| Author | Message | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2158 Registered: 8-2002 |
Frankie, thanks a lot... i'm really looking forward to getting back into the driver's seat again- today is day 11  ... i'll keep you all posted on when i get it, etc, etc, etc... Thank you, everyone, for your input and advice, i appreciate it...  | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 189 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES,have a friend with a '95 SC2 5sp.,she bought it new no problems just regular maintenance.also know a '99 SC2 auto, no problems except a stripped sunroof gear,repaired free of charge under extended service plan. like any manual gearbox just be gentle,don't "ram" the gears in,don't beat the syncros,be smooth,take care of it and it will take care of you. good luck. Frankie | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2147 Registered: 8-2002 |
Frankie, thanks a lot... i went to look at it, today... Car is very clean- body, interior, engine, etc... Drive well, shifts clean... i took my uncle with me- he knows just about everything there is to know about everything... He gave the car a very thorough inspection... Two things make me nervous: 1). It's an american car... 2). Even while trying to drive easier (read: sane), i'm afraid i might blow the clutch before it's time and that's apparently a major job on cars, these days... i've never driven a stick on a regular basis, so i can't be sure that i'll be rough with it- i don't think i am, but i'm rough with automatics... Who knows... He wanted $2400 for it... My uncle got him to bid against himself and come down to $2200... We told him we'd think about it... i got home, discussed with my aunt, got her opinion, plus my friend's, plus my uncles and we collectively decided that's probably the best car i'll find in the price range i set for myself... i called him back a little while later... Told him i liked the car, told him i'd take it if he could come down to 2k, even- cash. i told him if he agreed, that it would be guaranteed- that the money was sitting right in front of me (it was) and that if he agreed, he could definitely count on selling that car... He said he'd think about it and call me in the morning... So now i sit in limbo, wondering if i just made a mistake over $200... i'll keep you all posted... | ||
| Francisco J. Quinones (Frankie)
Junior Member Username: Frankie Post Number: 184 Registered: 8-2002 |
'94 saturn with original tires,etc?well DES sounds like it was pretty much babied and not abused at all.like everything else some satty's turn out good and some just selfdestruct,so check if it has service records and any accident damage,saturns have plastic body panels that are easy to repair but can hide damage underneath so check carefully, plus insurance companies seem to love saturns,very low insurance costs,probably because they are easy to repair.not much power though,come to think of it that may be a good thing in your case which model SL1 or SL2? SL1 is single cam SL2 is a twincam,early single cams had a problem with oil leaks so again,check records,actually check for records on any potential purchase,but if you get the saturn do replace the tires,tires that are almost ten years old would worry me a bit, and give it a complete service, fluids etc. good luck. Frankie | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 205 Registered: 11-2002 |
If you're trying to steer clear of American cars, why buy a saturn? You do realize that Saturns are probably the LARGEST piles of turd to leave an American line, don't you? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2013 Registered: 8-2002 |
Erich, thanks but it's too old and i'm trying to steer clear of american-made cars... What do you all think about a 1994 Saturn SL 4 door manual transmission with 74k miles on it...? original brakes, tires, clutch... clean body, runs well, dry drive way, etc... i haven't gone o see it, but any input would be great... Thanks... | ||
| Erich Walz (Deleteall)
Junior Member Username: Deleteall Post Number: 151 Registered: 12-2001 |
There's a 1984 BMW 318 with a mustang 5.0 on ebay right now, under 2k. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2402437227&category=6007 | ||
| Paul Wehmer (Pwehmer)
Junior Member Username: Pwehmer Post Number: 78 Registered: 10-2002 |
A great cheap, fun and durable car is the Honda CRXs. Roomy two seater, good handling. Had one for years and put 270+K miles on it. Still drove fine and sold it for $1,500 the first day it was for sale. The early carb cars are the easiest to work on. The Surpa would be fun but mainence could get pricy- the price of $1,700 sounds fishy. | ||
| Chris D (Prohydro)
New member Username: Prohydro Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2001 |
I'll second the Prelude nomination...had one during college, ran the crap out of it, and then my sister drove it for years. Great car. Also, keep an eye out for a Ford EXP. It's basically a stripped down turbocharged 80's Ford Escort. I think they came from Canada. Killer little car...I had one, a fun car to drive. Was quick, handled well, only problem was the throttle would sometimes stick wide-open when the turbo spooled up...made for some undie-wetting situations... | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 317 Registered: 9-2002 |
Des, stay away from civics...just because preludes are better and cost nearly the same at that level. Insurance on both civic and prelude coupes *could* be high though. Accords are nice for that reason. Try each out and see what you like. Dont forget to try the supra!!!!!!! It would make a fun track car Seriously I heard wonderful things about each. IMO can't go wrong with a prelude! you could then annoy the prelude forums www.preludeforum.com www.honda-prelude.com Hope the search turns out well! | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
Junior Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 193 Registered: 11-2002 |
DES - Check your e-mail! | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 499 Registered: 12-2001 |
Have you looked at used Honda Civics? They are great inexpensive cars. You can get a 2 door, 5-speed that is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. Another car to consider is an early model 90-92 Mazda Miata. I had 3 of these things from 90-94 and loved them. Insurance isn't too bad either. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1846 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mitchell, i've never even heard of a Corvette Spitfire... & any sports car is gonna have the insurance company deboweling me... Ryan, you make a lot of sense, i agree... Maybe with this next car and some helpful advice, i can actually learn how to work on a car... Jere, you're right, you get what you pay for... But again, i have to try to stay away from sports cars, if at all possible... | ||
| Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Junior Member Username: Questioner Post Number: 104 Registered: 1-2003 |
You can find a lot of late 80's BMW's in your area at www.autotrader.com that seem to fit within your parameters. Most seem to have already had timing belts replaced etc. BTW, if it needs it, you can get a timing belt changed in a 6 cylinder BMW for about $300-$350 so don't let that hold you up if you find something you like. A 325is with a stick is a fun sporty car with 168hp, 0-60 in the upper 6's and handles well. Should hold its price fairly well to. But then again, getting something in that price range doesn't have far to fall anyway, does it? | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 654 Registered: 9-2001 |
You can't go wrong with a Honda  | ||
| RyanK (Ryanab)
Member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 265 Registered: 3-2002 |
DES, stay away from any "cheap" exotics. Late Porsches, Alfas, etc.. They will kill you on parts & insurance and it will be hard to justify keeping. In my opinion, seek out an older 80's Honda Prelude. Everything to do with those cars is CHEAP. 20$ gas will fill er up and last, last, last. Parts are everywhere and its a Honda, so it is reliable as hell. The engines easily last to 375,000KM and they are EXCELLENT cars to learn how to work on and maintain. Also, easy to customize and modify to make faster, etc.. Just stay away from giant wings, plastic scoops and tin can exhaust pieces. $2,000 could pick you up a decent Prelude, dude. Good luck man! | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 466 Registered: 4-2002 |
Nothing will be reliable if you drive it into the ground. How about a 1984 corvette spitfire? They run about 3k. I *know* there are at least 20 for sale in your buying area. | ||
| Damon Bottorff (Prova7)
New member Username: Prova7 Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2002 |
Stay away from the VW cabrio! Men were just not meant to be seen driving such things. I have only seen a guy driving one once and can only hope that the girl in the passenger seat was his significant other who was somehow incapacitated. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1844 Registered: 8-2002 |
William, i've considered a motorcycle before & although it would be a lot more fun for me, a car is a lot more practical... Pat, the Honda keeps calling my name... It's a stick, so it'll be fun to drive and Hondas are pretty reliable cars... Why is the VW so much with the insurance...? | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 463 Registered: 4-2002 |
Get the porsche and treat her like you would treat a girl you want to stick around. Insurance will be fine, leave the big name companies and goto a brokerage firm. (Cost-u-less etc) They WANT young drivers. Yes, it will still be expensive, but much less so. For example, A friend of mine Alex, does some computer work for me, 22 years old, 99 corvette, three tickets Progressive was over 3500 for 6 months The *G* company gives low rates over the phone, then after 6 monthes jacks you up to a higher rate. Esurance - $1342 for 6 months with full coverage and 100/300 limits. Cost-u-Less - a little over 1500 for 6, ful coverage. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Junior Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 226 Registered: 2-2002 |
Des if you are going to stick to the imports get one with a stick. The VW cabrio if it is a 5spd wouldn't be too bad but insurance will KILL you on that car I had a 93 and with a clean record it was 1500 a year for me. Honda Accord I think is your best buy out of what you listed. | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 653 Registered: 9-2001 |
Get a motorcycle. You can be faster off the line than a Ferrari but there's a risk.... | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 462 Registered: 4-2002 |
Not any worse than any other car really, its only got 140hp. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1842 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL, Mitchell, exactly how long ago...? A Porsche would be real nice, but the insurance would be murder-i don't even know if i would be able to get quote...! | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 461 Registered: 4-2002 |
DES, buy a Porsche 924. I am sure you can find one in your state. http://listings.ebaymotors.com/pool1/plistings/list/all/category6858/index.html?from=R4 I had one for my very first sports car .. oh ... awhile... ago. ;) You can get one for $1500 - $2500 | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 1840 Registered: 8-2002 |
Below, please find a list of things i found in the local penny saver... Since my mechanic informed me of a Toyota Tercel he has for 2k with 103k miles on it, i figured i would use that as my guide- nothing over 2 grand. i found quite a few things, and i'd really appreciate some feedback on them... Maybe some of you have experience with some of these cars, etc... It would probably be wise for me to stay away from anything sporty, to keep the insurance down, but i copied and pasted everything i thought seemed reasonable, price-wise... Any and all feedback is appreciated... Thanks, everyone... HONDA ACCORD 1989: 2 door, 5 speed, 103K. $1,500. MITSUBISHI GALLANT 1989: A/T, 160K. $1,500. or Best Offer. 631-838-3555 MAZDA 626 1991: Mint Condition, Runs Very Well, Stick Shift, $1800. (631) 851-0149. MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE 1990: 5/speed, good condition, 115K miles, tan, $1,500.00 a/c, (631) 838-3553 PONTIAC GRAND AM, 1992: 4 door, 71,000 miles, teal, $1,700 negotiable. (631) 289-0111, Ask for Jerry or Sue. SATURN SL-2 1993: 4 door, standard, 5 speed stick. Runs perfect Body good. $1,500. 631-5143 SATURN SL2, 1991: 4 door, automatic, very good, highway miles, $1295. (631) 398-3805. TOYOTA TREC. 1992: White, standard, runs excellent, $1,600.00. (631) 395-4837 V W JETTA, 1989: Diesel, 4DR, new clutch, runs good. Needs alternator. $650. Call 631-961-9655 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET CONVERTIBLE 1988. Red, new tires, brakes, exhaust. Runs excellent, very clean garaged $1400. 475- 3233. TOYOTA CAMRY LE 1990: High miles, $1,700.00 Nissan Maxima 1989: Special Edition, $1,800.00 high miles, (631) 838-3555 TOYOTA SUPRA, 1987: Very good condition, $1,700.00 negotiable. (631) 435-4696, Se Habla, Espanol. VOLVO 1982! 4/door sedan, 100K miles, on rebuilt motor, nuns perfect, hitch. $900.00, (631) 981-2215 |