Halp me choose a car

[sinkoman]

So, maybe about 2 months ago or so, I upgraded my 1999 Honda CR-V to a 2001 CR-V, which by all means was pretty much the exact same car (right down to the colour), other than the fact that the new one is AWD and 5 speed. I figured the CR-V was a nice and practical little car that worked well for me, since I needed to keep my tools in the back for work, and it fit my bike real nice when I went out riding. Of course, I could have spent my money on something a little more exciting, but I figured usability was far more important to me than drivability, and went ahead with buying the same car again.

Now, I have no idea what's come. Maybe it's just because it's the first time i've ever owned a manual transmission car, but i've been driving the damn thing like a maniac lately, and it's made me realize that, damn, I need something that's fast. **** practicality.

So, two months after buying the car, i'm in the market for another car. Something sporty. Something that hugs the road confidently, and pulls like a gorilla on crack. Well, raw horsepower isn't as important to me as good corner handling is, but I still want something light and fast.

Unfortunately though, my budget is severely restricted. I think that right now, the most I could muster toward a car is probably like 6,000 USD. I might be able to stretch my budget a little more if I can wait a lot longer, but I feel like 6,000 should be enough to get what I want. At this price range, i'm looking mostly at mid-late 90's japanese cars, preferably bone stock cars that haven't been modded to hell and back, which I can spend a little money on to get to the performance I want. RWD preferably.

Of course a Civic hatchback is one of the first cars that comes to mind at this price point. They seem like great cars too, I really do like them, but the fact that they're FF kind of scares me off of the car. I've never had a GOOD chance to drive one in person, but a good friend of mine who was all about his EK-9 conversion (till he sold it) tells me that, like any FF car, they're really prone to understeer and really suck through turns. I also don't like that they're basically a moped car, in that they're really easy to steal and part out.

Conveniently, a friend of a friend is selling his recently completed civic EG hatch for 4,500. The body is your typical primer shit, but the motor is pretty awesome. Pretty much an almost fully "built" B16 bored and sleeved to 1.8, + single turbo. I hear the car pushes something like 270hp to the wheels right now, and could easily make over 300 with a fresh ECU and a dyno tune. The motor is pretty fresh too, cause i'm pretty sure he's only had the car running for a few months now. I've personally seen this car smash a stock 07 STI in a straight line. It's really tempting, I really want to buy it, but 300hp to the front wheels just sounds like suicide to me!

Idk, you guys have any ideas? I can't really think of other cars to be on the lookout for other than the Civics, 240sx, and maybe a Miata if i can become comfortable enough with my sexuality. Thoughts on the civic? Just thoughts in general?

(Where's that JDM_accord dude?)

 

[Stormy]

I been driving the Mark I Clown for around 2 years now and its just brillent. The miles per gallon are not the best admittedly but the feel of the wind through my rainbow locks is just priceless.

 

[FrostedxB]

Look for a 300 ZX. Twin Turbo is applicable.

 

[Barnz]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/ea-rolls-out-100-car-for-need-for-speed-world-6347632

It's only $100!

 

[DEATHMASTER]

SLR Mclaren.

 

[Krynn72]

Dodge Caliber

 

[AKIRA]

I recently just bought a 94 Honda Prelude VTEC (top of the line model with leather seats and the VTEC 190hp DOHC motor). It can be had for under $5k in good condition, reliable as hell, pretty damn fast for a 4 cyl(0-60 in 6.5 seconds).

Here are some pics of it:

If you want something faster then you might want to look into 1990-1996 Nissan 300zx's or 1986-1992 Toyota Supra Turbo's

90-96 Nissan 300zx:

86-92 Toyota Supra:

I would go for the Supra because they're pretty fast in Turbo form, reliable as hell AND they come with T-Tops. I'm a huge car enthusiast so let me know what you think. If I were you, I would steer clear of German cars because they are known to be extremely unreliable and parts/labour will KILL your wallet. I would stick to early Japanese coupes if you want speed, reliability and quality all in one cheap price.

