I know the answer is usually always Miata, but I want something with more room.
The requirements- manual trans, decent mpg, the ability to tow a trailer with a total weight of 6-700lbs.
That shouldn't be too hard, but I can only spend around $4k. I've been looking on Craigslist day and night, but can't find much that isn't beat with under 200k.
Usually E36 would be the answer if Miata isn't.
Ford Focus comes to mind. That's cause I just got one and it sounds like it would tick all those boxes.
I'm sour with E36's. All the ones I've seen are too rusty to be worth more than $1000.
I have an '05 Scion xB. Nope, it's not rated to tow a trailer, but hitches exist. I pull my 500lb mini-camper with it.
It's roomy and gets 33+ mpg around town. It's not particularly "fun-to-drive", but it gets the job done.
Perhaps not quite down to the $4k level yet, but I've seen examples with 120k miles listed at $5k. With some negotiation, you might get close.
Any other criteria? This seems pretty easy. Any compact crossover between 8-15 years old. I like the Escape. The CR-V and RAV4 are nice. The Suzuki SUVs are real body-on-frame trucks, but get good mileage too.
Alternately, I've used a Jetta (mk3) to tow this kind of weight, and there were no issues whatever. Similar VWs, or similar 4-cyl compacts should do the job and fit the budget.
Anything can tow that kind of weight.
Maybe not Smarts. Anything else, though.
The lowest rated hitch I've ever seen was 1000lb, and that was the seriously bogus design on my RX-7 that is a collection of no-cross-section overhung 90 degree bends so the hitch could clear the fuel tank and the license plate. I'm unsure what the trailer I had weighed in total, HF 4'x4' plus six mounted tires (four rally, two snow) plus a fully packed 2x2x4 cargo box. 600-700lb? Towed fine. Certainly the car drove a lot better than if I had that much stuff inside the car. (RX-7 looks funny with 600lb of brake rotors in the back)
You should see the things people tow with Miatas.
Possibly a C4 vette?
Neon R/T or ACR if you can find one and can deal with a car that's flimsy as hell and are indifferent about factory paint.
Lt1 fbody or early c4 vette
Contour svt, Volvo 240
I should have said more but I'd like something at least 2000 or newer. It will be my only car so reliability is important.
I just need to be able to tow a dirt bike or two, and maybe haul big items from home depot on occasion. I have plenty of people who would let me borrow a truck if I ever need to.
I just didn't think I'd have such a hard time finding a decent car. I think a lot of people on Craigslist think their cars are made of gold.
Are the 05-ish Ford Focus any good? Saw one of those, a ZX3 with a 5 speed pretty close by? I always thought they were decent looking cars but another forum I frequent people referred to it as a "penalty box." I believe the car has a Duratec 2.0L.
My other issue is miles on a car. My parents always were convinced a car over 100k is on its last legs. I know that's not true but what about buying a 150k mile car? I don't know why I have such a hard time getting past that.
Also if I didn't have two kids, I'd probably already have a Miata, although the wife has a 2012 Accord for driving then around.
My choice would be a Saturn SW2 with a manual transmission. Or a manual 9-5 wagon. Or a manual third-generation Escort wagon. Or a manual Focus wagon with SVT bits mixed in. I see a theme.
They should all be available in your price range, with the 9-5 being toward the top and the others being cheap enough to leave modification/maintenance/repair funds in the bank.
I think it was Bobzilla that turned me on to Volvo S40's. The 1.9 Turbo has about 160hp and are pretty darned durable cars.
My jaw dropped when I saw the prices. We're talking Challenge money or just over for early 2000's. For $4k, you'd get a pretty nice ride.
SAAB 9-3 SportCombi /thread
t25torx wrote: SAAB 9-3 SportCombi /thread
Not for $4k.
P71? 
In reply to Powar:
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/4807186532.html
2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T SportCombi (Miami) - $3750
I actually like the idea of a P71, but I'm not settling for an automatic this time. I'll have to look into the Saab's. Are they pretty good cars?
t25torx wrote: In reply to Powar: http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/4807186532.html 2006 Saab 9-3 2.0T SportCombi (Miami) - $3750
I stand corrected. Don't let my wife see that or she'll want to go to Miami and back before xmas.
I stand corrected. Don't let my wife see that or she'll want to go to Miami and back before xmas.
LOL don't worry I might be picking it up for myself if I can shift this BMW once I finish up a couple things on it.
https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/cto/4808485434.html
Two kid carrying
Cargo carrying
Towing capable
Under $4k
Under 200k miles
Manual trans
Not overpriced
You do not say that "sporty" has to be part of the equation.
Hitting all those marks, especially the portion of "under-priced" and highly overlooked in the Saturn Vue of '04-'07 with a 2.2L Ecotec engine and Getrag 5 speed manual trans.
I have been very happy with mine that I bought for $2,500 and have taken from 140k miles to 210K with very little issue.
Here is the GRM Saturn Vue buyers guide.
The 4 cyl version has a tow rating of 1500 lbs but the V6 has a rating of 3500 lbs off the exact same brakes. The limiting factor is the smaller engine.
ebonyandivory wrote: I think it was Bobzilla that turned me on to Volvo S40's. The 1.9 Turbo has about 160hp and are pretty darned durable cars.
Sorry, that'd be my fault. (It's rated to tow 2000lb. If I keep it, I'll probably use it to drag my RX-7 and GTI around. The GTI is under 2k and the RX-7... well, I'm sure they had a fudge factor, If I don't keep it, you guys will be the first to know)
I personally am a little leery of cars with under 10k/year, which a 2000-ish car with 100-150k would be. People who don't drive much seem to be the worst with regards to deferred maintenance. Of course, every situation is different, but once you get past the first round of replacing worn items, a car's a car until the bodyshell is scrap.
Your going to need at least a 3/4ton truck for that, definitely a diesel, seriously consider getting a dually.
Nick_Comstock wrote: Your going to need at least a 3/4ton truck for that, definitely a diesel, seriously consider getting a dually.
Lol yeah that's what everybody around here seems to think. It's funny how many super duties I see running around empty every day.
Oh yeah, I prefer something sporty, I guess fun to drive would be the right way to say it. And not under 200k, I'd like somethisomething around 120k miles, I could add some money too for the right thing.
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