I found one that met my requirements

Being my dream car, I reaaaaally don’t want to settle for anything less than the exact options I’m interested in. Has to be stick, blue or brown interior, etc. Could be tricky to find.

Maintenance. After dropping the engine and transmission for an oil change or whatever, do you know what Audi guys use to console themselves? The thought of dealing with the well-documented and numerous costly issues that can pop up with s60r/v70r ownership. I drive a Miata. I’m not ready for that yet...

Audi TT - I dig these. Somewhat luxurious, under 5k all day, and pretty fun to drive. My buddy has had a lot of issues with his, but he hasn’t been able to part with it. After a few drives I can understand why. Especially striking in a good color

Fiat Abarth - these things are under $10,000 now. Finance, enjoy for a few years, sell off and buy something different. Much more interesting to me personally than the st twins (although subjectively worse than the st twins....) and that exhaust note! Yes please.

That one mid 2000's manual Acura that front page Andrew has. I can never recall the name.... That’s probably $5,000ish? Sounds like a nice commuter that still delivers some solid fun.

Another Miata. Yes, this is a real thing I’m considering. A bone-stock yellow Miata as a daily while I turn my OG yata into a monster? That would be beautiful. And having two Miatas is better than having one Miata.

Motorcycle. I want a bike. Even a scooter. This might happen separately from everything above... If I find something cheap I’ll jump on it

Any other ideas?

DISCUSSION (62)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:36

The Acura in question is a TL. I support this. Yes, they take premium and Yes, they’re nose heavy and torque steer but they’re kinda sporty, kinda quick, reliable, and really well styled inside and out. Oh and the interior is great quality and comfort.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:36

I’d do the Abarth, fun fun fun!

sony1492 > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:36

Ls400 or if you want something more expensive gs400.

With the Ls it’s cheap, reliable, comfy, and the downside is it’s mileage(both mpg and odo). My brother had a 99 LS and with the 300hp motor it was definitely quick.

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:38

I’ll suggest the moose. The interiors are so comfortable. That said. They are Audi levels of expensive to maintain once you get around 100k miles.

AestheticsInMotion > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
01/04/2018 at 22:39

This sounds like everything I’d need while the rest of the fleet is getting heart transplants. Just something I can count on to work, be comfortable, and not be a complete bore. Anything to look for specifically? These arefoue-doors right?

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
01/04/2018 at 22:42

I love them so much... If I see any killer deals I may jump on them

AestheticsInMotion > Spaceball-Two
01/04/2018 at 22:44

I’m worried I’ll be stuck with maintenance costs that would completely erase my Miata-building funds. Do you have any experience with the speedy swedes personally?

Noah - Now with more boost. > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:44

I like the RX8 idea, amazing driving dynamics and you can find one with a recently replaced motor. Other than that, my suggestions are luxo barges: 560SEL, R129SL, BMW E32, E34, E38, E39. LS400, Q45, S80.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:44

Counterpoint: if you want to throw money at your true love — the Mega Miata — you should consider making your DD as reliable as possible in the “fun” category. Repairs on the S60R (hypothetically) is less stuff going towards the Miata and alcohol. That said, if you can afford it, do what you must. How about an Acura TL-S?

OPPOsaurus WRX > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:44

While I would love a TT you’d be working on that when you should be working on the Miata

If I had $5k:

Would be fun

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/cto/d/2002-ford-mustang-gt/6414840884.html

I miss having a truck, especially on snow days

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/d/2008-ford-ranger-5-speed/6448211077.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d/2001-toyota-tacoma-stepside/6431768955.html

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:46

Yep. 4 door only. I know someone who put 250k on an auto one with no problems other than a transmission mount and regular maintenance. I don’t know things to look for specifically, but there’s bound to be threads on a honda specific forum.

Textured Soy Protein > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:47

WJ Grand Cherokee Overland. 3 LSDs and the seats are like grandpa’s recliner. Cheap to fix up and tons of aftermarket for stuff to prep it for your outdoorsy shit. It can tow the Miata.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:48

I can give you my experience from DDing an RX-8 for 13 years. They are comfortable, roomy, useful, and every bit as fun as people tell you. If you want lots of torque from the line...well, you already know not to get one.

You would really have to pay attention to the generation, the engine replacement, and know what you’re getting. If you do that and add extra oil when needed (a couple times between changes), you will be rewarded with a reliable daily experience. I would say start with AccursedX’s most excellent post about them and go from there.

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/04/2018 at 22:48

That’s my worry. I fear I’ll either end up with two cars I absolutely love and do not ever want to part with either, or the new one will become a money pit.

