Looking for a car

[airbornflght]

Well, I guess it is about that time. My car is starting to have some problems with it, and from the horror stories I have heard about grand ams, I'd like to get rid of it asap.

Once I sell it, I want to get a decent car. I would like to get a 2 door, but it isnt a must. It needs to be reliable, I mean ROCK SOLID! I dont have money to be dumping into it. I would like alloy wheels, I hate hub caps, I think they look trashyy. Performance would be nice..A manual pretty much all I want, I hate my automatic, I hate just about all autos, I dont care to ever own another auto in my life to tell the truth. The mileage should be reasonable, the less the better.

All of this needs to be priced around $8000, and by around, I mean it can be less, but certainly not more than a couple hundred or so over $8k.

If you dont want to try and find a car in my area, that is cool, but any recomendations for me to look for. My zip code is 73703, city is Enid, Ok.

[Thrax]

I've found cars.com (http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp) to be pretty handy as I've been looking too.

[Black Hawk]

Mazda MX-6 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/556097238002_W0QQitemZ180017100292QQihZ008QQcategoryZ6324QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)?

[airbornflght]

I'm gonna do some looking, I hope buddyJ chimes in, as he should know what he's talking about.

[Buddy J]

Okay. You're going to attend college in Norman, right? And as a freshman, you have to live in the dorms. When I was in the dorms there, I didn't drive much. I think you'll need a car that can sit, take the beating of norman's weather, and still start up and run like a top a couple times a week.

Do you plan on going home on the weekends or doing any sort of longer distance traveling, cuz if not, you can fudge a little on gas mileage. requirements.

RWD, sporty and a stick... and pretty new. Those are tough requirements for $8k. Most new cars aren't RWD and are hard to find with a stick. Lemme do some thinkin and I'll get back to ya.

[airbornflght]

Im not set on RWD, it is just a bonus if it is. but if it isnt a stick, I dont really want it.

I will probably be doing quite a bit of driving, my house is 120 miles away I think. and our weather here is bad too, hot to cold, in one day. kind of like a desert but any way.

when I say new, I dont mean within 2 years, I mean...what do I mean? I just want something that looks nice, and is going to last, that is what I mean. I'd like something that is probably 6-7 years old, maybe a little more. im not sure, it would depend on the car.

it doesnt have to be super sporty fast. I just want it to look nice, im a fan of pretty, ie, you wouldnt catch me dead or alive in a scion xB<s>ox on wheels</s> just hit me with ideas, and I can say yea or ney, that way you can get a feel. I have almost no clue when it comes to cars what I want. too bad you cant custom order parts to build a car from newegg. that would be nice. then I could slap a nice 250hp engine inside a pretty case, give it a good 5 or 6 speed, and a good rearend and be on my way.

[Buddy J]

Well, I've thought about it on and off all day. Here's my top 3.

BMW 3-series - The earlier the better, really. Look on wikipedia for the E30 and E36 series cars. An 82-91 model 325 is a great car with a tough inline-six. Parts are readily available and they aren't hard to work of for a shade tree mechanic or hobbyist. Also, the M10 four banger in the 318 is a sweet little powerplant. You can't really go wrong with either.

Nissan 240SX - The drift kiddies have driven the price up, but there are still deals to be had. With your budget and needs, I think it'd be best to find an unmolested automatic for $4 or $5k, and then get the tranny swapped. There are quite a few import shops that'll do it, or you can hook up with the local Nissan club, www.nismokc.com, and they might be able to help ya. The stock KA24DE is a torquey and efficient motor, but if you want to go for big power later on, there are plenty of engine swaps to be had. A 240SX is a blank canvas for enthusiests, and often times referred to as the Japanese Mustang.

Toyota Cressida - Hard to find with a stick, but not too hard to convert to one... it's a 4-door Supra underneath and anything you can do to a Supra can be done to a cressy. You don't have to pay the insurance premium of a sports car. It'll cruise anywhere comfortably. They aren't the best at gas mileage.

