The DD challenge

This is hypothetical.

If someone walked into my driveway with cash and left with Catywampus, and I wanted to replace it (highly reliable, stick shift, ready-to-drive, slightly entertaining DD with at least four seats), what would I do and why? Let's say I have one day to make this purchase, and let's say $2500 all-in, so no engine swaps, but Hail Mary nights are allowed as long as success is imminent.

My gut tells me this will be FWD, Japanese, and quite possibly another Accord.

IS300

In reply to tuna55:

Not a stick, but looks like a hell of a deal if the ad is for real...

Lexus GS430

I looked at your local CL. "Reliable" and "Under $2500" seem mutually exclusive.

Neon. Preferably dohc two door.

Mazda Protégé

Oooh. Yeah. Protégé. P5 would be even better.

Can I change my answer?

Nissan Pulsar, needs control arms to be ready to drive: http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/5424314134.html

Early Mazda 6 with a V6 and a manual, preferably a wagon.

Mazda3

Dusterbd13 wrote: Oooh. Yeah. Protégé. P5 would be even better. Can I change my answer?

Someone always swings in and points out that the P5 likes to rust. So there, that has been done.

I had one from new and liked it. Seconded.

Mod motor Mustang. You'd be in rough territory but then potential for massive fun is very high. Not only that, but these cars are pretty close to the bottom and keeping it clean and running would enable you to drive it for a couple years with zero depreciation. And gas is cheap.

codrus wrote: IS300

You're not going to find one in 24 hours.

...off to begin search for an IS300...

non turbo Z32 300zx's are starting to get cheap and ticks all the boxes as long as you get a 2+2 so you have rear seats

Well with criteria like that, you'll likely be at the mercy of whats locally available.

http://greenville.craigslist.org/search/cto?min_price=100&max_price=3000&auto_transmission=1

Pathfinder: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5444984905.html

Duratec Focus: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5458253098.html

Pair of Mustangs: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5457975300.html

318i http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5462076698.html

Camaro: http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5461965940.html

5th gen Accord with better tires and sways. You can even get a wagon.

Woody wrote:

codrus wrote: IS300

You're not going to find one in 24 hours. *...off to begin search for an IS300...*

Didn't see any, neat idea though, I'd even consider an auto in those, just because Toyota does a really good job with them.

penultimeta wrote: 5th gen Accord with better tires and sways. You can even get a wagon.

Yes, good idea, but I would require a manual shift for a Honda, and that's a little harder to find, but there are options on my Craigslist.

edizzle89 wrote: non turbo Z32 300zx's are starting to get cheap and ticks all the boxes as long as you get a 2+2 so you have rear seats

Not sure on that, it's a big step down in sheer utility from where I am now.

mazdeuce wrote: Mod motor Mustang. You'd be in rough territory but then potential for massive fun is very high. Not only that, but these cars are pretty close to the bottom and keeping it clean and running would enable you to drive it for a couple years with zero depreciation. And gas is cheap.

Oddly enough my Mustang-guy-Tunachuckers friend avoids the early mod motors, and prefers the last 5.0. Why do you say mod motor?

Mike wrote:

Dusterbd13 wrote: Oooh. Yeah. Protégé. P5 would be even better. Can I change my answer?

Someone always swings in and points out that the P5 likes to rust. So there, that has been done. I had one from new and liked it. Seconded.

Could do. Did not see any on local craigs. How about MX6? Too coupe-y, not Hatch-y enough maybe. Are the Millenia's any good?

Cooper_Tired wrote: Mazda3

Too much $$$ locally

tr8todd wrote: Early Mazda 6 with a V6 and a manual, preferably a wagon.

Loving this idea. Very much.

tuna55 wrote:

tr8todd wrote: Early Mazda 6 with a V6 and a manual, preferably a wagon.

Loving this idea. Very much.

Late 626?