Doesn't matter if it's auto/stick...

Has to be somewhat sporty? Any suggestions? All he can think up is an old Civic.

 

miata

 

it doesn't matter if his $3K beater is sporty or not, cuz it'll drive crappy regardless, unless he spends a grand or 2 to change out all the worn out parts. if i were him, i'd just find civic or corolla that's a new as possible with as little miles as possible for that price.

 

Miata

 

Miata would be my 1st choice.

I just searched Auto Trader Online for cars / trucks priced from $1900 to $3000 with less than 100,000 miles. There's plenty of cars to choose from. My choice of what I saw locally was a 1996 NISSAN SENTRA XE, auto, 4 cyl, ac, ps, pb, pw, cc, am/fm, 41k mi, $2800. I would be a little worried that the car hadn't been driven enough but it should make someone a nice daily driver.

 

1991-1994 Sentra SE-R

SR20DE 2.0L 140 hp
5spd with factory LSD
handles great for FWD
2400 lbs stock

I ran 9.0 @ 74 mph in mine in the 1/8 mile with just cai/header/advanced timing. They also make good autocross cars too

 

I got my 200sx se-r for 3400 with 100k, I truly love it.

there are cheapr out there and you can also give some input on a nice 240sx, they are good all around cars too, if he wants RWD.

 

That's how I roll! Sentra fo' life!

They are pretty much bullet-proof and the FWD, LSD, good ground clearance, and light weight make them pretty much unstopable in the snow.



I've had mine for 3 years now. Bought it from the original owner with only 75,000mi for only $2000. So far, the only things that I've had to replace were brake pads (the factory originals were still on there) and a new muffler (the OE one rusted to the point where I could pull the tailpipe right out of the muffler canister - So I replaced the cat-back with an HKS Sport). These are fun, reliable cars. It will likely rust into oblivion before anything major breaks on it.

Andrew

 

I saw a 94 Prelude VTEC for sale for $2700 locally a few months ago on Craigslist. Only one owner, but it had 170,000mi on it. I've got one of those too (a 93 VTEC with a lot less mileage). The Prelude VTEC makes for a fantastic beater/daily driver too. Very fun, comfortable, and FAST car. But the VTEC models were very rare, and you would have a real tough time finding a 93-96 Prelude VTEC in decent shape for $3000 or less. But it can be done - if you are patient and somewhat lucky.

Andrew

 

honda del-sole