Lemme know what you think and what else you have in mind. I can keep an eye out for things if you want.

[Nightwolf]

I didn't really know anything about Cressida's, a friend of mine just picked a '92 up for $1000. Clean, no rust, good looking paint, 130k, I don't think her or the previous owner knew/know what they had/have.

[Deano]

what about a Chevrolet Prizm Sedan? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205808036&dealer_id=620129&car_year=2002&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=&make=any&transmission=&distance=25&address=73703&only_price=1&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=75000&max_price=8000&bkms=1155993198925&min_price=1&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&body_style=SUV&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=0)
and here is the list (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?mod_bookmark_id=null&advanced=y&bkms=1155993198925&num_records=&certified=&search=y&lang=en&search_type=both&body_style=SUV&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&make=any&start_year=1981&end_year=2007&min_price=1&max_price=8000&only_price=1&max_mileage=75000&distance=25&address=73703&engine=&fuel=&drive=&transmission=&doors=&color=&x=113&y=10)of cars i got that Chevvy from..

:D

[Buddy J]

That's a good deal. 89-92 model Cressidas are sweet. They're a Mk3 Supra underneath. It's a 190hp or so 7M-GE straight six, but there are a variety of basically bolt-in motor swaps that'll give you more power and retain reliability. There is a great forum for them at www.thermactor.com/forum/ if you're interested in learning anything.

[Buddy J]

what about a Chevrolet Prizm Sedan? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=205808036&dealer_id=620129&car_year=2002&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=&make=any&transmission=&distance=25&address=73703&only_price=1&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=75000&max_price=8000&bkms=1155993198925&min_price=1&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&body_style=SUV&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=0)
and here is the list (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?mod_bookmark_id=null&advanced=y&bkms=1155993198925&num_records=&certified=&search=y&lang=en&search_type=both&body_style=SUV&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&make=any&start_year=1981&end_year=2007&min_price=1&max_price=8000&only_price=1&max_mileage=75000&distance=25&address=73703&engine=&fuel=&drive=&transmission=&doors=&color=&x=113&y=10)of cars i got that Chevvy from..

:D

That'd be a great college car, but:
a) they're FWD
b) that one is an auto
c) they're not sporty at all

My mom has an 02 Corolla (the same thing) that I borrow when I've gotta take a group of people out (I only own 2 seaters). It's slow, uninspiring and dead on reliable.

[drasnor]

I had the 97 Prizm and my brother in law has the 96 with a stick. I remember reading on one of the Corolla racing pages (lol) that the 97 was the last model year with a decent engine. I had the automatic version and it was a pleasurable driving experience if a bit underpowered on hills. It can hold its speed on up to around a 10% grade but I couldn't accelerate well on anything over about 7%. My brother-in-law's manual gets pretty good efficiency and generally performs better than my auto; he dragged a loaded U-Haul behind it from PN to TX without too much trouble.

My Prizm was rock-solid reliable. It never broke once in my 6 years of ownership until I found the back end of a Jetta with it. I drive a new manual Civic now and it's at least as good but not really in your price range.

Yeah, hubcaps look trashy, but when you drive an economy car you can look trashy AND cliche with the addition of plastic-chrome wheel covers found at Wal-Mart. Some friends slapped some on my Prizm as a practical joke. I think the picture is still in the garage thread.

-drasnor :fold:

[Buddy J]

My dad's car is also a 'rolla, but his is a stick. The stick is much more fun to drive. If you can keep the revs up and use all 5 gears, it makes for fun. I'd love to uprate the suspension a bit and take it autocrossing, just for fun. It's pretty chuckable in the corners.

