Need $20k daily driver opinions | FerrariChat

Need $20k daily driver opinions

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by Gran Drewismo, Sep 14, 2007.

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  1. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

    Jan 24, 2005
    3,778
    Idaho
    Full Name:
    Andrew
    I searched quite a bit but didn't find a daily driver thread that quite matched my price range so here's another one. If I missed a closely related thread please delete this one.

    I'm looking for a daily driver in the $20k range. Less is welcome and probably a better decision. Here are my requirements by order of preference.

    Sedan/Coupe
    Roomy and comfortable (I am 6'5" and thin)
    Reliable
    Fun, sporty whatever your definition is, just not something totally bland
    Gas mileage


    What do you guys think? I'm open to anything and everything other than a truck or SUV. I already have that covered.
     
  2. mrdigital

    mrdigital Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    515
    Nashville
    I have a very nice 1989 porsche c-4 i'm selling.
    It's blk/blk and has the 3.8 conversion.
    PM me if you want some pics.
     
  3. Slim

    Slim Formula 3

    Oct 11, 2001
    1,735
    Pacifica, CA, USA
    Full Name:
    richard
    6'5" might be close, but if you can fit in a new mini cooper, they make a fun daily driver and you should be able to get a relatively new one for $20k. I also recommend VW Golf - we've had two in a row now with no mechanical issues and the handling and interior build quality is better than the Japanese cars. (my wife drives the Golf: i drive a '69 fiat 124 spider as my daily driver, ha!)
     
  4. the_jay

    the_jay Formula 3

    Apr 26, 2005
    1,104
    Murrieta, California
    Full Name:
    Jay
    Check out a Lexus IS300...?
     
  5. UroTrash

    UroTrash Three Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 20, 2004
    38,863
    Purgatory
    Full Name:
    Clifford Gunboat
    #5 UroTrash, Sep 14, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    No more Volvo, Doc?
     
  7. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

    Jan 24, 2005
    3,778
    Idaho
    Full Name:
    Andrew
    Lexus sedans? Absolutely. I have been looking hard at the IS300s and the 98-03 GS's. They appeal greatly and the fact that they have the 2jzge is appealing especially since a GTE swap is possible.

    Anyone own one of these? How is the reliability and gas mileage?
     
  8. UroTrash

    UroTrash Three Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 20, 2004
    38,863
    Purgatory
    Full Name:
    Clifford Gunboat
    The W-Unit took it.
     
  9. fiorano94

    fiorano94 F1 Veteran

    May 26, 2006
    6,892
    MW/NW/SE
    You can pick up lightly used Honda Civic Si 4 doors for 18.
     
  10. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    Boxster was too impractical eh? I saw you were selling.

    Actually, I don't know if this has been suggested to you before, but you should think about getting yourself a Ferrari. You would probably really enjoy it.
     
  11. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    You're making a big assumption there Ryan...
     
  12. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    Get a Volvo V50 with the turbo 2.5 and a six speed. Stealth but fun.
     
  13. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    Used 05/06 WRX or 04 EVO? Fun, sporty and quick, sedan, Subie is reliable (not sure about the Mitsu), mileage is 18/25. Roomy? Not terribly so but you should fit. Not great for long distance comfort (and I drove my WRX 50k miles in under 3 years, several cross-country trips - nothing ever broke, just oil, new tires and brakes).
     
  14. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,504
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    I have heard that Evos and WRXs are some of the more expensive cars to insure. I am currently looking for something similar, $20k range, reliable and sporty. THe problem for me is I need a back seat for my 3 year old. I drove an RX8 the other day and loved it..but the back seat would be a little tight. If only I could find a B5 Audi S4 with decent milage on it.
     
  15. dmeyer

    dmeyer Formula Junior

    May 30, 2004
    762
    Northern VA
    Full Name:
    David Meyer
    We have an IS300, I really enjoy driving it and the gas milage is pretty good. It usually gets a little better than 20mpg, maybe around 25 on a good tank. Of course that all depends on how hard you drive it ;)
     
  16. mercedesbenze55amg

    mercedesbenze55amg Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2004
    735
    Plymouth Ma.
    Full Name:
    J. Nutter
    VW GTI? fun, fast, good MPG, and practical. Its gona be more like 22 but u can bargan!
     
  17. mrdigital

    mrdigital Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    515
    Nashville
    #17 mrdigital, Sep 14, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  18. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 1, 2007
    8,504
    MD
    Full Name:
    Alex
    if that is a 3.6 turbo it is a whole lot above the 20K budget.
     
  19. rpps

    rpps Formula 3

    Aug 20, 2005
    1,828
    Bergen County, NJ
    Full Name:
    Richard
    VW GTI.

    I am 6'8-6'9 and found it to have the best room in that particular class.

    WRX, I do not believe you will fit; I sure as hell didn't.
     
  20. TopCloser

    TopCloser Formula Junior

    Mar 20, 2006
    309
    Uro...tell me about that car.

    I'd love to get my hands on one, but haven't found any in the range you bought yours for. What's the year/miles?
     
  21. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    24,957
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    Love that big wing!
     
  22. ST&A

    ST&A Formula Junior

    Apr 4, 2007
    559
    Lake Stevens
    Full Name:
    Sid Thayer
    This is want i just bought for $13,500. It is a 2003 VW GTI 1.8 turbo 56,000 miles, i have had no problems at all, it is very quick handles great, gets good gas mileage if i just keep my foot off the floor board. This car with a few mods can produce about 350hp, for a 4cyl that is great. I really have fun driving this car and i drive 80 miles a day. I have some plans in the future to modify my car to make it more fun to drive. So good luck in your search and lets us all know what you decide on getting.
     
  23. UroTrash

    UroTrash Three Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 20, 2004
    38,863
    Purgatory
    Full Name:
    Clifford Gunboat
    2001/ 99k miles.

    PERFECT service records all at the Lexus Dealer. The PO was insane to get everything done there.

    Perfect documentation of a known car is why the dealer kept this car and didn't wholesale despite the mileage.

    Timing belt just done, I figure another 100k with little chance of problems.
     
  24. UroTrash

    UroTrash Three Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 20, 2004
    38,863
    Purgatory
    Full Name:
    Clifford Gunboat

    Ferrari...hmmmm......I've heard of those......
     
  25. joker57676

    joker57676 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 12, 2005
    23,767
    Sin City
    Full Name:
    Deplorie McDeplorableface
    I just picked up a Civic Si coupe with nav and summer tires for about $23,000 and like it quite a bit. I got the blue and honestly, it looks amazing out in the sun. Before the Si, I had an Acura RSX Type S, and I think the Si might handle a little better but you can slightly feel the few pound feet of torque it's down on the RSX. Overall, it seems like it's a fairly solid car and is fun to drive.

    Mark
     

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