The search for that sporty beater continues
 

Today I test drove a 2000 Acura Integra GSR, surprisingly bone stock. Rust was already bubbling in the rear quarters and the car just felt 90's to me. I used to own one and I just don't see myself getting back in one.

Seeing as these cars are so rare to find untouched, I'm running out of viable alternatives.

Are preludes good daily drivers? The gas mileage is so similar to V6 sedans that I don't see a reason to get them.
SVT Focus's, base RSX's, Civic Si hatches were other cars on my list.

Any other suggestions... oh looking at 4000-6000, all I ask is for upper 20's to 30's mpg highway, a decent trunk, and cheap to maintain/insure/drive.

E36 328i. Low 1xxk miles can be found between 4 and 5 grand easily, and it's pretty easy to maintain. Just make sure you do maintain it properly. It's also a sedan (328is being the coupe version) which means lots of space.

I believe I mentioned it in the last beater thread: Rust is a POSITIVE quality for a beater. A rusty car is a cheaper car. No one wants to steal a rusty car. And it does not impact the functionality or reliability of the vehicle.

BTW, yes a Honda Prelude is an ideal daily driver - Sporty, comfortable, reliable, semi-practical. Don't expect to get more than 24mpg if it's a VTEC model though.

Andrew

e39 528i is also going for that price. inline 6 should be easy to work on yourself, and looks more expensive than it actually is these days.

i had a 1999 prelude SH. Quite an amazing car. Handled well. Had a pretty torquey motor. It got great MPGS and arent super common. H22 motors can be abused and will last forever!!! No negatives that i see when driving a prelude.

Volkswagen GTI 2000-2005
Honda Prelude BB6
Mazda MP3 protege
Nissan Sentra SER Spec V
Dodge Neon SRT4
Toyota Celica GT/GTS 2000+
Ford Focus SVT
Ford Countour SVT
Civic Si EP3 2002-2005
Subaru impreza 2.5 RS 2000+
Subaru Legacy GT
BMW 3 series from late 90's early 00's
RSX base and type S
Acura 3.2 TL-S


just some I can think of off the top of my head. All fit your criteria pretty well and can be had well within your price range if you dont mind higher mileage cars for some

Add a 2000+ Toyota Celica GTS to your list. I own one and it's been rock solid for 187k and counting. I've had a catalytic converter go out and that's literally the only thing that has broken in the 8 years that I've had it. They are rated for 150k miles, so you could argue it was time anyway.

They make 180HP, 6 speed manual, leather seats, 16" alloys, usable back seat, hatchback, 27-33mpg. Early models go for around 5k.

E36 M3 5spd, can probably get a 95-97 for that price range if you look around.

:iagree:

Mazda Protoge 5?

At 4-6k, you're looking at a very high mileage M3. I'd just as soon pick up a lower mileage E36 328i.

Call this crazy but I found a Vibe GT that has the 6sp 180hp Celica GTS motor in it. Has 136 miles and he wants 5700... I might bite

A personal favorite of mine is the EG 92-95 civic coupe. The sunroof/power options make it a comfortable beater.

Plus, the cost to maintain the M3 is way higher. EVERYTHING costs more for an M3 vs a standard 3 series. E36's are very nice daily drivers.

What's wrong with the Scooby? That's a great daily IMO.

I just got a new job and i park it in a downtown area. Don't want my bumpers smashed from horrible parkers and door dings/scratches. Plus the roads are bumpy and I want a softer suspension

K20a2 power ep3. It's my beater and I love it

Any Subbie would be fun but you ain't getting high 20's-30's mpgs. I;ve always been partial to the old Impreza wagons that were white/grey.

http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/50609679.jpg

Minus the balloon of couse.

I always liked the ep3, especially with the Type-R kit on it. I've considered getting a base rsx or an ep3 with high mileage and dropping in a K20A2. Seems like it would be a fun beater car with low maintenance.