"responsible" 5k to spend

Ok, so I have $5,000 to spend on a new-to-me car. It was a gift to buy a car that can fit 2 adults and 3 small kids (not very often as we have a minivan for that). And since a car is waaay more than a mere A to B tool, I have some wants and needs:

5 speed (unless it's a P71) and four doors and like I said, $5k or less. I'm trying to keep it a 2000 or newer. Here's what I found to be out there... Can I have your input guys?

Subaru (Impreza wagon or Outback), Toyota Corolla, Camry, Dodge Neon, P71, VW Golf, Passat, Jetta, Nissan Maxima/Altima, Geo Prism (Corolla), Focus

Am I missing any? General reliability is foremost, then the fun factor. I seem to get an idea in my head, log on to carsurvey.org and get alarmed at all the bad press I see no matter what is out there. Sure, a lot of it is complaints about interior panels peeling and and dashboard rattles rather than head gaskets blowing and transmissions falling apart but it still seems to turn me off.

That will buy a really nice Pontiac Vibe GT 6-speed, or a Focus SVT if you look hard enough. I have been shopping those two quite a bit lately.

They didn't make a Geo Prism post-'00, and with every other car on that list, why? A Camry? Might as well get another minivan.

P71 hater, here. Real low on the fun factor.

I think a Focus SVT would be just what you need.

Mazda Protege

End of story.

Osterkraut wrote: P71 hater, here. Real low on the fun factor. I think a Focus SVT would be just what you need.

Very interesting comment about the P71. I have this feeling about the very same thing. Maybe the automatic? Maybe that it's the same motor as Grandpa's Grand Marquis?

Can anyone tell me anything more about the Focus?

SlickDizzy wrote: That will buy a really nice Pontiac Vibe GT 6-speed, or a Focus SVT if you look hard enough. I have been shopping those two quite a bit lately. They didn't make a Geo Prism post-'00, and with every other car on that list, why? A Camry? Might as well get another minivan.

Yes, the Camry is a snoozer I agree. Corolla too?

Klayfish wrote: Mazda Protege End of story.

Actually I forgot to print that, 5 or 3? Good call.

ebonyandivory wrote:

Osterkraut wrote: P71 hater, here. Real low on the fun factor. I think a Focus SVT would be just what you need.

Very interesting comment about the P71. I have this feeling about the very same thing. Maybe the automatic? Maybe that it's the same motor as Grandpa's Grand Marquis?

It's 4,000+lbs of underpowered, slushboxed land barge. P71s are great it you're looking for cheap transportation. For anything approaching fun, you have better options. Of course, some will disagree.

Osterkraut wrote: It's 4,000+lbs of underpowered, slushboxed land barge. P71s are great it you're looking for cheap transportation. For anything approaching fun, you have better options. Of course, some will disagree.

A long time ago I read that "you can't really drive an automatic". Looking back at the vehicles I've owned I tend to agree.

$5000 will get you a nice, late Infiniti G20 and enough parts and supplies to run it. Good momentum cars and very reliable.

bmw e46 325 should be in range - sedan or wagon (touring) if you also have the budget/tools/exp for maintenance. Treat them well (more like an airplane) and bmws will last a very long time. Neglect them and they will likely punish you for it (or PO's past transgressions). maybe $1000/year (but I would think that for anything with around 100k - stuff's going to happen or be due - radiator, water pump, alternator, misc seals...).

chaparral wrote: $5000 will get you a nice, late Infiniti G20 and enough parts and supplies to run it. Good momentum cars and very reliable.

Manual? I think I'm getting hung up on low-mileage. What would you guys think is reasonable? Around 130k concerns me. But I suppose if it had the right motor?

I'm putting a 5.4 in my P71. I'm sure you could find one relatively inexpensive and do a 5/6-speed swap to it and still be in your $5k budget. If I had a 5/6-speed attached to the 5.4, then I'd really have a huge grin on my face.

I'm allergic to high-luxury items like heated seats and power everything. Simple is better for me.

Conquest351 wrote: I'm putting a 5.4 in my P71. I'm sure you could find one relatively inexpensive and do a 5/6-speed swap to it and still be in your $5k budget. If I had a 5/6-speed attached to the 5.4, then I'd really have a huge grin on my face.

A manual P71 always sounded fun but with 3 kids, school, board exams ect., I really need an as-is car... For now.

SlickDizzy wrote: They didn't make a Geo Prism post-'00, and with every other car on that list, why?

