Trying to snag another DD, and something like this would work since I can't find anything else I want. Corolla? Neon? Sentra? Saturn? Base models are welcome of course, and pictures and fun stories are encouraged. Go!
Trying to snag another DD, and something like this would work since I can't find anything else I want. Corolla? Neon? Sentra? Saturn? Base models are welcome of course, and pictures and fun stories are encouraged. Go!
No experience with it but the little Hyundai Accent hatchback always intrigued me.
If you can find an unmolested Sentra SE-R Spec V those are fun and easy to daily.
Love my Accord. Plenty of torque when just puttering around, when you're caning on it you hardly break the limits, it doesn't really run out of steam(anymore) at higher revs, super comfy interstate cruiser, excellent build quality, materials, fit and finish, and hasn't really attracted the stereotypical Hondafanboi base so they're fairly cheap buy-in. Best part is, there's plenty of parts available in OEM upgrades from Prelude's and later Accord's, and there's a billion of them on the road and in junkyards. I've owned Civics and Integras, and this car really is a step above both all around.
Ep3 si or rsx
Wasn't there a 323 GT with a B6T sold in the US? That would be in this category.
AE82/92/101/111 Corolla.
MX6 with the F2T that everyone seems to like here.
One car I never see mentioned here is the MK3 VR6 GTI. I'm sure unmentioned for good reason.
Since someone mentioned Hyundai then got to mention the Hyundai S Coupe, lol.
Easy to work on, gets decent mpg (mid to high 20's per tank averaged) and is apparently too slow to self destruct.
@ kanaric: I've been hunting for an MX-6 GT, but to no avail. 
@Flynlow: Your MR2 looks great Cliff! Unfortunately, I need a backseat so I can take my son with me in a pinch. I'll have to get my MR2 fix through my brother. 
Corolla FX-16 if you need something in the 4AGE spectrum and a back seat, or an AE92 Corolla GT-S if you can find one. Both have become pretty rare. Sentra SE-R. If you can find a nice stock one and keep it that way, they're probably all going to appreciate.
How cheap?
I like my Saturns. You can usually snag a good one for $1K. ~2300lbs, 124hp, 124tq, pretty good mileage. Plus wagon.
What's the budget? I think both the RSX/EP3 and Saturn categories are winners, but at different ends of the spectrum.
Oh, what about the second gen MX-6 V6? I know it doesn't have the cool turbo boxy-ness of the earlier GT, but I bet they can be had for a song these days.
The answer is always miata
In reply to evildky:
Nope, not in this case.
Celica
91-94 Protege LX/Escort GT/Tracer LT-S/Escort LX-E/1st gen Kia Sephia
AE92/101/111 Corolla
Mitsubishi Mirage Coupe
Is the DOHC motor in the old Eagle Summit/Mirage any good or fun? I saw a Summit yesterday with DOHC on the back...don't know much about them. A Geo Storm sounds cool...the I-Mark rebuild in the Build Threads section has me interested in random stuff like that, just don't see either of those much. Something SR20 always sounds good, but I never see them for sale around here, so a base model with a GA16 might be more accessible. Hmmm, I feel like I've been hunting forever!
With a kid to tote?
E30 4 door.
Still not bad price wise, good availability of parts, good track manners, a spec racing series that should provide enough data to basically pirate for your build so you dont have to be the pioneer.
I have friends who played with Hyundai Accents, their problem was finding speed parts, especially ones that were worthwhile (durable, well made, did a decent job). Often they have to order something straight from Korea.
Also consider a E36 325i
The BMW tax doesn't really carry over to the consumables on the E30 at least. Mine was usually MUCH cheaper than my mustang and on par with my miata (which came after it). That said, big components seemed to be worth a touch more on the BMW.
Other things the E30 would have is back doors for ease and comfort with the kid (only a 50lb weight penalty IIRC) and a cavernous trunk.
The E30 has an awesome trunk. Seriously, I was shocked at what I could fit in there. I would rate it as a 3 dead hooker trunk. (not that I ever put dead hookers in there per se.. you can't prove ANYTHING!)
sethmeister4 wrote: Is the DOHC motor in the old Eagle Summit/Mirage any good or fun? I saw a Summit yesterday with DOHC on the back...don't know much about them. A Geo Storm sounds cool...the I-Mark rebuild in the Build Threads section has me interested in random stuff like that, just don't see either of those much. Something SR20 always sounds good, but I never see them for sale around here, so a base model with a GA16 might be more accessible. Hmmm, I feel like I've been hunting forever!
Depends on the generation.... the DOHC motor could be the 4g61, or whatever the 1.5 liter motor was in the Coupe i was talking about. I don't think either are particularly bad, though.
I always wanted to build a Mirage Coupe for ST class autocross. On paper it should do well. They're really light and should outpower the Civics.
The BMW E30 318is is the best momentum car ever.
E36 318Ti? I wanted one at one point until I discovered they got stuck with the e30 rear suspension and didnt get the e36 rear setup.
Leafy wrote: E36 318Ti? I wanted one at one point until I discovered they got stuck with the e30 rear suspension and didnt get the e36 rear setup.
It's fine. It just makes them exciting to drive.
Swank Force One wrote:Leafy wrote: E36 318Ti? I wanted one at one point until I discovered they got stuck with the e30 rear suspension and didnt get the e36 rear setup.It's fine. It just makes them exciting to drive.
Maybe for a drift car it would be great. But that damn rear suspension design just does not want to put down power. Perfect for a momentum car daily driver though, terrible if you want to swap an inline 6 in and race.
It's not good for drifting, either.
Sorry guys, probably won't be getting a BMW. While I like some of them, and they are fun to drive, I HATE working on them. I mean REALLY HATE. Oil pans, all suspension bushings, driveshaft guibo thingy, ABS lights and brake pad sensor lights always on, etc. I know, I know, it's silly of me, but a beater BMW just sounds like no fun. Simplicity and ease of repair is a good quality to me at this point in my life (I work evenings, daytime is spent with my wife and 2 1/2 year old, so wrenching time is minimal).
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