Yet another "Help me find a daily driver" thread -> Search complete!
 

Alright, I'm looking for suggestions to replace the Saab. Since many of the models I'm interested in are fairly rare, I want more ideas to expand the search.

Necessities: 4 doors, available under $5k.
Preferred: Manual transmission, reasonably powerful/fun to drive

So far, here's my (incomplete) list, off the top of my head:

Ford Contour SVT
Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS
Subaru Forester
Subaru Legacy
Saab 9-5 AERO
Infiniti G20 (...if I could find one with a VE swap...)
Nissan Sentra SE 2.0
BMW E30 325is (not likely I'll find one it good enough condition)

What else should be on my radar?

94-96 Acura Integra 4 door. Extremely reliable, fun to drive, and tons of aftermarket if you ever wanted to juice it up. I put a B20B in mine for $700 bucks and it's great.

Nissan Maxima. nuff said

I had a contour, it was crap. How many of them do you still see on the road? I would avoid that car.

Good call...finding one in decent unmodded shape is damn near impossible, unfortunately. But it's on the list.

Crap how? Mechanically? There's a surprising number of good condition SVT's still out there:

http://craiglook.com/cars.html?q=contour+svt

Anyone driven a mid-90's Mercedes C220? There's one for sale locally on a used car lot. I'm guessing they are dog slow what with the little 4 cyl and auto tranny?

Think about maintence cost

I'm in pretty much the same market.

Knock anything European off the list for our price range...hell, for double our price range. There isn't a damn Audi, Saab, Mercedes or BMW that will get you down the road for 2 yrs without costing a house payment worth of shop work under $10K.

I've been surprised at the decent Acura offerings that still look nice, and would be fun and reliable...Integras and Legends mostly, the original two imports, and still old standbys. Every TL I've looked at has had some odd sort of problem. Lots of well under book Camrys right now just out of our price range.

Ohp! Missed the manual tranny part since I'm specifically looking for autos (wife). Funnest deal I've seen around is an all black bugeye WRX wagon, standard, clean, and $8K with a tick over 90K miles.

I'd like a mid 90's integra or a civic as long as its clean, but a clean little Hank Hill style ranger or toyota truck would be ideal

For who? I've got a Toyota Tacoma 2wd V6 already, this car is to replace the Saab my wife drives daily.

Had trans probs at under 5K miles, trans light coming on, 2 different dealerships kept saying that nothing was wrong. Trans took a shit at somthing like 70K (this was over 10 years ago so exact details are foggy), had to replace the entire trans case because of cracks. No impacts on outside or anything like that. Engine took a crap about 15K miles later. Trim and weather strip on the inside and outside fell off all the time. Just outside of warranty I switched the A/C on and there was a load bang/pop inside the dash and the heat/ A/C never worked again. Just outside of warranty I got a recall that said that dash lights could stop working (seems like there was a fire hazzard or some danger that made me bring it in). The dash lights stopped working about a month later and no dealer would do anything because it had been in for the recall already. Very early the windshield cracked from behind the cover, no impact damage, must have been a defect, dealership wouldnt cover it. Paint comming off the hood, trunk, roof even though I washed/waxed. Had to get alignments constantly, never knew what the problem was there. There were other problems, but that was 10 years ago. My car had all those problems in 4 years.

There is a reason that they only marketed the car from 1995-2000. Too many quality problems.

You know how when you type into Google and it puts sugestions below trying to guess the search you are going to type in based on what people are searching for most? The first one that Google throws up if you type in FORD CONTOUR is FORD CONTOUR PROBLEMS.

:bowrofl:

To be fair, I'd guess that's probably true of a lot of cars. Still, appreciate the info. Makes me kind of sad, though. I still like the Contour SVT, sad to cross it off the list.

You can't go wrong with a G20. We have an '02 Sport 5spd and it still runs like new with 227k miles on it. We have previously owned a '99, a '95, and a '91 all with high miles and never any major issues.

On the SR20 forum there's a P10 with a VE swapped in that I really want...unfortunately it's not local and the guy won't respond to PM's. I've owned 2 B13 SE-R's and my Dad currently drives a Sentra SE 2.0 (which, if he finds a Maxima/I30, I might try to buy from him to replace the Saab).

I would pick up a clean G20 if I could find one.

I will say, while the whole SR20DET/Silva scene is played out, the SR20DE is still a badass little motor. Feels so much stronger than its specs. I drove my Dad's Sentra a few months ago and was shocked at how hard it pulled...felt stronger than the Saab which is a 2.0l turbo with 30 more hp.

Be more specific!

You want:
#1: A perfectly reliable 100% DD with no intention to mod that will never need anything for under $5k.

#2: A part-time DD when it's not broken or I'm not working on it that isn't too fast but has 4 doors and parts are readily available so I can work on it myself for under $5k.

#3: I shouldn't kid myself, this thing is a toy, I value the ability to mod it and don't need it to run but half the time for under $5k.