 

[AKIRA]

Also, I would steer clear of converted and heavily modifed FF cars. Why? Torque steer and wheel hop. Unless the front suspension is significantly beefed up it'll be a pain in the ass to get traction and launch off 1st gear.

You live in a warm climate right? Hell, I'd just focus on FR cars.

Another one that slipped my mind was either a mk1 or mk2 Toyota MR-2. If you can deal with just the 2 seats it's absolutely amazing to drive. Mid-Engined, RWD, pretty fast if you get the turbo version of the mk2 MR2.

Mk1 MR-2 (These came in supercharged form as well):

Mk2 MR-2:

One other thing about the 86-92 Supra's. If you're going to look at them, make sure they have had their head gasket replaced. It was a common problem for them to fail but Toyota never recalled any. Most should have had that problem addressed though.

 

[Robbo]

I need something that's fast. **** practicality

Get both! Will require a rather large drive to get it home :S

 

[Krynn72]

ITT: Poor people's cars. From the 90s? Really?

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Get a Tata.

 

[sixteenth]

Mitsubishi 3000GT (twin-turbo v6 preferably). My dream car that I'll never have because I made the regrettable decision to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 

[AKIRA]

ITT: Poor people's cars. From the 90s? Really?

Ahh, the idiotic babbling of someone who knows nothing about cars.

 

[15357]

Apparently, the older the car is, the better it is. Kinda like artwork, I suppose.

That's all I know about cars.

 

[Escaep]

Get a pick em up truck.

 

[Stylo]

I drive a Chevrolet Movie Theatre.

 

[Krynn72]

Ahh, the idiotic babbling of someone who knows nothing about cars.

What makes 90smobiles better than modern vehicles, other than the fact that they're cheap because they're from the 90s and have shitloads of wear and tear?

Also, for the record, I drive a '93 Buick Regal, but hey, at least its a luxury car. Plus it was free and it only has 60k miles on it.

Also, also for the record, I only read the thread title. So I don't know if there was a "must be from the 90's" stipulation somewhere.

 

[Stylo]

But old cars are shit...

 

[Krynn72]

Exactly, if I were looking to buy a car today, I wouldn't be looking for a 93 Buick regal, nor any other car thats twenty years old. But then again, I don't like stupid things and I'm not dumb enough to invest thousands of dollars in old technology.

 

[Stylo]

One at a time, ladies.

 

[sinkoman]

Well, i'd love to go out and buy a brand new STi hatch, but that isn't really feasible for my checkbook. Besides, late 90's cars offer great bang for your buck as far as performance goes. I'm looking for more of a project car than a long term investment.

 

[AKIRA]

What makes 90smobiles better than modern vehicles, other than the fact that they're cheap because they're from the 90s and have shitloads of wear and tear?

Also, for the record, I drive a '93 Buick Regal, but hey, at least its a luxury car. Plus it was free and it only has 60k miles on it.

Also, also for the record, I only read the thread title. So I don't know if there was a "must be from the 90's" stipulation somewhere.

First if you had any knowledge whatsoever about cars you wouldn't ask such a dumb question. A 90's Buick isn't nearly as good as a 90's Honda/Toyota or a Honda/Toyota Sports car which got a lot better tech than a Buick.

Everyone knows that American cars in the 80's and 90's were garbage and to compare them with Japanese cars would be dumb. He also said that he wanted a car for max $6k. What new car can be had for $6k?

As for 90's tech vs current tech not much is different in drivetrain technology. Take the Supra I posted. That has more performance then a base Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris. Has more creature comforts and safety features as well.

Maybe you shouldn't post about something you know absolutely nothing about. Newer =/= better. Do your research next time before you post.

 

[Eejit]

He also said that he wanted a car for max $6k. What new car can be had for $6k?

Derp. My 2007 car was the equivalent of 7.7k USD, and I'd been considering many almost as good and new below 6k before deciding to push the boat out a little. There are literally thousands of cars from the noughties you could get for $6k even over here with our high sales tax.
Those Toyota's you're suggesting can cost <$1k, they're hardly the pinnacle of what's available in his budget.

