A tiny budget.........

[SaltyDog]

It's ass to drive though. I would know, I drove one to school for the majority of this past school year.

3sp auto, forget that.

[93JC]

Pfff, you drove a poorly-maintained claptrap piece of shit example of a Neon. Of course you hated it.

They're actually pretty fun to drive.

[Raza]

It's ass to drive though. I would know, I drove one to school for the majority of this past school year.

Ask Timo.  He had one that was a stick, not your friend's shit condition automatic. 

[TheIntrepid]

Who's Timo?

[Raza]

Who's Timo?

Timo is a rarely used nickname for someone named Timothy.  In this case, Tim, or Timo (or Timmo), is TBR. 

His Neon was perfectly reliable until he totalled it at parking lot speeds. 

[USA_Idol]

Will someone fucking listen to me?

Dodge Neon.? Good on gas, cheap as dirt, fairly reliable, handles very well.?

Chrysler has a lot of problems with the head gasket (due to a bad design, IIRC) on the SOHC 2.0L engines.? That's an expensive repair.? I know that Chrysler said they "fixed" the design at some point, but I don't remember when that was.

Otherwise, the Neon is probably about as reliable as its domestic rivals...Cavalier and Focus...and drives fairly well.? The cabin is generally cheaper than its rivals and some of the plastics feel so brittle that they might break off in your hand.? Huge glass area makes for outstanding visibility, by the way.? Stick with the 5-speed because the automatic seriously slows the Neon down.

[2o6]

On Neon: watch for headgasket issues. Also, Neons that have done lots of "one wheel peels" will most likely throw the differential pin at some point, destroying the transaxle. Watch for timing belt, as I think this is an interference engine.

I'd recommend the GM models, just for a couple reasons: Both the Saturn and Cavalier have timing chains. Watch for oil consumption problems with the Saturn, Engine Coolant Temp Sensor issues ($20 part, 10min to replace), also watch for "one wheel peels" as seen for Neon.

Cavalier 2.2 pushrod engine is fairly good, but might need a headgasket (unlikely though). Cavaliers were engineered down to a (low) cost, so things like struts tend to wear badly.? Also, with GM cars, parts are plentiful and relatively cheap.

Don't know enough about the other models listed to comment. Good luck!

What is the One wheel Peel?

[2o6]

Chrysler has a lot of problems with the head gasket (due to a bad design, IIRC) on the SOHC 2.0L engines.? That's an expensive repair.? I know that Chrysler said they "fixed" the design at some point, but I don't remember when that was.

Otherwise, the Neon is probably about as reliable as its domestic rivals...Cavalier and Focus...and drives fairly well.? The cabin is generally cheaper than its rivals and some of the plastics feel so brittle that they might break off in your hand.? Huge glass area makes for outstanding visibility, by the way.? Stick with the 5-speed because the automatic seriously slows the Neon down.

I'm not too fond of the non-reinforced parts. (thus totalling and falling apart in accidents at low speeds)



I DO have a strange attraction to the Neon Coupe though.......

[The Pirate]

What is the One wheel Peel?

Essentially, spinning only one wheel.  Many FWD cars do not have a LSD.

[the Teuton]

Doesn't it not have an engine?  Or do you mean it's not on a lift?

Clever, if you do. 

It runs.  Right now it has a 1994 EJ18 in it and it should be getting an EJ25 sometime within the next year.  I got it fixed in May and have since put about 1,500 miles on it without much of a problem.  In fact, (2o6, read), I'm getting about 25 mpg right now -- about 2 mpg better than I did on the old engine.  The car is working just fine.

Sorry to ruin what could have been a good joke or pun if it hadn't been running.

[2o6]

What about a Vanagon or Eurovan?

[2o6]

Well, it's not been not quite two years. Around the date of the first post (august) Is when I'll actually be buying the car. This list is much more realistic.



Here's my list:

1. Dodge Neon (First Gen)

2. Ford Focus (Auction and other wholesales pending)

3. Honda Civic (1992-1995)

4. Ford Escort and ZX2

5. Saturn SL and SC (SC prefferably)

6. Saab 900 (Reliability issues?)

7. Mazda Protege (1995-1997)

8. VW Jetta/Golf (MK3)

9. Nissan Maxima (V6 Fuel economy)

10.  Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique (Tiny insides)

[3.0L V6]

Well, it's not been not quite two years. Around the date of the first post (august) Is when I'll actually be buying the car. This list is much more realistic.



