Looking for a daily driver/beater for under 7k. I've never owned a manual transmission car, and I've been craving one for a long time. Looking for something sporty with great handling, must have 4 seats and a reasonable trunk, so don't suggest a Miata. Good mpg is a bonus, but not that big of a deal

On my list:

Nissan 240sx(love the RWD aspect)
Honda Predule(I really like the style of the mid 90's models)
Acura Integra
Camaro/Trans Am- Must be a V8
Nissan Maxima(2000-2003)
Mazda Protege 5
BMW 3 series, probably a E39. Repair costs are a big issue though

Also, I hate Ford Mustangs and Chrysler products.

How about an older Nissan 300ZX? That is probably the only Nissan car (I like the Pathfinders) that I would buy. Plus you can get them with T-tops. :D

The F-Body is your best bet. You can find an LT-1 Z28 or Trans Am for well under $7,000 nowadays. But if I was looking at that genre, I'd consider something with four doors, and I'd take a look at a Saab 9-3 or 9-5. Both offer many luxury accoutrements, a spunky little turbocharged four banger, and a manual tranny.

^Saab=:ack:

I forgot about the 300zx. Doesn't have a back seat though. I could probably swing a non-turbo model for 6-7k. The twin turbo ones in that price range would have the dog piss beat out of them though. I'd also have the same problem with a 300zx as the BMW, high cost for parts and labor.

I've owned a 1999 Camaro Z28, auto. Fun car, but terrible seats and a crappy interior, plus it was a beast to get in and out of. It definetly blows anything else out of the water in terms of power though.

Can you work on your own cars?

I would have to say BMW E30, heck if you want something that is good on gas, look for a (latter) E30 318 with the M42, now you have a very fun to drive car that gets 35mpg.

But you won't have to spend $7k, maybe $2,500 for a nice one.

If you want to spend $7k, that puts you well into the relm of E36's and even some E46's, each is more refined then the next, if you are looking for that, otherwise the older ones are more raw and offer better driver feel.

As for cost of maintenace.... if you can work on a car yourself, the E30 is a pretty darn easy platform to work on and parts are not crazy expensive, just don't go to the dealer, you can get OEM stuff online for cheaper. If you have to take it in to a shop for everything, then yeah, I suppose it could get expensive, just like any car, usually there are independent BMW shops that are cheaper then the dealer too.

If I had any real commute and/or was looking for a fun to drive daily driver that is good on gas, I would look for further then an M42 E30. Heck, even the M20 (6cyl 325) gets very reasonable gas mileage, I get 20mpg around town and to work and up to just around 30mpg on the highway depending on speed, with a pretty nice amount of power on tap too.

^Was looking for something newer that I wouldn't have to work on as much, I'd like to say 93-94ish or newer.

^Was looking for something newer that I wouldn't have to work on as much, I'd like to say 93-94ish or newer.

If you were looking at '93-'94, then '87-'91 (convertible ran to '93) E30 isn't *that* much older.

But, you may want to look into the E36 then, I don't know what it is like to work on them, but I haven't heard anything all that bad about them.

If you want 4cyl, the M42 was carried over to the E36 for a few years, that engine has a strong following, even has it's own forums. 325i's are typically better optioned then 318i's. Either way, you can get a 4-door with a 5spd that is loads of fun to drive.

Looking on Criaglist in your area, here is a 5-seires with a 5spd, really nice cars too:

http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/1021457559.html

Another:

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1019972175.html

E36, the Is (over jus the i) is the sports package, typically had limited slip diff and stiffer suspension, sometimes other goodies.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1016219037.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/1011283910.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1009328254.html

That was just from a quick search, look harder and you'll find more, maybe with less miles. It can be hard to find old BMW's with low miles, but at the same time, miles don't really mean alot to an old Bimmer, I would be more interested in the condition it is in and the maintenace history. They are pretty solid cars that'll just keep going.

Lexus SC300 manual... basically a refined n/a Supra for less $$, go figure:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Very-Rare-95-SC300-5-Speed-2JZ-6-Cyl-Nice-Mods_W0QQitemZ370154807877QQihZ024QQcategoryZ6300Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



300zx, 3000gt, etc etc, all the aforementioned fit the bill.

There are also the Porsche 944/968 models, but you will have to go older than your specified year range.

Lexus SC300 manual... basically a refined n/a Supra for less $$, go figure:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Very-Rare-95-SC300-5-Speed-2JZ-6-Cyl-Nice-Mods_W0QQitemZ370154807877QQihZ024QQcategoryZ6300Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



300zx, 3000gt, etc etc, all the aforementioned fit the bill.

There are also the Porsche 944/968 models, but you will have to go older than your specified year range.