[Deano]

That'd be a great college car, but:
a) they're FWD
b) that one is an auto
c) they're not sporty at all

My mom has an 02 Corolla (the same thing) that I borrow when I've gotta take a group of people out (I only own 2 seaters). It's slow, uninspiring and dead on reliable.

okay, sorry. i don't really know that much about cars, i was only trying to help. i apologize :D

an MR2? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=197983022&dealer_id=1384418&car_year=1991&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=25&make=TOYOTA&transmission=&distance=100&model=&address=73703&make2=&only_price=1&certified=&advanced=y&max_mileage=75000&max_price=8000&bkms=1156003627687&min_price=1&end_year=2007&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&body_style=CONVERT&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&doors=Two+Door&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=69)

[Nightwolf]

That's a good deal. 89-92 model Cressidas are sweet. They're a Mk3 Supra underneath. It's a 190hp or so 7M-GE straight six, but there are a variety of basically bolt-in motor swaps that'll give you more power and retain reliability. There is a great forum for them at www.thermactor.com/forum/ if you're interested in learning anything.
Damn dude, I didn't know that. For a stock car that thing must've hauled. I'll be sure to drive her car to the show tonight.

[airbornflght]

the beamer isnt too much of my style right now. The 240sx would be cool, but I looked and didnt see any in my area right now. I saw the cressida, and the lines were a little harsh for me.

I was doing some looking and came accross the 300zx, and I think I just fell in love.link (http://cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=206118040&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&recnum=3&leadExists=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_36_%7CD-_330_%7CN-N%7CR-250%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-73703&aff=national)

I like the lines of the car, it is pretty. not to mention glass t-tops? it has a skinny front, and a wide ass. it gives it stance. and only a 2 seater, nice. then people wouldn't always be climbing in my car. and its a stick, and RWD, nice.

What do you think about the cars, are they reliable? or is it gonna fall apart?

or now that you have an idea of my style, do you have anything that you would recomend over that?

[Buddy J]

It's a decent car. Not my style at all. The motor is huge and there is ZERO room to work under the hood. Twin turbos are cool, but you have to be prepared for the maintenance. Repairs will be expensive and the turbos will need to be rebuilt probably at 60k or 80k miles (educated guess). It drinks 91 octane like it's free. It's also a heavy car at 3500 lbs.

I would not recomend getting one, especially for college where it's parked outside. The maintenence and repair bills would be cost prohibitive on a limited income.

[Black Hawk]

I'd just get a cheap '94 Sentra (try looking for an SE-R :D) and forget about it. They're reliable, get excellent gas mileage and can look pretty sweet too with a few stuff.

What about the car I originally linked? Looks really nice and it's cheap.

[FoldingAddict]

I think your priorities for a college car are a little warped. Save the fun, sporty, expensive to own cars for after college when you have a good job. For 8K I would suggest getting a Honda Civic 5 speed and be done with it. Maintenance is next to nothing, good gas mileage (doesn't require 93 octane), and if you get an Si, decent power. You're setting yourself up for trouble if you get an older sports car because you want the power rather than doing the smart thing and going for an economical newer car.

Get out of college with your paid off economy car, then get something that that's fun to drive. You'll be better off.

~FA

[airbornflght]

I think your priorities for a college car are a little warped. Save the fun, sporty, expensive to own cars for after college when you have a good job. For 8K I would suggest getting a Honda Civic 5 speed and be done with it. Maintenance is next to nothing, good gas mileage (doesn't require 93 octane), and if you get an Si, decent power. You're setting yourself up for trouble if you get an older sports car because you want the power rather than doing the smart thing and going for an economical newer car.

Get out of college with your paid off economy car, then get something that that's fun to drive. You'll be better off.

~FA


yeh, the civics build quality makes me wonder. and the Si, isnt that great imo, my pos automatic grandam beat a manual Civic Si with ease once my ga shifted to second. and I dont consider the grand am sporty or fast at all. Maybe my intentions are warped, but I dont like the idea of slow.

I wanna get where I'm goin, and get there when I want to. That is a good point about the 91 octane buddyJ, I dont know, maybe I'll just keep the GA and save the money, I mean, no sense in trading one car of for only a marginally better car and spending $4k to do it.

