Trying to find a vehicle that fits the bill...

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lancerplayer

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I currently drive the truck in my sig. I'm looking for a new-to-me vehicle. I have someone willing to buy my truck for top dollar (more than what I paid for it) and I simply cannot pass it up. However, I'm not sure what car will fit what I'm looking for. There are just too many options.

I would like something cheap, fast, and reliable. However, I realize I can only pick 2 of the 3 that will fit within my 10K budget.

Cheap- Something that is under 10K. Of course, the cheaper the better. 10K is the absolute max.

Fast- Something that is quick and fun to drive. My current truck is an absolute dog. It is not fun to drive at all. Don't get the wrong idea...I don't drive like a maniac and fly around town weaving in and out of traffic. I just want something that is quick and had a decent amount of power available. The vehicle has to get around 15 MPG city. That is the absolute lowest I can allow.

Reliable- Something that can last a while with just routine maintenance. I am very much on top of maintenance so that won't be an issue. I want to stay away from vehicles that are commonly known for certain failures/problems.

I know you all have had your fair share of vehicles. In your opinion, which vehicle do you think will fit the bill for me?
 
Id look for a late model VW rabbit, with the 2.5. Not the most efficient highway cruiser, but youll get 30 MPG, and it will have the pep you desire. Late models seem to be quite reliable, we've have no issues with ours.
 
I mean, for $10K, you can find a plethora of late model domestics with low mileage, V-6 engines, that get up to 30 mpg. Malibus, Tauruses, etc. You won't take Vettes or anything, but something like that will be plenty quick enough.

Anything import, such as a Mazda 3 with a 5 speed, will be a couple grand more then a domestic with similar mileage
 
Pontiac Bonnevilles and 2005+ Grand Prix's have good engines, get ~20 mpg city, and 30+ on the highway. Issues with those cars are well-known, parts are cheap and readily available.

A manual Accord V6 coupe could be an option. Lots of power and no automatic transmission issues. Low mileage would be a feat to find, though.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Id look for a late model VW rabbit, with the 2.5. Not the most efficient highway cruiser, but youll get 30 MPG, and it will have the pep you desire. Late models seem to be quite reliable, we've have no issues with ours.


I dunno. If I was going to go the little VW route, I'd probably stick with the 2.0T engine. A simple reflash of the ECU and you can goose the boost right on up to 1 or 1.2bar...a LOT more power and torque than the 5-cyl 2.5L and easy to undo later when you want to sell it. Even with the "chipped" ECU these get great mileage if you stay off the boost and scoot like a startled jackrabbit when you get on it.
 
Originally Posted By: HM12460
how about a good used mustang gt?


+1 99-04 can be had for cheap. modability is off the chart with tons of options for each part. decent power in stock form and decent mileage. plus they are super easy to work on for most projects.
 
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Originally Posted By: HM12460
how about a good used mustang gt?


+1 99-04 can be had for cheap. modability is off the chart with tons of options for each part. decent power in stock form and decent mileage. plus they are super easy to work on for most projects.


'course if one were in a Mustang frame of mind, one might avoid all the "issues" with the modular 4.6 and go even further back to a fox body with the 5.0l. Now THERE is a motor with a bazillion mod opportunities on the cheap.
 
good_cheap_fast.jpg



Figured it fit. A Mustang/Camaro/Firebird(WS6...), Bonneville's, G6's and Ford Models would fit the bill. Possibly a used 350Z for the right price.
 
Originally Posted By: Familyguy
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Id look for a late model VW rabbit, with the 2.5. Not the most efficient highway cruiser, but youll get 30 MPG, and it will have the pep you desire. Late models seem to be quite reliable, we've have no issues with ours.


I dunno. If I was going to go the little VW route, I'd probably stick with the 2.0T engine. A simple reflash of the ECU and you can goose the boost right on up to 1 or 1.2bar...a LOT more power and torque than the 5-cyl 2.5L and easy to undo later when you want to sell it. Even with the "chipped" ECU these get great mileage if you stay off the boost and scoot like a startled jackrabbit when you get on it.



good luck with finding/doing that for $10k.
 
Another Ranger....with the 4.0 SOHC. It'll be a truck you're already really familiar with, and will have more power than you'll ever need. The absolute worst mileage you should get with one is about 15 mpg, which barely meets your criteria. I usually get between 17 and 18 mpg with mine.
 
Originally Posted By: exranger06
Another Ranger....with the 4.0 SOHC. It'll be a truck you're already really familiar with, and will have more power than you'll ever need. The absolute worst mileage you should get with one is about 15 mpg, which barely meets your criteria. I usually get between 17 and 18 mpg with mine.


My company has a 4.0 Ranger 4x4 that everyone uses and it gets abused. It is up to around 200K and keeps on ticking with little in the way of repairs.

The only thing I have noticed with this little truck is how much fuel it uses. It doesn't seem to do much better than a full size F150.
 
You should be able to pick up a decent 2002 Acura 3.2TL Type-S for about $10k. It's fairly quick, reliable and gets good fuel economy.
 
Don't mean to boast my own car, but it's quick, inexpensive, and fairly reliable. Gas mileage is okay for a v6. I get around 19-20 city and 23-24 combined. Haven't done any straight highway driving yet but it should be around 26-28.

It does have know issues such as o2 sensors and a couple other things though.

Resale value on it ain't great so it can be a good deal used.

If you drive manual you can get a 6 speed and you can have some fun.

Oh, look below for the car I'm talking about. 2000-2001 had the vq30 and 2002-2003 had the vq35.
 
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4th gen f-body for the win. Ls1 being better than the lt1, but other than optispark both are very reliable, fast, and get great mileage. We've owned 3 4th gen 'birds, one lt1 and 2 ls1's and they truly will get 27-28mpg or so at 70 with the t-56 6-speed. Plus (the Pontiacs atleast) look mean as [censored].
 
I see lots of suggestions that certainly are not economy-minded, and likely not doable for $10k.

Somebody who can only afford a $10k vehicle should be stressing longevity and economy first. Sorry, can't afford more than $10k, you cant afford to drive fast. It sucks gas and likely gas is not affordable either.

Be careful in a choice if all you can afford is $10k absolute max... it generally says something about the financial situation...
 
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