YACT...cars this time, not cats

[EvilYoda]

So basically I'm a little b*tch and can't make up my mind...if you'll recall previous threads, my ideal used and affordable car right now would be a 1997 Prelude. But after much deliberation and the lack of any in the market around me, I've concluded that it would be a wiser decision to just get a more affordable car that can be tossed or given to my sister in 2-3 years. (She starts at UM in the fall, so she'll be home for the summers and whatnot)

So let's say around $5K-6K, what would you all suggest? I'm looking for something small, good handling, sporty, decent power.

1998-2000 Ford Contour SVT
Mid-90s Acura Integra GS-R
Mid-90s Mitsubishi Eclipse GST/GSX
Mid-90s Honda Prelude (once again, very limited supply)

Lastly, factor in reliability. I am a fairly "active" driver, but I don't push it hard since it's usually just commuting to work or the mall and whatnot. I want to enjoy the ride but not race. I want to get a car that I can put some aftermarket work into, but not worry about it dying on me. Seems like the GS-R with the Honda motor would be a good candidate?

Thanks again guys...I'm just sick of not having a car, so just about anything will have to do now. Sad part is that I'll have an A/V system that'll be worth more than 50% of the car

 

[EvilYoda]

heeeeeeeeeeeeeelp

 

[Wahsapa]

91-92 nissan 240sx hatchback(my first choice with a 5k cap)....? or sentra, u want sporty but everythings fwd

orrr... volkswagen rabbit/golf/jetta/passat?

 

[EvilYoda]

well, sporty within reason...yes yes yes, I know that everyone here has the perfect car and drives a manual RWD car, but I don't want something that will be problematic. There is a 240SX at $6K listed on AutoTrader...blarg.

 

[NutBucket]

GS-R is a theif magnet. I'd suggest a 'lude. You shouldn't have too hard of a time finding a Si or Si VTEC. Or you could get a base model cheap and do a swap.

 

[Wahsapa]

if your thinking about the 240sx(please do think about it) id try and aim for the 90-93 hatchback and wouldnt go over 4k. iv seen 91's for $800 that just need an powerplant, very good deal and a huge aftermarket, not to mention how fun it can be. plus you dont end up looking like every other ricer in an integra/prelude/eclipse.

all cars are problematic. its best to shoot under your budget and have about 2k left over for the repairs that are going to be needed (no matter what car you get repairs will be needed)

 

[EvilYoda]

The problem with a swap is accessibility...living in Michigan, there aren't tons of H22/H23s or SR20s laying around. I'm not too concerned with theft since I live in an area where there are few ricers and plenty of people driving BMWs/Lexii/Acuras/MBs, etc...my car won't even be noticed around here, unless I go partying in Detroit or Pontiac, where there are even less people looking at domestics.

I mean, how "easy" would it be to find an engine to swap in? I'm not exactly looking for a car to work on...just something to drive to work and around town every day until I get settled into a real career in a few years, where I can buy whatever car I want and work on it.

 

[homestarmy]

GSR, no doubt.

Anything you could ever want to know about the Acura Integra, you can learn on www.team-integra.net.

The contour? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha everyone will laugh at you.

gst/gsx... good luck for that price, plus they fall apart like hell... i had one that wasn't even turbo and broke two trannies and an engine, and i take care of my stuff.

prelude? eh, gsr is faster and better looking, the 'lude is too heavy.

 

[EvilYoda]

Just got back from lunch...yeah, I know that that year's Lude isn't as good looking, but I still like it. The Contour is much nicer than you think, handling-wise...doesn't sound like you've had much experience with one. Sure, a normal one is laughable, but the SVT group did a good job with it.

Gonna see where the GS-R guy lives, take the car to a mechanic. It's just a car, I have to keep telling myself that.

 

[vi edit]

The 'Tour SVT's are quite nice cars for the money. They had some increased demand as of late and because of that prices have gone up quite a bit for one in good condition. In the 6k-7k range I'd be fearfull of how the car was treated. They are very comfortable, handle quite well, and will get up and run with the best of the V6's out there. The '99.5's had better output and lot better suspension than the earlier runs.

Beware of some issues though. They don't like to shift into and out of 1st and 2nd very well when it's cold and there's some problems with water pumps going out early. Engine work is also quite expensive on the labor end because that engine is shoehorned in there and it's hard to work around.

They are really fun car though if you get a well taken care of one. Another suggestion would be as another poster said - a late 90's VW GTI VR6. Blast of a little car to drive.

 

[EarthwormJim]

BMW E36 318i and 318is can be had for around 5-7k. If you get lucky you could find 325i or a 325is for around that price too.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
The problem with a swap is accessibility...living in Michigan, there aren't tons of H22/H23s or SR20s laying around. I'm not too concerned with theft since I live in an area where there are few ricers and plenty of people driving BMWs/Lexii/Acuras/MBs, etc...my car won't even be noticed around here, unless I go partying in Detroit or Pontiac, where there are even less people looking at domestics.