I didn't know you could get those with a manual trans. I bet they are hard to find, since most people who get a lexus want something boring. That one is in really nice shape too.

DSM FTW

Eagle Talon TSi AWD

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255639018&dealer_id=498028&car_year=1991&rdm=1234187330316&model=TALON&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=EAGLE&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=40013&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=588&standard=false

The 240 is very reliable but a gutless turd unless you swap out the motor. Its not as sharp as a Honda or Mazda either.

Miata, Protege, Prelude, and Integra would be at the top of my list. Civic Si and MX-6 should also be contenders. There are few manual transmissions that feel as good as the ones from Mazda.

E36 and E30 are the most practical German choices, but you're more likely to find an E36 in good condition.

DSM FTW

Eagle Talon TSi AWD

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=255639018&dealer_id=498028&car_year=1991&rdm=1234187330316&model=TALON&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=EAGLE&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=40013&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=588&standard=false

DSM FTL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those things are awesome when they're running right, but when does that ever happen

The vast majority of the problems come from KIDS dumping way too much money into power and not enough into tuning and correct installs so they end up sitting on a bomb. I know guys that have MONSTER DSMs that will outrun any mullet mobile FBody or Rustang around here (5.77 @124 in the 1/8th) and they make it look easy. Stock ones are still pretty easy to find for well under $7k and the mods are always available once the power starts to bore you. 240s are a load of fun, once you do a RB26 or LS swap to actually get enough power to enjoy the car.

I didn't know you could get those with a manual trans. I bet they are hard to find, since most people who get a lexus want something boring. That one is in really nice shape too.

13 of them listed on autotrader... a couple are turbocharged and running over 400hp.

One of my best friends has a '94 Honda Prelude Si and it's a neat little car. Lots of power, great handling, comfortable interior, and you can easily find one for under $7k with low miles. From 0-60 it's neck and neck with my STS.

I was going to say Honda Prelude as well. Although the back seat is in name only. Maxima would probably be my first choice of everything listed, except maybe the coupe version of Nightwolf's BMW. That was THE yuppie car when I was in high school.

Early DSMs were well-engineered and performed well. The later generations were awful, awful cars.

After driving around in the TJ today with no top and no doors.... I'll say this,

If you want to have the most fun in a vehicle on road or off, get whatever Jeep (Wrangler) that is in your price range.

Even the BMW convertible dosen't compare to the fun-factor.

Before you get too attached to getting a manual transmission car as a daily driver, think about your regular commute and other normal usage. Do you spend a lot of time sitting in traffic jams? Having to inch along in stop-and-go daily traffic with a manual is a PITA.

If this isn't a problem, I echo Jesda's Mazda recommendation. My wife had a 92 Miata, I had a 94 626, and one of my sons has an 08 Mazda6 - all with 4 cylinders and manual. They weren't fast, but they were quick with a nice clutch. All three of these vehicles were / are very reliable. (BTW, the 626 / Mazda6 are made in Flat Rock, MI - at least the ones we have.)

I had a series of VWs in the 70s and 80s. While they were fun to drive, they enjoyed visiting the shop too well. I've heard this is a continuing trait for that brand.

94-96 B-body with a t56 ;)

94-96 B-body with a t56 ;)

You still doing the conversion on your Roadmaster? I was going to do it on my Fleetwood but the trans went out last summer so I scrambled to get a FLT stage II in before show season was over.

Oh shit I'd rock a GOOD CLEAN turbo DSM like nobody's business! I'd prefer an AWD Talon though. :D

The SC300 would be sweet too, but I'd rather have the 400, even though it's auto only.

Oh shit I'd rock a GOOD CLEAN turbo DSM

No such thing.

Although I do have a Talon in Forza 2 that is fast as sh*t. I think it has around 550 hp and the AWD makes it haul ass. I remember playing some guy online once who was in a Corvette and he was stuck behind me for the entire race and right near the end he just goes "God damn that is a fast little car." Made me happy. :)

Somoene already mentioned the Maxima, that would definitely be one of my choices. Also don't forget the (albeit rare) Acura Legend came with a manual (6-speed in the later years)

Gen II Taurus SHO, BUT its FWD which is the big drawback IMO.

I still plan on it, have started gathering some parts for it, but my current trans is still holding out, so I'm waiting on that. I'm pushing 140k miles now, and I hear they tend to go around then so we'll see.

In the next couple months I'm planning on putting those cats I got from you to use. Looking into some vortec heads/intake, a cam and dual exhaust (maybe replace the stock 3.08's with some 3.73's and posi). Hopefully I can get this done and the bugs worked out before the dream cruise.

