PathNull

So my S is my daily driver, which has been great, but driving in detroit is going to kill it. It seems that they like to lay down salt like it's free and don't bother to fix the roads (after all, everyone has an SUV). Those two combined with cold morning starts are going to have bad effects for the long term.

I've come to the conclusion that I need a good daily driver that is

1.)comfortable for long trips, able to take a lot of driving
2.)Very reliable and pretty fuel efficient
3.)able to haul more than my s2000
4.)looks pretty decent

Here are my thoughts so far

1) nothing from the big 3
2) Honda Civic 2001, EX with 50-60K on it
3) late 90's camry
4) maybe a late 90's accord


Does anyone else have any thoughts or suggestions? I'm looking about 4 months out, maybe 6, and I'm looking to spend $6-8k. Thanks

sca037

You really can't lose with a Civic, but.............
My wife drives what has turned out to be a great car, a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. We bought it fresh off lease 2 years ago (27K miles) and it's got 77K on it now with zero troubles.
It's a 5 speed manual so has plenty of zip, and has averaged 28-30 mpg per tank the whole time (she commutes 70+ miles a day) as well as being highly versatile. Shoot, I drove home from Sam's with a 8' fiberglass ladder in there last week (back seats out and the PF folded). The only maintenance so far has been regular oil/filter changes, and new plugs & wires at 50K.

YMMV, but I agree that driving an S through a Motown Winter can't be a good thing
Brian

S2kracka

I've been thinking pretty seriously about getting a late 90's Subaru Legacy or Imprezza for a winter car. They should fit right into your budget, and AWD never hurts for the snowy winters. I also like the 01-03 Mazda Protege, that also would fit right in your budget.

S2Kdreamz

I had a '97 Accord and ended up giving it to my sister. She sold it with 160,000 miles on it and it never needed any major mechanical work. If you can find one thats been taken care of, it's a great buy.

TheHooligan

its a jeep but the cherokee 4 doors are super reliable long lasting great 4 wheel drive if you need it type of winter car for us.


they arent the best on gas, but i like em a lot.

twilight dancer

I bought a 91 acura legend sedan last year with 155k on it for 4k. Since I traded in my 96 sentra, I basically took it for about 2k. Took it to my buddy mechanic and found NO rust anywhere. Plus the car has quick acceleration and corners extremely well (little to no roll, and doesn't understeer like most fwd cars). the down side is there is no cup holder, abs light comes on frequently and gets only about 17mpg. other than that, its the best "beater" ive ever owned.

SKREEMR

I have had an Accord Wagon, 4 Runner, Subary Legacy Wagon, two Integras, Two Preludes and two Civics as my winter cars since I moved here several years ago.
THe longest owned "beeter" is my current 98 Civic EK.