I mean, how "easy" would it be to find an engine to swap in? I'm not exactly looking for a car to work on...just something to drive to work and around town every day until I get settled into a real career in a few years, where I can buy whatever car I want and work on it.

Complete H22 swap; ~$1500 shipped.

 

[Wahsapa]

if you want something to drive to work and back and is still fun i cant think of anything other then a vw. the hatchbacks are a blast(rabbit/golf). something about rice is just so unappealing.

on the cheap(cost) side you could just get a honda/toyota, shouldnt cost to much and im sure mechanics are everywhere(how good they are is another question)

and i would stay away from the preludes since your considering honda so heavily. stick with the gsr.

 

[EvilYoda]

Yeah, VWs and BMWs have come across my mind, but the BMWs inparticular worry me in terms of maintenence. I'll look up some VWs though...I guess I still prefer the look of a Teg over mid-90s model VWs though.

I guess we'll see.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Wahsapa
if you want something to drive to work and back and is still fun i cant think of anything other then a vw. the hatchbacks are a blast(rabbit/golf). something about rice is just so unappealing.

on the cheap(cost) side you could just get a honda/toyota, shouldnt cost to much and im sure mechanics are everywhere(how good they are is another question)

and i would stay away from the preludes since your considering honda so heavily. stick with the gsr.

You do realize the 5th gen lude was called the best handling FWD car period by mags right?

 

[EvilYoda]

Exactly...now you know what I mean by my comment in yesterday's "what do you dislike about ATOT" thread.

Granted, the 5th gen is slightly out of my reach now that I've agreed to just buy a cheapie. The 4th gen is probably more readily available...whatever, this thread's been of no help, I'm still as undecided as ever.

Let it die ^_^

 

[NutBucket]

I think a 4th gen would be a good choice. Personally I like the way they look.

 

[puffpio]

MAZDA MIATA! That is..if you want sporty

 

[MercenaryForHire]

I've concluded that it would be a wiser decision to just get a more affordable car that can be tossed or given to my sister in 2-3 years.

Get a EG series (92-95) Civic.

No, seriously. You're giving it away anyhow. Why sink money into making it "fast"? Get the dependable econobox for now, and get the better car in 2-3 years.

Or you can buy the Civic, use the leftover change to buy NutBucket's recommended H22 swap, and keep the D15 around for when you get rid of it.

- M4H

 

[EvilYoda]

Aye...but to be a Chinese man in a Civic. Although I guess a Teg wouldn't be much better...

Now where are those fake Veilside and Wings West kits...then, cut the springs...voila, instant fast.

But seriously, is it really that easy to just find a motor and drop it in? I wouldn't mind buying a decent Civic body and doing a H22 swap with some suspension modifications...as long as I enjoy driving it and it really isn't too rice, I suppose that wouldn't be too bad. It's just that want it SOON. ^_^

 

[Wahsapa]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: Wahsapa
if you want something to drive to work and back and is still fun i cant think of anything other then a vw. the hatchbacks are a blast(rabbit/golf). something about rice is just so unappealing.

on the cheap(cost) side you could just get a honda/toyota, shouldnt cost to much and im sure mechanics are everywhere(how good they are is another question)

and i would stay away from the preludes since your considering honda so heavily. stick with the gsr.

You do realize the 5th gen lude was called the best handling FWD car period by mags right?

i dont care what 'mags' have to say(what mags? import tuner?). whats behind a 5th gen prelude? it doesnt matter, its still front wheel drive.

im currently looking at a rabbit(the orginal pocket rocket) with an A4 diesel swap. thats a half ton car with 170 pounds of torque at 2000 rpms while still getting 40mpg. preludes couldnt ever do that.

this guy isnt dropping the money into the prelude, especially a 5th gen. he doesnt want the best handling fwd car ever, he wants something fun and cheap. theres a billion gsr's out there and only half a billion preludes so getting the gsr is going to be cheaper. and no where did i say the prelude was a bad handeling car, i simply said he should avoid it for the specific reasons of what he wants out of a car.

 

[NutBucket]

Try mags like C&D:roll:

 

That's a rather low $ cap for something "worthwhile"

Out of your list, I would take the gs-r.

 

[EvilYoda]

Not helping

But honestly, I'd rather not do an engine swap...especially with an older VW, I just don't trust the reliability of it, but no, i don't have much experience with them either.

You're also greatly overestimating how many Integras and Preludes were made.

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: SampSon
That's a rather low $ cap for something "worthwhile"

Out of your list, I would take the gs-r.

Yeah, indecision's a b*tch. I originally wanted to lease a new car, which I really could...but "logic" states that I should have a reliable car for a few years longer.