Suggestions for possible new car?

[CALL_911]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=266679391&dealer_id=64474869&car_year=2000&rdm=1253677680357&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=1&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=CONVERT&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30301&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=7000&cardist=263&standard=false

Win.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Win.

NO.  Mine.

[the Teuton]

Charlie, get the MR2.

-There are no issues with the car being too feminine
-It's awesome
-Women will think you drive a Porsche
-It has two trunks
-It's reliable as all hell
-Get it. Now.

[The Pirate]

I've heavily researched E36 3ers, and it's not a bad car to own in terms of cost if you're willing to do your own work and don't mind the occasional electrical issue.  They are pretty well designed for the DIYer, and parts can be had for reasonable prices.  Plan on replacing the cooling system (including radiator) every 60K miles.  It's a fairly easy job. 

I love them, and will own one, but with work and school, it's just not realistic right now (but I'd take the risk if the right one popped up).

Honestly, for as much as I kvetch about my Proteg? on here, it's a fucking fantastic car.  The more I drive other cars, the more I like this one.  But it's absolutely terrible with a foot of snow on the ground (likely not an issue for you), and tire selection isn't the greatest. 

The FS-DE isn't the most stout motor, but change the oil regularly and don't be an idiot (WOT on a cold engine, etc.), and you'll be fine.

Definitely test drive one.  It's also a pretty easy car to work on.  Not quite as easy as my Civic was, but very close.  In your situation, I can't say that I'd pick one over a Miata, but it's a very good car.

Like I said before, Miata meets 3-series meets poverty.

[BimmerM3]

Aw dammit, that MR2 is in Florida. I don't think that's going to happen.

[Minpin]

I searched in a two hundred mile radius. It's not too far from ya.

I'll be in Atlanta this weekend, I'll give you a life.  


edit: lift i mean.

[the Teuton]

Aw dammit, that MR2 is in Florida. I don't think that's going to happen.

My Ohio dad bought a Pennsylvania car 180 miles away from home (with my help, of course). Make it happen.

[BimmerM3]

I've heavily researched E36 3ers, and it's not a bad car to own in terms of cost if you're willing to do your own work and don't mind the occasional electrical issue.  They are pretty well designed for the DIYer, and parts can be had for reasonable prices.  Plan on replacing the cooling system (including radiator) every 60K miles.  It's a fairly easy job.  

I love them, and will own one, but with work and school, it's just not realistic right now (but I'd take the risk if the right one popped up).

I've recently come to the conclusion that I actually really don't like working on cars myself, so I'd rather not take the dive into BMW territory until I have a paycheck big enough to cover a good German car technician.

In related news, the E21 will likely be on the market very soon.

Honestly, for as much as I kvetch about my Proteg? on here, it's a fucking fantastic car.  The more I drive other cars, the more I like this one.  But it's absolutely terrible with a foot of snow on the ground (likely not an issue for you), and tire selection isn't the greatest.  

The FS-DE isn't the most stout motor, but change the oil regularly and don't be an idiot (WOT on a cold engine, etc.), and you'll be fine.

Definitely test drive one.  It's also a pretty easy car to work on.  Not quite as easy as my Civic was, but very close.  In your situation, I can't say that I'd pick one over a Miata, but it's a very good car.

Like I said before, Miata meets 3-series meets poverty.

I'll keep them in mind if all else fails or my budget isn't as big as I'm hoping, but a Protege isn't going to be top of my list. I've driven one  and you're right, they're peppy little fun cars, but something about it just didn't do it for me.

[BimmerM3]

I searched in a two hundred mile radius. It's not too far from ya.

I'll be in Atlanta this weekend, I'll give you a life. 


edit: lift i mean.

Maybe if I can talk them down a bit my dad would consider it, but even still, there's next to no trunk space in that thing.

On the other hand... mid-engine...