Here's my list:

1. Dodge Neon (First Gen)


5. Saturn SL and SC (SC prefferably)

1. Try getting a post 1998 Neon. That's when they fixed the headgasket issue. Otherwise, they're pretty solid, both automatic and manual versions. As with any car, watch for signs of abuse. Otherwise, it's a decent car. I think I've mentioned the differential pin issue before.

http://www.beaterreview.com/?p=28


2. Saturns are prone to two major problems, oil burning and coolant temp sensor failure. In my experience, they also go through wheel bearings pretty quickly. But they're good otherwise.

http://www.beaterreview.com/?p=32

[TBR]

1. Try getting a post 1998 Neon. That's when they fixed the headgasket issue. Otherwise, they're pretty solid, both automatic and manual versions. As with any car, watch for signs of abuse. Otherwise, it's a decent car. I think I've mentioned the differential pin issue before.

http://www.beaterreview.com/?p=28

Or you can get a first gen (which look and drive better and will be cheaper) and get the head gasket problem fixed for good by replacing the studs with aftermarket ones (I think that's right). There's a Neon message board out there somewhere that should have the fix on it, but I can't find it.

Truthfully, unless you can find a really good deal on a Neon (as I did, 83,000 miles for $1400), I would go for the SL, Protege, or Escort. The Neon is probably more fun and is certainly faster, but head gaskets and t-belts aren't cheap to replace (the latter has to be replaced every 105k).


Edit- also, I'd definitely avoid AT Neons. Besides the fact that up until 2004ish they only had 3-spds, ATs have never been a Chrysler strong suit.

[Eye of the Tiger]

You may want to add 82-92 Camaro.

[3.0L V6]

Edit- also, I'd definitely avoid AT Neons. Besides the fact that up until 2004ish they only had 3-spds, ATs have never been a Chrysler strong suit.

Ah yes, I forgot the timing belt.

The 3-spd automatic is reliable, if poorly geared for that engine. It's unrelated the Chrysler's 4-spd, which is the one you have to worry about

[Madman]

1. Dodge Neon (First Gen).  A decent enough car, but most examples I've seen these days are looking pretty shabby.  Find a good one and you'll be okay, but I'd avoid the comedy three speed auto.

2. Ford Focus.  An excellent choice but may be hard to find in your price range.  Hatchback and wagon make the most sense.  The rear of the sedan looks crap, however.

3. Honda Civic 1992-95.  Finding one that hasn't been defaced by knuckle-dragging, backwards-baseball-cap wearing idiots will be a challenge.  Most will have starship mileages, too.

4. Ford Escort and ZX2.  Utterly devoid of any appeal whatsoever.  C'mon, you can do better than this!

5. Saturn SL and SC.  Everyone will think you borrowed your sister's car!

6. Saab 900.  My brother has a 1998 2.0 Turbo and it's been bulletproof.  As always, buy the newest and best condition you can afford.

7. Mazda Protege 1995-97.  Personally, I prefer the later Protege5 hatchback but these will be impossible to find in your price range.  Not as popular with the ricer brigade as Civic, so finding a good one should be easier.

8. VW Jetta/Golf (MK3).  The enthusiasts choice and an excellent all-rounder.  One of my favourites (Golf especially).

9. Nissan Maxima.  V6 and fuel economy don't go together!  A decent (if somewhat boring) choice.

10. Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique.  Post facelift (1998 and later) Contour is the one to go for.  A great buy for the money.  My mother's 2000 Mystique is pretty comfy, too.

Also consider......

Subaru Impreza.  Pretend you're Colin McRae on a budget!  Very good car with tough-as-nails mechanicals.

Volvo 200/700/900 series.  These cars will outlive humanity itself!

1999-2001 Mercury Cougar.  Seriously underrated car which can be had for surprisingly little money.


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Vinsanity]

1999-2001 Mercury Cougar.  Seriously underrated car which can be had for surprisingly little money.

The only one worth getting IMO is the V6 with the 5-speed. If you're getting a 4-banger, you might as well just get a Focus, and if you're getting an automatic, you might as well just get a Contour (both should be cheaper than the Cougar).

9. Nissan Maxima (V6 Fuel economy)

How much are you going to be driving the car? This is the most interesting choice on your list (actually, the Saab is more "interesting" but the Max is the one I would choose). If you're that concerned about mpg, consider a 1990's Altima; the KA24 truck motor can be very reliable and cheap to maintain and repair. If you want something more interesting, 1st gen Infiniti G20's are easy to find for cheap, and they have the riceb0i-coveted SR20 motor.

[TBR]

The Altima is a good choice, albeit hard to find with a standard. I almost bought one, and probably should have.

