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  July 29, 2010 1:58 p.m. EricM Dork

  NSFW?

  Neon, Saturn, Focus, Wagon?

  I currently have the Jeep Cherokee. It was towed behind our RV to Alaska and back. It got to an from the Arctic circle in Canada. (http://celebrating20.blogspot.com) We are done with it now. It is time to get something that gets better than 11 mpg.

  I admit to not listing any foreign cars in my list, but none of them fit the NSFW theme.
  

  Requirements:

  seats 4 (seats 5 = better) gets 25 mg or better costs < $4000 Still somewhat fun to drive.

  In your opinion, what is the car to get? A neon, Saturn or Focus? (I added the Wagon part so I can get to the very clever NSFW acronym)

  (I may just start a race class called NSFW, it is THAT Clever!)

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  July 29, 2010 2:00 p.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

  I would vote Neon. They're cheap, simple, and fun.

  After my last few experiences working on Saturns? Hell no. I don't want one anymore.

  Focus? I don't have direct experience with them, but i also know that i have no desire for one, except for MAYBE the SVT.

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  July 29, 2010 2:14 p.m. klipless Reader

  You'll have a tough time finding a serviceable SVT for $4k. But you could pick up a very nice ZX5 for that kind of money, and have enough left over to buy the ridiculously cheap SVT chassis kit. I think you can find pretty nice SVT Contours for that money too. Or how about a 318ti? 'tis RWD (but foreign).

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  July 29, 2010 2:39 p.m. TJ SuperDork

  A Neon wagon would be cool....not sure if you could build one for <$4k though.

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  July 29, 2010 2:52 p.m. Brett_Murphy New Reader

  In reply to EricM:

  Saab fits the NSFW acronym, and some models would certainly fit in your budget.

  Out of the ones you have listed, I'd go with a Neon, a Focus ZX3 or the Focus ST Sedan.

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  July 29, 2010 3:26 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

  my only problems with the neon.. there are none around here anymore. For a car that is not that far out of production, they have all but fallen off of the face of the earth in these parts.

  That scares me

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  July 29, 2010 4:43 p.m. RealMiniDriver Dork

  93celicaGT2 wrote: After my last few experiences working on Saturns? Hell no. I don't want one anymore.

  +1. I got one for my daughter ('01 SC Twin Cam). It's been a PITA to work on.

  We had an '02 Focus "Street Edition" sedan. It was comfortable, reliable, and fun to throw around. IIRC, we got mid-20s mpg.

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  July 29, 2010 4:44 p.m. 93celicaGT2 SuperDork

  ^Wait until you get to replace the starter or alternator. SCREW THAT.

  Also, the recommended method of replacing the clutch makes me cringe.

  "We do not recommend removing the transmission to replace the clutch like you normally would. Rather, remove the motor."

  WAT.

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  July 29, 2010 5:26 p.m. Vigo HalfDork

  that sounds ridiculous, and it is probably wrong. lol.
  

  But, do tell.. post pics if possible.

  A first gen neon COULD get slightly over 40 mpg, but ANY neon can do better than 25 avg.

  I dont really have much of an opinion between the three, oddly..

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  July 29, 2010 5:44 p.m. kevinSC1 New Reader

  the old S-series Saturns aren't that bad to work on. There are tricks to make the stupid jobs much easier. And the parts are cheap, and they are fun to drive if you get a twin cam.

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  July 29, 2010 6:34 p.m. Streetwiseguy Reader

  Flat tow? If automatic trans, Saturn is the answer. Standard trans, any of the above.

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  July 29, 2010 6:45 p.m. EvanB Dork

  Mercedes Diesel wagon

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  July 29, 2010 9:45 p.m. daytonaer Reader

  NSFW is awesome.

  First, your poor jeep. My cherokee(98) before I put stupid lights (parachutes that light up really) on the roof and a lift I got consistent 22-23 mpg, my best of 24 in one 20 gal tank. (5 speed/6 cyl, no roof rack). Now with all the stupid stuff I did to it I get 17-21 mpg. Put a stick in it, tune up and some aero mods, you already have it? And its a tough wagon?

  Neon. I would love one but they rust beyond use up here. Make mine with the 2.0 DOHC or do a stratus 2.4 transplant w/low ratio gears for low revs on highway.Bolt on srt4 turbo stuff later if your just getting too good gas mileage.

  Saturn. Well there not quite what they used to be. We have a L300 WAGON! It has the Evil (but oh I love it) 3.0 DOHC v6. Has 4 wheel disks and 4 wheel independent suspension. Rides nice, is quickish and ugly enough to be cool. The engine is beautiful but apparently not the most reliable. I have yet to Ax this but want to sometime. Gets about 26mpg.Traction control gives this thing an edge in the snow. You have to love this engine to own one, they need love.

  Focus, this would be my pick. They have become cheap and there is a strong aftermarket now. I want one with rally suspension and big mud-flaps. When we got the saturn wagon we drove it side by side with a focus wagon. Focus was in a different class (economy car) and saturn was nicer. Looking back the Focus wagon was smarter B/C of efficient 4 cyl and actually being reliable (well some of them anyways) Plus a rally focus wagon would be sweet.

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  July 30, 2010 3:19 p.m. NewEdgePerf New Reader

  Focus, 00-04 with Zetec engine would be your best bet in the price point. The Zetec had the best aftermarket support of all the Focus engines. Lots of fun with a suspension upgrade (shocks, struts, springs, rear sway bar).

  Hatchbacks are very handy for hauling stuff. And there is a Focus wagon to consider (however rear suspension upgrades are hard to find for the wagon as those parts were slightly different from the hatchbacks/sedans.)

  I have been driving a Focus ZX3 since Jan of '01.I have done track days, drag racing, and auto-x with this Focus as well as drive it daily.

  Tony D

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