[BimmerM3]

My Ohio dad bought a Pennsylvania car 180 miles away from home (with my help, of course). Make it happen.

Actually... I have a friend who lives about an hour from that MR2.

[the Teuton]

It sounds like you live close enough to home that trunk space really shouldn't be much of an issue. And your Accord isn't what I'd call a particularly space efficient vehicle, either.

[Minpin]

Maybe if I can talk them down a bit my dad would consider it, but even still, there's next to no trunk space in that thing.

On the other hand... mid-engine...

Just tell your dad it's a Toyota, it has no guts or glory. 

[The Pirate]

I've recently come to the conclusion that I actually really don't like working on cars myself, so I'd rather not take the dive into BMW territory until I have a paycheck big enough to cover a good German car technician.

Probably a wise decision, then.

I'll keep them in mind if all else fails or my budget isn't as big as I'm hoping, but a Protege isn't going to be top of my list. I've driven one  and you're right, they're peppy little fun cars, but something about it just didn't do it for me.

Fair enough.  I didn't realize you've driven one before. 

Here's a thought - EP3 Civic Si.  It's not the best looking car out there, but they are pretty cool. 

[Minpin]

It sounds like you live close enough to home that trunk space really shouldn't be much of an issue. And your Accord isn't what I'd call a particularly space efficient vehicle, either.

What are you talking about? I packed my entire life into my tC. That includes a 32" TV, two computers, two weeks worth of clothes, all my personal belongings, speakers, printer, camera, three suitcases, sheets, towels, other toiletries, and a shit ton of other crap. And my mother in the passenger seat.

No one needs a huge ass vehicle unless you are towing.

[BimmerM3]

It sounds like you live close enough to home that trunk space really shouldn't be much of an issue. And your Accord isn't what I'd call a particularly space efficient vehicle, either.

You clearly have never owned my Accord. Sure, it's not a hatchback, but the trunk is pretty big and the back seat (while hard to access) does provide plenty of room itself. Not to mention it's a fucking Hummer compared to the MR2.

And two people could take a weekend trip in a Miata. I'm not sure they could in an MR2.

Still... mid-engine...

[Minpin]

You clearly have never owned my Accord. Sure, it's not a hatchback, but the trunk is pretty big and the back seat (while hard to access) does provide plenty of room itself. Not to mention it's a fucking Hummer compared to the MR2.

And two people could take a weekend trip in a Miata. I'm not sure they could in an MR2.

Still... mid-engine...

There is exactly one time when I wish I had a truck. Tailgating. Every other time? Fuuuuuuck that.

MR2, I am sure your friends have bigger cars.

[the Teuton]

You clearly have never owned my Accord. Sure, it's not a hatchback, but the trunk is pretty big and the back seat (while hard to access) does provide plenty of room itself. Not to mention it's a fucking Hummer compared to the MR2.

And two people could take a weekend trip in a Miata. I'm not sure they could in an MR2.

Still... mid-engine...

I have a brother with THE EXACT SAME DAMN CAR. It's small, spacewise, at least compared to my Impreza.

What are you talking about? I packed my entire life into my tC. That includes a 32" TV, two computers, two weeks worth of clothes, all my personal belongings, speakers, printer, camera, three suitcases, sheets, towels, other toiletries, and a shit ton of other crap. And my mother in the passenger seat.

No one needs a huge ass vehicle unless you are towing.

Either I pack like a girl or a car that small couldn't do it for me. I'm gonna have to call the parents and rent a car to get the hell out of here when I graduate next school year. My Saturn is tiny. Loved, but tiny.

[CALL_911]

You clearly have never owned my Accord.

Bullshit!

[the Teuton]

Bullshit!

Seconded!

[Minpin]

I have a brother with THE EXACT SAME DAMN CAR. It's small, spacewise, at least compared to my Impreza.

Either I pack like a girl or a car that small couldn't do it for me. I'm gonna have to call the parents and rent a car to get the hell out of here when I graduate next school year. My Saturn is tiny. Loved, but tiny.

