Help me pick a Econ Car

Well, after giving it an honest shot, I'm ready to stop daily driving my Miata. In fact right now, I'm ready to get out of the Miata game all together (mine has been trouble). So I'm on the hunt for a family car. Here's my criteria:

• Manual
• At least 4 doors
• Looking for wagon or a hatchback, but won't say no to a sedan
• 2000 or newer
• Must have cruise control
• $5000 Price limit
• Can't be more than 100 miles from me (Zip Code 22801)

Let me explain the last one. I don't have the money right now to fly somewhere and not buy a car. Plus I figure finding an economy car shouldn't require a lot of travel. Here are some options I've found that I'm leaning towards

2002 Ford Focus SE Sedan: http://tinyurl.com/4mqtfzq

2002 Ford Focus ZX5: http://tinyurl.com/4dazf2e

2001 Saab 9-5 Aero: http://tinyurl.com/4wxctxv

Comments, questions, concerns?

Having an 03 9-5 Aero that one would be my choice. If you go check it out the big thing to look out for is oil sludge. On eeasy way to check for it is to take a wire hanger, straighten it and put and put an "eye" on one end (like a needle). Put the end with the eye down the dipstick tube and scrape it on the bottom of the pan. If you get gunk on the end walk away.

If you have any other questions let me know.

You're getting away from the Miata because it's been "trouble" and you're looking at a turbo Saab?

If the SVT suspension will work for the Focus wagon, that would be my choice.

I bought an 03 Focus Wagon for $4300 a few months back. While the car itself is decent, the gas mileage is worse than I thought it would be. I average 25mpg with 50/50 mixed driving. Mine is also an autotragic, I figure you might be able to eek out a couple more mpg with a stick. It also lacks some features like cruise, ABS, and rear disk brakes that even my 19 year old Volvo has.

Like I said, not a bad car, even if it is an appliance. Just don't expect astronomical gas mileage if you go that route.

If you look hard enough, you can find Protege5 Wagons in that price range. They look like pretty neat cars to me.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/2253776633.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/2263203053.html

ReverendDexter wrote: You're getting away from the Miata because it's been "trouble" and you're looking at a turbo Saab? If the SVT suspension will work for the Focus wagon, that would be my choice.

I didn't realize the Saab twas tarblowd. It just came up in my search and I thought, "Hey, Saabs are supposedly pretty good cars". Should I avoid?

Poopshovel, too far away. Althought there is a Protege5 in my area.

2003 Mazda Protege5: http://tinyurl.com/475udju

The SAAB thing has been gone over many times here. All I can say is that from my personal experience my 9-5 has has cost me all of $8 to run outside of the normal stuff like oil and such in the 40K miles we have put on it. We got it with 100K and it now had 140K but as with anything YMMV.

Protege5 or Focus ZX5 with SVT suspension swap

/thread

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If economy car is what you seek a Pontiac Vibe is yer answer. It's not sporty, it's not particularly nice, however it will very cheaply haul you and a lot of stuff from A-B. The cargo capacity of them is great, there is room for 4 adults, my 5-speed gets 34-36mpg HWY (average is ~32 50/50 mix). It's toyota reliability for Pontiac prices, what could go wrong.

nocones wrote: I've said it before and I'll say it again. If economy car is what you seek a Pontiac Vibe is yer answer. It's not sporty, it's not particularly nice, however it will very cheaply haul you and a lot of stuff from A-B. The cargo capacity of them is great, there is room for 4 adults, my 5-speed gets 34-36mpg HWY (average is ~32 50/50 mix). It's toyota reliability for Pontiac prices, what could go wrong.

I will have to agree with this 100%.

Drewsifer wrote: I didn't realize the Saab twas tarblowd.

"Aero" is Saab-speak for turbo. N/A cars are "Linear".

In reply to ReverendDexter:

Not quite. All 9-5s sold in the US have turbos, its just a matter of how big.

My '02 Focus got a max of 28 mpg on the freeway with the cruise on at 65mph. Very disappointing. It was also not very reliable, but I hear the later models are better.

Rusted_Busted_Spit wrote: In reply to ReverendDexter: Not quite. All 9-5s sold in the US have turbos, its just a matter of how big.

I wasn't referring to 9-5s specifically, just Saab nomenclature in general. Are there turbo cars that are badged as Linear?

Yep. Ever since the Old Gen 9-3 came out every SAAB has had a turbo except for the Linear 9-2x (the Subie) and the 9-7 (Trailblazer). Even the V6 9-5s had turbos, just really small ones.