[FoldingAddict]

yeh, the civics build quality makes me wonder. and the Si, isnt that great imo, my pos automatic grandam beat a manual Civic Si with ease once my ga shifted to second. and I dont consider the grand am sporty or fast at all. Maybe my intentions are warped, but I dont like the idea of slow.

Well if what you want to show for college is a degree, a suspended license and a couple of street racing tickets, go ahead and grab you a ''fast'' car.:rolleyes:

~FA

[Thrax]

Look, I'm going to put this very bluntly, but you're acting like a teenager, not a responsible adult who is going to be on a tight budget for college. You car needs to be cheap, reliable, and you can't have money flying out your ass in the way of gasoline week after week.

Man up, buy a reliable sedan, stop worrying about your image, the color red or curvy european-inspired lines, and save the money, the hassle and the insurance payments.

[airbornflght]

Well if what you want to show for college is a degree, a suspended license and a couple of street racing tickets, go ahead and grab you a ''fast'' car.:rolleyes:

~FA

;D Ive only raced two people, and it was just my friends, just to see whos car was faster, it was just friendly competition, and the town I live in right now is kinda small, and we know the parts that it is impossible for a cop to sit. I dont go around racing everyone, that is just stupid. I am just not a fan of weak engines. If I bounce on it, and want it to throw me in the seat. and I dont want it to be able to hold its speed on an incline.

And there is more to it than that, when a car has ample power, it is more responsive. I have only gotten one ticket, in my addition (lame), and I dont plan on getting any more. I never said I wanted a fast car, I wanted a sporty car, I want something that will handle decently, be responsive, and have ample power to get moving. That and be a stick. I really dont like autos, probably more of a preference than there being anything wrong with them.


like I said, I might end up just keeping the GA, the main reason I wanted to get sell it was to get a car with a MTX, and maybe a little more power. I was thinking maybe an eclipse, as they arent really considered a "fast" car, one of my friends has one, and I like the way it rides. Im not really sure, probably just gonna end up keeping the GA.

[FoldingAddict]

;D...you turn your nose up at a Civic Si and then say you wouldn't mind an Eclipse...what the hell.

I'm with Thrax.

~FA

[airbornflght]

;D...you turn your nose up at a Civic Si and then say you wouldn't mind an Eclipse...what the hell.

I'm with Thrax.
~FA

eclipses arent that bad of cars, it is just that most people that own them drive them to hell and back. a civic Si is a decent car too, I just dont like the way they look. im probably just gonna keep the GA.

I dont just care about the engine in a car, I prefer a car that looks decent too, and I could really care less about the civic, its lines dont please my eyes, the eclipse isnt perfect in my book, but it is a good start.

[FoldingAddict]

If you want something with pleasing lines, please buy my S2000. Full coverage will only cost you $400 a month anyways.:rolleyes2:

~FA

[airbornflght]

If you want something with pleasing lines, please buy my S2000. Full coverage will only cost you $400 a month anyways.:rolleyes2:

~FA


yeh...sure.

They are pretty nice cars. my friends dad has one. its a fun ride.

[Nightwolf]

eclipses arent that bad of cars.
Yes, yes they are. I owned a '93 and my brother used to have a '95...they are horrible vehicles.

[FoldingAddict]

True that. I have 3 friends with Eclipses, an 01 GT, an 03 GT and an 03 GTS...all 3 cars have problems, and all 3 girls (hah) hate them.

~FA

[airbornflght]

hmmm. maybe I wont look at eclipses then.

[drasnor]

Meh, last plug for my MTX Civic sedan. I haven't met a Civic that can't throw me in the backseat on 0-1st and if it's your thing you can get satisfactory burnout by dropping the clutch in any MTX automobile. You should actually go test-drive these cars to see what you like instead of relying on "common knowledge" that may knock the car's abilities through what is actually poor driving.

Also, you can fit more girls in a sedan. :vimp:

-drasnor :fold:

[Buddy J]

"DSMs are grenades with wheels" thus says Buddy Jesus.

No Eclipse, Talon or Laser for you. They're best left to the professionals, experienced mechanics and guys with deep pockets.

