Possible? Legit Car under $9k?

[Factor12]

Hey beyond, hopefully I can get some help with my pipe dream here or just be pointed in the right direction. Im looking for a car under $9000 that is fast and fairly cheap to maintain.

I would prefer:
-LHD
-driveable year round on a daily basis.

Doesn't have to be luxury by any stretch but power locks, windows, doors would be nice as well as a maintained interior.

Hopefully I've been specific enough, but not fantasizing for that price.

Thanks in Advance,

Factor

[slinkie]

jetta?

[TurboD]

the sky is the limit with a 9k budget.

what do you consider fast?
do you mean quarter mile fast, or top speed fast or fast 0-60, or fast in the corners?

the faster and more powerful the car is the harder and more expensive it is to maintain.

what do you mean by cheap to maintain?

cheap to change spark plugs? fuel filter? alternator? starter? muffler? gas tank? fuel pump? oil?

you want a big car, or a small car, 2 doors or 4 doors, hatchback or wagon, diesel engine or gas, rotory or piston or hybrid, 5 spd or auto, heavy or light, girly or manly, rwd fwd or awd???

[sxtothe240]

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/272508/fs-1992-lexus-sc400-onyx-black/

[ShermanEF9]

this applies for everything i guess.



cheap reliable fast


Pick 2.

[Factor12]

Sorry haha, guess I didnt cover all the bases. By fast I mean it accelerates fast from rest, so yea 0-60. By cheap to maintain I mean like, I wont be broke if I need to change a spark plug, tail light, etc, smaller car parts. I dont really care about the size, 4 doors preferred but will obviously consider coupes, manly haha, and I like autos for daily practicallity but will drive manual for increased "quickness" I described above. Thanks!

[Factor12]

I pick fast and reliable.

[ShermanEF9]

then you're gunna wanna spend more then 9k.

[Factor12]

How bout fast and cheap :P

[ShermanEF9]

then prepare to have it worked on ALL THE TIME

[texasnick]

Originally posted by ShermanEF9

cheap reliable fast


Pick 2.

the golden rule ;)

you still haven't defined what you consider "fast" by the way.

Fast for some is a 14 second car
Others don't think a car is fast unless it is a sub 13 car.
Still others don't consider a car fast until it's in the 11's.

See what we mean? There could be a BIG difference in what you consider fast vs. what the average beyonder considers fast.

[Factor12]

Ok haha, well I currently drive a 1998 Plymouth Breeze sedan, the family man car, with 152 hp, and I dont know what its time is, but it doesn't exactly feel fast...so I dunno, maybe in the 13s???

[texasnick]

Would you be open to the idea of a mullet-mobile?:D

[Masked Bandit]

Considering what you are currently driving I'm guessing you're looking for something with some get up and go in traffic. You're probably not going to be drag racing anyone, am I right? If so, you may want to consider a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

Now before all the "kids" jump in with the "oh it's domestic, it's shit", maybe the OP should talk to some people who have first hand experience with this particular car. Is the build quality that of Lexus / BMW / MB? Phuck no! But for the dollar, find me something else that has a factory supercharger (no mods required = less hassle / maintenance), possible H.U.D. and cheap parts?

[colsankey]

A year ago I would agree with Masked Bandit, 6k in transmission work later on a Grand Prix GT with only 90,000k on it and I suggest you stay away.

[Factor12]

Thanks for the responses. Yea Im looking for something with some jump in traffic, off a light, etc. And no I wont be drag racing anyone and Id actually prefer to stay away from a JDM RHD car.

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by colsankey
A year ago I would agree with Masked Bandit, 6k in transmission work later on a Grand Prix GT with only 90,000k on it and I suggest you stay away.

That's pretty brutal for sure but my brother is currently running up to 300,000 on his '98 with original tranny / motor.

[blackpeople]

have i got a little monster for you. if you are interested then pm:devil:

[texasnick]

Originally posted by colsankey
A year ago I would agree with Masked Bandit, 6k in transmission work later on a Grand Prix GT with only 90,000k on it and I suggest you stay away.


Strange. I always though GM auto trannys were pretty good.

They ARE quick little bastards though.

OP, you should be able to get a decent mid 90's Z28 Camaro for under $10k. :nut:

[B4tMan]

OP, buy a mazda 3. It has everything you need.


Originally posted by colsankey
A year ago I would agree with Masked Bandit, 6k in transmission work later on a Grand Prix GT with only 90,000k on it and I suggest you stay away.

6K ? it's actually 3ooo to rebuild / install

Don't you have friends that would say NO when you tell them " Boys, I'm putting 6ooo in transmission, and the car is worth less"

[Factor12]

I really appreciate all of the replies. What year of a Mazda 3 were you thinking? Anyone able to help me search for an Alberta Camaro z28 newer than 1995?