The advanced search of ww.autotrader.com brings up these at or near your price range but within your range of negotiating.
Outback:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=292144889&dealer_id=1388978&car_year=2000&doors=Four+Door&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=HATCH&body_style=WAGON&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&drive=&rdm=1300376494224&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=132&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=22801&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=6100&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=77&standard=false
Impreza:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=288786258&dealer_id=57112296&car_year=2000&doors=Four+Door&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=HATCH&body_style=WAGON&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&drive=&rdm=1300376494224&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=132&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=22801&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=6100&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=80&standard=false
Protege 5's
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=296009121&dealer_id=100020568&car_year=2002&doors=Four+Door&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=HATCH&body_style=WAGON&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&drive=&rdm=1300376494224&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=132&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=22801&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=6100&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=80&standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=295254896&dealer_id=64216535&car_year=2003&doors=Four+Door&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=HATCH&body_style=WAGON&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&drive=&rdm=1300376494224&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=132&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=22801&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=6100&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=112&standard=false
There were some VW Golfs out there as well but for me the reliability is questionable.
You will also find PT Cruisers that technically fit your criteria...

Sedan Options

Neon RT
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=289592083&dealer_id=54027481&car_year=2004&doors=Four+Door&systime=&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=SEDAN&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&drive=&rdm=1300377857892&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=8&transmission=Manual&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=22801&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=5100&awsp=false&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=104&standard=false
Small Nissan Altima. Not real sporty but these are really good cars.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=281297361&dealer_id=63646143&car_year=2001&doors=Four+Door&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=2000&body_style=SEDAN&search_type=both&distance=100&min_price=44&rdm=1300377857892&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=8&transmission=Manual&first_record=26&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&address=22801&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=5100&awsp=false&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=104&standard=false
EDIT: upon further review the carfax listed for the Altima shows accident damage in 2003. I would look it over closely and drive the price down but this could still be a good buy. Shoot for the $3k range.

EK Civic sedan. Plenty of aftermarket support. Pretty good gas mileage. Easy as hell to work on. Should be in your price range. Was available in 2000.

Drewsifer wrote:

ReverendDexter wrote: You're getting away from the Miata because it's been "trouble" and you're looking at a turbo Saab? If the SVT suspension will work for the Focus wagon, that would be my choice.

I didn't realize the Saab twas tarblowd. It just came up in my search and I thought, "Hey, Saabs are supposedly pretty good cars". Should I avoid? Poopshovel, too far away. Althought there is a Protege5 in my area. 2003 Mazda Protege5: http://tinyurl.com/475udju

I wouldn't avoid saabs. I'm not quite so sure on the newer ones, but i used to have an older 9000 Aero 2.3T. It would get over 30mpg on the highway. And, they're pretty awesome to drive as far as commuter cars go.

I also like the Protege5 idea, despite the fact that i hate the motor in that car with the passion of a million fiery suns.

You should be able to get a 99-00ish 9-3 Turbo 4-door H.O for your price range. Near-Viggen performance on the cheap, with lots of interior room. I've driven a few of them and they are TONS of fun, yet comfy.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: I also like the Protege5 idea, despite the fact that i hate the motor in that car with the passion of a million fiery suns.

Why you do this?

So, it seems like we all like the Mazda Protege5. I'll have to look into it.

Drewsifer wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: I also like the Protege5 idea, despite the fact that i hate the motor in that car with the passion of a million fiery suns.

Why you do this? So, it seems like we all like the Mazda Protege5. I'll have to look into it.

It's a great handling, great looking car that's fun to drive despite the utter turd of a motor that was bestowed upon it.

I'd rather have the 9-3 H.O... but i wouldn't be mad if you got a P5.

There's nothing wrong with the P5 engine besides being anemic. Nothing some bolt-ons and/or boost won't solve

Javelin wrote: There's nothing wrong with the P5 engine besides being anemic. Nothing some bolt-ons and/or boost won't solve

There's no way in hell i would boost that thing.

My problem with the FS-DE is that it's weak. Not just in power, but in general.

Bolt ons MIGHT help it marginally.

For a commuter car, as long as you're saner than i am, it'll probably be just fine.

Every time this kind of "what car" thread comes up, I say Saturn, and I doubt you'll be the first to actually listen, but:

Saturn! You can find a 3rd-gen (2000-2002) sedan for less than $2000 in good shape now. Wagons are around, but quite rare in manual shift. Parts are dirt cheap and everywhere, the engine bay is downright spacious for a modern car, it'll get you 36-38 mpg mixed, 40+ all highway in good tune and with skinny tires, and will run to 200K miles easily.

Twin_Cam wrote: Every time this kind of "what car" thread comes up, I say Saturn, and I doubt you'll be the first to actually listen, but: Saturn! You can find a 3rd-gen (2000-2002) sedan for less than $2000 in good shape now. Wagons are around, but quite rare in manual shift. Parts are dirt cheap and everywhere, the engine bay is downright spacious for a modern car, it'll get you 36-38 mpg mixed, 40+ all highway in good tune and with skinny tires, and will run to 200K miles easily.

You mean something like this?

http://tinyurl.com/49g9zum