Get rid of the GA. It's weaksauce. You can have an awesome car in college, but you gotta be smart about it. Blackhawk's suggestion of a 91-94 Sentra SE-R is great. They handle very well and excell in autocross events. Decent aftermarket and they make a good platform for later engine swaps. Look up Pulsar GTi-R.

For your budget, you can get a Miata, which would be good if you got a hardtop with it. Reliable, classic sportscar looks, with a nimble chassis and a spirited motor.

You could get a MR2. The first gen AW11 can be had for cheap and has Toyota's beloved 4AGE motor. They're a blast to drive. The second gen SW20 is also nice. With either, say no to T-tops (they leak), and forced induction. The first gen came with a great supercharger and the second came turbo. You can add that stuff later. In the meantime, you'll have a car that beats the everloving dogcrap out of things in the twisties (Norman has fun twisty streets).

I know you want something with fun seat of the pants acceleration, but you gotta remember that with a stick, you can easily downshift and blip the throttle to find your power. A light car with mediocre horsepower and a stick is more fun than a heavy car with tons of power and an auto.

BTW, the build quality on a Civic hatch is great. For your money, you could get a good hatch with a rebuilt/low mile swapped B or D-series motor. So long as you don't go nuts, you can have a great daily driver that's fun, practical and reliable. And there's no reason to worry about getting maitenence things done. We have two great Honda shops around that have done it all.

[Nomad]

I like when children put form over function.

[Buddy J]

I like when form and function combine and you end up with things that are both asthetically pleasing and function beautifully with their designed purpose in mind. The Lotus Elise, Talbot-Lago T150, and original Mini are fine examples.

[airbornflght]

"DSMs are grenades with wheels" thus says Buddy Jesus.

No Eclipse, Talon or Laser for you. They're best left to the professionals, experienced mechanics and guys with deep pockets.

Get rid of the GA. It's weaksauce. You can have an awesome car in college, but you gotta be smart about it. Blackhawk's suggestion of a 91-94 Sentra SE-R is great. They handle very well and excell in autocross events. Decent aftermarket and they make a good platform for later engine swaps. Look up Pulsar GTi-R.

For your budget, you can get a Miata, which would be good if you got a hardtop with it. Reliable, classic sportscar looks, with a nimble chassis and a spirited motor.

You could get a MR2. The first gen AW11 can be had for cheap and has Toyota's beloved 4AGE motor. They're a blast to drive. The second gen SW20 is also nice. With either, say no to T-tops (they leak), and forced induction. The first gen came with a great supercharger and the second came turbo. You can add that stuff later. In the meantime, you'll have a car that beats the everloving dogcrap out of things in the twisties (Norman has fun twisty streets).

I know you want something with fun seat of the pants acceleration, but you gotta remember that with a stick, you can easily downshift and blip the throttle to find your power. A light car with mediocre horsepower and a stick is more fun than a heavy car with tons of power and an auto.

BTW, the build quality on a Civic hatch is great. For your money, you could get a good hatch with a rebuilt/low mile swapped B or D-series motor. So long as you don't go nuts, you can have a great daily driver that's fun, practical and reliable. And there's no reason to worry about getting maitenence things done. We have two great Honda shops around that have done it all.

I've heard that about the DSM cars, but wasnt sure. Im gonna look at those cars that you said and see. Might go around tonight, and see if any dealerships have any of the cars, I dont think they will let me test drive them, beucause I'm not 18.

[Buddy J]

Yeah, the most likely won't let you test drive. Now if you take your parents, that's another story... :)

Give em all a try, if you can. Find what works for you.

[airbornflght]

I was looking at the miatas, and I cant find anything except for softtop convertibles. Do they make a non convertible, or convertible hard top miata.

The last thing I need is a ragtop roof, and someone comes by with a knife and slashes it.

[Buddy J]

All Miatas up until just recently have been soft tops. There is a new one comming out in a few months(?) with a folding hard top.