You still doing the conversion on your Roadmaster? I was going to do it on my Fleetwood but the trans went out last summer so I scrambled to get a FLT stage II in before show season was over.

I want :bonkers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-Manual-T-Top-2-2-One-Owner-Floridian-Grandmother_W0QQitemZ120374701253QQihZ002QQcategor yZ6398QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Nice! When I was in high school I had a 1991 300ZX 2+2 with the 5 speed manual. I thought it was a great car until I owned a 944 S2 and 944 Turbo.

You've had a lot of good options thrown out. Here are a fre more not yet mentioned based on the Manual tranny, rwd, back seat, somewhat reliable, $7k critirea:

-mid 90's E36 BMW 3 Series. You might even be able to score and OBD1 early M3. My business partner found a flood one for $7k that he turned into a track car. It is a lot of fun.
-85-88 Toyota Corolla GT-S. May be hard to fin, but if you can. it weighs 2100 lbs, has 120 hp, RWD, 5 speed, with an LSD. Here's one for $6k:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=257948215&dealer_id=63774075&car_year=1986&rdm=1234365087650&model=COROL&num_records=100&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1986&keywordsfyc=__cmVhciBkcml2ZQ,,__&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=114101097114032100114105118101&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=14&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=rear+drive&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=COUPE&body_style=HATCH&body_style=SEDAN&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceASC&address=21075&advanced=y&end_year=1990&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=&cardist=997&standard=false


I threw these in for fun, although the don't meet all the criteria:

- Late 80's porsche 928 S4 (lol @ reliablilty, but portcha v8 rwd makes it interesting).
- Late 80's porsche 944 turbo. Not as fast as 928, but better handler and more affordable from a reliability stand point. Still won't be cheap to own.

- Early 90's Nissan Sentra SE-R/ Infinity G20. FWD :(. My buddy had one of these way back when, and man was it a fun car. Very good handler, sat 4 w/ no problems. Nice styling (imho). Great little engine (140 hp, in a very light car). Bob's car ;)

- mid/late 90's Audi A4 quatro. AWD. Reliablitly maintenance would be not fun. Would make a good winter beater.

-Late 90's ford contour SVT. FWD, and it's a ford :bomb:. But it has pretty nice power for a beater level car, and definately fly's WAY below the radar. Another option would be a 1st gen SHO. FWD still, but what an engine.

- Mid 80's BMW 633. Would be a lot of fun. keeping it running could cost some cash. One of my all time favorite BMW's though.


Let us know what you get.

-Chris

get an awd turbo talon from the early 90's. Very fun cars and can be built up to really scream

Nice! When I was in high school I had a 1991 300ZX 2+2 with the 5 speed manual. I thought it was a great car until I owned a 944 S2 and 944 Turbo.

How did that 300zx run? Was it reliable, how expensive were parts and maintence? I've been reading up on them, they have a major service every 60k that includes a new timing belt, water pump, etc. I don't think I could swing the intial cost of a TT model, plus the extra maitence and costs if the turbos went bad, etc.

I'll chuck in another vote for the Talon/Stealth/3000GT thing. The AWD cars are basically tech demonstrators that accidentally got put into production, and are thus awesome. A friend of mine passed on an AWD Stealth because she was unwilling to learn stick from me or my buddy Mike... to quite Garbage, "Stupid Girl"... The Saabs are nice, for a change of pace see if you can find the early 5-speed Toyota Cressida; it was basically a small luxury car with the heart of a Supra, and can make a tremendous sleeper. You may get lucky these days and find a 20-year-old Corvette at that price. For the first 20 years of its life, a Corvette loses value as new car. Then it begins to gain it as a collector's item -very quickly, in fact, so 20 years is the time to buy them.

I'll chuck in another vote for the Talon/Stealth/3000GT thing. The AWD cars are basically tech demonstrators that accidentally got put into production, and are thus awesome. A friend of mine passed on an AWD Stealth because she was unwilling to learn stick from me or my buddy Mike... to quite Garbage, "Stupid Girl"... The Saabs are nice, for a change of pace see if you can find the early 5-speed Toyota Cressida; it was basically a small luxury car with the heart of a Supra, and can make a tremendous sleeper. You may get lucky these days and find a 20-year-old Corvette at that price. For the first 20 years of its life, a Corvette loses value as new car. Then it begins to gain it as a collector's item -very quickly, in fact, so 20 years is the time to buy them.

C4 Vette=:ack: The 300zx was the Japanese Corvette, and is an infinetly better looking and infinetly better screwed together machine. I'm not a big fan of the 3000gt or Eclipse either, just something about owning an older turbocharged AWD car seems like a time bomb, way too much shit to break.

