New Or Used?: The 15K Wonder Car Edition
Kobi writes:
I need a car for under $15,000, manual trans, RWD or non-transverse/non-haldex all wheel drive. I hate transverse/fwd. I hate automatics. I have owned a Nissan SE-R, Acura Integra, Honda Prelude and now I have a last generation Toyota MR-Spyder that I don’t want to abuse during the winter again. I got a last generation Isuzu Trooper for my wife, little baby and dogs — but she complains about the mileage. So I want to get a winter-ish car that I’ll enjoy too, that is safe (!) for the baby, and has room for two dogs. This car is in addition to the MR and the Trooper.
I like reliability, I like convertibles as well – love the sun. If the Toyota Solara convertible were rwd or longitudinal awd with a manual tranny that would be my dream car. If Toyota made a 5-series like station wagon with RWD – that would be a close second. I like reliability. I love cars, but it pisses me off to have to throw parts at something.
I have been thinking 05 Legacy GT wagon – big sunroof. A little scared about the first model year jinx, and some (although few) reports of reliability/expensive repairs. Or maybe go really, really budget and see if I can find an unabused Legend or Integra GSR sedan? I’ve made a list – having already ruled out BMW for the nonsense with maintenance that I can’t suffer.
IS300
Pro: Toyota, RWD, manual yes
Con: everywhere, wagon auto only- swap from sedan, small interior
G35 Sedan
Pro: RWD, manual yes, high hp
Con: everywhere, cheap interior, ugly 1st generation body
Acura TSX
Pro: manual yes, Honda engine, nice interior, like a big Prelude?
Con: transverse fwd
Infiniti M45, 2003-2004
Pro: classic shape, relatively rare, v8, high hp, RWD
Con: auto only – possibly swap likely difficult
Sajeev answers:
The Infiniti M45 has a classic shape? That’s gotta be a first in the history of the Internet. Anyway, I don’t see you hating transverse powertrains, considering all the wrong-wheel drive cars you’ve owned. And the ones you’re considering. And as far as BMW nonsense in the reliability department, I see Subarus being just as troublesome. And maybe even harder to diagnose and repair for multiple reasons.
Get over transverse powertrains, or get a used Mustang GT droptop driven by an older, somewhat hoon-averse, person. Oh wait, you want safety, so kiss your droptop dreams goodbye! Judging by your current and past vehicles, you like cheap and cheerful: none of the cars on your list fit the bill. Why consider snobby, near luxury cars? I’d recommend a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Even better, their zippier versions at the top of the range: the Si and the MazdaSpeed.
Steve Answers:
You have a terminal case of the What-if’s. In the corporate world we call it paralysis by analysis, but the big point is this. You’re just gazing at your navel for way too long and creating friction out of fiction. Haldex AWD systems are fine these days. Transverse powertrains are fine. Heck, just getting FWD and a good set of snow tires is absolutely fine.
I can’t recommend a car because you simply have the automotive preferences of Cybil. You want a Solara? Fine, drive one. You want a Subaru Legacy wagon? They are insanely overpriced (as are the Toyondas and BMW’s you mentioned). But if that’s what floats your boat so be it. The only real direction I can give you is… don’t be a snob. The prior owner of the vehicle is going to have a much greater impact on your long-term satisfaction than the corporate emblem on the hood. I just don’t know any wagons with convertible tops, AWD, and a stickshift for $15k.
The Toyota MR-S you drive will likely outlast whatever your desire du jour is. I would just get it some good snow tires. A detail. Catch up on the maintenance… and drive the wheels off of it. For $15k you can enjoy some amazing vacations and still drive a great car when you get back from leisureland.
Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder.
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He has one convertible, and "loves the sun", but if this is a "winter car" he doesn't want a 2nd convertible. What about an older Lexus GS300? Safe, roomy enough, RWD and you might even find a manual version. An older E320 with a stick would work as well, but you'd have a German car out of warranty. Not sure you can find a decent CTS at this price. The reality is this, your desire for RWD and a manual (almost certainly German and high mileage at $16k) is completely at odds with the desire for a reliable, low maintenance car. You know this yourself in considering an old Acura, and the cars you've had before. Get the TSX. If you could handle an automatic, I'd sell you my Tribeca...I sent in a note in for advice on replacing it. Perhaps I'll be flogged on these pages as well in days to come.
I had a 2003 MR2 and would caution you about it. I loved driving the car; it was wonderfully responsive and I never tired of the looks. But the top leaked terribly in the rain and was a challenge to drive in less than ideal conditions. Also, it was not nearly as well made as the 2000 Celica GTS it replaced. (That was an excellent car in every way.)