The $7000 car...

[orbusrex]

Say you have a work car, so you don't need a commuter...
and your wife has the 'nice' car... and you don't want a payment...
and you have a 20 month old child that may ride in the car with you sometimes...
and your budget was absolutely no more than 7k...
and you want it somewhat reliable and fun...

What would you get and why?

Ideas:
1997+ Wrangler 4.0/ MT... this is the front runner...

Mustang GT (87-93 or 99+ or 65-69 if available)

300ZX??

Integra? (But try finding one unabused at this price)

Thoughts....

 

[sahtt]

This is a a very good time to buy. Get something durable and reliable. You can easily fine a clean 00/01 integra for 7k. A few years ago you couldn't but that was before the depression kicked in.

 

[syam]

a clean good condition 4 door integra would be a great choice, and you could probably find one looking a bit. just need to worry about theft a little bit still.

 

[99 rs]

99-01 Impreza 2.5RS. Avoid 98 if you can. Fun and reliable.

 

[tosugrad]

Civic coupe?

 

[DocL]

I personally would avoid a 10+yr old american car. We all know Honda products will last 5x longer even with high mileage, so how about something like this RSX Type S.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...sion=&max_price=7500&cardist=8&standard=false

 

[ncbluetj]

I drive a '98 Wrangler 4.0 MT as my daily. As a fun car, I think it would be great. It will require a little bit more regular mainainence than your typical Honda, but they are VERY easy to work on and parts are CHEAP. It is awesome to take the top & doors off on sunny days (can't do that with any other vehicle that I know of). Also, depending on where you live, the Jeep could be your ticket to a new hobby...four wheeling! Let me know if you have any questions about them; I'd be glad to share my experience.

 

[steveny]

The newest Sebring convertible 7k will buy. Nothing like top down fun.

 

[passline]

Those are all good previous choices. I like the Hondas. Would not put a baby in a Wrangler, even occasionally.

 

[orbusrex]

this is a good start... i like the looks of the impreza alot. a convertible is out... except for the jeep. it's so damn hot in phoenix, the only way i can justify top down is if it could go off-road! i've had several convertibles and didn't have the top down that much... now the nsx... the top was off all the time!

 

[scorro1]

I love my integra but I just bought a new daily driver car. So my integra is for sale and I have babied it all its life. We might be a little far apart tho. Mines $5500.

I PM'd you the link.

 

[eNeSeX 95T]

Get the Jeep dude. What other car can you take the doors off....

Stay away from 97s though. Look for something in the 2000+ range.

Countless fun (My 06 LJ)

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/Berny928/n813180301_4536734_4527.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Moses]

96-00' civic ex

 

[slebidia]

I'm fond of my CR-V and it was much cheaper than $7000 to build.

 

[orbusrex]

Get the Jeep dude. What other car can you take the doors off....

Stay away from 97s though. Look for something in the 2000+ range.

Countless fun (My 06 LJ)

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/Berny928/n813180301_4536734_4527.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Ahhh, but try finding a 2000+ near AZ in my price range! I'm having trouble finding a 97-99 in my range...

 

[tsuchiya]

e36

 

[sicarius82]

S13 or S14 240sx. It'll be less than $7K, but good luck finding one unmolested.

S13 89-90 (zenki/pignose)

S13 91-93 (chuki)

S14 95-96 (zenki)

S14 97-98 (kouki/angry eyes)

If you can get a stock S14 SE Kouki, for <7K, its a steal...