First gen Probe/MX6 stuff: (paging celica)

Damn you guys, got me looking at early GD cars. A local car lot has a 92 probe GL here, asking $1500 but I bet I could get em down lower. The pros are it has three pedals. Cons are its a GL and has 246K on the odometer. Reading on Wikipedia, they state that the NA cars had a 8.xx:1 compression ratio, and the Turbo cars were 7.xx:1 compression. Wouldn't the 8 something ratio still be boost friendly?

The purpose of this car is: Commuter. If they are as bulletproof, reliable, cheap and easy to fix as you guys claim, I want one to commute to college in (bout 100 miles round trip, when/if I ever start.)

I am a little worried about the mileage. I'd rather have the Mazda, as its much better looking, and I would rather have a turbo. I seldom see these cars around here, and really didn't know much about them at all until I got on here.

Damn kool-aid.

Don't forget to also look for 626s (88-92). I personally would pass on a probe with that many miles and unknown provenance, especially at that price. (Does it look like it's been taken care of?) Minty cars like this are going for $1800, apparently:

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/2394415313.html

The 8.6:1 block is still boost friendly. Some even say that the pistons are actually stronger than the slugs in the 7.8:1 variant.

But... that's going at it backwards. The trick is to get a turbo car, then just swap bottom ends. Converting to turbo electronics is no fun, and the n/a ECU runs too much timing.

People will tell you that you can do it, but it involves a lot of weird band-aids and longevity of an "NA-T" in this case is relatively unknown.

I would definitely hold out for a turbo car if you want a turbo car. The Probes are easier to find these days, and they're a weird bag of pros and cons.

Pros: Less electronic BS. (However, the mazda electronic stuff tends NOT to break) It's a hatch, might be able to fit more in the back. Better gauge cluster (has boost gauge, oil pressure, volts, etc). Bigger sway bars.

Cons: Heavier. Like.... lots heavier. Uglier. (heh heh) Interior isn't as nice. Everyone will know it's a Probe.

I'm echoing James, though. I'd pass on that example, and if you want a turbo MX6, look for a turbo MX6.

Turbo mx6? Who wants one of those??