Questions to answer:
How fast does it need to be?
What kinds of things does it need to carry?
How many times per month will you have more than 2 people aboard?
Will kids ever be aboard?
What kinds of tools/experience/facilities do you have to work on it?
How much per year will you spend to keep it running besides gas/oil?
Can you afford downtime for any reason?

In the end, I have to agree with Bond. Find a mid-mileage late '90's Maxima V6 and have a look through the Stillen catalog.

I've always thought the 2nd gen contour was a damn good looking car. Particularly for a ford. I doubt I would ever actually buy one, but I can see the attraction. They are based on the same platform as the Mondeo and they sold TONS of those here in the UK. They didn't sell well in the states because americans didn't like them, not because they are bad cars

Having said all that, I would go for the Forester. Been thinking of getting one myself for some time now....

My dad had a Contour. Hella bad torque steer in the thing. No major problems, but a lot of the minor ones. Trim pieces constantly coming off; I think he reglued just about every piece on the thing. Clearcoat on the paint oxidized quickly. Easily buffed out, but I think he had to do it twice every year, in spite of frequent washing/waxing.

Sort of and in-between car. Not enough performance to be really sporty, but not enough mileage to be an economy car.

Mostly #1, with a little #2. That is, I won't want something that requires frequent maintenance, but I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't consider some mild bolt-ons that don't affect reliability. And since it'd be the 3rd vehicle, if I needed to work on it, my wife could drive the truck (assuming the Miata is running).

Not that fast. But...sporty? Lively? I don't need 5 seconds 0-60, but I don't want an Oldsmobile either, if you know what I mean. A G20 isn't really that fast, but it's fun to drive for a little 4-door.

Anything my wife can think of. Seriously, we have a truck for the huge stuff, but it'd be nice to have a little cargo room for smaller errands (groceries, etc).
Under 5 times? Infrequently, anyway. But with the Miata and the truck, I want a vehicle that can at least pretend to carry 4 adults for 30 minutes in relative comfort.
Yes. No kids right now, but that's all I'll say.
Tools, basic but growing. Experience, shade tree. Facilities, my 2 car carport.
Hmm...never really added up my typical maintenance costs. $500-1000? Figuring on a set of tires/mounting/alignment every other year, and one or two minor to semi-major repairs (brakes, clutch, etc)?
Yes, though if it happened while I was in the middle of a big project on the Miata it'd be an annoyance.

I've looked for some Maximas, but I can never find one with a manual transmission that's in decent shape.

The SVT I was looking at had the 3.0l block swap from a Taurus, with the SVT heads. According to the SVT boards, the swap usually pushes it to about 210-220 whp...so it'd probably torque steer like a bitch, but more than enough power to be fun.

Mazda Protege. Boosted.

Also, I'm not sure about prices and/or availability in your area, but everyone I've ever known to own a Saturn has absolutely loved them. There's a guy I met thru a local Miata forum that even tracks his, with nothing more than a custom intake and decent tires.

^You should go stab yourself in the eye with an RPG. Saturns are for gays.

And Miatas aren't? Turning this into a domestic gays vs. import gays thing?

The point has already been made that you should not be looking at a domestic car at all, so yes, gay.

You want reliable 4-dr transportation with a bit of sport, cheap basic mods, 5-spd, and under $5k. Nothing meets that like a late 90's V6 FWD jap sedan... Maxima FTW.

Did someone on this board just recommend a Saturn? Well golly, Margaret, we should check out the Oldsmobile Aleros and the Buick Regals the next time we ride in to town to get your hair done at the boutique.

+1. I had a '96 GSR sedan. It was a great daily. It's no race car, but it'll make you crack enough of a smile and they're dead reliable.

Everyone I know that's ever let another guy penetrate their anus has absolutely loved it too...but that doesn't mean it's for everybody, and certainly not for our hetero friend Mr. Geoffrahr.

Seriously though, the early Saturns are dead nuts reliable, and make a perfect "cash car" if you're a Dave Ramsey follower since they are so undervalued in the market.

Unfortunately they are ZERO fun to drive, and the later models are shit. It's nearly impossible now to find decently low mileage on the older good ones, and even when you find one, guess what?...you're driving a Saturn...

My daily is a 98 Honda CR-V 5spd.


Could ask for anything better... they can be had fairly cheap and are insanely reliable and comfortable, also 4wd is nice (in the winter), if you have subarus in your list you may as well ad this.

I found mine for about $1500

Why am I constantly tempted by cars I don't need? I just came across a 1996 Infiniti Q45 w/ the 4.1l engine from a '97 Q for $3800 OBO. Looks pretty clean other than some typical interior wear.

Gas mileage and maintenance would probably suck, but damn if it wouldn't be a badass luxo-cruiser.

I've always wanted one too, but a buddy had one for years and was happy the day he got rid of it. It's not nearly as stout as the LS400s, and the mass of the Nissan takes a toll on expensive parts...suspension, brakes, bearings, tranny etc.

Not enough. Keep talking me out of it. I don't need it, can't afford it the parts and maintenance, don't want to pay for premium gas and 18 mpg.

http://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=34652

His name is Carlos. Don't do it.