An optional removable hard top was sold with many of the cars. You fold the soft top down and place it on the car. It looks like this:
http://keith.miata.net/stripes/images/baby_new_rear.jpg

Check out http://www.flyinmiata.com/ for more Miata stuff. They do some cool things with 'em.

[redchief]

we need to put those spinnin wheel covers on the suburban

[airbornflght]

I think I just fell in love with the miata, and I want one of those engines...god they look like nicely built engines, but Id need like $6k just for the engine. Would have to stay stock until I got out of college. The only thing I am trying to figure out is why that car has dual exhast? Is it just for aesthetics, because, if it is, I would be a hypocrite, because I make fun of my friends civic, which has dual exhaust. But I think I could deal with it.

I hear that miatas have a nice exhuast tone. which I like, not the raspy coffec can sounds of my friends civic, whose exhaust is louder than his 15" sub...I hate it. I was reading and they said to get the most out of you miata to shift at 6,500 and stay around there! What! I'm not gonna here the sound of a blown head gasket am I?

[Nightwolf]

IMO - Miatas are female cars... Have you ever been in one or driven one airborn? They're like 5 feet long, 3 feet wide, and half an inch off the ground...

[airbornflght]

I dont care what it is considered, there are lots of small cars, the lotus Elise for example. If it is quick, and fun to drive, what is the to rag on? Yeh, I have been in one, but never ridden in one. I dont mind the 2 seater, I actually prefer it. as far as ride height goes, my GA sits pretty low, and I was thinking about sitting it down 2 inches anyway. not now though, so sitting low doesnt bother me. I dont need to be 6 feet off of the road with 30" tires to make the feel safe and like a man. That is just all SDS.

[Nightwolf]

I wouldn't classify a miata as quick, my cousin Stef taught me to drive a manual on a '93 and my ex Liz had a '97 (totalled now), both had a 1.8L (I think Stef's did, not 100% sure). Your GA would smoke a stock miata.

[Buddy J]

You're right, Nightwolf. The GA has a faster 0-60 than the stock Miata. I'd disagree that the Miata is a "girl's car," as I know many men who race Miatas in SCCA autocross and Spec Miata roadraces. It's a highly competative car.

Andy, the exhaust is a single that goes straight back, then turns a 90 into a large muffler that has two outs. You can easily fit a propper single if you wish.

I don't know of too many Miatas having BHG problems. That little BP motor is a neat and time-tested powerplant, and it reponds well to mods. If you wanna see a buildup of an NA miata, Grassroots Motorsports did one a few years back and has info on their website.

http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com/archives/miata.html (start at the bottom of the page)

[GHoosdum]

Nightwolf, you're outta your mind! Sure it's a 1.8L, but it puts out 140HP... in a 2300LB car. That's a better power-to-weight ratio than the Grand Am V6, and the Miata handles like that's its singular purpose in life. I would definitely not consider the Miata as just a girl's car.

Edmunds lists the Miata as the Used Car Best Bet in its category.
Anyone who wonders how car enthusiasts can be so passionate about driving need only take a spin in a Miata. With its ultraresponsive and communicative steering, an exuberant engine and a manual transmission with short, precise throws, Mazda's little two-seater wins over even those who don't know a camshaft from a half shaft. Nothing within the average Joe's means represents affordable all-around automotive athleticism better than a Miata. Factor in great reliability, frugal fuel usage and plenty of aftermarket accessories and it's easy to see why so many Miata owners love their car as much as (maybe even more than) their significant other.

[FoldingAddict]

Hmm just from experience with 2 seaters (I've driven an S2000, Miata, Boxster, Z3 AND Jose Canseco's old 750HP Porsche 911 TT Slope nose) I wouldn't call the Miata even the slightest bit peppy in comparison to the other 4 mentioned cars. Now I'm not a gear head, I don't know the why's and where-fores of each car. And I don't know what makes a Miata better than another car of the same type. But just pure driving pleasure, there are much more fun cars than a Miata. I felt crampt in the 05 Miata I drove. Even more so than in the Z3 or Boxster. Maybe they're good cars to mod, but mods take lots of money unless you can do the work yourself.

