Fun/reliable commuter car under 5k

[03ozwhip]

Going to need a commuter car. I haven't had one in quite a while, but I'd like to find something that's decently reliable, that's manual under 5k.

Don't know allot about VW but what about a VR6? Throw some ideas my way!!

[ExtraSlow]

Honda fit. Small enough that parking and fitting into holes in traffic is a breeze, and the Savage power will surprise most light-to-light competitors.

[revelations]

Definitely stay away from European cars if you want reliable and cheap.

Yaris/Corolla/Fit/Civic are your main options. Cant really go wrong with any of those. 5spd as well.

[ercchry]

Highway commuting right?

I’d skip the manual requirement, and go for comfort and power instead... Lexus LS4XX... surprisingly great highway mileage (my 430 saw around 8L/100kms at the speed limit) comfort, passing power, zero wind noise, rwd, great stability and traction control... can turn it off still with just pressing a button. My favourite commuting car even though it’s auto, can still hold gears

[Shlade]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Definitely stay away from European cars if you want reliable and cheap.

Yaris/Corolla/Fit/Civic are your main options. Cant really go wrong with any of those. 5spd as well.

I had an 08 civic as a daily and hated that thing. By no means was it fun in any way shape or form.

Also I've been driving my 07 city golf 2.0 for almost a year now and that thing has been nothing but fantastic. Slapped a set of coilovers in it and it's a blast to drive in the city. Incredibly fuel efficient as well. You can definitely find a good condition low mileage one for likely 5k and under. Just make sure the timing belt has been done and you're golden.

[craigcd]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Going to need a commuter car. I haven't had one in quite a while, but I'd like to find something that's decently reliable, that's manual under 5k.

Don't know allot about VW but what about a VR6? Throw some ideas my way!!

Have my first VW as a commuter car, I have owned a ton of vehicles and Honda and Toyota will continue to be my go to as of spring. The VW isnt terrible but I have found if you spend 5K on a Honda you can for the most part just drive it. I am constantly messing around with this VW outside of standard maintenance. Lots of little electrical things. Good news is when I am ready to sell it, it will be awesome as it drives me nuts and continue to fix things!

I will say though the car is LOADED with options compared to what you would get in a Honda/Toyota!

[03ozwhip]

Thanks guys. Ya it's a highway car. Lexus is a good idea...I'm still not sure I want the tiny little car like a fit or fiesta something...

[ExtraSlow]

Yeah, need a little bigger for highway comfort. I always forget that people commute outside of cities. #innercitymindset

[Seth1968]

You got your answer as far as reliability goes, now what exactly do you mean by "fun"?

[Hallowed_point]

Reliable = $5000 VW?!
How about a 2006 ish Accord v6 sedan with a 6 speed manual. Rare for it's segment. Quick enough. Make sure timing belt has been done if higher mileage.
Other than that, I think it's a nice pick. I know lots of asian delivery guys that bag the hell out of them for years.

[bjstare]

If you decide not to go with a large car, RSX (type-s)? No idea what the market is like for these, but I loved my integra for a dd back in the day.

[Hallowed_point]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

If you decide not to go with a large car, RSX (type-s)? No idea what the market is like for these, but I loved my integra for a dd back in the day.

RSX is also a really nice choice. Buddy had one with a leather interior and it was a sharp car. He had that for at least 5 years and did basically no maintenance.

[gretz]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

RSX is also a really nice choice. Buddy had one with a leather interior and it was a sharp car. He had that for at least 5 years and did basically no maintenance.

I daily drive just the base... Great fuel mileage, accelerates easily in 5th up hills (a huge must), leather interior, heated seats/mirrors, easy/cheap to fix if anything arises (base motors are super cost effective as well).

You can land something good for around 2k

[HiTempguy1]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I had an 08 civic as a daily and hated that thing. By no means was it fun in any way shape or form.

Also I've been driving my 07 city golf 2.0 for almost a year now and that thing has been nothing but fantastic. Slapped a set of coilovers in it and it's a blast to drive in the city. Incredibly fuel efficient as well. You can definitely find a good condition low mileage one for likely 5k and under. Just make sure the timing belt has been done and you're golden.

I completely, 100% disagree with this. I had a brand new 2004 City Golf 2.0. It fucking sucked, and I was big into VW's back in the day. Also put a FK cup kit on it with 18's and an exhaust.

Thing was slow, interior quality was crap, it did nothing well, and got AWFUL mpg. It also shifted like a bag of smashed assholes and the throwout bearing blew up on me. Was also fun, the coolant temp sensor died once and the car completely DIED while driving, not even limp mode, scary shit. A restart it fired right up (ran like garbage).

That's not to say the 08 civic is great car either, just stay away from 2.0 golfs.

RSX is a good choice, but not exactly comfortable. If the engine had been fixed (known issues), a Nissan Sentra Spec V of the early millenium may be worthwhile to look into.

An older Acura EL is an upscale civic, and its a civic model of the better years.

[craigcd]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

That's not to say the 08 civic is great car either, just stay away from 2.0 golfs.

I can agree with this- 2.0 is a total snooze.

[Mitsu3000gt]

V6 Accord would get my vote if you're doing highway driving and want a fun, reliable, STI-killer.

[craigcd]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I had an 08 civic as a daily and hated that thing. By no means was it fun in any way shape or form.

Also I've been driving my 07 city golf 2.0 for almost a year now and that thing has been nothing but fantastic. Slapped a set of coilovers in it and it's a blast to drive in the city. Incredibly fuel efficient as well. You can definitely find a good condition low mileage one for likely 5k and under. Just make sure the timing belt has been done and you're golden.

Have you done your timing belt? Its more the water pump than timing belt...... I dont think you could actually run this car until the belt snapped as the water pump would fail long before.

[HiSpec]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

RSX is a good choice, but not exactly comfortable.

I find the RSX suspension it is slightly under dampen. Also the seats are made for bigger body frame and feels like you are sitting on the car instead of in the car. Even with the seat setting at the lowest, it still sits rather high.

[lamp_shade_2000]

I picked up a 06 tsx for your budget last spring. Cheap on fuel, 6 speed manual, most of the creature comforts and enough power to have a little bit of fun. That'd get my vote.

[shakalaka]

It's your itch kicking in for something different isn't it? Otherwise I think X5's are excellent highway vehicles! Haha.