SVT Focus
Sentra SER Spec V
Mazdaspeed Protege
GTi
Audi A4
Cobalt SS
Altima
Mazda 3
Mazda 6
Accord
Jetta

You'll be surprised how affordable allot of cars are these days.

integra 4 door or get a b13 sentra 4 door and swap a sr20 into it. The b14 and b15 sentra's have rear beams which are not as fun unless you bend the rear beams. Integra's have shit ton's of parts. Throw a k20 in that bitch with some suspension and you have a sweet dd.

I'm pretty sure our 01 Buick Regal will walk your Miata ;)

They are decent DD, comfy, decently quick out of the box, cheap to mod, and the only real things that they have problems with are ball joints and tie rod ends (One typically goes out a year at 30-40 dollars each)

A regal gs is a pretty quick car...but that's about the only buick I would consider. That or a grand national. I don't know how much fun they can be through the twisties or how good/bad they can be on gas.

Good on MPG at 20/32 in ours when you stay out of the go pedal, but the twisties.... You quickly realize your driving a boat.

Yeah, my 96 year old grandfather has one and I'm really scared of it. I'm mainly frightened by the fact that it is a fail wheel drive automatic that doesn't turn or stop well and has really horrible quality plastics in the interior, low quality switchgear, and velour seats. But if you get misty and sentimental about it's iron block v-6 mounted over the 215/70 15 original equipment front tires, who am I to judge? Some guys like morbidly fat chicks, too.

They are more appreciative....... But that is a whole different topic :laugh:

You give me shit for suggesting a Saturn, but not a peep when someone suggests a fucking crossover SUV? Sure it's good if you're a socker mom and can't always stay on the pavement while putting on your makeup. Fun to drive? Give me a break. You guys have a bigger hardon for Hondas than those Car&Driver dipshits.

Only to be exceeded by the one we have for your mom.

v6 camry esp the mid 90's ones. 1mzfe is a stout lil fucker. good chasis, not to heavy, and good interior.

My vote would be for any of honda/acura's 4cyl offerings. Cheap and easy maintenance. Ridiculous amount of interchangeable parts. Good MPG.

Shuiend will sell you his dark green 2 door GSR. He's been trying to pawn it off on me for at least a year now. But I can't do the tan interior, GSR's were meant to have black interior. Having owned 2 Milano Red GSR's in the past I just can't do anything else.

Interior color wouldn't bother me, but I really want 4 doors.

SHO Tauras, proven on the ractrack

The 4 door integra has a ton of room in the back and a huge trunk. I prefer it over the 2 door. Find a special edition and get the leather interior.

Been looking but the only 4 door Integras I can find are LS's, no GS-R's.

There's a 1994 G20 on the coast listed for $2500...I'm thinking of driving down and offering the guy $2000 cash.

The GS-R isn't necessary at all. The B18B is totally capable, and you can swap in almost anything into the chassis.

Another possible detour. Guy listed a 1991 Toyota Corolla on the local CL for $300. Runs fine, A/C works, but "clutch is out". I asked him if he meant that the clutch was slipping, or if the pedal was soft and it wouldn't go into gear.

He said the pedal got soft and it's been getting more and more difficult to get into gear. Well, that sounds like $60 for clutch master and slave cylinders, right? A running Toyota with A/C goes for $1200 easy down here. I'm thinking of checking it out tonight and offering him $150 cash on the barrel head. He says he's buying a new car and needs some cash for the tag. He even said it's halfway drivable right now, I could probably revmatch it home if I had to and not bother towing it.

I'd do it.

Corolla guy not answering emails now.

In the meantime...should I be scared off by nearly 200k miles on a Maxima?

http://jackson.craigslist.org/cto/1783913771.html

Some had notorious automatic tranny problems but a stick shift might be fine. Nissans battle oil leaks at 200k if the oil hadn't been changed regularly enough to keep the seals from becoming brittle. Other than that I don't know.

Was going to see that Maxima tonight but during the second phone call with the seller, he revealed a small detail he "forgot" to put in the ad: a "small" oil leak that only requires a quart every 3 weeks. :facepalm:

If this were a manual I'd be over there this afternoon making a big mistake:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...ingId=43673826

I second that, i had one with a 75 dry shot, it was a blast.

Twice what I'd want to spend on one, and the wife would be pissed if I bought it to replace her Saab, but I'm tempted nevertheless. I had a white HF in college that was a nightmare on on-ramps but fun to toss around and got 49 mpg cruising at 72 mph with the A/C off.

http://jackson.craigslist.org/cto/1792368963.html

96 and on Camry v6 would be awesome too. The got a HP bump in 96, and i think the curb is sub 3000.

Search finished. Drove down to Gulfport yesterday and picked up this 1994 Infiniti G20 for $2000. Bought it from the 2nd owner, 139k miles. No oil consumption, no rust, no clicking CV joints, no repaint, no 5th gear popout. Paint isn't perfect (16 years worth of scuffs, scratches, and parking lot dings) and the leather seats are pretty rough, but that's not as critical to me.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...friau/G201.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...friau/G202.jpg