JS2k.com

I'm hopefully looking to buy a daily driver soon. Maybe when tax return time comes around. 2 S2000s wasn't a good idea, but my girlfriend didn't want a used M3.
I'm hoping to spend less than $5k and get something at least a bit sporty or fun to drive, a decent sized trunk, reliable, 20+ mpg and 4 seats, preferably 2 door.
#1 choice: Honda Fit, white, 5spd. But I can't afford that.
or another RSX-S or a CBR-500

Realistic choices:
1. Early 5th gen Prelude 97ish.
2. Integra GSR hatch
3. 90-93 Nissan 240sx fastback
4. CRX
5. EK hatch
6. EG hatch
7. As you can see I like Hondas, but suggestions?

1. Preludes are expensive! Or rather they have really good resale values. More power than a GSR, more comfortable ride, heavier, less tossable. Unless they're trashed, I doubt I can find one for the price range. Fairly reliable except for timing belt tensioner (i think)
2. Too many people have Integras. Too hard to find a clean one. Last redesign was in 94. Theft issue. Reliable. Bigger trunk than a Prelude.
3. Too rare. Expensive for such an old car. Easy to find and cheap engines. I heard they were less than 1k for a used KA. SR20 upgradeability. Good cargo capacity. Can look SUPER clean with a 180 conversion. I don't need another money pit tho. RWD! I've really been considering the 240. I would love to find a 240 with a SR20 swap as a DD. I would probably want to mod this car more than the rest.
4. Light! fun to drive but on the slow side. A bit small. I love ______'s (the guy with a Titan, yellow S, and a red CRX) CRX. Hard to find a clean one.
5, 6. Both can look clean. Good reliability, good cargo space, always easy to swap another motor if the original dies.
Did I cover pros and cons well for these?

7. Open to suggestions. Maybe an VW hatch, but I've heard those are unreliable. We've both had an Eclipse and HELL no. A mid-80s Prelude has a better shifter. 6
I'm asking here, because you guys seem to be fairly unbiased and mature. Thanks guys.

yellow2001

all of those are good choices. imo people want way too much for those, espically ones that are clean with clear titles.

if its for a DD, i would go with a gsr hatch. I had a 95 ls. with the rear seats folded down, you would not belive how much stuff you can stuff into that hatch. I still see alot of clean ones on the road here in houston as well as lot of POS ones for sale on the import forums.

louieville

Those are all good choices. I just picked up a cleans Integra LS 4 door for way cheap on craigslist.

did a quick search:

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/558639071.html

fixer uper
http://houston.craigslist.org/car/558287797.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/550300006.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/549258403.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/527851583.html

y2ks2k

When I had my S2000 I drove an 88 Civic hatch to work. I bought it for $2800 as I recall and drove it for 2 years 20000 miles and sold it for $3500. Was a great car.

Christople

Manual Corolla can not be forgotten

I like the Focus, most people around here don't, but ask a Euro citizen and they will agree with me.

JS2k.com

I miss Houton...

Ok, another question, Usually I wouldn't buy a car with mods. What do you guys think? Usually I wouldn't buy a car from craigslist, but it IS a DD.
This one looks fairly clean and kinda tastefully modded.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/533042318.html

Christople

wow that integra might be able to beat a V6 Camry/Accord/Maxima/Grand Prix in a drag

it just might... heh

Penforhire

I'm biased. The GSR is a great choice. At the same $5K price point you can find 2nd gen DSM's (Eclipse GS-T) that are mod-friendly.

gtman

Instead of a 5th gen Prelude what about a 4th gen. Better looking and slightly faster than the 5th gen.

I had a 1995 2.2 VTEC with 4WS and that was a great car. Fast, reliable and a fantastic engine which sounded great.

JS2k.com

I generally don't care for Toyotas much at all, I might consider a 4th gen prelude, and I used to have a 2nd gen DSM turbo spyder, but it was a pain.
Are KA's reliable?
I'm leaning towards a GSR, 240, or hatch right now if I can find a clean one at a decent price.