|
four doors for cheap?
3 Attachment(s)
If you had a maximum budget of $1800 for vehicle and initial repairs and upgrades and needed a toy that had four doors, what would you get?
here's what I'm thinking is a good starting point:
Some contenders that fit most of this: Volvo 240 Attachment 185619 early Camry https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361122229 dodge neon https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361122229 another cheap civic (we have a 2 door 98) old bmw 5 (E34) or 7 (E32) series http://www.bavtech.com/e34-guides/im...40i-side-2.jpg the budget is pretty much not flexible. I could easily figure out what to get if I could spend $5000. ideally I'd weed out the "scene" cars that are all going to be either a) over priced, b) modded poorly, c) beaten on by losers, d) harassed by poseurs. remember, 1800 includes initial repairs too. so I guess that's a craigslist budget of 2000-2200 before haggling for something in great condition? or 1200 (1500 craigslist) for something in need of lots of love. thanks boyz. |
Skip the E32. The E34 can be reasonable though.
|
An old benz and a sawzaw? They are heavy as shit but they run good.
|
You can find 4dr Integras under $1800 all day long... won't be pre-88, but should still have no problem w/emissions even with tons of mods.
How about this... still not pre-88, but 5-spd and looks very clearn: 93 Lexus ES300 5 speed On the side... rollbar is worth half his asking price: 93 Miata Project |
:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:
Originally Posted by y8s
(Post 979871)
|
Brain also suggested the Lex ES. I've never been a fan of the looks but it does check a lot of boxes.
|
The volvos are super cheap to buy, reliable, do awesome in the snow and have a shit-load if room. On the downside they are slow.
That Lexus may be ugly but its probably the sportiest thing your going to get for $1800 other then a miata. Also a 5.0 Mustang with a 5 speed? |
i wanted to get an old volvo for a while, but then started looking at jeeps.
xj or zj jeeps can be in that price range...probably an xj. |
I had a 1993 accord for several years. It was very reliable and cheap... Also a prelude engine will easily swap in.
|
What about the old YJ wranglers? The TJs are nice but pain in the butt since most of them have shitty axles and pretty expensive
|
1 Attachment(s)
1993-1994 Nissan Maxima SE. 190 HP V6, sporty-ish suspension, available with a 5-speed.
I want this car bad. 1993 Nissan Maxima SE Sedan 4D ***Must Sell*** https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361149609 |
1 Attachment(s)
lol at me driving a jeep. I'd feel more homosexual than when I drove the miata.
also the only four door mustang I could find was this Boss version: https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361149915 and it was an aprl fools joke. |
you don't feel more homosexual driving a mini? seriously?
:giggle: |
lolvo.
|
anything you get for 1800 is going to be a gigantic piece of crap that you'll have to sink a ton of money and/or time into or ghetto rig. As I get older I'm more and more put off by old stinky primitive cars. Only ones that appeal to me are fully restored, tons of money and work in them, and despite being older than their owners, they are in tip-top shape. Etc.
so my question would be: why? I know you're not broke |
Galants depreciate like crazy. You can pick up a early 2000's or late 90's for about $2k. There goes your pre-88 wish though. Lots of autos, manual swaps are possible if you're really driven.
|
1 Attachment(s)
|
The old maximas can be good too. I'd suggest the 95+ model though since they are all with the bigger motor and the parts are more available for them while the first gen is too old so parts are more rare. At last it looks more modern vs the pre 94 models.
The negative is of course the MPG.. they are in the low 20s. |
Don't forget that wrenching on FWD cars is awful.
|
1 Attachment(s)
|
Saturn SL2. dead nuts reliable, just make sure you keep oil in it and it wont die. Just dont do too many burnouts or you'll throw the diff pin. 30-40 mpg pretty easy, it has a very awesome mechanical feel of everything and everything seems to be in just the right spots.
Stupidly easy to work on (not quite miata level), stock for stock handles better than any civic. Very limited aftermarket, turbo cars spend most of their lives on jack stands. Check for rust in the rear door sills and the front sub frame where the sway bar connects. |
Originally Posted by Leafy
(Post 980041)
Saturn SL2. dead nuts reliable, just make sure you keep oil in it and it wont die. Just dont do too many burnouts or you'll throw the diff pin. 30-40 mpg pretty easy, it has a very awesome mechanical feel of everything and everything seems to be in just the right spots.