My mom is no joke, the master packer. The TV really put it over the edge since the box alone is as wide as the car. Also, half my trunk is taken up by my subs and amp. You just really don't know how to pack mate. An Accord is plenty big enough. By far. It's got like twice the room of my car.

[BimmerM3]

I have a brother with THE EXACT SAME DAMN CAR. It's small, spacewise, at least compared to my Impreza.

Either I pack like a girl or a car that small couldn't do it for me. I'm gonna have to call the parents and rent a car to get the hell out of here when I graduate next school year. My Saturn is tiny. Loved, but tiny.

Well yeah, the cargo area is small compared to any decently sized hatchback, but the Accord is no worse than any mid-sized sedan except that the it can be hard to get big items in the back seat (the only time I couldn't get something back there was when I was trying to move my friend's mini-fridge).

[BimmerM3]

Here's a thought - EP3 Civic Si.  It's not the best looking car out there, but they are pretty cool.  

There's actually one in my area in the price range, though I can't remember how many miles were on it. I'll certainly keep it in mind.

EDIT: Here it is. 118,xxx miles, which is more than I'd like, but it might be worth looking at.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=267998346&dealer_id=615454&car_year=2003&rdm=1253680084507&model=CIVIC&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=600517&showZipError=y&make=HONDA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=30068&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=7000&cardist=20&standard=false

[Rich]

The flight deck dashboard and think a pillars might ruin it....


Mr-2!

[the Teuton]

My mom is no joke, the master packer. The TV really put it over the edge since the box alone is as wide as the car. Also, half my trunk is taken up by my subs and amp. You just really don't know how to pack mate. An Accord is plenty big enough. By far. It's got like twice the room of my car.

Do you live in a furnished apartment?

I have (furniture that I brought) a desk, two desk chairs, a huge bookcase, a queen-size bed, a living room chair...and that's not even getting to all of my other crap here.

The wagon could fit my clothes, my computer, and just about everything else I'd need for Christmas break with some room to spare, but I can't imagine fitting my whole life in that thing.

[Minpin]

Do you live in a furnished apartment?

I have (furniture that I brought) a desk, two desk chairs, a huge bookcase, a queen-size bed, a living room chair...and that's not even getting to all of my other crap here.

The wagon could fit my clothes, my computer, and just about everything else I'd need for Christmas break with some room to spare, but I can't imagine fitting my whole life in that thing.

I paid 100 dollars for the entire summer for a 5'x10' rental unit for big crap like that that doesn't need to be hauled back and forth. Think smart, teuts.

[the Teuton]

I paid 100 dollars for the entire summer for a 5'x10' rental unit for big crap like that that doesn't need to be hauled back and forth. Think smart, teuts.

I live here all summer, remember?

But that does make sense, it would seem.

[BimmerM3]

Do you live in a furnished apartment?

I have (furniture that I brought) a desk, two desk chairs, a huge bookcase, a queen-size bed, a living room chair...and that's not even getting to all of my other crap here.

The wagon could fit my clothes, my computer, and just about everything else I'd need for Christmas break with some room to spare, but I can't imagine fitting my whole life in that thing.

Well obviously the tC can't fit all that, but neither can the Impreza (nor an Expedition), so it's a null point for this discussion.

[the Teuton]

Well obviously the tC can't fit all that, but neither can the Impreza, so it's a null point for this discussion.

Which means that a small-ass car shouldn't be a problem.  Back on-topic: Mister 2 is calling...

[BimmerM3]

Which means that a small-ass car shouldn't be a problem.  Back on-topic: Mister 2 is calling...

lolzorz. Maybe I should actually confirm that the car is totaled before I start calling a dealership in Florida...

[Minpin]

lolzorz. Maybe I should actually confirm that the car is totaled before I start calling a dealership in Florida...

It's a private seller.