TL-S. That’s the one. Although now I’m considering Tacomas, 4runners, beat Cruisers..... It’s a sickness. I need another job

AestheticsInMotion > Textured Soy Protein
01/04/2018 at 22:53

This is embarrassing to admit, but after driving the Miata and my Rangers for so long, I’m terrible a parking big vehicles. Even an outback, with its fantastic 360° visibility was giving me trouble to parallel park.

A jeep or similar Toyota is certainly an idea worth exploring as well. Would you take a grand Cherokee over a 4runner?

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:54

Bonjour

Kinja'd!!!

dogisbadob > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:55

That Galant wagon is awesome. Too bad they never sold them here :(

If I had $5000 for a car, I’d buy something like this Camry on eBay, or maybe a Matrix XRS/Vibe GT

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove
01/04/2018 at 22:55

Thank you! I’ll look into it.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:56

Good luck.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 22:58

4runner. Might i suggest a 3rd gen?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:01

Buick Park Avenue Ultra. Specifically the Ultra. 260hp comfortable, quick barge.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:02

The RX will require regular engine swaps, so it doesn’t really fall into the practical/reliable category.

I love rotaries, but could never commit to one because they require too much maintenance for a daily...

Patrick Nichols > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:05

Don’t know where you’re at but but by me you can’t find decent tacos/4R for under 15-20k. By decent I mean v6 4WD with under 150k miles. The best deal seems to be the occasional former fleet taco regular cab in sr5 trim that just happened to have the 4WD box checked (not unheard of in the northeast), but then you are saddled with lower ground clearance and likely the 15" (or 16 I can’t remember) steelies and I don’t know if that is important to you.

AestheticsInMotion > Patrick Nichols
01/04/2018 at 23:11

V6 4wd, although fairly high miles. $4000 might be cheap enough to tackle any unforseen issues... Admittedly I have no clue what to look for with these https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/1997-toyota-4runner/

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
01/04/2018 at 23:13

I guess it depends on what “regular” is. Assuming I don’t get something I absolutely fall in love with, I would most likely keep it summer and try to sell late fall

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:14

What about an RSX?

No Prius Needed > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:16

Infiniti G35?

Patrick Nichols > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:17

The rust gods would not be so kind in the northeast to that gen truck. If it looks clean and has had proper maintenance, could be a good deal.

MichaelGauby > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:17

If you’re going to snag the RX8, I remember reading that a lot of the engine issues were fixed in 2007. A 2010 R3 is what I want specifically.

AestheticsInMotion > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
01/04/2018 at 23:20

That was completely off my radar. Probably my top fwd choice now, looks like a blast. Especially this one...... Just look at those seats!

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/2005-acura-rsx-type-aspec/6446617226.html

Discerning > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:30

I vote 944

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:31

Oh, and I forgot to suggest an IS 300 with a stick.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:33

That’s hot. You I’ve seen clean early Type Ss close to the 5k mark. I haven’t driven one, but I loved my Integra an it should just be a better Integra.

BeaterGT > Spaceball-Two
01/04/2018 at 23:41

Also hard to find a decent one with a manual.

Aero > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:41

Since I’ve owned a few I’ll suggest the ‘04-’09 Saab 9-5. Replace a few things as preventative maintenance, order a tune, and have a comfy but quick daily driver. Parts are available through Orio, and most things are actually pretty easy to get at.

Steve in Manhattan > AestheticsInMotion
01/04/2018 at 23:58

Squinting - is that some sort of Mitsubishi? And there is only one answer in my mind ... SAAAAAHHBB.

AestheticsInMotion > Steve in Manhattan
01/05/2018 at 00:03

Legnum Vr4 wagon. Basically a galant wagon that we didn’t get over here. Although they can be imported! High(ish) hp awd manual wagon...

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 00:18

What about a Legacy or an Impreza? Legacies with the flat six motor are incredibly versatile, and have plenty of torque to do Stupid Things(tm) with. With the Impreza, you can really take your pick, as they’re all relatively nippy.

The only thing to watch out for are head gaskets, and oil pan leaks. Autos will be more fuel efficient than manuals for the most part.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 00:19

Having owned and DDed a 944, I’d say it’s not a bad idea. I would say get a later gen one, and ideally spring for an S, they don’t cost that much more but you get a much better top end of the rev range. $7-10k is more than enough to get something fairly well sorted, even for an S. I’d personally look for something where all of the little electric bits and pieces worked as mine had a couple of weird little gremlins, nothing to keep it from starting but just a few moments where it’s like why isn’t that working. But seats can be changed far easier than wiring from a fuel pump relay can be traced and tested.

I think your Abarth idea is also a very, very good idea. All reports seem to be that they are reasonably reliable and they are so depreciated.

I’d pass on the Volvo(maintenance) and the RX-8(the gas mileage is so awful for a car that will see a fair amount of use). TT I’m kind of, ehhh about.