[B4tMan]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit


That's pretty brutal for sure but my brother is currently running up to 300,000 on his '98 with original tranny / motor.

16o ooo on mine '02

[colsankey]

Originally posted by B4tMan
OP, buy a mazda 3. It has everything you need.



6K ? it's actually 3ooo to rebuild / install

Don't you have friends that would say NO when you tell them " Boys, I'm putting 6ooo in transmission, and the car is worth less"

I had to spend a hair under 1800 to get the pressure control solonoid rebuilt last summer. Car ran fine for a few months, then one night I tried to pull out of a parking spot and the engine revved, but I had no go.

Had it towed back to GM, $500 later they told me they couldnt tell me what was even wrong with it, but it wasn't the pressure control solonoid, they wanted another 5-7 hours investigation approved @ $125/hour

Told them to get stuffed and had my car towed, had a full rebuild for about just over 3000. Total bill was just shy of 6 grand in about 4 months.

GM did the origional rebuild and that year (04) had a really low tranny warrenty and almost all years afterwards the trannies got new warranty periods, probably to compete with the import market. But they said sorry, pay in full again or take it elsewhere, so I did. Wish Id had a brand new full tranny installed for 4k the first time I took it to the shop.

[Eleanor]

Originally posted by Factor12
I pick fast and reliable. 5.0 Fox Body

Originally posted by Factor12
Ok haha, well I currently drive a 1998 Plymouth Breeze sedan, the family man car, with 152 hp, and I dont know what its time is, but it doesn't exactly feel fast...so I dunno, maybe in the 13s??? Yikes, you might want to change your guess there :rofl:

[soloracer]

Originally posted by ShermanEF9
this applies for everything i guess.



cheap reliable fast


Pick 2.

Works for racing......and women..... *lol*

[TurboD]

Originally posted by Eleanor

Yikes, you might want to change your guess there :rofl:

the context is a bit confusing but he was answering two questions in that statement, he was explaining what he drives right now and he was explaining how fast he would like his 9k car to be.

[VaN_HaMMeRSTeiN]

Jetta, Civic Si, may not be fast, but they should do what you want.
You may be able to pick up a cobalt that is a couple years old. I don't know how they are, but they are gonna feel a lot better then your current car.
You should take a look through the auto trader.

[psycoticclown]

MR2 or 300zx

[Factor12]

Bump lol, I still cant find that one car worth pursuing.

[DSM4LIFE]

not everyone might agree with me but a swapped honda might be a good route. as i have a 1995 honda civic hatchback and i swapped in a integra GSR motor. with the stock motor it has a decent amount of power for the streets (thanks VTEC :)) its very reliable and parts are easy to find. and if you want to make it faster do what i'm doing and boost it :) you'll easily find that 13 second time you are looking for.

[DSM4LIFE]

and as for price i bought my hatch for $900 painted it myself did a feew little body mods then swapped the motor. all for under $5000.

[Gabe182]

Originally posted by psycoticclown
MR2 or 300zx

He said a car that can be driven year round. A 300zx touches snow and the driver dies. MR2s arent for winter either lol.

[freshprince1]

My Maxima SE is up for sale. 156K, 3.5L V6, 255 Hpr.

[QuasarCav]

I recently picked up a 99 SiR for well under 9K. It did take a while to find an unmolested version but I think it has a nice blend of speed, reliability and cheapness.

[Neil4Speed]

ES300, Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti I30

Whoever suggested a 300ZX can't be serious

[ShermanEF9]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed
ES300, Acura 3.2TL, Infiniti I30

Whoever suggested a 300ZX can't be serious

they don't really follow the golden rule in any way regardless stock or modded.

[2Valve0]

Neon:dunno:

[Factor12]

Bumping this thread as my 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was stolen and will likely be getting about this much from the settlement. Still looking for the same things in a car.

Thanks

[Pollywog]

I'm about in the same predicament that you are in. I hope to sell my car, and spend about 7-10 on a repacement vehicle. I have dumbed it down to either a Jetta/Golf, Civic Si/SiR or Accord w/V6, an older mercedes than I own now (W123 or maybe a 190E), a 3-series BMW, lower mileage G.Cherokee/Cherokee/TJ, an Integra, a 2001+ Deville or 1998+ Seville, any older Lexus like an LS400 or ES300, as well as a few others. I hope some of these might stir up some ideas in your mind - it is a tough decision though.

[SRT10Killer]

there is a 350 hp talon with 15k dumped into it for 6 on the marketplace

it fits into the category of cheap and fast :) i guess you can consider it reliable too since most of the parts are rebuilt by the owner

[prelude98h22]

srt-4

[4doorj]

I found my sister in law a rsx premium. So not the type s. Good on gas, fully loaded including sunroof, heated leather seats. Honda reliability! I'm so surprised at how fast rsx's have depreciated compared to integras. You can easily find one in the $9k range. I found it for her on Kijiji.

