I'm going to have to get a new car(well not brand new) because the oldsmobile I just bought blew a head gasket while I was at my girlfriends house in NJ, which is where it's currently sitting until I can get rid of it. Fortunatly I hadn't sold the Honda yet so I'm driving that for now but it's on it's last leg, runs like **** and everything. So that brings me to the question:

If you needed a daily driver for under $10k(most likely $8k or under) what would you pick. Preferably a 4 cyl, 5 speed and needs to be really reliable but fun to drive. Can't be a sports car, needs to be cheap on insurance. Oh, and I'd like to stick with a foriegn car since I've not had good luck with used american 4 cyls. Any idea's?

 

Get an S10 or Ranger extended cab. Cheap on insurance and they run forever.

 

IF you decide to get an older GM car I woudl look for 2.8Ls, like said in a S-10. Seem 60* GM v6s (non-dohc) seem to run forever. I put 120k hard miles on my 85 camaro, and put 125k hard miles on my 3.4L camaro.


I woudl look for an older Camry, for awhile was one of the msot reliable cars on the road if I remember correctly.

 

accord, civic, camery

 

Personally, I would go with an S10. My dad's '93 S10 w/ the 2.8l has been put through two teenagers learning to drive a manual and has been driven on a daily basis in stop and go traffic since we bought it in '93. I also beat on it for over a year. It has well over 100k miles on it and it still runs extremely well. Everything on it is stock. The only thing that has been replaced are the spark plugs and the oil changed every 3000 miles.

 

hey man! whats going on!? looks like you got you some car problems..

just buy a b16 motor and drop it in!! should run you about 2-3grand max... then youll have a good engine and all. unless youw ant a newer looking car.

try to get the newest civic you can find. if you want a truck then get the s10.

good luck bro
b

 

Definetly not going with a truck, I hate driving trucks. And I don't know how you guys are saying all of those good things about the 2.8L, that engine sucked in my 87 Camaro, nothing but problems and it couldn't get out of it's own way. And I don't really want to go with a civic, they're too generic, want something a little different.

Any other idea's?

 

Give me a call when you get a chance.

Tyler

 

Dude you know my 2.8 rocked.. Even after 180K I broke the 16's....


The truck idea is the best, but I would look into a Mazda 626.. Can get a 2000 for 8 and less with no miles....

Why not just fix the head gasket... It is a pain, but not that bad to do in the ned and is cheaper than a new/newr ride..

 

I know you said you don't like trucks, but the S-10/Sonoma are pretty car-like in their handling characteristics.

My brother has a Sonoma x-cab sport (factory lowered suspension) with the 4.3L auto. and this truck handles like a little sports car and is very quick for a truck. I think he gets around 20 MPG too. It's pretty roomy inside, but the jumpseat is a total joke unless you're a dwarf. The towing cap. is right around 5,000 lbs., perfect for a small boat or jet skis. The suspension is firm but it rides pretty good.

Just give these trucks a look and test drive one, I think they're worth the money and you will definitely find one of these for under $10K.

 

Ya I had that truck for about a year and a half... The only reason I got rid of it was for the explorer.. Needed more room so look at extended cabs.... If it is not extended walk away....


I still say a 626 would make a nice car for you...

 

honduai Accent

probably can get it for about $9500-10,000 brand new with a 10yr/100k mile warrentee.

how can you beat that?

 

Hundai's are pretty poorly made though, I wouldn't want to drive one for the nest 5 years.

I'm actually kinda leaning towards a Nissan Altima or Maxima, or maybe a VW Passat. Does anyone know anything about these cars? I'm looking at 98/99 models with around 50k on them. I drove an Altima yesterday and it was pretty nice, suspension and steering was tight and the transmission shifted pretty quick. Felt like a well put together car. And if anyone is wondering, the reason I'm getting a 4 door family car is because I'm going to be keeping it for at least 5+ years, and I'll probably be married in the next 2 years, so I want to make sure I have a good car that will be functional.

Any other suggestions or input?

 

I now own a 98 altima, with 40k on it, no problems during the 6 months or so i have had it. Pretty phuking gay car though, it's slow, and i think the transmission is going to go soon from the beating i give it haha. Oh yea also get one with abs, as mine doesn't have it and i have almost died 3 times, one of them i skid through a redlight.

 

Get a Z06. They're sporty.