[Secret Chimp]

Volvo 240 or W123 wagon

[2o6]

Subaru Impreza.  Pretend you're Colin McRae on a budget!  Very good car with tough-as-nails mechanicals.

Not too thrilled about the cost of basic matinence; i.e replacing all of the tires.

Volvo 200/700/900 series.  These cars will outlive the humanity itself!

Too Old.

1999-2001 Mercury Cougar.  Seriously underrated car which can be had for surprisingly little money.

Something to keep in mind, I really like those cars.

Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Vinsanity]

Volvo 200/700/900 series.  These cars will outlive the humanity itself!

Too Old.

The 960 was in production as late as 1998.

[2o6]

The 960 was in production as late as 1998.

No manual.

[Eye of the Tiger]

No manual.

Yeah, you should get a manual; automatics are obviously too advanced for you.

[2o6]

Yeah, you should get a manual; automatics are obviously too advanced for you.

No torque converter crawl! 

[Laconian]

No torque converter crawl! 

You're really hung up on that.

[2o6]

You're really hung up on that.

It's an inside joke?

[Madman]

Some other options for your consideration.........

1991-95 Alfa Romeo 164.  Clarkson says you can't be a true petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa, so you may as well get it over with straight off the bat.  Guaranteed exclusivity and incredibly cheap to buy these days.  Learning to swear at it in Italian is half the fun!  Oh, and find yourself a mechanic named Mario.

1992-98 BMW 318i.  Four-banger Bimmer offers all the performance you'll ever need but good ones are hard to find at this price.  Don't give up looking.  Eventually, perseverance will pay off.

1998-2004 Chevrolet Blazer 4X4.  Four door Blazer is a capable medium SUV.  Big enough to do some serious work but not so big you'll need a sea captain's licence to pilot the thing.

1993-97 Ford Probe.  Mazda mechanicals at Ford prices.  Lots of abused wrecks out there but good ones can still be had for reasonable money.  Mazda MX-6 is identical under the skin but Ford's version will be cheaper, more plentiful and I daresay better looking.

Honda Prelude.  Spanned several generations.  Fun-to-drive sports coupe that punched well above it's weight.  Avoid Bondo-filled, stickered and spoilered rice-boy specials.

1997-2001 Hyundai Tiburon.  A semi-decent drive, well equipped and cheap to buy.  Unfortunately, the cheapness really shows in the cabin.  Fisher-Price interior smells like a glue factory.  1997-99 cars are the best looking.  Fish-eyed facelift in 2000 destroyed the exterior appeal.

1991-96 Infiniti G20.  Well-equipped sporty sedan known for nimble handling.  Athletic first-generation models are the ones to go for.  Porky 1999-2002 second-generation cars not nearly as good.

Isuzu Trooper.  Tonka toy for grown-ups.  Tough as an old pair of boots and an excellent tow vehicle.  Nearly non-existant dealer network ensures comically low residual values.  A bargain-hunter's dream.

Jeep Cherokee.  Old-School box-on-wheels SUV.  These damn things refuse to die!  As rough and unrefined as a John Deere tractor.  Indestructible inline six and bone-shaker suspension will break you before you break it.

Mazda MX-5 Miata.  The classic British sports car experience without the nightmare unreliability.  Early '90s cars are now unbelievably cheap.  Beware of torn roofs and trashed interiors.

1996-97 Toyota Paseo.  Short-lived second generation Paseo was a handsome, pocket-sized coupe based on the Tercel chassis and running gear.  It's no rocketship but it is simple and reliable.  These cars flew under the radar when new and they've gotta be dirt cheap by now.

1990-97 Volkswagen Passat.  Roomy, comfortable and very Euro-chic.  1995 facelift brought a plethora of improvements.  Beats contemporary dishwater-dull Japanese sedans by a country mile.

1993-97 Volvo 850.  Sporty front-drive 850 proved Volvos can be fun, too.  Manual gearboxes are out there (non-turbo only) but are few and far between.  Five-pot engines are built to last but timing belt changes are critical.


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Laconian]

1993-97 Ford Probe.  Mazda mechanicals at Ford prices.  Lots of abused wrecks out there but good ones can still be had for reasonable money.  Mazda MX-6 is identical under the skin but Ford's version will be cheaper, more plentiful and I daresay better looking.

It's cheaper for a reason. The ignominy of "Probe" factored into the price.

[the Teuton]

I had two friends in high school with Probes.  One called it the Ford AnalProbe and the other called it the Ford Pube.  It wasn't a bad car, but take your pick of which nickname you want.