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Okay. I'm in the market for an inexpensive < $5k used car.
Does a car with the following attributes exist?
E30.
Even E36.
E36 325i?
Volvo 200 series, the true boxy but good volvos Volvo 700 series, not as good as the 200, but some would argue they are prettier; but they would be wrong There is probably some mercedes that fits in here, 190/220 add some letters like E or something like that
At some point the Maxima was rear wheel drive....
Except for small-to-midsize and manual (which can be swapped in), P71. Except for 4-doors, Miata. Except for RWD, nearly everything.
E30 is pretty much it. If you really look hard you can find a V6/5-Speed Manual Lincoln LS for that price (the manual's were rare).
Alfa 164? Oh, sorry you said reliable
2WD Explorer? 
you could get a v6 manual in them at one point.
Adrian_Thompson wrote:Alfa 164? Oh, sorry you said reliable
He also said RWD.
Maybe you meant a Milano?
Luke wrote:E30.
Even E36.
Actually, solid E30s are rarer and more expensive than E36s. Should be able to buy a decent mid-'90s 325i with acceptable mileage for that price pretty easily.
If you consider the hood and trunk doors, the answer is Miata.
It did on the 80's, the LTD had a Mustang motor and suspension. I think it can still be bought for under $5K if you can find one. No idea about reliability.
Wait! I've got it:
Meets all of your requirements.
P71 wrote:E30 is pretty much it. If you really look hard you can find a V6/5-Speed Manual Lincoln LS for that price (the manual's were rare).
Same goes for the Jaguar S-Type, which is closely related. I've heard neither V6 is rebuildable though. 
Probably the easiest thing to find in that price range would be an E36 BMW.
Milano is fine for a daily driver if you take care of it, they arent really any worse than an e30.
Did Clem's Corolla wagon ever sell?
Was it for sale or am I hallucinating again?
Did I say that...or think it?
Was I talking? Did they hear me?
In reply to pinchvalve:
Your pic isn't showing up.
Cressidas can be found with manuals.
i like LTDs, dont know why...
The infiniti J30 almost meets your requirements except they never came from the factory with manual transmissions. Basically a 4 door, odd looking, 300ZX. I always thought they were neat.
2wd S Blazer 4 door with manual swap ;)
E30 and E36 (and actually E28 and E34)
Toyota Cressida, if you can find one
Lincoln LS, if you can find a stick for that price
Older Volvo's
Mercedes Benz 190e (Depends on who you ask as to how reliable it is)
Did the Mazda 929 ever come in a stick?
Caprice/Roadmaster/old-new Impala SS (not sure which if any were available with proper gear boxes)
Does AWD count? If so, theres a bazillion options to choose from
4cylndrfury wrote:Caprice/Roadmaster/old-new Impala SS (not sure which if any were available with proper gear boxes)
Thats pretty far from small-midsized
Alfa Berlinas can be found pretty cheap. And if maintained, they are very reliable. Can drop in a later EFI motor into these early cars.
But the Alfas have been mentioned.
Merkur FTW.
E
Can a first year (2003?) G35 sedan be had for $5k? I dont really feel like searching