I'm with nightwolf a little on the female comment. I hate to classify cars as female or male (hell my S2000 is called a mid-life crisis car quite a bit) but the Miata is to me, a very feminine car. Sure it's not with a supercharger and other mods, but stock, it's just boring and more suited to an inexperienced woman driver than a young adult looking for some power. But I guess if you want a 2 seater on a budget, the Miata is for you, just don't expect much from a stock one.

~FA

[Buddy J]

Apples and Oranges. The two Porsches offer nearly twice the displacement of the Mazda at twice the price. The S2K's motor is ten years newer and a benchmark in NA automotive engines in terms of efficiency, pushing over 100hp/litre from the factory. And the Bimmer, unless it was the 1.9L one (which I doubt), is a torquey inline-six pushing between 150 and 190hp, depending on displacement.

You can't realistically compare the Miata to any of the other cars you listed. They're all more expensive, larger, heavier and mostly newer cars. For affordable driving pleasure, you can't get much better than a Miata.

[FoldingAddict]

Thanks for restating my point. For the price, the Miata beats all the cars I named hands down. I was just saying, don't expect too much from a car that cheap and old. It may have a good power to weight, but it's still less than 150hp, and to me, a boring vehicle in style and power. To each his own though.

The BMW was a 98 2.8i, (190hp.)

~FA

[airbornflght]

Well, me going into college, I dont need anything that will get me into too much trouble. and a 2000 or so miata will be about all that I can afford. It should serve me well through college, and then when I get out of college, and get a rel job, I can get a nicer car. I mean, a 2000 miata would be a really nice car for me to have in college, considering im (relatively) poor. My dad only makes around $37k a year, and my mom doesnt work. and all my friends parents are fairly well to do. others arent. That is the main reason I want to go to college. My dad went to college for 2 years, dropped out cause he couldnt pay for it, now he is stuck with his job, which pays decently, covers all of the bills, and our house is paid for, but we dont have the extra money.

A lot of my friends got a $20k car for the 16th birthday, and some more, others less. Im not whining, but I want to have a job that I can afford to get my kid a nice car when it turns 16 as well. So moral of the story, I cant afford a super nice car, a miata should last me well through college, if the reviews I have been reading are true, and then I will be able to get a nice car.

[FoldingAddict]

Sounds like a good plan man. Save the high dollar, high maintenance cars for after college. Then buy your ultimate driving machine.

~FA

[airbornflght]

Ok, now that I have decided upon a car, now is the task of locating one.

I am looking at cars.com, and autotrader.com

there is one in my area called autolocal, or something like that, I cant find it, BuddyJ, do you know of any that I am missing. Gonna watch the classifieds too.

[Buddy J]

I think those are probably the best places to look. You can also search eBay Motors if you want.

[airbornflght]

How useful is a carfax report?

I mean, they are only useful if the repairs are reported to the insurance arent they? Otherwise it isnt going to show anything? Heard people talk about them, but ..

[GHoosdum]

If you're going to be looking at a variety of cars in a short period of time, it's worth paying the $20 or so that a one month Carfax subscription costs. It's cheap insurance.

[airbornflght]

If you're going to be looking at a variety of cars in a short period of time, it's worth paying the $20 or so that a one month Carfax subscription costs. It's cheap insurance.

I suppose it is, but the only problem I have with it, is if someone really wanted to cover something up, they could just have it repaired, pay for it, and never even go any further with it. Cause afaik, the only was that stuff gets on that report is if it is reported to the insurance. I'll probably just go ahead and pay the $20 when i get some cars lined up.

[Buddy J]

Yep. Carfax has its ups and downs. If a car comes up clean on Carfax, that doesn't always mean it's clean. If a car comes up as having some issues on Carfax, you can pretty much bet it's correct more often than not. It's cheaper than having a mechanic do an inspection, but you get what you pay for. If you can swing $20, go for it.