Another What Car: Cheap, Modern, Reliable, 4 Seat, Auto, Trunk

My first What Car Thread! How Exciting!

Anyway, the racing has to stop and I need something more "normal" to get around in. Trying to avoid anything too boring while also selecting something easy to keep alive.

My Criteria:

Cheap - Everyone here understands this one, right? I am selling off my race car (at challenge price?) and using my motorcycle fund to finance this purchase. That puts us around 3-5k? Obviously, nothing too special will happen with a modest budget like that but I think it can be done.

Modern - Let's say we must stay in the 90's or 00's. anything too old will probably require too much upkeep and refreshing of worn parts.

Reliable - My Fiancee will be doing a good bit of the driving and needs to be able to get in and go without issue. My health is poor and I will not be available to work on it nor shall I be able to leave it in the shop all of the time.

4 Seats - At least needs to be able to hold a baby seat in the rear... if not 4 adults for short trips. I have had my share of 2 seaters and know that they are not suitable for those looking to start a family. This could bend or break for the right one, though...

Auto - Yes... tragic... I know. SWMBO cannot work a stick and I am loosing my ability to work a clutch. I hear that they are not all too terrible but would need advice on which are the least E36 M3ty.

Trunk - In the city SUVs, hatchbacks, wagons and minivans pose their own special issue of not being able to secure cargo. A solid steel enclosure is a good thing.

Deal Breakers:

No projects. No Convertibles. Nothing too flashy or tacky. I will probably think of more... like No Red or something...

I am thinking P71, She is thinking Maxima or Legacy; What are your thoughts? TIA.

Maxima or P71 are both good choices here. Both seem to fit your requirements pretty well.

MadScientistMatt wrote: Maxima or P71 are both good choices here. Both seem to fit your requirements pretty well.

Yeah, I have had several Maximas over the years and they are perfectly fine.

I would lean more towards the P71 only because I slightly prefer RWD and have never owned a V8.

I mostly made this thread to join in on the fun and in case I run across something I had not considered.

How big of a car do you want? If you're in the city, would smaller be better?

Protege meets all above requirements and is a hoot to drive.

Klayfish wrote: How big of a car do you want? If you're in the city, would smaller be better? Protege meets all above requirements and is a hoot to drive.

Size isn't a huge issue although in the city smaller is generally better. I'm about 6'2" and 270lbs... my fiance is about a 12" and 150lbs smaller so we will never both be totally happy with the same size car.

Protege is a perfect example of a car not previously on my radar that I will keep an eye out for.

I can still autocross and want to be able to enjoy my first foray into the stock classes in a long time.

<<< Focus Sedan. Fits all of your criteria plus has plenty of aftermarket bolt-on stuff available to modify it anyway you want.

Another vote for the Protege. I own a 2000 ES 5-speed with a few basic mods. I love it so much another would be at the top of my list of replacements should anything happen to it. Not a huge aftermarket, but enough to make it a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Mine's been pretty dead reliable for the seven years and 50k miles I've had it.

Legacy + Bilsteins + auto trans in "2" = great autocrosser.

Buick Regal GS! It's got the 3800 which is really hard to kill, a supercharger so it can be pretty quick, it won't attract any attention in the city, mostly owned by old people so it hasn't been driven hard, and they get surprisingly good gas mileage. Mid to upper 20's mixed IIRC.

If economy is no object then P71.

Hal wrote: <<< Focus Sedan. Fits all of your criteria plus has plenty of aftermarket bolt-on stuff available to modify it anyway you want.

These have been so far off of my radar for so long that I forgot that they made a sedan. I recall that they can be pretty fun when driven with spirit.

JeffHarbert wrote: Another vote for the Protege. I own a 2000 ES 5-speed with a few basic mods. I love it so much another would be at the top of my list of replacements should anything happen to it. Not a huge aftermarket, but enough to make it a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Mine's been pretty dead reliable for the seven years and 50k miles I've had it.

I have never had direct experience with them but a couple of glowing recommendations from this crowd means a lot. Reliability is a huge issue, thanks for the advice.

MCarp22 wrote: Legacy + Bilsteins + auto trans in "2" = great autocrosser.

I believe it! My last Subaru experience was excellent due to living in the frozen north and SWMBO loves them. I can overlook their quirks to shop around for another... most used in my price range need a suspension update anyway.

clutchsmoke wrote: Buick Regal GS! It's got the 3800 which is really hard to kill, a supercharger so it can be pretty quick, it won't attract any attention in the city, mostly owned by old people so it hasn't been driven hard, and they get surprisingly good gas mileage. Mid to upper 20's mixed IIRC.

