Another "looking for a car thread" :O

[Xilor]

Hello,

Those of you who have seen my Car Thread will know that I currently own a 2014 Ford Escape. Now I love that car very much, however its just not that entertaining to drive. And being a family SUV, it would be a silly idea to try to modify or tinker with it, not to mention I might have problems with the warranty if I tried.

So I've decided to purchase myself a 2nd, "fun" car, while I'm still in a position in my life where I can manage that both financially and time-wise.

-The max I'm willing to spend is $5000.
-Big preference towards Manual/RWD layout.
-I'd prefer a classic 2-door coupe, or a T-Top/Convertible. I'm also open to hot hatches but no sedans, estates, etc. unless its something special.
-Needs to be in acceptable running condition at the moment of purchase. In order for me to go through on this, I need to get my parents on board, (they won't give me any money, but I live in their house, so...) and they won't green light me on a car that's not running.

So far here are the cars I'm considering:

-Mazda Miata (obviously)
-Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird (really love the Firebird)
-Ford Mustang
-Honda Civic Type R (we only got 2nd gens)
-Mazda RX-7 (FB)
-Porsche 924/944/968
-BMW E30/E36

Craigslist is not popular in Canada, so if any of you guys were kind enough to search for cars with me, we have Kijiji (http://www.kijiji.ca/h-ville-de-quebec/1700124?siteLocale=en_CA) or AutoTrader (my location is Quebec City).

Many thanks.

 

[Zenith]

FB RX-7

Since this won't be your DD it won't be crippling when the car does out of action for repairs and maintenance.

I'd advise against the Mustang and Camaro. Without mods (which cost more money than you appear to have) they're missing most of their potential.

 

[Joey D]

I just checked Craigslist, it's available and there's one for Quebec City assuming you can read French.

 

[JMoney]

From your list up there I think the Firebird would be the best option. Mustangs and Camaros are too common (at least down here they are), Civics are, well, crap in my opinion, and a Miata lacks any real power.

But I wouldn't get a Firebird, as cool as they are.

In the few years I'm looking to save up for a Porsche 928 or 944 (although I'm not sure if you could find one very easily in Quebec). They are surprisingly easy to find for cheap, but they can have higher maintenance costs depending on age and mileage.

 

[Slash]

Tack another Firebird onto the list.

 

[Doodle]

We don't have Craigslist or anything like that in Canada

http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites#CA

 

[Tyger]

I'd go for a 944, you might even get an S2 or cabrio for that kind of money, or a relatively standard 968. I think 928s go for a fair bit more but you might get a tatty one if you don't mind putting the work in. Or you could even go for a pretty sorted 924, perhaps a special or turbo.

EDIT: Actually having checked prices, swap 928 for 968, it seems 928s go for less than I thought, and 968s a lot more

 

[Turtle]

...and a Miata lacks any real power.

So? They weigh nothing. A '96 or '97 Miata won't be too far behind a 5.0 fox body in a straight line.

Also going to suggest an RX-7, as Zenith did, as well as the FR Porsches people are mentioning. If you decide to go for a Porsche, be prepared to spend some time trying to find the right one. Buying the first one you see in your price range could end up being a nightmare.

 

[Slash]

I would think a 5.0 Fox would dust a stock Miata in a straight line. I mean there's only a few hundred pound difference, nearly 80 horsepower difference and the Fox has almost 200 lb-ft of more torque. On paper it should eat a Miata.

 

[Space Dynamics]

1989-91 325is

Had one for a few years. Raced it at thunderhill raceway and multiple autocrosses with over 245k miles on the engine. Very reliable.

 

[Xilor]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I just checked Craigslist, it's available and there's one for Quebec City assuming you can read French.

Should have phrased that better, we do have Craigslist, but its not very popular, the two sites I posted in the OP are much more active.

FB RX-7

That's a great idea, actually. I've always loved RX7's and there appears to be a lot of them in my area as well. Might give a call to inquire about this one

I'd go for a 944, you might even get an S2 or cabrio for that kind of money, or a relatively standard 968. I think 928s go for a fair bit more but you might get a tatty one if you don't mind putting the work in. Or you could even go for a pretty sorted 924, perhaps a special or turbo.

I'd love a Porsche. Most of the ones for sale in my area currently are marked as project cars though, but I'll definitely add it on the list, same for the BMW.👍

 

[JMoney]

So? They weigh nothing. A '96 or '97 Miata won't be too far behind a 5.0 fox body in a straight line.

I've actually driven a '91 Mercury Capri as a daily driver for a couple months (same engine, similar weight as a Miata) and I liked that it was light but it just wasn't powerful enough. And that's not to mention the femine nature of a Miata.

You could get a 928S with about triple the horsepower of an early Miata for about the same price, however 944's look better.

 

[Turtle]

I've actually driven a '91 Mercury Capri as a daily driver for a couple months (same engine, similar weight as a Miata) and I liked that it was light but it just wasn't powerful enough. And that's not to mention the femine nature of a Miata.

You could get a 928S with about triple the horsepower of an early Miata for about the same price, however 944's look better.

I don't mind the "feminine nature" of Miatas.

And a 928 for the price of a Miata? Either you're looking at a 928 with terrible brake and body problems (those are the most expensive to fix if I remember correctly) or Miatas are really expensive in your area. Or maybe they're just really cheap over here.

I would think a 5.0 Fox would dust a stock Miata in a straight line. I mean there's only a few hundred pound difference, nearly 80 horsepower difference and the Fox has almost 200 lb-ft of more torque. On paper it should eat a Miata.

You're probably right. I hadn't taken into account torque. But don't they weigh, like, a full thousand pounds more than a Miata?

 

[Slash]

No, Fox Mustangs, especially notchbacks, weigh maybe 2500-2600lbs. Not sure what Miatas weigh but I think its only a few hundred less. The original 64-66 Mustang weighed around 2800 and the Mustang II was anywhere from 2500-2900.

 

[Doodle]

What are your thoughts on this Nissan Pulsar GTi-R?
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...upe/594327170?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[Xilor]

For all their merits, I never really cared about the way older Fox-Bodies look, not to mention they're very rare here for some reason (I see maybe 1 per month, and its usually an extremely clean, garage queen type of car).

I'm much more fond of the SN-95 Mustangs, like this one.

What are your thoughts on this Nissan Pulsar GTi-R?
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...upe/594327170?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Looks pretty interesting, I didn't even know they were sold here. I'll do some research as I don't know anything at all about them, but I'll be on the lookout.👍

 

[Turtle]

No, Fox Mustangs, especially notchbacks, weigh maybe 2500-2600lbs. Not sure what Miatas weigh but I think its only a few hundred less.

I was talking about the later ones. What I'm reading online states that pre '86 Mustangs could weigh as little as 2,600, but that '86 and up ones weighed right around 3,000 pounds in notchback form and a little above in hatch form.

 

[Slash]

That sounds about right. 3000 is the average.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

Looks pretty interesting, I didn't even know they were sold here. I'll do some research as I don't know anything at all about them, but I'll be on the lookout.👍

I'd be pretty careful with regards to the GTi-R. The gearbox is made of chocolate (and that's coming from a WRX owner ), wheel bearings are weak and the SR20DET in this tune is a bitch to get running right.

 

[Xilor]

Would it be a stupid idea to buy an Alfa Romeo in Canada? There's a beautiful 164 for sale relatively close to me: http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...-ls/599466519?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[JMoney]

Would it be a stupid idea to buy an Alfa Romeo in Canada? There's a beautiful 164 for sale relatively close to me: http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...-ls/599466519?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

That one, yes. I'd consider a Spider however.

 

[JMoney]

I don't mind the "feminine nature" of Miatas.

And a 928 for the price of a Miata? Either you're looking at a 928 with terrible brake and body problems (those are the most expensive to fix if I remember correctly) or Miatas are really expensive in your area. Or maybe they're just really cheap over here.

About a month ago I found an '82 928S in decent shape in Louisville with 120,000 miles for exactly $5,000. If I remember correctly the only problem listed was the broken-in seats.

Edit: Sorry about the double-post...

 

[Turtle]

About a month ago I found an '82 928S in decent shape in Louisville with 120,000 miles for exactly $5,000. If I remember correctly the only problem listed was the broken-in seats.

Either that was the deal of a lifetime or the owner "forgot" to mention some other problems.

 

[Xilor]

An another crazy idea I've had is to get a Lada of some sort.

I have to explain, I was born in Russia even though I live in Canada now, so I've always felt a certain affinity towards Russian cars. Ladas don't appear for sale often anymore, but when they do, they're usually dirt cheap. Not sure if it would be too over the top crazy though.

I'm thinking something like this (though not that one exactly since its across the country from me)

 

[Jet Badger]

Nivas are good offroaders. Extremely good ones at that for what they are. They aren't fast though (half a minute 0-100 anyone?) or exeptionally reliable, especially under heavy abuse. The "classic" Ladas aren't exactly sports cars either, though they make for nice project cars, minding you're willing and able to go through extensive modifications.

 

[Xilor]

Need your guys' advice on this: 1999 Honda Prelude, 150k kms (90k miles) on the engine, unknown mileage on the body, I'll give him a call tomorrow. According to the pictures, its extremely clean, never modified. The car is fully loaded, everything is electric, A/C, etc. I'm a bit wary of the low price, but the guy says in the description he urgently needs money for a divorce so who knows.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...bleSearchNavigationFlag=true&siteLocale=en_CA

I know that its FWD, but those Honda chassis are very well sorted, not sure which engine it has (in the description he only says its a VTEC), its probably the 2.2L I4 good for 195hp, which is quite good as is, and I can probably push it up to 220-230hp easily with some minor mods.

 

[TripleA5]

Not sure how far you're willing to go but i found this: http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Pontiac/...RICHELIEU/Quebec/19_7930415_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

 

[Bopop4]

Not sure how far you're willing to go but i found this: http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Pontiac/...RICHELIEU/Quebec/19_7930415_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

> Auto
> 300k on a Pontiac

Lol

 

[-Fred-]

Need your guys' advice on this: 1999 Honda Prelude, 150k kms (90k miles) on the engine, unknown mileage on the body, I'll give him a call tomorrow. According to the pictures, its extremely clean, never modified. The car is fully loaded, everything is electric, A/C, etc. I'm a bit wary of the low price, but the guy says in the description he urgently needs money for a divorce so who knows.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...bleSearchNavigationFlag=true&siteLocale=en_CA

I know that its FWD, but those Honda chassis are very well sorted, not sure which engine it has (in the description he only says its a VTEC), its probably the 2.2L I4 good for 195hp, which is quite good as is, and I can probably push it up to 220-230hp easily with some minor mods.

Uhmm, yeah. Reading that description, it's owned by a kid. We all know how most kids are behind the wheel. General lack of grammar, plus the fact he's claiming the new engine is starting to consume oil while VTEC is engaged... I'd avoid that one. Probably not just because of a divorce/separation that the price is low.

I've owned a 5th gen Prelude some, what, 8-10 years ago, and they're very good cars, but you have to maintain them properly. The H-Series engines are prone to severe oil consumption over time, and it gets worse if you drive them hard. And they're an absolute bitch to work on, it's like they shoehorned that engine in there. Clutches are pricey, and the gearboxes are very fragile, especially for a Honda. Also I'd recommend avoiding the SH model, the diff is extremely complicated, pricey, and doesn't actually offer much of a difference in actual feel. Avoid the automatics too, which, thanks to Honda's "made of glass" auto gearboxes of the era, and with the corresponding ECU, is about 25-30hp down on the manual models.

Well maintained models do exist, and if you can find one for a reasonable price, it'll make for a great car.

 

[Tornado]

That automatic isn't the same transmission as the one from the Monte Carlo that would pop like a balloon as soon as you put more than 200 horsepower behind it.



Though I'd still stay far away from a very high mileage version of the hottest trim level for a car with a known history of being owned by douchey teens.