Compromise with a 92-x "Saabaru"? :-)

 

Saabaru won't be <$4k.

Seriously, the Focus with SVT suspension and 2.3L motor is a very under-appreciated, fun to drive car. My wife's been very happy with hers for the past 90k miles.
Sharp steering, torque and NVH are waaaay better than Corollas and Civics of the same vintage. The 5-door greatly increases crap-hauling ability.

 

^This.

 

Good to hear the SVT is fun. I'm actually trying to sell my '08 Speed 3 to cut expenses a bit. I was just looking at Focus SVTs online. Considering a Saab 92x or Jetta wagon also, TDI preferred.

 

The ZX3 will also give the stronger 5 speed.

For ho hum driving to work on the cheap, I love my little XJ. Cheap to work on, built like a tractor, and as capable as a tractor.

 

I used to roll through $2-4K used cars on a seasonal basis as I was commuting 1500mi/wk for several years.

Out of the myriad of cars the only two I truly miss, and swear I'll own another of, that fit your needs are:

Volvo 240 wagon
Lexus LS400


You can find a very nice Lexus in your price range, and even cheaper if you read up on the common problems that are easy fixes. I got mine for $800 because the pregnant owner said it "jumped" into gear and her BF said it'd need a new transmission.

Turns out the tach didn't work either, and the motor was so quiet they didn't realize it was idling at 2200rpm. Simple vacuum leak I could hear while poking around underhood.

Not smiling all through the transaction was seriously one of the more difficult acts I've ever pulled off, and that's saying a lot since I'm married to a hot-blooded hispanic woman I have to lie to a lot.


The Volvo wasn't as comfy, or as fast, and usually didn't even get the mileage (Lexus got 25mpg and scooted)...but it had over 1/4M miles on it and was rock solid. My daughter loved that car, would fall asleep in the 10min it took to go from daycare to home. I never got pulled over in it...don't think cops even saw it. Couldn't coax it into speeding anyhow...and if you did the car communicated to you just how much momentum you were responsible for. It didn't do this through NVH...just a simple Swedish ESP system integrated into the chassis that spoke to you and made you a more conscious driver.

 

Right now an Ls400 is calling out to me. I guess ill put that on the top of the list. Still open to other options though.

I've decided to increase my price range to about 6k, I'll probably take out a loan. Im not too comfy with the idea of dropping 4k all at once on a car. I could, I just dont want to.

Checked out the used car lot at my job and its pretty much full of overpriced trash. Not too surprised.

Is there a go to forum for Lexuses/ Lexii?

 

Iamapretentiousdickwad.com

 

The SVT has the nice interior and rear discs, but the 2.3L Duratec motor is much nicer - torquier with much better NVH. The motor easily responds to bolt ons to nearly match the SVT peak power output. Such a car with the SVT suspension is in some ways a nicer car for less money.

 

Martinez, this one has your name on it.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2845113394.html

You work at a dealership... that fender repair and a new front bumper should be easy.

I am selling my 02 SVT Focus. It has every option for the year
KBB for this car in excellent condition is $5,200

Sunroof
Premium Sound system
Cold weather Package (heated seats,TCS, Engine block heater)
111,000 Miles
Fiber Images Carbon Fiber hood
Duraflex Midwing
aftermarket Mirrors
Strut tower brace
Engine,trans and suspension are completely stock
Brakes just done less than 100 miles ago
Timing belt was changed last weekend
New Good year Eagle tires
Car has a clean title
it is smogged and registered until Dec

It does have minor body damage-Needs a driver side Front fender. Front/rear bumper have scrapes.

 

I'm really interested in the 01 A6 Avant thats forsale in the car sale section.
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For 3500 that doesn't seem bad, however I still have to wait a few weeks before I pull the trigger to make sure I'm going to be financially stable after buying a car.

I'm starting to realize how much I want a manual, which eliminates the LS400. But I still really want an LS400.

---- you for doing this, Toyota.

 

Well, saved up a bunch of cash, sold a couple things I didn't need, and bought this. And since I don't like dropping large amounts of cash, I got a car loan and plan to pay it off within the year.

 

Curly would be proud.

 

While they are nice cars, watch out for labor and parts replacement costs.

Try looking up the prices of water pumps, brake rotors, window risers, ignition coils, junkyard trannies. And the labor for clutch replacement.

 

Looks like you made a nice choice.

I was going to recommend you sell a kidney and buy one of these