How did that 300zx run? Was it reliable, how expensive were parts and maintence? I've been reading up on them, they have a major service every 60k that includes a new timing belt, water pump, etc. I don't think I could swing the intial cost of a TT model, plus the extra maitence and costs if the turbos went bad, etc.

The 2+2 is slow & heavy, even the '93 Mitsubishi Diamante I had before it felt faster (3000 GT SL motor).

I just hated all the plastic around the doors and dash, it always made noise. It was reliable for the 1.5 years I owned it, only needing a clutch at 75K.

All this DSM talk made me think about a Gallant VR-4. It's bascially an EVO before there were EVO's here. Definately a KILLER sleeper, and it's a 4 door.

I bet you could find a pretty nice example of an early 90's one roughly within your price range.

Here's one built to hell and back for $7k:

http://www.galantvr4.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Board=UBB12&Number=726207&page=0&fpart=1

-Chris

I want :bonkers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-Manual-T-Top-2-2-One-Owner-Floridian-Grandmother_W0QQitemZ120374701253QQihZ002QQcategor yZ6398QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'll be driving right past that car [Naples] tomorrow.... errr today [2AM]

I'll be driving right past that car [Naples] tomorrow.... errr today [2AM]

If you see it at a used car dealer, check it out for me.

If you see it at a used car dealer, check it out for me.

I'll be passing by on the interstate.

It appears to be a private sale tho.

Either way, if you are really interested in it, I don't mind stopping by and checking it out, shoot me a PM if you'd like me to.

x2 on the prelude. Sweet car. However, the back seat is tiny, if that's important to you.

Check out the Civic Si. I had a 2002 (jellybean looking hatchback) that was pretty fun yet practical. However, the previous generation (99-01) is the one to buy. It has the screamer B16 engine in it.

Hondas like these are great because they're bulletproof. Almost no maintenance, and they'll run forever. My Civic spec'd 10,000 mile oil changes in the manual. How's that for low maintenance cost? Good luck finding a nice one that hasn't been riced out, though.

I've also always loved the last-gen 300ZX, too. I'd just be scared to get one that old, in that price range. The 2+2 also had a token back seat, but looked like a fat-bottomed girl because of it.

For that matter, check out Acura Integras and RSX's. Same Honda benefits, just a bit better handling and packaging. Standard ricer warning applies.

I'd like to put in my $.02 but I'm confused. What happened to:

.... must have 4 seats and a reasonable trunk...


But then you contradict yourself and have these 2-seaters in your list. What exactly are you looking for?:hmm:


On my list:

Nissan 240sx(love the RWD aspect)
Honda Predule(I really like the style of the mid 90's models)
Acura Integra
Camaro/Trans Am- Must be a V8
Nissan Maxima(2000-2003)
Mazda Protege 5
BMW 3 series, probably a E39. Repair costs are a big issue though

Also, I hate Ford Mustangs and Chrysler products.

For that matter, check out Acura Integras and RSX's. Same Honda benefits, just a bit better handling and packaging. Standard ricer warning applies.


FWD == :yawn:

-Chris

With all this talk about old AWD DSM cars I've gotta throw a sub 7k car out there that has not been mentioned yet:

Subaru Impreza.

It'll be hard to find the fun turbo WRX for $7k, but there are a lot of relatively new (like 2002) 2.5RS models out there in that price range, and it'll be a bit less trouble than an old DSM.

And since you have the Protege 5 on your list too you obviously don't mind a hatchback so the Impreza Wagon is another option. Or go 2001 or older and you can get the 2-door coupe body style.

Course you already have a Camaro - a 5-speed Camaro is a fun option. Less practical, but boy GM knows how to make a motor.

With all this talk about old AWD DSM cars I've gotta throw a sub 7k car out there that has not been mentioned yet:

Subaru Impreza.

It'll be hard to find the fun turbo WRX for $7k, but there are a lot of relatively new (like 2002) 2.5RS models out there in that price range, and it'll be a bit less trouble than an old DSM.

And since you have the Protege 5 on your list too you obviously don't mind a hatchback so the Impreza Wagon is another option. Or go 2001 or older and you can get the 2-door coupe body style.

Course you already have a Camaro - a 5-speed Camaro is a fun option. Less practical, but boy GM knows how to make a motor.

Sold the Camaro, but that LS1/automatic combo was pretty sweet for putting the bitch-smack on people from a dig race.

Subaru Legacy GT 5speed, AWD.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=251419736&dealer_id=100012872&car_year=1999&rdm=1235053566657&model=LEGACY&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=SUB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=40013&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=2005&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

I test drove one of these back when they were new, fun car.

And $7k is on the high end for a 99 Legacy GT. You can probably get one for thousands less.