Some other cars to consider: E46, Lancer Ralliart Sportback, recent manual V6 Camaro(I’ve seen them getting down to $11,000ish for 2011s in base trim, but still you get 300 horses RWD, 4 seats, newish, and for no extra charge limited visibility).

AestheticsInMotion > winterlegacy, here 'till the end
01/05/2018 at 00:25

Subarus are what I have the most experience with other than Miatas, from Legacy’s and Outback’s to wrx’s. It’s not a terrible vehicle, but I’ve grown to hate my 08 outback lately... For various reasons I’ll probably wait to buy another Subaru until I can find a clean Baja and do an Sti running gear swap. That or an SVX.

A 2.5rs would be an exception but those seem to be very pricey around here

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 00:30

I’d love to own a SVX. I don’t know if I’d ever go through the trouble of swapping it to a manual... maybe at least give it an extra gear or two with a different automatic. I’m tired of hearing my EJ25D droning away at 2700rpm at a steady 65mph. On 70mph sections of highway it hovers about 3100 and it’s obnoxious.

That, and the 4EAT in general is just an annoying transmission. Even when it’s warm with fresh ATF throughout it hates shifting.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 00:31

944 S2 > 951, especially for a DD.

AestheticsInMotion > winterlegacy, here 'till the end
01/05/2018 at 00:34

Haha try a Miata. My 5 speed gives me 4k at 70mph. The guys with 6 speeds don’t have it much better.

If you buy the SVX I’ll swap you an Outback’s Cvt?

Flavien Vidal > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 00:57

If you want something from around here... I can help... Just saying :)

Textured Soy Protein > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 01:18

I’d take the Grand Cherokee, because I did, multiple times.

I had a rather shitty ’99 WJ Limited that I bought because I had been trying to find the “perfect” cheap winter SUV to go with the 135is I was driving at the time, but everything I liked was out of town, I didn’t get a chance to make a trip to buy it, and ran out of time before it started snowing so this WJ was the best of what I could find locally on short notice.

When it came time to either keep it and do maintenance or ditch it, I decided to ditch it. I bought and returned a ’99 4Runner Limited that turned out to have a bad transmission. Then I got an ’05 WK Limited with the Hemi.

I prefer the Grand Cherokees because they’re unibody vs. body on frame so they’re noticeably more normal to sit in and drive on a regular basis. The 3rd gen 4Runner is narrow and tippy. The 4th gen you sit on the damn floor and look way up over the dash. It sucks.

I like the WJ over the WK because it’s simpler, comfier, and you don’t have a bunch of mid-’00s Mopar computers for things like stability control and other random shit like all the switches connected to the steering column. WJ seats are awesome.

The Overland is cool because it gives you the High Output version of the 4.7 liter V8 (with a whopping 265 hp vs 235 but hey that’s higher) and Quadra-Drive which is the triple LSD awd/4wd system.

You could get one for relatively cheap, throw a grand or two at getting it in good working order, and have a solid vehicle. Or you could go crazy hopping it up with off road goodies.

Personally I’m not the outdoorsy adventure type but I’m still tempted to get one myself as a winter/utility vehicle. But my 335xi is going to be my one and only vehicle for the next few years (probably).

Another option to consider is the ’01-’04 Nissan Pathfinder LE / Infiniti QX4. They’ve got higher build quality (not up to Toyota level but a lot closer than Jeep) and the VQ motor. They’re unibody with a live rear axle, the LE/QX4 has an awd mode instead of just part-time 4wd, the rear diff is usually an LSD. The older ones are dog slow with like 170 hp.

I just love those damn WK seats and the Quadra Drive setup.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 01:49

I’m not exactly a fan of CVTs at all.

awmaster10 > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 01:53

Kinja'd!!!

The $5k ish Acura that Andrew has is an 04-08 Acura TL. Not nearly as exciting as the picks closer to $10k but 6mt, 270hp v6, brembos, and an LSD with a comfy and solid interior is still a compelling package.

I own an auto and drive my friends s60r regularly (well he just got rid of it). And it’s a very similar experience with none of the headaches of Volvo ownership. The Volvo suspension repeatedly failed and drained his wallet quick. The turbo surge is a lot of fun though and I really enjoyed my 98 s70 GLT while it lasted, but not as much as I enjoy the Acura.

Kinja'd!!!

awmaster10 > Textured Soy Protein
01/05/2018 at 01:58

Kinja'd!!!

Can confirm that a vq35 pathfinder beats the hell out of a 3rd gen 4runer as I’ve owned both. I’m more of a zj guy myself but I agree that the wj is better than the wk1 which is very unreliable and cheap and “chryslery “

awmaster10 > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 02:04

Kinja'd!!!

