Looking for cars with very specific specs

[FixltAgainTony]

I'm on a search for a future car and have a pretty specific list of requirements. I currently drive a 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S and despite the warranted hate for it I actually love it and it's been incredibly reliable for me. It's also made me appreciate certain design choices that align with what I expect from a car that I plan to keep until it cannot be repaired any further. I've made a list of the things that are most important to me in a car and want to find the options that meet most, if not ideally all, of my requests. I would prefer a sedan, though am open to coupes, CUVs, and small trucks.

What I'm looking for (in rough order of importance):

Naturally aspirated

Port injected

Timing chain

No connected services

No variable displacement

No auto start stop

Mechanical parking brakes

No driver assist

Transmission dipstick and drain plug

Double DIN radio

Metal oil cooler and thermostat housing

No sunroof/moonroof

No power or heated/cooled seats

Cloth seats


Obviously this will rule out most cars after about 2015 and honestly I'm completely fine with that. I'd like to find as new of a vehicle as possible but its tough without a database of some kind with filters for things like this. If anyone has any recommendations I would be very appreciative.

 

[dogememe]

09-12 Ford Escape checks all your boxes. Edit: except plastic thermostat but OEM is cheap enough and you can change it in about 10 minutes if you have the 2.5.

 

[KCJeep]

This might actually be something AI would be good at.

 

[ctechbob]

Some form of K24 powered Accord.

Except for the double DIN radio.

 

[FixltAgainTony]

09-12 Ford Escape checks all your boxes. Edit: except plastic thermostat but OEM is cheap enough and you can change it in about 10 minutes if you have the 2.5.

This is why I love this place, I would have never though to look at an Escape but it definitely seems to check every box I see so far.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Sedan? SUV? Pickup?

I understand your list but would suggest timing chains are over-rated, given so many end up with problems anyway. I figure chain / belt is about a wash now days.

 

[ctechbob]

Sedan? SUV? Pickup?

I understand your list but would suggest timing chains are over-rated, given so many end up with problems anyway. I figure chain / belt is about a wash now days.

I totally agree for long-term car keepers. I'll take a belt designed to be replaced over a 'lifetime' chain any day.

Specifically a Honda J-Series. I'd rather replace one a year than tear into some of these chain motors.

But you can't convince people of that most of the time.

 

[FixltAgainTony]

Sedan? SUV? Pickup?

I understand your list but would suggest timing chains are over-rated, given so many end up with problems anyway. I figure chain / belt is about a wash now days.

I'm not dead set on chain but I do prefer the easier maintenance since I won't have to plan for belt replacements. I prefer sedan but will accept CUVs and small pickup trucks. Definitely nothing in the massive SUV or 3/4+ ton truck categories.

 

[dogememe]

This is why I love this place, I would have never though to look at an Escape but it definitely seems to check every box I see so far.

The weak point is transmission but when I had my 2010 I abused it and never had any issues. Well OK I did have to change the valve cover gasket but I did it on my lunch break LOL.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I'm not dead set on chain but I do prefer the easier maintenance since I won't have to plan for belt replacements. I prefer sedan but will accept CUVs and small pickup trucks. Definitely nothing in the massive SUV or 3/4+ ton truck categories.

Lexus ES 350 fifth or sixth generation I believe were all 2GR-FE with a chain, port injection, multi speed transmission. Very high quality, owners love them.

If you want SUV then RX350 is very similar powertrain.

Toyota Avalon has similar specs.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The Yaris might check most those boxes

 

[GSCJR]

1957 Fiat 500 "Nuova" comes pretty close:

https://www.stellantisheritage.com/en-uk/heritage/stories/fiat-500-n

 

[fozzdesy2001]

2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited locally for sale. The 3.6 is a really good flat-6 Subaru engine

• HEATED SEATS
• ROOF RACK
• AM/FM STEREO
• ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
• FOG LIGHTS
• AIR CONDITIONING
• HEAD CURTAIN AIR BAGS
• BLUETOOTH WIRELESS
• HILL HOLDER
• VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
• DUAL AIR BAGS
• HARMAN KARDON SOUND
• DUAL POWER SEATS
• LEATHER
• ABS (4-WHEEL)
• ALL WEATHER PKG
• KEYLESS ENTRY
• CRUISE CONTROL
• DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
• ALLOY WHEELS
• TRACTION CONTROL
• SATELLITE FEATURE
• REAR SPOILER
• SIDE AIR BAGS
• CD/MP3 (MULTI DISC}
• TILT WHEEL
• POWER DOOR LOCKS

​

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I had a 2007 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L base model that fit all of that. I did change the radio with a Kenwood for bluetooth.

Just because chain don't let that fool you. My motor went at 220k which I believe was the balance shaft module/chain. The timing chain and that come as a set. If I had replaced timing chain at about 200k I'd probably still have it. Once damaged and spraying oil wasn't worth potential repair. Even TC would have been questionable for investment.

No it never ran low on oil. If it got 1/2 quart from "full" it got topped off.

My son's 2010 Kia Forte EX (base) 2.0L also fits all of those and yes we did a Kenwood double DIN with backup camera and an amp/sub woofer.

Check to see latest year Toyota Sequoia that had MPI, the SR5 I don't think had sunroof (my 2003 didn't).

2017 Accord V6 says MPI on search. Not sure on trim with no sunroof.
2014 CRV was still MPI.

 

[burbguy82]

Depending on budget, an XJ Cherokee would be at the top of my list.

 

[TomYoung]

I like a basic, older car and yet I have to point out that this list is a little arbitrary.