 

[Krynn72]

First if you had any knowledge whatsoever about cars you wouldn't ask such a dumb question. A 90's Buick isn't nearly as good as a 90's Honda/Toyota or a Honda/Toyota Sports car which got a lot better tech than a Buick.

Everyone knows that American cars in the 80's and 90's were garbage and to compare them with Japanese cars would be dumb. He also said that he wanted a car for max $6k. What new car can be had for $6k?

As for 90's tech vs current tech not much is different in drivetrain technology. Take the Supra I posted. That has more performance then a base Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris. Has more creature comforts and safety features as well.

Maybe you shouldn't post about something you know absolutely nothing about. Newer =/= better. Do your research next time before you post.

The last line cracked me up. That whole tirade and yet you say that a 90s Buick isn't nearly as good as a Honda/Toyota. Do you even know anything about the Buick Regal? Its engine was ranked in the top 10 engines of the 20th century, and the GM platform is considered one of the most reliable ones made. A very high percentage of Buick Regals made it to 150k+ miles needing no major repairs if even half-assedly maintained. When I was living in Louisiana, a Mechanic I brought my car to (for my air conditioner) told me that he was still driving HIS buick regal with ~230k miles and it was running fine. My car has power windows and locks, power seats, power mirrors, dual zone air conditioning (passenger/driver), the 3.8L v6 3800 engine on the GM W platform, and every single person who rides in my car tells me how smooth the suspension and how comfortable the ride is. Tell me, which of your ~'93 cars has so much better tech than my Buick? I doubt any of them have better tech in any other area besides the herpderpspeed category. Even then, I doubt the advantage in that aspect are terribly significant.

 

[AKIRA]

The last line cracked me up. That whole tirade and yet you say that a 90s Buick isn't nearly as good as a Honda/Toyota. Do you even know anything about the Buick Regal? Its engine was ranked in the top 10 engines of the 20th century, and the GM platform is considered one of the most reliable ones made. A very high percentage of Buick Regals made it to 150k+ miles needing no major repairs if even half-assedly maintained. When I was living in Louisiana, a Mechanic I brought my car to (for my air conditioner) told me that he was still driving HIS buick regal with ~230k miles and it was running fine. My car has power windows and locks, power seats, power mirrors, dual zone air conditioning (passenger/driver), the 3.8L v6 3800 engine on the GM W platform, and every single person who rides in my car tells me how smooth the suspension and how comfortable the ride is. Tell me, which of your ~'93 cars has so much better tech than my Buick? I doubt any of them have better tech in any other area besides the herpderpspeed category. Even then, I doubt the advantage in that aspect are terribly significant.

Wow...just wow. You picked the wrong person to argue about cars lol. First, the reliability of Honda and Toyota engines and drivetrains outlast and outperform anything from GM even from their Halo Car the ZR1. Second, the build quality on Honda and Toyota cars exceeded ANY american manufacturer by lightyears. Why the hell do you think most american manufacturer's almost went bankrupt? More tahn 30 years of lackluster engineering and buiild quality. Reliabilty and performance was what put Honda and Toyota on the map in the 80's and 90's it's what caused a major chunk of american car buyers so switch to the better japanese alternative.

Setting aside reliabilty,performance and excellent build quality Honda and Toyota engines were also well known for their excellent fuel economy - something the american's still can't get down yet.

LOL @ you thinking you know anything. Do you know what VTEC is? How it revolutionized engines? Honda and Toyota had WAY more tech than anything from the Big Three did at the time and continues to excel way ahead of them still. Honda's were on double wish-boned suspension while you still had GM cars (even their halo car) on leaf springs lmao.

Try again.

 

[tomemozok]

Are you all serious??

Have you ever heard of cars like BMW, or Golf ,or Audi???

