Econo-Hatch cars... 2 door, foldable rear seats, big butt, and cheap... A discussion.

[slugg]

Hey guys. So I've been mildly entertained by the idea of selling my Accord and going for an Econo-hatch. I love hatchbacks and I love small, simple cars. My only real requirement is that it must fit my set of drums, which ANY of these cars should just fine.

So I'm looking for ideas. I'd like something older that I can get used, actually. Perhaps something in the 2000-ish *model year* range? Let's say around $5k for the price of the car, but not a hard limit. I don't remember this kind of car getting popular until recently, so I'm not sure what older options exist. I'll stay open minded for brands, but I do want something that's reliable and cheap to fix. 5 or 6 speed manual, please! 😉

My two biggest turn-ons are handling and power:weight. I want something I can flog around like a mad man, even if it takes new swaybars, springs, and shocks. I don't want any loud exhaust, "hella flush stance," or any ricer bullshit. I may even autocross it from time to time for fun.

So what cars should I look at? Comments, stories, and experiences are appreciated.

edit: After re-reading, I realize that I had a brain fart and wasn't clear AT ALL. Sorry guys. I'm looking for something about 10-12 years old (not not a hard limit) at around $5k (also not a hard limit).

 

[Meghan54]

So you're looking for a pocket rocket, I'm taking it?

Don't know about reliable, but one of the "best" older pocket rockets was the Rabbit/Golf GTi. Quick, highly "flingable" and floggable, and probably can be found without too much problem in your price range. Don't know how far back in model years you'd have to go to find one in your price range, but that's what I'd start with.

 

[CurseTheSky]

The Focus had an early 2000's SVT variant that was available in a hatchback, didn't it? Might be worth looking around to see if you can find one of those.

 

[slugg]

The Focus had an early 2000's SVT variant that was available in a hatchback, didn't it? Might be worth looking around to see if you can find one of those.

I forgot about the Focus SVT. Man I love that car! How's the reliability and cost of ownership? What about availability of parts?

I don't necessarily need a hot hatch. For example, I drove a previous gen (2009 I think) Toyota Yaris. It was pretty sweet, actually.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The problem with the Focus SVT is
18/23mpg using premium lol

 

[slugg]

The problem with the Focus SVT is
18/23mpg using premium lol

Noted. It's out of the question, then.

I'm a fan of the Mazda 2, Fiesta, older Yaris, and cars like that. Did they ever make a 2 door hatch version of the non-SVT Focus? I think nit, but I may be wrong.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Noted. It's out of the question, then.

I'm a fan of the Mazda 2, Fiesta, older Yaris, and cars like that. Did they ever make a 2 door hatch version of the non-SVT Focus? I think nit, but I may be wrong.

Focus zx3 is the regular 2 door hatch version.

 

[Savij]

Acura RSX

 

[videogames101]

rice out a fit =D

 

[Throckmorton]

Sonic?

 

[ballmode]

The SVT focus does not get 18-23 mpg, more like 23 ish in town, 26-28 highway IMO

 

[BUTCH1]

Used cars are expensive nowadays, $2000 price bracket is bottom of the barrel. Not that you can't find a car but chances are it will be 10+ years old with a ton of miles, not the sort of ride that will take to aggressive driving very well at all, more like A-B transportation at best..

 

[vi edit]

Is 2000 a price range or model year range?

 

[slugg]

2000 is the year range. Around $5k for the car. I don't know what I was thinking when I posted it originally.. I edited the original post for clarity!

It's not a "hard" limit. If you have something cool to share from 1998 for $6k, that could be cool 🙂

 

[slugg]

Sonic?

I love the timing of this thread. LOL!