[InRich]

http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/CALGARY_Alberta_2002_HONDA_ACCORD+EX%2bL_3749108.html?srcid=1853614&source=24&pgno=1&srt=10&CompanyID=&r=calgaryalberta&ad-attributes=photos,,
add another 1500 and I'll give you this one.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by InRich
http://www.autotrader.ca/used_cars_Cars_details/CALGARY_Alberta_2002_HONDA_ACCORD+EX%2bL_3749108.html?srcid=1853614&source=24&pgno=1&srt=10&CompanyID=&r=calgaryalberta&ad-attributes=photos,,
add another 1500 and I'll give you this one.

When comparing the price to the mileage, it is becoming somewhat obvious that you may not have researched the market value of your Accord whatsoever.

[InRich]

Originally posted by Pollywog


When comparing the price to the mileage, it is becoming somewhat obvious that you may not have researched the market value of your Accord whatsoever.

lol go look yourself.... I had dealers offer me 11k on trade in for new 09 cars

[Neil4Speed]

I would pick this if I were in your shoes, of course, I am your resident Lexus fanboy :D

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1999-Lexus-GS-400-118000Miles-Fully-Loaded-Ext-Warranty-W0QQAdIdZ187745146

A nice, 300hp/300tq, reliable, luxurious, safe, comfortable.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by InRich


lol go look yourself.... I had dealers offer me 11k on trade in for new 09 cars

I did go look for myself before I wrote my previous comment. Like I said, obvious you didn't look. Even just looking at one source, Kijiji, I have a pick between multiple Accords with 60,000kms less than yours has for around 8 grand, whereas you are trying to sell your higher mileage accord, same 2.3, for three and a half grand more?

What dealer offered you 11k? They sound so retarded that I may want to trade in my car there.

[InRich]

South Center.... 11k trade on a 09 touregg highline, fully loaded. new suv....

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by InRich
South Center.... 11k trade on a 09 touregg highline, fully loaded. new suv....

Sounds like a desperate-dealer/sales strategy. They offer high on a trade-in to entice the customer, and easily recover from the price and interest on the new vehicle. Keep in mind this does not make your car worth 11.5 - I could barely even sell my '03 Mercedes for that.

[Factor12]

What if everything I've said still applies but the 9k becomes 11k? Any other ideas?

[toastgremlin]

This is a bit of an odd suggestion, but a late model Protege/Protege5 can have a turbocharger added to it fairly easily. They have basically the same low-compression engine as the Miata, and Mazdaspeed even sells a kit (http://www.mazdaspeeddevelopment.com/protegeTurboKit.htm) (minus ECU and cooling). It's not going to be a little rocket ship (probably not 13s without a lot of modifications), but definitely better than the Breeze.

A few cars that have absolutely collapsed in price lately are the RX-8 and the Cobalt SS supercharged. Those will also need modifications to hit 13s. I'm not sure about how far you can push an RX-8 before it starts to get really expensive to make minor improvements, though.

If you just want the cheapest route to fast quarter mile times you could probably put together a fox-body Mustang with forced induction for under $11k.

[Factor12]

Seems like a stupid bump, but Ive been searching for over a month now and nothing worth noting is really reeling me in. Good news is I got my old Breeze insured so there is no rush to buy a car but im also putting less emphasis on speed now and am actually look at getting an SUV (still wouldnt mind something with a little jump in traffic). Any further help? Note: similar price range of 7k-11k

Thanks!

[traviswithaG]

as for fast in traffic.
- SRT-4- fast enough and fun to drive!. ( shoud beat out Sc colbalts, RSX type s, civic si, celica GT-s,rx-8 and the gtp.


Dont really know wich way you should go with suv's because my favorite is the rav4. out of all the ones i test drove it felt the most sporty. handels well, feels light and resposive.
but its pretty slow 160hp ,3100 pounds.

I guess its the quickest 4 banger suv :)


if you want the awd and the sporty car.
perhaps wrx.. can u get them that cheap?
eclipse/talon?
3000gt/stealth?

[moka989]

http://www.japandreamcars.com/BmwStock.html

:dunno:

[TurboMedic]

jeez a couple months ago I let my 02 GTI turbo modded to 240 ft/lbs go for 9g's.....

[core_upt]

My car will be up for sale this summer. 02 Sentra SE-R Spec V. 175HP, 180lb-ft torque, bone stock.
It's quick through traffic and off the line compared to most everything in it's class - Mazdaspeed Protege, Civic Si, Prelude, Integras, RSXs, etc. Has more room than a GTI and is less to insure, decent on gas, great in the winter w/ winter tires, and super reliable.
Sounds like you're looking for what I wanted when I bought my Spec - sporty and quick, reliable, fun to drive and with some room.