I keep thinking of these but then feel odd picturing myself in a Buick. You are correct though; it is an excellent engine package and totally stealth and under appreciated. These are all quality points that I should not ignore.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: If economy is no object then P71.

Economy really isn't an issue at all. I only drive a few thousand miles a year and can afford all the gas it wants to drink.

The only real strike against it is dealing with it's extra bulk compared to most cars. Parking and maneuvering might be compromised, but I could always drive it like a taxi/cop... bumper cars...

I'll sell you my excellent running 1998 Camry 4c/auto for $3000. Gets 35MPG but it's as bland as bland gets.

That money will get you a nice BMW E39 if you look around. I paid $2600 for my dad's.

tb wrote:

Hal wrote: <<< Focus Sedan. Fits all of your criteria plus has plenty of aftermarket bolt-on stuff available to modify it anyway you want.

These have been so far off of my radar for so long that I forgot that they made a sedan. I recall that they can be pretty fun when driven with spirit.

Especially when they have 223 FWHP.

You'd think I'd be cheerleading the P71, and it does tick all your boxes, but...

In the city, a smaller car would be easier to maneuver and park. On the flip side, maneuvering is easier when everyone else thinks you're a cop - and, at least for the next several years until the rest of the P71s go out of service, they WILL think you're a cop. And the ability to part traffic like the Red Sea without even trying is something you should be aware of. You don't have to flash lights or do anything - it just happens.

Your fiance's size may be another issue. I also have a 12" discrepancy between me (6') and my girlfriend (5'). I find my P71 to be quite cozy, but she is physically uncomfortable driving it. I even have the optional 8-way power driver's seat, yet she still can't get a good seating position. She won't drive it unless she absolutely has to. So if a P71 is on your radar, do NOT buy one until you have her sit in it, test drive it, and make sure she's comfortable. They're made for taller, larger people wearing body armor and gun belts. Similarly, I can't get a comfortable seating position in her 99 Corolla, which fits her perfectly.

M030 wrote: I'll sell you my excellent running 1998 Camry 4c/auto for $3000. Gets 35MPG but it's as bland as bland gets.

Thanks... but based on your painfully honest description I am going to pass on that one.

SlickDizzy wrote: That money will get you a nice BMW E39 if you look around. I paid $2600 for my dad's.

There are several iterations of BMW numbers and letters that would probably be viable options. I am an admitted fan of European luxury, but a little leery of the associated maintenance costs. I know that the knowledge is out there to deal with any issues that might come up but worry that sometimes an inexpensive "high-end" car often costs the most in the end...

White_and_Nerdy wrote: ... Your fiance's size may be another issue. I also have a 12" discrepancy between me (6') and my girlfriend (5'). I find my P71 to be quite cozy, but she is physically uncomfortable driving it. I even have the optional 8-way power driver's seat, yet she still can't get a good seating position. She won't drive it unless she absolutely has to. So if a P71 is on your radar, do NOT buy one until you have her sit in it, test drive it, and make sure she's comfortable. They're made for taller, larger people wearing body armor and gun belts. Similarly, I can't get a comfortable seating position in her 99 Corolla, which fits her perfectly.

Thanks for being so clear about what is also one of my major concerns. I plan on having her drive one next weekend to see if it is a viable option or not. I realize that not only does she need to be comfortable in the drivers seat, she also needs to be confident piloting a large and imposing vehicle.

After spending some time discussing our needs she likes the idea of a P71, but we shall see what happens once she meets one in person...

After spending some quality time talking over all of the issues involved I can share a little more information with that group that might help all of you to help me.

1. SWMBO is not too far from being "one of us". She can handle all of the basics like changing tires and topping off fluids. She anthropomorphizes and develops emotional attachments that transcend simple car "ownership".

2. Economy cars are just not our style. While I would never say "never", it is hard for us to see ourselves in a truly basic vehicle. The right car could always change my mind but generally we have both moved past cheap, basic transportation.

3. Our budget is more flexible than rigid. I do not want to spend too much and everyone likes to feel that they got a good deal. That being said, I will spend what it takes if I find the right one.

4. Ergonomics will always trump aesthetics. We have had both pretty cars and utilitarian cars, in the end pretty is nice but functional and comfortable is the stuff of legends, for us.

Have a happy Easter everyone, and thanks again for all of the help and advice!