Avoid 04-06 auto trans since they fail sometimes (I have an 05 auto with no problems fwiw). The 04-06 manual trans models got brembos and an lsd so look for one of those or an 07-08 TL-S with a manual trans. The 07-08 auto models do not fail but might as well get a 6 speed.

Other than that bulletproof and very good to daily drive. You already have the Miata so no need for a canyon weapon, so I’d say just test drive a manual trans clean example.

Kinja'd!!!

SmugAardvark > winterlegacy, here 'till the end
01/05/2018 at 02:12

I had an SVX for about two years. The 4EAT didn’t give me any trouble whatsoever, although I did add an aftermarket transmission cooler just to be on the safe side. It isn’t the ideal transmission, but it can serve its purpose.

In fact, the only thing that I ever had to replace was a wheel bearing. A fairly straightforward afternoon project.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > SmugAardvark
01/05/2018 at 02:22

Given your SVX experience, what did you not like about it?

SmugAardvark > winterlegacy, here 'till the end
01/05/2018 at 02:40

To be totally honest, there really wasn’t much I disliked about it. I bought mine sight unseen off eBay for $2,000 and drove it home the next day. In many ways, it’s an ideal touring car. Enough power for everyday use, competent enough handling for having a little fun, and a comfy interior for long drives. Plus, the two-part windows are good for more than just looking cool. They’re great if you like driving with your windows rolled down. Rain won’t get in, and wind noise is less obtrusive.

If I had to nitpick things about it, the back seat sucks for tall people. The slope of the roof means that being over 6' tall in the back is a chore. Also, if you find yourself in need of replacement glass for the windshields or windows, it can be tricky. That was never an issue for me, but I do remember others on the SVX forums back in the day complaining about it. There isn’t a huge aftermarket available. To me, it was a non-issue as the car was just my daily driver. But that might matter to some.

I did think of one other part that went bad on me during ownership; the fuel pump. Replacing it involves removing the back seat and the sound deadening material underneath, then opening a small door to get into the fuel tank from above. I had just filled up with gas about a day before mine went out, so I had to work with both (gloved) hands submerged in gasoline. Gas found its way into the gloves, and with the lack of good ventilation while working in the back seat area, I got a little sick. But that’s just as much on me for not using taller gloves (or draining some of the fuel) and for not running my box fan through to keep the interior ventilated properly.

I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to buying another one if a great deal came my way.

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 03:17

Motorcycle. SV650

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 07:27

The price, though. They’re so expensive...

Plus it’s in Yakima and likely has a couple hundred thousand hard miles on it.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 07:32

The RX-8 is the best driving car I’ve owned to this day. sure, there are faster cars, and I’ve had faster cars, but nothing felt so natural than throwing this thing around the corners.
Pro-tip: get a tired one for cheap, rebuild it better (while keeping the 13b of course), enjoy. That’s what I did, and I still regret selling it.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 07:36

In that case, the rotary probably wouldn’t need replacement. With proper maintenance they run something like 60-80k miles between needing major rebuilds (which is generally simply swapping the block for a rebuilt one, which is an expense and some work, but my buddy with the two RX-7s claims it’s a pretty easy operation because they’re so tiny/light), so you could potentially buy one with a recent motor and sell before you need to replace it. However, I suspect the length of time or miles since the last rebuild affects their value considerably. Hence the practically free ones with blown motors.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 07:45

After re-reading the list, while I love the rotary because rotary, the Fiat is probably the best daily driver bet. That’s pretty cheap...

Mind you, there’s a 2015 FiST (ST1, sadly) with 34k miles posted to the major ST group up here that they only want $12k for. The downside is the Fiesta interior (econobox), the seats (ST1s get these weird fabric seats), etc. It’s also modified... The commenters on that thread claim similar vintage loaded FiSTs are around $14k.

random001 > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 09:13

ABARTH!!!

Or find a nice Corvette.

Spaceball-Two > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 09:18

I’ve got a close cousin who’s huge on Saab’s and Volvo’s and before I bought my A4 I was shopping similar Volvo’s. Fun cars but plastic bits start decaying after time.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 11:14

I really want a Galant wagon EVO’d now...

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > SmugAardvark
01/05/2018 at 11:36

Thank you for the write-up - now I know what I’ll be getting into if and when I dredge one up from the depths of Craigslist/eBay.

Die-Trying > AestheticsInMotion
01/05/2018 at 17:22

IF it were ME........ AND ITS NOT ME....... i would get a running $500 beater.

Kinja'd!!!

like so, and then throw about $4500

Kinja'd!!!

worth of “help me out” to it $3200 in blower, and the rest in carbs.......