Stupidly easy to work on (not quite miata level), stock for stock handles better than any civic. Very limited aftermarket, turbo cars spend most of their lives on jack stands. Check for rust in the rear door sills and the front sub frame where the sway bar connects. The saturn 1.9L is not what I'd call reliable, or fuel efficient. They're junk. |
You could find volvo 240s that arent too bad and those red blocks will run forever.
Other things that havent been mentioned-Older subaru legacy, dare I say it Crown victoria-indestructible, body on frame, V8, can be made to handle decently. 20mpg might be pushing it, forget 30. Forget the BMW-anything that cheap will be a rust bucket guaranteed. Like the Maxima idea but I don't think I've seen a decent one cheap Find a 240 and drive it forever or slap a turbo on it |
Originally Posted by 2ndGearRubber
(Post 980042)
The saturn 1.9L is not what I'd call reliable, or fuel efficient. They're junk.
|
Styrofoam engines.
my wife might shit if I get a volvo and slap some fat black nascar wheels on it, raise it a half inch in the rear for some dirt track style rake and make it look a swedish thug then make her drive it.... ohhhhhhhh mama |
I also have a dream of a 240 wagon bucket hot rod. yes with huge tires outside the rear fenders and exposed front clip. MAD SCIENTIST STYLE.
|
1 Attachment(s)
W123 Benz.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361159419 If you get a Turbodiesel, you can run propane as an additive for better power with the same mileage. :naughty: The saturn 1.9L is not what I'd call reliable, or fuel efficient. They're junk. He ended up shelling out $1600 for the installation of a replacement twin cam engine ($1200) it was stupid expensive for such a throwaway car. |
Don't laugh until you drive it, but Ford SVT contour, they're pretty sporty and fairly reliable--they're essentially Mazdas.
|
Until that engine breaks and it costs another $1800 to fix it.
|
Originally Posted by Sam TII
(Post 980081)
Don't laugh until you drive it, but Ford SVT contour, they're pretty sporty and fairly reliable--they're essentially Mazdas.
|
My father had a Contour. What a piece of junk. Parts like badges kept falling off, the interior was terrible (cheap, thin plastic) and it had uncontrolable torque steer.
It was mechanically reliable, but the thing was built so cheaply that it looked like crap in short order. |
Currently leaning toward the volvo wagon, but this is still very hypothetical.
|
Manual 740t wagon:
1990 Volvo 740T wagon 5-Speed |
|
11 Attachment(s)
I normally dont like VWs but the old GTIs are pretty cool and I found MK2 and MK3s for your price range.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 I just had a customer buy a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (the one with a s/c) for 1900 I dont know if that is an exceptionally low price or not. You could also look for the other GM counterparts, Buick regal GS and Boneville SSei There is always a turbo dodge. Had the Omni, Shadow, sundance, there are really too many for me to remember. They make a hell of a sleeper. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 Saab https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 Found lots of 626s proteges and millenias but that all seems boring unless you can find a gt I always thought an Acura Legend would make a classy dd. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 Or maybe an early 90s Cressida since its RWD https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 If your not worried about performance a late 90s Camry is dead nuts reliable. Two friends have them one is about 250K the other is 360K. Outside of door handles that break all the time, they work great and a/c is cold as hell. We have done everything from off road to jump them. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 I do love the big body GM sedans that had the LT1 (94-96). Like the Buick Roadmaster, Cadillac fleetwood, and chevy caprice. Put a set of Impala SS 17" wheels on them and drop the nose a little and they look good, plus the 275hp. I promise I will help with LT1 problems haha. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 What about this big classy bitch (found it in my search for LT1 powered GM goodness) https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 I found an Olds Aurora they have a v8. https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361210435 On a side note I found a celica all trac turbo for 1600 I am sitting here seriously considering buying it. |
The Grand Prix GTP is a good option, but don't get the cheapest one you can find. The supercharger will be smoked, have no oil it it, the engine will have a blown head gasket, etc. etc. This is a car meant for a specific market, that was primarily bought by little old ladies and not properly maintained. The 3.8 V6 is a great engine, and responds well to bigger pulleys.
