Ok, so I'm tired of the soaring gas prices and owning an SUV. So I have begun the research to find a good commuter car. However, in my search a few other things have crossed my mind and now I'm in a rut trying to find something perfect to fit me. I'm calling on all of you to offer up ideas on a good daily driver/weekend project car. I have some guidelines to follow, so here they are:

1. Tight budget, so it can't cost more than $3k
2. Looking for something in a 4 Cyl. model
3. Good gas mileage. Looking for 20MPG or more
4. Must be sporty and fun to drive. Preferably a coupe.
5. Must be rear wheel drive.
6. Must have decent after market support. (ie. body, engine, suspension....)


That's all the requirement. I know it's a tough bill to fit, but I'm looking for any suggestions. I am not against any particular name so foreign or domestic is fine. The only option I have found that fits that bill so far is the Nissan 240SX. I'm looking for any OTHER suggestions out there. Thanks guys!!!

 

basically you are dealing with a early miata or 240sx. If you go 240, make sure its a twin cam.

 

hey de i dun know the pricing cos i from singapore but get the 350z it is RWD

 

Not the brightest star in the sky are we SL?

 

Hmmm...i didn't know 3g's translated to 33 i guess i didn't get the memo

 

i have a 240SX, the S14 version. it's nice. i am going to more than likely get it on the road, as it has been parked for about 3 years. my maxima was just totalled, so it's a good excuse to get the S14 on the road. i bought in New York and drove it back to LA, and it's one of the best feeling rides i've ever been in. a smile is on my face in that car. the KA24DE is a good torquey little engine. mine is a 5spd manual, too.

i have VLSD for it, too. overall, the 240 is a wonderful car and it's a shame it didn't sell well in the states. it was overlooked and ignored and marketed to girls. then it was discontinued right before the big tuner craze hit. a shame. the S15 is even better. but we never got that car.

get the 240.

 

Look for a late 80's or early 90's 5.0L Mustang.
(I believe 1991 - 1993 models had airbags).

1) It's cheap
2) It's easy to work on
3) Lots of aftermarket support
4) plenty of online tech advice
5) Fuel economy ain't bad with manual trans
6) Great V-8 torque down low!

** If you really want a Hi-PO 4 banger look for a 1985 or 1986 SVO Mustang
It's a 4 cyl turbo with SVO suspension tuning.

-AL

 

until i read the $3,000 part i was thinking s2000, but that's not a coupe either...

it almost is with a hardtop, but hmm for that budget


tough one


i guess you've already answered your question though

 

Just buy a piece and tuff it out till you save enough to get a decent building block you can work with.
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