I'm finding it very difficult to locate a car or truck in my area, no older than a 2000 and no newer than 2009, that has a manual transmission. Soo, can you folks suggest a car that is affordable (less than $14K), and doesn't suck incredible amounts of your soul when driving? It also wouldn't hurt if it was somewhat reliable. Basically, I'm hoping NOT to wind up with a Cam-Cord or Civ-olla, but just a decent car or truck that DOESN'T feel like it's dragging a large and heavy anchor behind it when you press on the gas. Example? My old Integra had an automatic, and it was "okay" but didn't really build speed all that freely/quickly unless it was floored.
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Feb. 3, 2012 6:02 a.m. integraguy SuperDork
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Feb. 3, 2012 6:18 a.m. Feedyurhed Dork
I think there are a lot of choices within those parameters as they are pretty wide. A few that come to mind are the usual GRM favorites. BMW, Volvo, Subaru for starters if you want to stay away from the "usual" Japanese choices.
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Feb. 3, 2012 6:21 a.m. jimbob_racing Dork
Honda Fit is the answer.
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Feb. 3, 2012 6:39 a.m. Zomby woof SuperDork
Cobalt SS?
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Feb. 3, 2012 7:26 a.m. MadScientistMatt SuperDork
Mustang or Camaro - a big, slow turning V8 with a huge slab of torque seems to pair better with an automatic than a high winding, low torque motor.
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Feb. 3, 2012 7:57 a.m. Klayfish HalfDork
Tons of choices
Mazda 3, Honda Fit, Acura RSX/TSX, Infiniti G35, Volvo R series, Subie, Mustang/Camaro, GTO just to name a few
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Feb. 3, 2012 8:10 a.m. Powar Dork
Saab 9-5 Aero
Cadillac CTS-V
MazdaSpeed3
Mazda RX-8
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Feb. 3, 2012 2:45 p.m. integraguy SuperDork
I am working on the ASSumption, that all the choices named so far have actually been driven for a few miles by you guys.
I'm thinking more along the lines of if I spend a big chunk of change on car X, it better get good gas mileage. Whereas, if I find a dirt cheap example of car Y...I'll be able to use the cash leftover in my budget to mod and gas the car. Example: I can find a GTO, but the ones I've found so far are $14K and up, so not much cash left for gas and insurance.
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Feb. 3, 2012 3:17 p.m. slopecarver New Reader
Chevy S-10 came stock with the option of 2wd auto with a 4.3L engine. Under $5,000 for a good one.
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Feb. 3, 2012 3:22 p.m. cwh SuperDork
S-10 also came with the optional 350cid V-8, but you had to do part of that yourself. That was the FUN part. BTDT hehehe.
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Feb. 3, 2012 4:05 p.m. mndsm SuperDork
Mazdaspeed Protege, r53 Cooper S, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda mx6 GT (1st gen, you KNOW you want to be in the f2t club) all come to mind. I own 3 of the 4, all in manuals (I refuse to believe in the existence of automatic transmissions in boosties cars) I can vouch for all 4 of the cars being capable of 30mpg if off the hot pedal, and fun as shaking ones derrierre like an idiot at an open bar wedding.
