Dave

Well it looks like I'll be going back to work, not exactly my dream job but it's an income and there should be room for advancement. The 2 big problems are that it's a huge pay cut and it my involve racking up some miles. I just don't want to do that with my 944, especially now that I know it's running me over a buck a mile in maintanence and the price of 93 octane is still climbing. The obvious solution is to drive something else, the question is what.
Whatever it is should be cheap to buy and maintain. I'm thinking of something simple and bullet proof that parts are cheap and readily available. I also am thinking in 2 different catagories, the first being basic econobox commuter that gets great mileage and does little else, the second option is something that would be useful for other things, home depot runs etc and posibly one day pull a trailer (once the income makes a comeback) to events. Something my wife would also be willing to drive would be a big plus.
The first option has me thinking of a Jetta or Neon or something like that, the other has me considering a Ford Ranger.
Any thought? Ideas? It's been a while since I thought about driving anything but the 944.

streckfu's

Forget the neon and Ranger (unless you need to haul stuff).

Any used VW should be good. Lots of inexpensive ones out there.
How about a used Volvo wagon. Bullet proof reliable and hauls all kinds of stuff.
Used F-150 if think you need a truck.

Are you even considering new or used?

For an econobox, Honda accords and Toyota Camrys can't be beat.

Dave

Used, very used, think beater. I thought about an F series but I don't want to put fuel in it for the high mileage commuting part, that's how I came up with the ranger. That and my dad's had a couple that treated him well. I'll look into a Volvo but I don't feel safe in most Japanese cars.

pwille944

Honda civic

KenC

A 94-95 BMW Z-3 Very nice autos that have depreciated to be affordable. $10,000 would get you a nice one.

KenC

Serge944

Go get a volvo. You can get a mid 90's 850 or s70 for very cheap. Theyre good cars.

Mongo

Mercedes 190E's have brought good luck and maintenance free life in my family. Try one of those..if you want somethin newer, try a Mercedes C230 Kompressor sedan with Sport Package. They look pretty sweet and are pretty cheap nowadays.

Hey Serge, where'd you pull that Adriana pic from??? That's pretty hot!

Andy

Mike951

'91 ish s-10 pickup with the 4.7 v-6, small truck kinda big motor, pretty quick total beater and fun to drive

Luis de Prat

Dave, try a Jetta III. They're about as durable as it gets. We've had one since 92 and that thing can really take a beating.

Serge and Andy, I like your avatars as much as the next guy, but you both may be pushing the limit a little for Rennlist. Just a friendly reminder.

P.S. I know the "girl" in mine is topless, but she just can't help herself!

83na944

How about a Toyota Pickup? They seem pretty reliable, probably get good mileage for a PU.

And you can get an early Nissan Maxima pretty cheap. I had a neighbor that put 200,000 miles on one with just a charcoal canister replacement.

Chris_924s

I have a buddy that lives, dies and swears by and at the Jetta's

He's on his 3rd- since 1982. he buys them 2-3 years used and runs the everloving wheels off of them. He recently got a JettaIII and retired his old TDI wih 400K miles on it with a still working 2nd clutch.

..and you can still display a german flag in your garage..

Tom R.

Dave,
I was in the same boat six months ago. I wanted a hatchback that I could have fun with, and fit a baby seat in with room.

You know what i ended up with. but that wasn't what i was looking for.

I stumbled on a 95 firebird in the classifieds with a 6 cylinder and a 5 speed and no t tops. i figured i could clobber the seller because nobody would want a 5 speed. then i stumbled on the Z28 and liked the mods.

i say look for a fourth generation 93-02 F body camaro/firebird. i think the 200 hp 3.8 became standard in 95. The 3.8 is a bulletproof motor good for 200k with the only problem being a head gasket. if you find a manual six cylinder you know you can get it for a song. we got high 20s (28 iirc) in a former girlfiriends olds toronado with the 3.8! dual airbags, abs, and a lot of luxory stuff standard. plus if you get a six, i have a complete Z28 suspension in my garage that you can have (springs, shocks, sways, LCAs) with maybe 25k of babied miles on it.

oh, and for home depot runs it is about as good as the 944, maybe better with the trunk in the hatch. with the seat up it is definitely better because of the trunk in the hatch.

the baby seat fits in the back, and with the front seat slid forward there is plenty of leg room.

acoustics are pretty good too.

StoogeMoe

I'd vote for the Honda Civic too. I have been commuting in one for 16 years with 315K mi and have done no major work to it. My cost per mile over that time is $0.03 (including purchase price and parts). And with 40mpg, at $.05 a mile, you can't beat it. Plus it's half fun to drive.

Tom R.

Civics are nice, but in the land of cell phone mommys in expeditions i want a little more metal wrapped around me. Here is an ad i found on cars.com this is more like a 5k car than a 7500 car.
http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/s...onal&src=&cid=
1998 Chevrolet Camaro
$7,500
Seller Photo

Mileage 74,500 Cylinders 6 Cylinders
Body Style Coupe Transmission Manual
Doors 2 Condition Excellent
Drive System 2WD VIN
Exterior Color Black Listing Date May 15, 2004
Interior Color Gray
Features: Cassette Radio, Cruise Control, Power Seats, Bucket Seats, Tinted Glass, Remote Keyless Entry, Anti-Lock Brakes, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Power Windows, Power Locks, Sunroof/Moonroof, Rear Window Defroster, Alarm, A/C: Front, Power Steering, Alloy Wheels, CD Changer, Fog Lights, Premium Sound

Additional Selling Points: 3.8L V6 with perfromance modifications, including improved airflow intake and CAT back dual exhaust system. Premium sound system with 12 disk CD changer.


More Information About This Seller
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Seller: Erik Dahl
Evening Phone: 856-784-6402

eman930

Get a nice cheap Toyota corolla or tercel, very easy to fix, doesnt need much attention.