Help me pick my next car!!! (don't worry, the CB7 isn't going anywhere...)

[deevergote]

I need a second car for my new job... badly. Especially if I want to do some real work to the CB7 (can't have downtime, since my job involves driving).

My requirements are fairly strict though... I'll be driving this new car 300+ miles a day, so damn it, I'm going to like it!

This won't be for a little while... still trying to save up (I haven't magically come into a ton of money... this is all preliminary stuff while I shop... and figure out how to get a loan with my current debts!)

Anyway, here are the rquirements:



I can afford about $5000... or I plan to be able to. No more.

I NEED to get at least 25mpg city/highway combined. I do about 2/3 highway, 1/3 city. Car rarely gets shut off.

The car MUST be comfortable. No 86 Ford Escort vinyl seats!

I need reliability. I can't have my CB7 in the shop and risk the new car taking a crap on me. I know any older car presents that risk somewhat, but some are worse than others (Ford Escort vs. Honda Civic, for example...)

I need it to be fairly inexpensive and easy to fix (so high-end German is probably out... maybe ANY German).

It's gotta be 5 speed... there are very few exceptions to that.


Now for the fun stuff This is where I'm having trouble.


I want about 15hp/lb

I'm looking for something that handles better than the CB7... or at least has a zippier feel (as you guys know, the CB7 feels fairly heavy).

I'd rather have RWD or AWD. FWD is redundant. I have one of those already.

I'd really like something turbo or supercharged. There are a few FWD cars I may consider if they are turbo or SC'd.

I'd like decent upgrade potential. Something with part prices on par with our cars, and fairly decent gains (usually easy with turbo...)

A sunroof and AC would be awesome




That's about it. I know the second half of my list kinda screws with the first half. I KNOW I'm looking for something that might not exist. That's why I'm coming to you guys. I'm sure someone here might have some info for me!

My stepfather owns a Chrysler dealership, so he could possibly help me find something worth a bit more for what I want to spend (auction access is great). Still, nothing is guaranteed...

[Maple50175]

Silvia..

[minoreparations]

i hate to say it but a car that meets most of the requirements is an Eclipse GST. not reliability though.

[deevergote]

Yeah, I saw one of those on autotrader that looked really nice... The DSMs, while quality cars, are often beat to hell. The only DSM I would really want would be the Galant VR4. They seem to get a little more respect, and have a bit more of a civilized following.

240sx is cool as well... and one I looked into... but they're SO overpriced anymore that it's not even funny. It's worse than trying to buy a Civic back in 2001.

[growguy]

The only DSM I would really want would be the Galant VR4.

dsm's = built in Normal, illinois. Mitsu/Chrysler joint venture
galant = built in Japan (before 94) Mitsubishi product

galant is technically not a dsm.

galants dont get 25mpg combined and unless you can find one in good shape reliability will be questionable.

i hope you do get one though deev

[deevergote]

Yeah, true. I've heard that argument many times... I never refer to the VR4 as a DSM, actually... dunno why I did just now!

[h22sparkle]

i was going to recommend the 240, but thats aready been mentioned. i know you dont want something fwd, but i bet you could pick up a gsr for a decent price. or maybe a lexus, something to the tune of what uncle_el is driving now

I dont think he wants a lexus they eat gas. As far as the gsx or the gst yeah they are beat to shit ill give you that. As for the silvia yeah they are overpriced thank fast and the furious,initial d ,and the word drift lol. Honestly get a nother cb7 make sure it runs at its best maybe nah dont even drop the springs leave it as is jus tmake sure its tuned up things changed on it here and there and just leave it After you give it a second look over to see what minor problems it has.

[deevergote]

I've been thinking Lexus... but I dunno about repairs. Plus, they're all automatic. Still, the whole VIP thing interests me somewhat That also makes Infiniti something to consider. I don't think many of them get 25mpg though.

A GSR would be fun, but FWD and non-turbo... Hondas really don't interest me at the moment. The way I see it, I already have a FWD Honda. The only Honda I'd really want would be a well-done H22'd CB7 (like I have now...) I missed out on the one I really wanted, so I'm a bit disenchanted now.


I've been leaning VERY strongly towards the Miata. I just have to get over the Dr.Mario pill appearance and appreciate it for the handling, weight, aftermarket potential... etc...

Another CB7 really WOULD be the most practical thing... it covers most of the bases, and I have the ultimate resource right here for repairs, parts, and upgrades. Plus, I already know the car quite well. I'm capable of fixing just about anything that isn't inside the motor... and I'm getting there too! Still, it's just not interesting me right now. A clean H22'd EX is really the only thing I'd want.

[93accordexcoupe]

what about an early 90s mr2?

[deevergote]

MR2 is another one I've been looking into. They're hard to come by in good shape... I would LOVE a turbo one that wasn't clapped out!

[wed3k]

downpayment for Fit

[NAiL05]

Miata? Kinda small for my taste though. Its RWD and it handles pretty damn well. Other than that i cant think of anything else at this moment.

[deevergote]

Yeah, that's true. I don't know if I'm up to a swap though... and getting a G20 would put me right where I don't want to be... FWD non-turbo. The CB7 is still going to get the majority of my money, so I don't want to get anything with the intention of swapping or adding a turbo kit. (to Zach)


Miata is still at the top of the list... somehow though, that doesn't thrill me

[NAiL05]

Yea i dunno the older ones are kinda small for me at least. Throw a turbo on there if not the 13b rotary =D. Haha but yea personally I couldnt live with it everyday.

[PRIMOCB7]

..A clean H22'd EX is really the only thing I'd want.

you know who to call

but back on topic.. i say look for the MR2. whether boosted or not, a set of JDM Kouki taillights is all the USDM MR2 needs.