lately I've been looking in to spending 4-5k on a beater to keep the miles down on my S since I my commute may be 5 times more in the coming months (only work/go to school about 3-5 miles away).

So what would you buy? I'm looking at maybe an ek or dx civic. It could also be fun to make it in to a little project car.

Ideas/thoughts?

Thanks!

Aaron

 

Those aren't some bad choices...especially if you want to go with a project car.

Ever consider an old 240sx or maybe like an AE86..just throwing a couple more out ther..

and if another two seater wouldn't be an issue first gen miatas are cheap and pretty easy to come by also..and they last forever

 

-> Any late model Civics and Accords are always a good buy. If you see any (stock) Preludes, now that would be a steal!

 

Not neccesarily. I was just keeping in mind his budget of 4-5k..some of the cars I mentioned (the miata for example) can be found for less than that..and any problems they may have he could use the left over cash to deal with.

Of course there are later models cars you can find that are in that price range (neon, escort, etc) but if he wants to mod them I think some of the ones I mentioned would be the way to go

 

86 corolla!

 

I'd love to do a hatch.. but to get them where I would consider them "decent" and looking good, would probably take 5-8k EXTRA. And I don't have that kinda coin

I'd also love to do an older datsun or Z. There's this picture of an oldschool silver Z (or datsun dunno which) that has stuck in my mind forever, and I wish I could build something like that. It's silver with light silver racing stripes.. I drool over that car all the time but can't find any pics atm

Edit:

Found it. I want a Z like this:

 

pickup an older civic. theyre reliable and you dont have to put much maint into one. they make the greatest beaters!
<- 98 ex as daily

 

I saw that Z in super street I think...

Was it the one with the RB Engine swapped into and an fully redone interior!?

That was one of the nicest cars Ive ever seen. Finally made me say " I want a Z. "

 

I wouldn't want a beater that doubles as a project car. To me, my beater is supposed to be the reliable, comfortable, efficient, bland transportation that gets me to work & back without drawing any unwanted attention or complications.

So, my recommendation would be Accord, Camry or Civic. Plus, get a 4-door and you can haul more people/stuff when necessary.

 

I like the idea of a Miata for a beater.

I'll throw out a real oddball that will likely get me flamed. Why not a Ford Ranger? The 4cyl. isn't bad on gas, they're reliable, they're cheap, there are tons of them from 99 to 2004 with under 100,000 miles on them in your price range and you can haul most anything in the back.