I've been tossing around the idea of getting a good daily driver to use until I can afford something more expensive, and so that I don't sit taking a depriciation hit on a car I don't plan to keep long-term (my bmw). This is only pondering, not sure if I am going to do something like this yet but I'd like some input. I have looked at a lot of cars under 4-5k, and these seem to be the most interesting options:

'92-'93 Accord EX or SE 5-speed
'93-'94 Probe GT 5-speed
?? 240SX SE (not the latest generation, one previous)

Regardless I would want at least a driver's airbag and ABS, plus a 5 speed and something that will be very reliable and somewhat fun to drive. I feel those cars are probably pretty modern and very usable as a bridge car.

Obviously any of these cars would be a huge adjustment from my 5 series but I think I could do it especially because if I drive it for a few years I could save a LOT for a new car. One reason it would save me money is because I wouldn't be tempted to spend thousands modifying it (I have to keep hiding the credit card to prevent myself from modding the BMW).

So, basically, what do you all think about the idea of getting a bridge car, the three that I have mentioned, and if there are any others that I might have missed?

Thanks!

 

I think you should go with the 240SX. They are reliable if you don't beat it up really bad. My friend has one and he has beat the crap out of it and it still runs really good. Also for performance it's your best bet on a daily driven vehicle. 89-91 is probably about $3K. But also you can get the Japanese conversion engine for it, the SR20DE or DET. It comes stock with around 190-205 hp plus there is lots of cheap mods you can do for it. The parts for it are a lot more common then for the probe or the accord. Well I hope this helps.

 

This isn't a car you mentioned but have you thought about a Miata? The cars are cheap and almost bullet proof and are a hell of a lot of fun to drive. They're also small enough not to be all that useful. I had one for my daily driver for years and it was a great car.

All three of the cars you mentioned are great cars and should serve you well.

 

The 93 Accord EX Coupe would work well as a daily driver.