Someone educate me on these? Hard to find replacement parts? Weak drivetrain? Good fuel economy? I'm looking at a few sub 1k cars, one has under 100k miles on it and is an automatic with pushbutton 4x4.
-
Oct. 5, 2008 6:10 p.m. Duende New Reader
-
Oct. 5, 2008 9:07 p.m. integraguy Reader
the AWD Colt Vista had a 2 liter engine. In '88 this engine gained fuel injection (probably single point) and as a result the '88 and '89 models had all of 96 horsepower (the older models of Vista had 88 horsepower). The car itself weighs nearly 2900 lbs, UNLOADED (each gallon of gas adds 8 lbs....not to mention the weight of the driver and passenger) so you are looking at a pretty slow car. Unlike other "minivans", the seats in the Colt CANNOT be removed. This is actually more a "tall wagon" than a minivan. Fuel economy? Low 20s.
To quote my resource book "Acceleration ranges from sluggish to anemic, depending on load; worse yet with automatic." And the sum-up? "Nice concept doesn't match Honda Civic and Toyota Tercel wagons in quality."
I noticed you have a similar post about a turbo Mazda 323, are you shopping on price? Looking for something cheap and unusual? Looking for something economical...yet could be raced? I ask, because these 2 somewhat different vehicles are fairly different, except for price and their "oddballness".
-
Oct. 5, 2008 10:02 p.m. integraguy Reader
Some might say this is a better choice:
http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/867648646.html
though, with ONLY, 62 horsepower, it's a LOT SLOWER than a Vista.
-
Oct. 5, 2008 10:04 p.m. Duende New Reader
Yeah, you've got me nailed down. I got rid of my "project car/daily driver" Mustang and would kinda like to find something to replace that empty driveway spot with. I am trying to keep in the 1k range and looking for four doors. I love having unique beaters and want something with a bit of reliability too, at least with some work. And I don't like them being so unique that parts availability is a giant hurdle.
My other big issue, especially at this price range, is my job is changing in about 4mos and when that time comes, I need this to be a 100-mile per day commuter.
So I'm sure I'll end up in an old Civic. I'm into wagons but found a 112k mile CRX that's stock. Seems like it might fit the bill, though I really want a four door so if it can be made reliable enough I'll be able to take my daughter about with me without worry. Any work I'll be doing to the car will be getting the interior to snuff, then driveability and economy, then wheels/tires/suspension...
AWD/4WD would be sweet over here in Oregon, especially if it was a reliable car for heading to the hills during the winter, but I am trying not to expect too much out've a car I'm trying to find for under 1.5k, and that conflicts a bit with the fuel economy concern.
-
Oct. 5, 2008 10:06 p.m. Duende New Reader
Hey, good call on that Toyota... There are so many "gems" on Craigslist, haha.
-
Oct. 8, 2008 11:07 p.m. Duende New Reader
Should I just buy an AMC Eagle? Found a nice one with 102k. What's the gas mileage like? Parts aren't that hard to find, right? Pretty reliable, simple machines.
-
Oct. 8, 2008 11:25 p.m. dansxr2 New Reader
I've seen somewhere a Honda Civic Wagon that someone swapped in a Bseries 1.8 and added a turbo with all the 4x4 stuff still in tact!!! That would be such a sleeper!!!
-
Oct. 8, 2008 11:35 p.m. Duende New Reader
Yeah, that would be incredibly sweet if I could find a decently priced Civic wagon. A wagon anything rules in my book.
-
Oct. 9, 2008 4:52 a.m. problemaddict New Reader
Vista wagon = Mitsu, right? as in DSM? as in SWAP IN A 4G63T!!! (eclipse,talon,laser) and call the Westside boys for tuning info....
-
Oct. 9, 2008 9:43 a.m. integraguy Reader
My reference book on the AMC Eagle:
"Acceleration with the inline 6 is ADEQUATE......mileage is NOT a plus." You're looking at MID-TEENs for mileage, under the old (MORE generous EPA rules) .
The only plus seems to be robust construction. Keep in mind the Eagle is a "spin-off" of the Hornet....introducted for the early 1971 or '72 model year.
-
Oct. 9, 2008 9:55 a.m. integraguy Reader
If you are really looking at AWD wagons, the selection is slim.
Choices include: Toyota's Tercel AND Corolla (yes, the Corolla was availible as an AWD wagon and would be my fav, mostly because it is so rare)
Honda's Civic (the '89-91 models had the same engine as the Civic Si...but with a 6 speed manual tranny)Mazda's MPV was available as an AWD
Mitsubishi's Vista....tho if I went Mitsu I'd go with the nearly new Outlook or Endeavor.
Nissan built the Sentra as an AWD wagon in the late '80s (to compete with Toyota?) but it only lasted a few model years. They also built the Stanza as a "tall wagon/minivan? thingee" in the same time period. When you are passed on the road by one it looks like a storage shed on wheels that has a two-toned paint job (always silver-grey around the rockers).
And of course the Subaru lineup.
