Good Daily Beater?
10-20-2011, 07:44 AM
#1
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Good Daily Beater?
Hey guys, so Ive decided its time for me to pay up and get a daily. Im tired of always worrying and not going certain places because of the s2k. So my budget is about $5000 give or take, what would you recommend? I would like maybe a sedan or wagon, so something with utility. I heard Subaru Forresters are extremly dependable, any one have any suggestions??
10-20-2011, 09:09 AM
#3
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Forrester is a good choice. They are cheap used and share most key parts with the Impreza.
Other options I like in the $5000 and under price range:
Mazda 5
Mazda Protege
Nissan SE-R
Toyota Celica
Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Wrangler (probably stuck with a 4 cyl for $5000 or less)
Mazda Miata (Does not help with your utility though)
Honda Prelude
Andrew
Other options I like in the $5000 and under price range:
Mazda 5
Mazda Protege
Nissan SE-R
Toyota Celica
Nissan Pathfinder
Jeep Wrangler (probably stuck with a 4 cyl for $5000 or less)
Mazda Miata (Does not help with your utility though)
Honda Prelude
Andrew
10-20-2011, 09:14 AM
#4
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I would first decide what you want it to do. I personally don't think that I could stand to drive something everyday that wasn't in some way fun. If you are fine with just having utility and MPG then get something that satisfies those needs. If you want something fun that can also carry stuff when you need to, try to find something for that.
Look at what you want it to do, and the decision should just about make itself.
Look at what you want it to do, and the decision should just about make itself.
10-20-2011, 09:46 AM
#7
Registered User
Foresters are a great little car/ute/wagon/whatever you want to call it. I have a turbo one, so I may be a little bit biased. I can tell you this though, the gas mileage isn't great on the turbo OR the non-turbo. Expect 18-20 in the city and 21-24 on the hwy. All the automatic Foresters utilize an archaic 4-speed (even my '10) and the 5-speeds are hard to find in turbo trim (also with that tranny you start running into reliability issues with anything over 300-320ish whp). Just something to keep in mind if you mod.
I can tell you, it's tough. I leased my mine, so I don't treat it with the same regard as my s2000 and it takes it all. You'd be amazed at the sheer amount of cargo you can stuff into it as well. It's a pretty good compromise between daily driver and fun at the wheel.
I can tell you, it's tough. I leased my mine, so I don't treat it with the same regard as my s2000 and it takes it all. You'd be amazed at the sheer amount of cargo you can stuff into it as well. It's a pretty good compromise between daily driver and fun at the wheel.
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10-20-2011, 01:58 PM
#8
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Focus Hatch or if you don't mind occasional wrenching (often not very hard) a SAAB 9-3 hatch is a lot of used car for the depressed value.
Mazda Protege is a great value and Saturns are known to run poorly for years.
Civic and Corolla are always good but the high resale makes them a poor used car value in my book. That said, don't pass one if you find a deal.
Mazda Protege is a great value and Saturns are known to run poorly for years.
Civic and Corolla are always good but the high resale makes them a poor used car value in my book. That said, don't pass one if you find a deal.
10-20-2011, 03:08 PM
#9
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Basically a 90's-early 00's Civic, Accord, Corolla. Some of the early 00's civic are very cheap since they aren't as popular with the tuner crowd. I know that the focus was pretty good for an american car as well. Also some of the older Nissan or Toyota pick ups are great and that way you have something that can haul stuff unlike the S. Maybe an older CRV or Rav4. There is plenty to choose from its just a matter of finding something in good shape. If you have a part of town were alot of retirees live thats a good place to look.