You can certainly find a good BMW 320 ,or even a 5xx series one,with some mean power

and all for 6k Euros...Translate it into USD,but i think it would be the same because in the US manuals are rare

Go to mobile.de and find what you are looking for...

 

[Bad^Hat]

Get a red one!!

 

[DEATHMASTER]

You guys crack me up.

My 2002 Honda Accord feels like a champ car. It goes vroooom, so it must be awesome, right?

 

[BabyHeadCrab]

Carz.

 

[Stylo]

WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I KNOW MORE ABOUT CARS THAN YOU??!!!11

 

[AKIRA]

WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I KNOW MORE ABOUT CARS THAN YOU??!!!11

lol i agree that i look like one of those basement dwelling angry interbutts guys but it had to be done.

 

[Remus]

Are you all serious??

Have you ever heard of cars like BMW, or Golf ,or Audi???

I have to agree. Euro cars > Asian or American cars.

I also agree with Krynn. if you're going to buy a car, buy a new one, not used, and especially not something that is almost 20 years old...

 

[Eejit]

Well used it's fine if you're on a budget but no need for it to be over 10 years really.

 

[Krynn72]

lol i agree that i look like one of those basement dwelling angry interbutts guys but it had to be done.

My work here is done. I don't know jack shit about cars and I've said as much many times throughout the years, but every time a car thread comes up I get somebody in a fluster .

That said, I think I'd still take my Regal over most other 90s cars, just because its so damn comfortable. I drove this bitch from Orlando FL to Hartford CT in one go and it was one of the most easy and relaxing drives I've ever made. I also wouldn't look to buy a 90s car today, Regal or not.

 

[AKIRA]

Ok, I just want to say this to the people who think anything over 10 years is junk - they'e not.

Sinkoman has $6k max to spend on a car - he wants something that is rwd and sporty. What new or near new RWD sporty car can he get for $6k?

The cars I was suggesting were old, no doubt about it but that simply just means you only have to check out a few things. 1 rust - he lives in a warm climate if i'm not mistaken so chances of rust on any of the cars I suggested are pretty minimal. 2 - Timing belt/water pump if those have been changed within the last year(if the car has over 100k km's) then you're good. 3 - service/repair records..request them. If they don't have and everything still seems to check out simply go to an indepenant mechanic's shop and request a pre purchase inspection.

Why am I suggesting old japanese sports coupes? Because they're far more reliable than German cars in general, more reliable and built better than American cars in general AND they offer very good performance for a pretty low price while still offering creature comforts such as sunroofs, seat warmers, auto mirrors and windows, auto locks etc..

Most of you I realize aren't car enthusiast so you just listen to everyone who claims older cars suck and apply that to every single car >10 years old. You also listen to everyone preach how Mercedes, BMW and Audi are God's Chariot's and they're oh so luxurious and are the best built cars in the world - which is simply not true at all. I have around cars all my life and knows who has the best bang for their buck and it's the japanese cars in general. German cars are really nice and perform very well - but a vast majority of them are over engineered and over priced. A lot of things go wrong on them very often and getting it fixed will be a wallet killer since they put a huge premium on labour and price of parts.

 

[Krynn72]

I'd buy German over Japanese just because Germans have a history of making cooler shit. I mean, the best tank the Japanese made that was produced in any significant number during WWII was the Type 3 Chi-Nu tank. LAME.

 

[AKIRA]

I'd buy German over Japanese just because Germans have a history of making cooler shit. I mean, the best tank the Japanese made that was produced in any significant number during WWII was the Type 3 Chi-Nu tank. LAME.

lol at comparing cars with tanks 60+ years ago

 

[Krynn72]

lol at thinking I was comparing cars with tanks 60+ years ago

 

[AKIRA]

lol at thinking I was comparing cars with tanks 60+ years ago

well since the thread is about cars, you sort of implied that you'd rather buy German cars over Japanese cars, but you justified that using tanks from WWII...

 

[DEATHMASTER]

He's full of shit. Goddamnit Akira, you should know this. He's a damn dog!