I wouldn't touch any Chevy with an LT1 if you're looking to stay cheap. It's an old school SBC with a special water pump, opticrap dizzy, and reverse flow cooling. Get a LS-series or any good old fashioned SBC. The LT's are bastard children and their parts are more expensive. The Olds Aurora utilizes a neutered Cadillac Northstar V8. It takes like 7.5 quarts of oil, and any shop will charge you $6.99 per quart past the four their oil change comes with. Or you can go to Jiffy Lube, who will assume that it's a GM V8 and takes 4.5 quarts. Then you can come see me about an engine replacement (hint: it's not cheap.) Also, I wouldn't have anyone touch that engine without having them be well-versed in the Northstar. (IIRC, you can take a Northstar apart in a way that it can never be put back together.) |
1 Attachment(s)
I also second the saturn nomination. I have lots of customers that drive them and the only catastrophic failures i have seen have been from neglect (no coolant/no oil), and they do have a nice mechanical feel to everything. Not a fan of the L300s though that 6 cylinder is a pain in the ass.
SW2 is wagon and SL2 is sedan https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...mDIZqTg5HOWcVw E38 w/ M Parallels https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...3--OaLDCNmM7e5 E28s and E34s https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361212674 http://www.germanboost.com/attachmen...4&d=1294876016 Everyone knows the different 3 series 420SEL http://images.craigslist.org/3F93J23...3a3ec9186e.jpg If you can get a 300d for that price, around here they are hard to find but a friend was about to get one for around 2K, dont know how rough it was when he first got it. He has the factory turbo maxed and its lowered. Its cool as hell http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...x/IMG_3680.jpg |
Originally Posted by TheScaryOne
(Post 980210)
The Grand Prix GTP is a good option, but don't get the cheapest one you can find. The supercharger will be smoked, have no oil it it, the engine will have a blown head gasket, etc. etc. This is a car meant for a specific market, that was primarily bought by little old ladies and not properly maintained. The 3.8 V6 is a great engine, and responds well to bigger pulleys.
I wouldn't touch any Chevy with an LT1 if you're looking to stay cheap. It's an old school SBC with a special water pump, opticrap dizzy, and reverse flow cooling. Get a LS-series or any good old fashioned SBC. The LT's are bastard children and their parts are more expensive. The Olds Aurora utilizes a neutered Cadillac Northstar V8. It takes like 7.5 quarts of oil, and any shop will charge you $6.99 per quart past the four their oil change comes with. Or you can go to Jiffy Lube, who will assume that it's a GM V8 and takes 4.5 quarts. Then you can come see me about an engine replacement (hint: it's not cheap.) Also, I wouldn't have anyone touch that engine without having them be well-versed in the Northstar. (IIRC, you can take a Northstar apart in a way that it can never be put back together.) The optis arent near as bad as the internet makes you think, i used GMs and remans, they have all been reliable except shit I caused myself, like cracking the rotor or leaving a vacuum line off. I have a 170K mile LT1 that revs to 7K rpm everyday and the ONLY opti failures the car has ever seen where directly cause by me. Parts arent more expensive though, most of it is GM parts bin stuff. |
See, I'd like to use one of the Opti style crab caps on my 87 TPI to make the wire routing clean and good looking. Too bad they all cross-fired so bad that no one makes them for the older Dizzy's anymore.
I'm still kind of leery on electric water pumps on a DD. I know quality has gone up by leaps and bounds over just the last five years, but I dunno. Aren't the LT1 specific go-fast parts more expensive than the SBC or LSx equivalents? Good aluminum heads come with a premium, $1500 for AFR SBC 195cc Eliminators, vs $1900 for AFR LT1 195cc Eliminators. Plus special intakes/throttlebodies and other oddities to hunt down. I had a 93-96 Ford Taurus SHO Automatic. Orphan engines suck to find parts for. The current owner still calls me when shit breaks. :vash: Will never buy a car with such little aftermarket support again (although I might buy a SHO engine for a swap, such a sweet little bastich. Too bad the rest of the car was a Taurus) |
wut u say y8s?