In '01 and '02 the Prism was known as the Chevy Prism and for those two years the car got variable timing which pushed the mpg up to a rating of 40 hyw at the time.
A boring car but efficient!

ebonyandivory wrote:

chaparral wrote: $5000 will get you a nice, late Infiniti G20 and enough parts and supplies to run it. Good momentum cars and very reliable.

Manual? I think I'm getting hung up on low-mileage. What would you guys think is reasonable? Around 130k concerns me. But I suppose if it had the right motor?

G20's all have the SR20 engine, which is the Sentra SE-R/Silvia mill that all the drift kids drool over. They are timing chain driven and darn near bulletproof if basic maintenance is kept up on. My buddy's SE-R had 230k on it when he sold it and it still ran great. The G20 is basically like an upmarket 4-door SE-R.

The most important thing is you find a car with which you can Live Together In Perfect Harmony

My picks would be:

Focus SVT has a pretty good balance of price/handling. It wont be hard to find one in decent shape for $5k.

Mazda Protege are good, and sub $3k for a decent little car

Nissan Maxima, you can buy a decent 02-03 for about $5k-great value for the money

If you are wanting transportation and not a toy I would stay away from the VWs and the Neon. The Toyotas are great transportation but arent my favorite because I have never been in one that I really enjoyed. Though it is probably mathematically possible to make one "fun". I hate P71s because I was forced to drive a P71 pursuit for years and I cant stand how they drive. I cant recommend Subarus because they hold value too well. As a result you can buy a nicer/newer Ford, Mazda, etc for the same money.

Why 2000 or newer??

Just a brainfart

It is entirely possible to pick up a 90s Corolla for under $1500(as an example.... ), while it is in good condition, and still has only 100k or so miles. That would put $3500 away for either some mods... or maybe a better toy........ something rwd - Miata or AE86?????

Infiniti G20 is another good choice. Well cared for, those things can go 200k+ miles easy.

I had a Protege 5spd for several years. Fun little thing. Not fast, but a great momentum car. Never left me stranded, sold it at 150k running strong (just needed some routine upkeep).

oldeskewltoy wrote: Why 2000 or newer?? Just a brainfart It is entirely possible to pick up a 90s Corolla for under $1500(as an example.... ), while it is in good condition, and still has only 100k or so miles. That would put $3500 away for either some mods... or maybe a better toy........ something rwd - Miata or AE86?????

Because although I like simple and non-luxurious, I would like to finally have clean seats, nice stereo, no rust and maybe a few creature comforts. Older than 2000 the mileage gets kinda high and too much newer, the prices rise too high. As for the rest, I need to fit my kids in it and I'm getting rid of a 2-door because it's a nightmare getting my mass back there to buckle everyone in.

ebonyandivory wrote: Ok, so I have $5,000 to spend on a new-to-me car. It was a gift to buy a car that can fit 2 adults and 3 small kids (not very often as we have a minivan for that). And since a car is waaay more than a mere A to B tool, I have some wants and needs: 5 speed (unless it's a P71) and four doors and like I said, $5k or less. I'm trying to keep it a 2000 or newer. Here's what I found to be out there... Can I have your input guys? Subaru (Impreza wagon or Outback), Toyota Corolla, Camry, Dodge Neon, P71, VW Golf, Passat, Jetta, Nissan Maxima/Altima, Geo Prism (Corolla), Focus

Out of those cars, the Maxima is your best bet. Add some shocks and springs and further increase the fun to drive factor. The rear seats are pretty roomy to fit your 3 kids. The Impreza is tight in the back seat - as is the Corolla, Protege and Neon. Stay away from the German crap and put the $ you would have spent fixing random crap into a savings account for the kids education.

The Infiniti sounds like a good option as well.

Also check and see if the Mazda 6 is in your price range or one of the Acura sedans. A Subaru Legacy may work as well.

OK, now this thread is EXACTLY what I expected! (which is a big compliment!). Please feel free to keep adding to it. Lot's of food for thought here!

BTW, I'm seeing plenty of G20's but no manuals, which is a definte need!

I wouldnt get a subie if you dont want hg failures. they will happen. not bad though

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-VOLVO-C70-HPT-/220925911694?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337035e28e

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3dr-Hatchback-Manual-5-0L-red-gt-5speed-needs-good-home-flow-masters-t-5-trans-/230726710898?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item35b8623672

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-SAAB-9-3-SE-TURBO-5-SPEED-HEATED-SEATS-MOONROOF-EX

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Nissan-Altima-3-5-SE-5spd-manual-20-inch-rims-and-extras-LOOK-/320825776781?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4ab2b4da8dCELLENT-CONDITION-2-OWNER-/260929344131?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3cc099d283