which "nice" beater/ DD ?

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97tbird

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I have started a job and it's a 45 min commute each way, and might be doing it for a long time, and I have decided to make my Tbird a show piece instead of a daily driver, after I give it a full make over in a few months - externally, mostly. I just don't want to drive it to the ground, although i know it's a tough car... it has 150k miles now ..almost.

Wife doesn't feel like she needs a new car, as her Elantra is still in great shape at 155k miles...it just needs a tint, she thinks.

So this leaves me with the option of getting a USED car which can be a daily driver/beater which gets decent mpg, and at least a bit of fun to drive and peppier than a normal grocery getter...as I will be spending quite a bit of time in it, i do want it to be a bit "nice" on the interior...nothing too fancy...if this car can be a weather beater, and have AWD, that's a bonus...

So...does this sound like a Subaru ??

I'd like the car to be not more than 6 yrs old and have less than 50k miles, ideally - but if it's a "tough" car with a good reputation in longevity, I wouldn't mind about 70k miles...

I know what most of you guys would ask now: what's the BUDGET? idk - wife and I are both pharmacists...I just started the job, but we have a bunch of student loans to pay, so it's not like we can pay a big amount... $ 7000 maybe? i know that doesn't fall in the typical "beater" budget.

Am I ever going to have a "nice" car? idk - Tbird, when I get done with it, will be a "nice" car for me, too...but its like a project - After we get our loans somewhat paid off, I might think of a "nice(r)" car for me...

Right now, I need to save Tbird from collecting miles, and have something decent to get me by...

Subaru WRX half-wagon?
WRX sedan?
Outback?
Legacy (GT??? no... then it's not a low cost beater is it? but so tempting...)

some cars friends suggested:
OLD Audi? I smell a money pit though - those cars are NOT low maintenance.
Mazda 3 (no AWD)? (seems too juvenile for my age - i am 38)

And what's the best way to find such a semi-nice beater/daily driver? Carmax?
 
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Sounds like the "beater" is going to be the nicest car in your fleet, lol! 02-03 Rex's can be had in the 7-8k range if you want a dose of performance with your practicality. IDK regular old 5-6 yr old commuter cars can be had all day for 8k.
 
LOL! Yeah that's what wife said, too.
I know - i feel like an idiot - i don't think i should use the term "beater" perhaps "simple but fun to drive USED daily driver" is better :)

you put it well - i like "dose of performance with practicality"

I still feel like when I am done doing the "make over" for the Tbird, it's going to be the nicest...

What's a "Rex"?

By the way this whole need to "baby" the Tbird and finally give it its "show piece" status was spurred by a load of compliments from some guys at the Ford dealership on the Tbird - when my WIFE took it there the other day- hehe! One of them even offered to buy it! Those guys did recognize that it had the somewhat rare (for 97, last yr made) "sport Package"... my wife said they kept commenting on how nice the Tbird looked and looked a bit shocked when my wife got into it - LOL!
 
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Nothing "juvenile" about the Mazda3 IMO. It fits the bill as nice enough and sporty enough while still being reliable, getting decent mileage (even with the 2.3) and not being "anything special" such that you'd want to keep the miles off it. I would think you could get one from 2006-2007 for $7k if you looked but I haven't done the research.

Obviously if you decide the AWD is a requirement it won't do. But, if you don't need the AWD then you can get better gas mileage in a lighter car with something like a Mazda3.

EDIT: I should add all my knowledge of the Mazda3's fuel economy and drivability are related to the manual transmission model. I've driven a 2.3 (my wife's) and a 2.0 (a friend's). I think the later models with 5 speed auto (with manual shifting?) are probably just as good though.
 
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How about a 2004 or 2005:
2 door Civic VP (its a DX with factory A/C)

40+ miles per gallon
tires are inexpensive
maintenance is easy
insurance is cheap
120 HP engine that is like a Timex watch and sips gas

These cars are dirt cheap and a good value for a highway beater
 
Why buy another (7+ yr) old car with unknown history? Reconsider using your wife's car and getting her a newer vehicle. Discuss it with her as a logical family decision (one way or the other) you both need to make.
 
Do you want something peppier than the V8 tbird? Do you fear accidents at all? Do you want a stick shift to be different? You seem like you might want a little Japanese/Korean coupe. There might be a focus you like. You might be able to find an uplevel one with comfy leather seats and all the fun stuff. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast one slow... but with all the 17 inch tires on econo cars we're in an era where nearly everything handles great.

Subaru's been good at keeping sticks and AWD together. (And optional hot engines) Other makes like the Matrix make you get an auto with AWD. I would NOT get a subaru for burning up pavement where it rarely snows-- the extra maintenance and AWD drag would be a hassle. If rain is an issue get good rain tires.
 
I think its a little more than you want to spend but how about a IS 300? A friend of mine has one in a wagon and it is a lot of fun to drive and is very practical. I do think its more than you want to spend but it would last you a long time if you wanted it to and should be very reliable. No AWD though but at least its not FWD :). Plus its a safer vehicle than the average car.
 
ooops- forgot to mention in OP - I am trying to avoid Hondas and Toyotas - and if possible Nissans - I know, those cars are economical and dependable (well, sorta) - but absolutely sleep inducing, so I won't have the "semi-fun to drive" component covered with any of their (affordable and used) offerings.

Subaru and Mazda are the only Japanese cars I am considering right now...

LT4vette - Thanks for the suggestion, though. I appreciate it.
 
Originally Posted By: BearZDefect
Why buy another (7+ yr) old car with unknown history? Reconsider using your wife's car and getting her a newer vehicle. Discuss it with her as a logical family decision (one way or the other) you both need to make.


Already considered - we don't want to have a car payment right now - until we get our loans paid off somewhat.
 
Originally Posted By: mcrn
I think its a little more than you want to spend but how about a IS 300? A friend of mine has one in a wagon and it is a lot of fun to drive and is very practical. I do think its more than you want to spend but it would last you a long time if you wanted it to and should be very reliable. No AWD though but at least its not FWD :). Plus its a safer vehicle than the average car.


makes sense - but like you said, the initial cost is a bit too high probably - and even reg maintenance can be expensive I think...after all, it's a Lexus...
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Do you want something peppier than the V8 tbird? Do you fear accidents at all? Do you want a stick shift to be different? You seem like you might want a little Japanese/Korean coupe. There might be a focus you like. You might be able to find an uplevel one with comfy leather seats and all the fun stuff. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast one slow... but with all the 17 inch tires on econo cars we're in an era where nearly everything handles great.

Subaru's been good at keeping sticks and AWD together. (And optional hot engines) Other makes like the Matrix make you get an auto with AWD. I would NOT get a subaru for burning up pavement where it rarely snows-- the extra maintenance and AWD drag would be a hassle. If rain is an issue get good rain tires.


The v8 Tbird is fast enough - but it's not really "peppy" - and I Don't need the "beater" to be ultra peppy either- just not sleep inducing :)
don't need stick shift.
 
Thanks meangreen.

CourierDriver:
I don't think I have the mechanical know how OR the time it needs when dealing with a car that old :)

I am leaning towards a Subaru - but don't know if I should try a WRX (non STI) sedan/wagon or got for a Legacy sedan.
 
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