Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests New (used) Car Ideas...

I'm very likely going to sell my Mazda6s in the near future and am looking for something cheap to tide me over for about a year or so while I save up the payment money for something better for the future. So although I've spent a few days scouring the 'net, I'm appealing to you guys for some ideas/feedback.

All makes, models, and years are fair game, but anything from Honda or Toyota would have to be damn good for me to consider it. Manual Transmission is a requirement. RWD is vastly preferred. Something 'high performance' is required (so no '98 Cavalier suggestions). Something luxurious would be nice, but not required. $12,000 would probably the absolute max I would consider, lower is better.

Let me run through some of my observations so far, and a few questions that perhaps some of you could answer for me...

First off, of course the CSVT is on the short list. There are 2 in the DFW area for sale that look like nice buys. And, though I want high-performance, the Focus is on the list too just because they're so cheap and I think they're fun to drive.

Miatas would be on the list, but I'm just way too tall for anything prior to the '06 model.

Mustangs are out. Camaros (and their brethren) are pretty much out. Volkswagon, thogh I have seen a couple very nice Passats, is probably out, though I suppose I would consider one.

Mid-90's high-end BMWs look like good buys price-wise This 540i for example looks nice as do late-90's lower-end BMWs, but I worry about the repair costs of such high-mileage German cars. Particularly M3s which I've heard have astronomical repair costs. I like Z3s, just not sure if I could fit.

Late-90s Audis are dirt cheap. You can pick up loaded A4 Quattros for $7000. What's up with that? Are they that bad?

I love Volvos, so they're definitely in the running, though finding them with sticks isn't the easiest. Later models when they were more 'rounded' are preferred.

Saabs I don't know enough about prior to the latest generations. I think I'd like them.

Anyways, it's always interesting to see what people suggest. There could be some real gems of a car that I just wouldn't have though to consider if someone hadn't suggested it.

Real Saabs are cool cars. Not full on sport in normal trims, but surprisingly quick for the day and age. A coworker's brother is a Saab mechanic and fanatic... they last. A Saab 900 or 9-3 turbo (Viggen's are awesome, but hard to find, range possible) would serve well, and the hatchback is very practical to boot. If older than 2001, make sure it's an SE. It has 20hp more than base models.

Quirkier than I can live with... so do a thorough look/touch/feel. I fould the low steering wheel interfered with shifting.

I would see if you could low-ball a 2002 Lexus IS300. It may sneak in, and I wouldn't worry about a few miles on it. I almost bought one, but couldn't resolve the transmission/seat issues. This I think would be the ideal.

If you can find a manual, the Lincoln LS is another potential candidate. Resale is JUNK on these, leaving money to firm it up a bit (and they are FUN, I spun one out on White Bear Avenue and 694). I don't think it's a fit, but throwing it up.

I can't think of any other potentially missing gems.

I'd have to REALLY lowball an IS300 to get it down below $12K. Looks like I couldn't get one for less than about $20K.

The LS with an MTX is a good suggestion I hadn't though would be down in my price range. But if you dig back to '01 you can find some under $10K. But there's a grand total of 1 available on AutoTrader within 50 miles of me and that's only a V6 (maybe that's the only engine with MTX, I don't know) and not even that many on Ebay. Something for me to keep an eye out for though.

Saabs are actually popular in this area, so there's a fair bit on the Used market. Fair bit considering how rare Saabs are anyhow. Including an '03 9-3 Linear that isn't too far outside of my price range, and an '03 Arc that is close enough in price to the Linear (and half as many miles, lots of warranty left) I could probably be convinced to 'upgrade'.

-Volvo S70, or S60, not RWD but should cover all the other bases.
-Infinti I30's are an excellent deal, but no manual tranny
-I'd look at a BMW 3-series, not sure if you can get an E46 in that price range but I think so.
-I'd steer clear of VW and Audi, unless you like spending all your money on parts and trips to the stealership.

Cheap, cheerful and fun to drive, you mentioned it. The SVT Focus is a great choice. I loved mine. I miss it. FWD but still fun. Easy to work on and cheap parts. Even making it go fast is pretty cheap.

As for RWD cars, well, that's a short stack for under $12k. I ruled Bimmers out myself when I was looking due to their expensive maintenance and repairs. It's just plain ridiculous!

Honestly, if you're just looking for cheap temporary fun to drive transpo for the time being you should consider fully repaired, rebuilt/salvage titled vehicles. You can't beat them for the price and Ebay is loaded with them most of the time.

Here are a few cars that I'd consider. They can be had for $12k easily:

2000-2001 Audi S4 (salvaged)
2002-2004 WRX's (salvaged)
2000-2002 Lincoln LS
1995-1998 Lexus SC's 300/400
1993-1996 Nissan 300ZX I'd hit THIS!
1996 Impala SS Another hitable ride

Old School

1989 Conquest TSi, old, but cheap and fun IF you can find one.
1988-1992 Toyota Supra, turbo of course
1991-1992 Toyota Celica All-Trac, rare as hell, but FUN! Hit it for the hell of it
1991-1992 Galant VR-4

I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish by selling your 6s. How much would you get for that, $10k? You are trying to repalce your car with a different one in the same price range? Financially, it doesn't make any sense unless you think your car will have big repairs soon. Either buy a <$3k car to save money or pay off your 6 and then buy soemthing nice.

Anway, skip the LS stick. It's a pig. I was prepared to buy a 2002 model, but was most dissapointed after a test drive. I had a 2002 IS300 so I'm biased, but I miss that thing. Acceleration isn't any better than an SVT contour or your 6s, but RWD + LSD meant way more fun IMO.

Mid 90's Saab's are pretty solid choices. Look at the Aero models, or a rare find Viggen. Volvo R models are hot and reliable too. A naturally aspirated 300ZX would be nice as I don't trust owners of 10yr old turbo cars despite the TT being one sweet thing. 3rd Gen RX-7s are dead sexy, but again rare to find an unmolested one being a turbo. Probably could find a high mileage WRX for $12k.

Everyone complaints about high maintenance and repair costs on older BMWs but I just haven't seen it. I've had to replace a set of suspension bushings on mine for about $150, a bad cam sensor for $60 and nothing else other than regular maintenance from 100k to the current 138k miles. Of course, the suspension had just been freshened when I bought it, so if not on an E46 with higher mileage you're looking at new front control arms and bushings for a few hundred bucks. Other than that there's not much that's a common failure on the E46 3 series BMWs. If you're looking at 540s then there's a whole other list of things that go bad on those, but everything's well known about them now, just make sure you get a good inspection done before buying. As for price, a decent 99-01 3 series can be had within your budget.

Scott

Wow...I'd be tempted to pull the trigger on that Celica All-Trac. The old-school 323GTX falls in that same category...turbo all-wheel-drive rallycars for the street. I also remember seeing a built Gen.1 Mazda MX-6 GT turbo a while after I got my black Contour, and if I hadn't already pushed my luck with my spousal unit over getting the Tour, I might have gone to check it out.

Otherwise, if you're just looking for something to drive (and survive) for a year or so, look into older 5-series BMWs. If you can find one with all the documents that has had recent major maintenance, I'd imagine that it would hold out for you for a good year or two of average driving.