Originally Posted by shuiend
(Post 980177)
I can Amtrak out to Atalanta, drive it up to you Matt. Then Amtrak back down to Charleston. Lets make this happen.
|
1 Attachment(s)
|
Does it come with forward thinking lesbian couple and multicultural family??/\
|
Originally Posted by qax
(Post 980259)
The supercharger doesn't count if they had to add it to make the vehicle accelerate. One of my coworkers just sold his. Same color as the picture. Would be a great option if the Previa wasn't based on a vehicle that was never imported state side (one of Toyota's Kei Trucks, IIRC). See my previous comment about orphan engines, and multiply it times every part on the vehicle. His was nice and roomy, had decent power due to the supercharger (would have hated to be in one without) had the AWD as well. Flopping the seats back to work on the engine (mid engine) was fun, but parts were expensive and uncommon. He traded it in to buy a 05 Camry. I just decided that I want a Kei Truck. I think you can import them from Mexico as a motorcycle. |
Originally Posted by m2cupcar
(Post 980249)
wut u say y8s?
|
/thread. Seriously. |
Originally Posted by Opti
(Post 980272)
Does it come with forward thinking lesbian couple and multicultural family??/\
|
Easy, P71 Crown Vic.
Cheap, handle well, unlimited upgrades. Taxi service will push these chassis well over 500k service lives. Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
Originally Posted by y8s
(Post 980290)
I'd have to wait 2 years to megasquirt it though.
master plan? |
Have any of you guys actually driven a Volvo 200 series? I've driven one (albeit, a pretty tired example), and my impression of it was that it felt heavier than a tank, rode like a truck, and handled like a horse cart.
I'm sure that a freshened suspension and some lower-profile tires would make a difference, but I still have a hard time imagining that it would ever be fun to drive. Oh, and the manual gearbox felt like it came out of a tractor. |
You're probably pretty accurate Mark. Really.
But they're still coooooool. |
1 Attachment(s)
I'm sorry but this is the perfect y8s car:
Grease car: 1985 Mercedes 300D with waste vegetable oil conversion https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361291803\ The wood roof rack is a great touch. |
1 Attachment(s)
Another perfect option, really thinking about y8s here:
2005 PT Cruiser https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361291759 Comes with the obama sticker already in place, and it screams "HEY GUYS, I LOVE PLANTS" |
Originally Posted by mgeoffriau
(Post 980605)
Have any of you guys actually driven a Volvo 200 series?
|
Originally Posted by 2ndGearRubber
(Post 980042)
The saturn 1.9L is not what I'd call reliable, or fuel efficient. They're junk.
what about this one: Saturn ls1 |
1 Attachment(s)
Another contender:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...625695758.html https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1361292281 Comes with a secret hatch to escape in your gas thrifty scooter! |
Originally Posted by mgeoffriau
(Post 980605)
Have any of you guys actually driven a Volvo 200 series? I've driven one (albeit, a pretty tired example), and my impression of it was that it felt heavier than a tank, rode like a truck, and handled like a horse cart.
I'm sure that a freshened suspension and some lower-profile tires would make a difference, but I still have a hard time imagining that it would ever be fun to drive. Oh, and the manual gearbox felt like it came out of a tractor. My thoughts when it comes to the 200 series: -Buy one that was made post-1987. The electrical sheathing on the early ones has a tendency to dry out, crack, and then disintegrate causing short circuits. In short, a fucking nightmare. Also, the ones after 1986 have galvanized bodies which are fairly rust-resistant (especially when compared to the early cars). -At some point, the interior plastic bits will shatter into a million pieces no matter how careful you are -The engine sounds like a sewing machine ... this is normal -They are VERY VERY VERY slow -They are now impossible to find with less than a 150K on them -Stupid shit like relays and blower motors will fail with regularity ... none of them are easy to access -The populous loves Volvo 240s and the most important: -Owning a Volvo 240 will teach you the difference between DURABLE and RELIABLE. -Zach |
Originally Posted by m2cupcar
(Post 980615)
Yes. I've also raced with them on track and all the issues stated can be addressed successfully.
|
90-94 Mazda Protege LX
Pretty darn cheap, lots of parts interchangeability. Has the same 1.8 bp motor as these miatas. Fairly good handling cars. The LX's came pretty much fully loaded with power windows and locks, A/C, tilt columns, slightly better looking interior than the DX's, stronger transmission. If your really lucky you can find the awd variant for 90-91 but that comes with a sohc motor. Super easy to drop a dohc into them though. Edit: I am incredibly biased. |
Also, while they feel like a tank, they are lighter than most contemporary vehicles.
DL, GLT, GL sedans 2891-3065lbs Diesel, GLE sedans 3120-3149lbs DL, GLT wagons 3129-3262lbs Diesel Wagons 3230-3263lbs -Zach |
All of Brains posts....:laugh:....all heavy contenders
|
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:40 AM. |
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands