First real job, looking for my first self purchased car. Any suggestions?

[Slash]

You obviously just saw something you didn't like and started saying I'm ignorant.
Potential only means something more is possible, it doesn't mean anything for a guy who's just barely getting on his feet trying to buy a car for less than 5k hoping it can serve as a fun daily with possible autoX attempts down the road.
OP can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think he posted this looking for project car suggestions.
I'm pretty sure he gave a list of qualities he'd hope to get under 5k and left us with the job of making suggestions for daily drivers that can be fun or sporty and still get the DD job done.
Potential just doesn't matter much in that light.

Hell, if you want potential buy a ****** old mustang for 1k and spend 4k fixing it. There, happy?
Big help you were to this fella who's trying to get a realistic start to his DD motoring.

But hey, you might be right slash, this guy just might be looking for a project.

I was thinking practical.
Not potential.

Yes because the Fox is SUCH a bad car for most everything. Right. For a new driver it's perfectly fine, you don't need to pull 1.2g's on a skidpad just to say you can.

Btw, how's your project coming along? I mean, with all the talk you do about how easily a person can have a beast fox body I'd imagine you've moved on from filling in the dodge lettering on your parents' mini-van's engine.

I'm piss ass broke right now due to not having a job. If I was working that van would be in the scrap yard right now.

It will be costly, there's no avoiding it. If you quadruple the power of an engine you cannot expect to spend a small amount of money and have trouble free motoring.

But compared to the alternative suggestions which aren't American? It's big.

I'm not saying he needs 400 horse, I'm saying the capability is there. There's more to a car than it's engine.

 

[Kent]

@Slash Why do you think I'm speaking down on the mustangs? I'm not.
I'm saying an old beat down mustang isn't great for reliable, cheap transportation. Get that through your "piss broke" head.

What is it that makes you think a Fox body with a budget of 5k is going to be a more reliable, economical, and an "overall" better car than something like an '02 Civic Si?
Do you really think the level of "sport" you get from that old fox body will be enough to warrant ignoring all the other aspects of what makes the Civic a better choice?
Hell, have you ever even been in a car like the SI with a K20 engine?

Btw, I had to expand the cars.com search out to 500 miles from the bay area just to find a fox body in the results.
Of the two I found one actually looked pretty good.

'92 5.0 convertible (right at 5k)
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/621661771/overview/

'93 GT
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/625991697/overview/

 

[Slash]

@Slash Why do you think I'm speaking down on the mustangs? I'm not.
I'm saying an old beat down mustang isn't great for reliable, cheap transportation. Get that through your piss broke head.

You'd have to look at them and weigh your options. Something like this:

is not going to be good. In his budget you can find clean models, likely with some aftermarket that will enhance reliability and driveability and that will be reliable and overall cheap transportation. They are out there. It's up to the buyer to know what to look for.

 

[Kent]

You'd have to look at them and weigh your options. Something like this:

is not going to be good. In his budget you can find clean models, likely with some aftermarket that will enhance reliability and driveability and that will be reliable and overall cheap transportation. They are out there. It's up to the buyer to know what to look for.

So instead of calling me ignorant and lazy how about you stop being both and provide the OP with help. Show him what to look for, give him some options. Hell, I went and did a search through cars.com, came up with a handful of viable options, and most of them are nearly 10 years younger than the "potentially" badass fox bodies you keep going on about (for what reason I don't know).

Seriously, put your money where your mouth is.
Or is this going to be a matter of being "piss broke" again?

Better yet, how about you just get over yourself and realize the answer to every car question isn't going to be Ford pony car.

 

[Slash]

So instead of calling me ignorant and lazy how about you stop being both and provide the OP with help. Show him what to look for, give him some options. Hell, I went and did a search through cars.com, came up with a handful of viable options, and most of them are nearly 10 years younger than the "potentially" badass fox bodies you keep going on about (for what reason I don't know).

Seriously, put your money where your mouth is.
Or is this going to be a matter of being "piss broke" again?

Better yet, how about you just get over yourself and realize the answer to every car question isn't going to be Ford pony car.

I'm not saying there aren't other options out there but the amount of "what you can do per dollar" doesn't compare in most cases. The car has proven itself over the last 30+ years and the engine over the last 50.

 

[Kent]

I'm not saying there aren't other options out there but the amount of "what you can do per dollar" doesn't compare in most cases. The car has proven itself over the last 30+ years and the engine over the last 50.

What in the hell are you even talking about?
This isn't fantasy football or some other kind of fantasy crap where the potential to be awesome is what matters.
Hell, the VW beetle from 40 years ago has insane potential, does that mean we should be suggesting it here?

Like I said, get over yourself, help the guy out or just accept the fact that you're blowing your own pipe dreams into this thread as if it's actually helping anyone.

Finding a decent Foxbody (which I actually did for the guy when you wouldn't) is going to fill his budget right off the bat. Potential per the dollar? Potential per the dollar doesn't do much good when you don't have any dollars.

How's this for potential per dollar...
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627245441/overview/

There's more potential to keep him on the road and driving for longer with less trouble in that car than there is with almost anything else mentioned.
Comes in under budget, only 94k miles, cheap to repair if anything happens but chances are nothing will happen since those are bullet proof.

Weigh your options on that one.
Frankly, it's not the sports car OP is asking for but it just might be the best car for the money if you can live with blending in and mundane driving.

Hell, between that car's reliability, economy, and potential life span, I'd say the OP could buy it, and start saving for a sports car, then be able to buy the sports car before that thing is dead.

 

[Slash]

Finding a decent Foxbody (which I actually did for the guy when you wouldn't) is going to fill his budget right off the bat.

Except it doesn't have to.

Potential per the dollar? Potential per the dollar doesn't do much good when you don't have any dollars.

How's this for potential per dollar...
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627245441/overview/

There's more potential to keep him on the road and driving for longer with less trouble in that car than there is with almost anything else mentioned.
Comes in under budget, only 94k miles, cheap to repair if anything happens but chances are nothing will happen since those are bullet proof.

Weigh your options on that one.

I'm talking about potential performance per dollar.

Frankly, it's not the sports car OP is asking for but it just might be the best car for the money if you can live with blending in and mundane driving.

I'm not going to even bother.

 

[Kent]

@Slash You really can't bother.
Truth is, you haven't provided one example of a car that fits the OPs request. You haven't even provided an example of your unicorn foxbody.
You scoff at the camry yet find redeeming qualities in your parents 20 year old dodge minivan (when in reality we both know the camry would be just as "engaging" to drive and just as "fast," probably better in both categories).

Fact is, you're just going on and on about a unicorn foxbody that might be out there somewhere and what amazing potential it has to be a dominating track car (at some insanely cheap price that we aren't even going to pretend is realistic for the OP). :unimpressed:

Meanwhile I can take 3 minutes to search the bay area and find something like this...

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627277693/overview/

Potent engine, reliable, luxurious, "good" looking, RWD, good condition. etc etc etc...

Or maybe he'd like something lightweight and MR like the MR2 I linked earlier?
Point is, at least I'm actually trying to help instead of just rambling on about how the mighty foxbody can solve any buyers problems with a little garage time, money, and potential.

 

[Slash]

@Slash You really can't bother.
Truth is, you haven't provided one example of a car that fits the OPs request. You haven't even provided an example of your unicorn foxbody.
You scoff at the camry yet find redeeming qualities in your parents 20 year old dodge minivan (when in reality we both know the camry would be just as "engaging" to drive and just as "fast," probably better in both categories).

You realize I had no choice in taking that vehicle because it was given to me to get on my feet right?

Fact is, you're just going on and on about a unicorn foxbody that might be out there somewhere and what amazing potential it has to be a dominating track car (at some insanely cheap price that we aren't even going to pretend is realistic for the OP). :unimpressed:

Considering this Mustang II can do it in under $6,000 inlcuding body mods I'd say it should be easy as hell for a Fox...

Meanwhile I can take 3 minutes to search the bay area and find something like this...

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627277693/overview/

Looking locally. Took 5 minutes.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4847025547.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4843214254.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4856550029.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4865566969.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4823882888.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4871262877.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4799206517.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4860285027.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4856856590.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4855732507.html


Nope, they totally aren't out there.

Potent engine, reliable, luxurious, "good" looking, RWD, good condition. etc etc etc...

Or maybe he'd like something lightweight and MR like the MR2 I linked earlier?
Point is, at least I'm actually trying to help instead of just rambling on about how the mighty foxbody can solve any buyers problems with a little garage time, money, and potential.

I said before there are other options out there. The Fox isn't the only one but it consistently makes Top 10 lists for budget performance cars all the time. I wonder why.

 

[Kent]

@Slash I wonder why none of those are in California.
Good job helping the OP bud. 👍

I loved the Scissor door modded one. Or the two rusty ones at the end really looked awesome.
In all fairness, one looked good (a black convertible) and one looked so heavily modded I wouldn't be confident ownership will be cheap or economical.

Regardless of the above, you still aren't telling the owner what to look for or where to get something anywhere near him.

Then again, maybe he can buy one of those 1500 foxbody mustangs in upstate NY and use the leftover 3500 to do the flight and road trip needed to actually purchase it.

Keep trying pony boy.

 

[Slash]

@Slash I wonder why none of those are in California.
Good job helping the OP bud. 👍

It's not my job to hunt Craigslist for him. The suggestion is there if he wants it. I dropped a suggestion and intended to let it go until you jumped on me. I'd have helped more if he asked questions.

Regardless of the above, you still aren't telling the owner what to look for or where to get something anywhere near him.

http://www.fiveohinfo.com/tech/buying-a-foxbody.html

Then again, maybe he can buy one of those 1500 foxbody mustangs in upstate NY and use the leftover 3500 to do the flight and road trip needed to actually purchase it.

Keep trying pony boy.

Yes, because buying a cheap car means there is going to be so much wrong with it . I admit, you have to be careful, but don't let that deter you.

 

[Joey D]

Kent, do you always have to be a jerk to people while using a bunch of smilies to be even more sarcastic? Serious question.

Looking on cars.com isn't going to yield a ton of results, however looking for Mustangs on Craigslist will:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4861724950.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4867599245.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4859971843.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4864765463.html

Even then, I probably wouldn't suggest a Mustang, but that doesn't mean @Slash is wrong. Look I get tired of the Ford F'YEAH from to time to, but that's not a free pass to be a jerk, especially when he's not incorrect.

Continuing on Craigslist it looks like there's several possibilties:

98 BMW 328i
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4863556009.html

95 BMW M3
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/4856495326.html

91 Toyota MR2
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/4870467310.html

88 Porsche 944
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4867644979.html

87 Chrysler Conquest
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4831585437.html

There's a ton of options on Craigslist, but it looks like a BMW is probably the best bet in your price range if you want something that you can autocross with right out of the box. However, if you are going to race your car please take into account that it's still your daily driver and that racing will break stuff.

 

[Slash]

I try to not jump directly to the Fox, but is a fantastic platform to have fun with for cheap, just as the MR2 or M3s are that Joey linked above. They aren't too awful out of the box and they have the support behind them and the potential to be a Ferrari killer if you throw money at it, while doing it for reasonable amounts of money. That's all I was getting at.



It's merely a suggestion, and it's his choice ultimately.

 

[Tornado]

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627277693/overview/

Fantastic potential future autocrosser, there. It being his first car he's paying for himself, it's great that there's no chance of having anything expensive to break that will cost more than the entire car to fix. The Celica with 200,000 miles and the Prelude with 130,000 certainly won't be money holes before he even considers any track use either.

 

[Kent]

Fantastic potential future autocrosser, there. No chance of having anything expensive to break that will cost more than the entire car that he's paying for himself to fix. The Celica with 200,000 miles and the Prelude with 140,000 certainly won't be money holes before he even considers any track use either.

Obviously you've never had experience with the many Hondas (and the like) capable or running redline day after day and screaming on toward 300k+ miles.

@Slash
I agree with you that the Mustang is a good option, I just don't think it's the be all and end all of the issue. I like to see many options presented in a situation like this and I think we've both made our points.

 

[Slash]

Obviously you've never had experience with the many Hondas (and the like) capable or running redline day after day and screaming on toward 300k+ miles.

@Slash
I agree with you that the Mustang is a good option, I just don't think it's the be all and end all of the issue. I like to see many options presented in a situation like this and I think we've both made our points.

To be fair, I don't think it's the be all end all either But indeed, we have.

 

[Leggy1]

Obviously you've never had experience with the many Hondas (and the like) capable or running redline day after day and screaming on toward 300k+ miles.

You can always put faith into a Honda car, bike, lawnmower, atv etc.

However, nothing will last forever. And being a potential track/autocross car, there will come a time when things will break and buying a high mile example wouldn't be wise in this case.

 

[Tornado]

Obviously you've never had experience with the many Hondas (and the like) capable or running redline day after day and screaming on toward 300k+ miles.

That's nice. Does that VTEC goodness extend to the transmission? That "Type SH" Prelude has an automatic, from a time period where "Honda automatic" was a very scary concept indeed; and a cursory Google search reveals a common problem with the Prelude just like there was with the Accord of the same vintage. It might even be the same design. Is it still on the original transmission? If so it probably doesn't have too much time left on it unless it was absolutely babied. What's the shift quality? What has been the service history for fluid changes? You want to talk about holes to dump money in like you were with Fox bodies, let's talk about a transmission job on a transverse engined FWD car with a slushbox. Especially one possibly on its 2nd or 3rd owner.




On top of that, SH Preludes couldn't be had with automatics. Was it swapped in, or is the buyer misrepresenting the car as a trim level that it isn't, or does he simply not know what trim level his car is? He doesn't say, so what else isn't he saying?

 

[McLaren]

Looking locally. Took 5 minutes.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4847025547.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4843214254.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4856550029.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4865566969.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4823882888.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4871262877.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4799206517.html
http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4860285027.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4856856590.html
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4855732507.html

Nope, they totally aren't out there.

OP, a good reminder to search Craigslist as a last resort & even then, ignore 90% of the ads.

Can't believe how hard it is for people to include basic information or at least, give something more detailed than, "Dur, runs & drives! Needs a battery & other things though, b/c it actually hasn't gone anywhere in the last 4 years"

 

[phillgt2002]

I'll sum up a response to what I think about what has been said here. I was on a flight, so I couldn't partake actively.

 

[phillgt2002]

So, reading this..

I see that @Slash is pointing me towards a Fox Body Mustang. When a V8 car was mentioned, my mind automatically went to that. It's cheap, easy to work on, cheap to improve, but I don't know if it'd be exactly ideal for a first car, in my mind at-least. Slapping power into things is cool, but really, I'm the kind of guy that puts structural components first before engine components. The Fox Body would be a great 2nd car. Think of fuel economy also. I'm looking for something that'd be good for at-least some long trips in CA. SF to LA is a long ride, so is SF to Yosemite. Also, my buddies and I plan on doing a meet up somewhere in Florida. SF to Florida... think about that.. basically cutting across the US.

@Kent

I see that you want me to stay away from older Mustangs and are trying to push against the whole "potential" search and leaning for a more practical approach. I get what you mean. FWD will introduce a whole other tier of cars, so I guess I'll just show a little interest in FWD. @Doog mentioned the Integra and that really made me think. Those cars are super cheap and available. I could probably go for one of those, though many are in horrific condition. The Bay Area is kind-of known for having well kept cars, but those are hard to find in an okay condition at a cheap price. The edition Integra mentioned is a bit steep for what it is, but I do understand that it can be a really nice track package when needed.

A BMW is something that I'd probably like, but I think that I'd stay away from a M3 for now. I'd be completely fine with a regular 3-Series BMW and just do simple bolt on and structural upgrades. (that's really all I have planned with any suggestions.)

@Joey D

Porsche 944 is a no go. I hear those have decent amounts of problems.
MRS: Kind of in the Miata tier, though I think the Miata is a bit more attractive.

@Tornado

The Prelude is nasty. No, thank you.

I have some experience with Lexus due to me DD an IS300 for a while. Solid engine, capable chassis, but most are modded and the manual options are expensive due to their rarity.

No need to argue also. I'm just trying to figure things out. I should have this car at-least by the end of summer time.

There are bajillion tune-able FWD cars, so I think that'll be something to look into. Don't forget, some of the things in the OP are just preferences, not mandatory.

Lol @McLaren "Car runs great!" I get there to test drive. "Why isn't it starting?" "Oh, it runs great when it has a battery."

 

[Slash]

So, reading this..

I see that @Slash is pointing me towards a Fox Body Mustang. When a V8 car was mentioned, my mind automatically went to that. It's cheap, easy to work on, cheap to improve, but I don't know if it'd be exactly ideal for a first car, in my mind at-least. Slapping power into things is cool, but really, I'm the kind of guy that puts structural components first before engine components. The Fox Body would be a great 2nd car. Think of fuel economy also. I'm looking for something that'd be good for at-least some long trips in CA. SF to LA is a long ride, so is SF to Yosemite. Also, my buddies and I plan on doing a meet up somewhere in Florida. SF to Florida... think about that.. basically cutting across the US.

@Kent

I see that you want me to stay away from older Mustangs and are trying to push against the whole "potential" search and leaning for a more practical approach. I get what you mean. FWD will introduce a whole other tier of cars, so I guess I'll just show a little interest in FWD. @Doog mentioned the Integra and that really made me think. Those cars are super cheap and available. I could probably go for one of those, though many are in horrific condition. The Bay Area is kind-of known for having well kept cars, but those are hard to find in an okay condition at a cheap price. The edition Integra mentioned is a bit steep for what it is, but I do understand that it can be a really nice track package when needed.

A BMW is something that I'd probably like, but I think that I'd stay away from a M3 for now. I'd be completely fine with a regular 3-Series BMW and just do simple bolt on and structural upgrades. (that's really all I have planned with any suggestions.)

@Joey D

Porsche 944 is a no go. I hear those have decent amounts of problems.
MRS: Kind of in the Miata tier, though I think the Miata is a bit more attractive.

@Tornado

The Prelude is nasty. No, thank you.

I have some experience with Lexus due to me DD an IS300 for a while. Solid engine, capable chassis, but most are modded and the manual options are expensive due to their rarity.

No need to argue also. I'm just trying to figure things out. I should have this car at-least by the end of summer time.

There are bajillion tune-able FWD cars, so I think that'll be something to look into. Don't forget, some of the things in the OP are just preferences, not mandatory.

Lol @McLaren "Car runs great!" I get there to test drive. "Why isn't it starting?" "Oh, it runs great when it has a battery."

Would you consider the 4 cylinder turbo Foxes?

 

[Tornado]

If you do go the E36 route, see if you can get a hold of //M-Spec. I'm not sure if there's something he didn't know about them.

 

[Dagger311]

If you're looking for FWD, try a Toyota Celica.

http://www.iseecars.com/used_cars-t5527-used-toyota-celica-under-5000#id=100130363515

For 5,000, that's as modern as I saw without going over 100,000 miles in Cali. Ask @ilikewaffles11 for more info, he owns an 85, could tell you lots of stuff about pretty much any Toyota.

 

[ilikewaffles11]

Yes, like dagger said a Celica would be quite nice for you. Most of them can be had under your price range and they'd make a practical daily yet still something you can have a little fun with. Since you said no older than '87, that leaves the MK4-7. I haven't checked MK7 prices lately (as frankly it's my least favorite Celica), but I think they're more expensive, so I would go for a 4-6, focusing on 5 and 6s.

So the 4th gens are gonna be the hardest to find. If you want something a little more sporty, go for a GTS just know that they're harder to find and cost more than say, a GT. Avoid any Celica ST model, the ST is the lowest trim level which for most gens uses a smaller Corolla engine, and very stripped out options and features. Unless you mainly want an economy car, in which they do quite well. I'm not entirely sure about parts availability for 4th gens. It's probably harder to find stuff for it than a 5 or 6 though. And as far as engines, the GT model has a 3SFE SOHC which I can't remember the displacement, whereas the GTS has a 2.0 DOHC 3SGE, which is a performance engine. Be careful to look for any rust.

The 5th gens are gonna be easier to find, and probably much cheaper. Especially in California you shouldn't have a problem finding one. The GT models have a 2.2 DOHC 5SFE which is the same engine used in the Camry, so it's absolutely bulletproof. The GTS shares this engine, however it has more options available, and it has the wider flared out fenders and a different front bumper. GTS is still the way to go if you can find one, prices between GT/GTS models don't seem to differ much for the 5th gens. The main problem for the 5SFE, they leak oil. That's about it. Just keep it topped off and be sure to check it and you'll have no issues. And again, rust.

And finally, you have the 6th gen. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm fairly certain they didn't sell it here in GTS trim. So that leaves the GT, which like the 5th gen, has the same 2.2L DOHC 5SFE. So again, bulletproof just watch the oil level. These are also quite easy to find for cheap. I actually own a 6th gen ('94 GT coupe) and I quite like it, it drives great, I've never had any major issues, and it's fun to drive. Mine is automatic though sadly, and I have no doubt it'd be miles more fun with a 5 speed. They like to rust as well, but being in California thats not a big deal.

So there's something to think about, let me know if you wanna know anything more.

 

[Dagger311]

Yes, like dagger said a Celica would be quite nice for you. Most of them can be had under your price range and they'd make a practical daily yet still something you can have a little fun with. Since you said no older than '87, that leaves the MK4-7. I haven't checked MK7 prices lately (as frankly it's my least favorite Celica), but I think they're more expensive, so I would go for a 4-6, focusing on 5 and 6s.

So the 4th gens are gonna be the hardest to find. If you want something a little more sporty, go for a GTS just know that they're harder to find and cost more than say, a GT. Avoid any Celica ST model, the ST is the lowest trim level which for most gens uses a smaller Corolla engine, and very stripped out options and features. Unless you mainly want an economy car, in which they do quite well. I'm not entirely sure about parts availability for 4th gens. It's probably harder to find stuff for it than a 5 or 6 though. And as far as engines, the GT model has a 3SFE SOHC which I can't remember the displacement, whereas the GTS has a 2.0 DOHC 3SGE, which is a performance engine. Be careful to look for any rust.

The 5th gens are gonna be easier to find, and probably much cheaper. Especially in California you shouldn't have a problem finding one. The GT models have a 2.2 DOHC 5SFE which is the same engine used in the Camry, so it's absolutely bulletproof. The GTS shares this engine, however it has more options available, and it has the wider flared out fenders and a different front bumper. GTS is still the way to go if you can find one, prices between GT/GTS models don't seem to differ much for the 5th gens. The main problem for the 5SFE, they leak oil. That's about it. Just keep it topped off and be sure to check it and you'll have no issues. And again, rust.

And finally, you have the 6th gen. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm fairly certain they didn't sell it here in GTS trim. So that leaves the GT, which like the 5th gen, has the same 2.2L DOHC 5SFE. So again, bulletproof just watch the oil level. These are also quite easy to find for cheap. I actually own a 6th gen ('94 GT coupe) and I quite like it, it drives great, I've never had any major issues, and it's fun to drive. Mine is automatic though sadly, and I have no doubt it'd be miles more fun with a 5 speed. They like to rust as well, but being in California thats not a big deal.

So there's something to think about, let me know if you wanna know anything more.

That's why I called him in!

 

[phillgt2002]

I've eyed the Celicas around here and they seem like they'd be okay. I'm not fond of the newer Celica body, so I think I may get an older one like a '97' or a bit older.

I've widened to range my FWD, and I've also looked into trucks (maybe a Toyota, Nissan) to build up to a off-road machine.

By March 15th, I should have 12%-15% of my goal. If work goes well for the summertime, I should be around 50%.

 

[Grandea GTR]

Dunno if you have it around there, but now that you are considering trucks, how about something like a Toyota pickup, like a T-100? Cheap and durable!

 

[phillgt2002]

Dunno if you have it around there, but now that you are considering trucks, how about something like a Toyota pickup, like a T-100? Cheap and durable!

I have considered those. I think I saw one of those the other day fitted with a lift and off-road tires. I love how bad-ass they look. If I do get one, I'll be using it for off-road fun and long trips.

Do you know much about the T-100 or the variants?

 

[Joey D]

The T-100's weren't the best trucks, they were mostly underpowered and undersized compared to their full-sized rivals. They came equipped with the same V6 that was in the Tacoma, but weighed several hundred pounds more. Also, they weren't available with an extended cab until later in their production so finding one with a token backseat might be tricky.

The Tacoma would probably be a better choice if you were going to get a Toyota truck (and I'll be biased and say you should). The only thing you need to watch for is rust since the early ones had horrible rust problems and were even recalled to be fixed. Parts are plentiful and reasonably inexpensive too, meaning if you do want to mod it doing so will be extremely easy.