Here we go. That should touch 40MPG. Lose the fart can.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/2305739969.html

How about an Acura RSX?

I'm thinking about it, but would like AWD and the ricer image is hard for me to get past. Ideally it would be an S-type, but they're hard to find (at least around here).

the rollers are not pulleys,they are just that rollers,about the size of a 3/4 socket with a bearing in the middle there are 2 of them up on the top end between the cam and inj pump pulleys.most places don't replace em. and if your serious about it get a vag-com cable and download the free software and you can do lots of stuff the obdII scanner couldn't dream of,you'll need it to check the timing for one.mine is currently setting at 426,000 miles.original clutch went at 375,000.

+2

Either of these cars you're discussing have high resale values.

Get a simple, reliable Japanese car... these can have high resale values too.. so you could also get an old 3800 V6 land yacht for cheap

That's nuts that a 20 year old Civic could get that kind of money. A newer Sentra or Focus that was made this century would be a better deal.

I'd black out the wheels as well.

A second bodyshell comes with that price. It appears that the owner will deal on it if the shell is not required by the buyer.

1st gen Focus? No. Sentra? Really? Sentra?

I'm thinking of cars that are remotely fun to drive and are still practical/cheap. No reason to sell your soul and get something boring when you don't have to.

Couple points:

B4 Passat: 1996-1997
Mk3 Jetta: 1997-1999.0
Mk4 (Jetta, Golf, New Beetle) 1999.5+, and 1998 for the buggies. \
Note that around the time of the switchover 1.9 IDI cars were available in Canada. These are not TDIs (no computer) and don't match the later cars power or fuel economy.

All but some 1996 Passat TDIs are OBDII compliant. 1996s were not from the factory, but many had a TSB done in 1997 to turn off the 5th fuel injector on the catalyst. In that TSB they replaced the EDC12 computer with an EDC15 one, which has OBDII.

Mk3s are great cars, but beware of rust!!! The Mexican built cars from 93-99 rust like none other. Worse then a Mercedes. And just like a benz they'll be all shiny and pretty on top with no rockers or floors left. Note that the 96 & 97 Passats came from Germany and are not as badly affected by rust.

IMHO go for the New Beetle. They come from the factory with a sportier suspension, and didn't hold their value as well as the sedans or hatches. Plus the 4th gen platform is stiffer, safer, and more comfortable. Plus the rust proofing on these cars is fantastic (yes, they are made in Mexico but they fixed the problem for the 4th gen cars).

The timing belts are a bit easier to do on the 3rd gen cars then the 4th gen, but the 4th gen cars can have one installed which goes 100,000 miles. 3rd gen is limited at 60k.

Also beware of fuel injection pump leaks. I've seen this a lot with the older cars. Good news is the seal kit is not expensive at all, and it's easy to take the whole thing apart on the bench, install new seals, and put it back together. Then it's just a matter of re-calibrating it using VCDS, which you need anyway to set the static timing.

An ex-coworker just picked up a clean 1996 Passat with a leaky injection pump. The previous owner got the $2000 estimate from his mechanic to replace the pump and decided to dump the car. A timing belt kit and seal kit ($300 in parts?) and the car is running like a top. Deals can be had, you just have to look for them and be willing to drive to get them.

-Jason

A lot of good info. I have a friend two houses down that wants 2k for his CRX (with coilovers and and full catback exhaust( not a fartcan for the sake of being loud) ) I might see when he wants it gone by. If he says whenever I can work my ass off over the summer.

Man, I loves me some smurf blue yada goodness. But this ad makes me REALLY miss SoCal yada prices...... dang near dime a dozen, I tell ya!

Miata is a good thought too. Over 30 mpg with the hardtop I imagine. I don't think girls think it is a chic car. Lots of young men and women look at my Miata when I drive it. (When they see me they quickly look away!:P)

Girls don't care. They like cute cars and the miata is definitely a cute little car. It really is a little chick magnet. Doesn't hurt that the college I go to is something like 70% female either :eek:

A crx would totally negate any savings I get with the insurance rates on it. Geico wants almost $1k per 6 months. An insight is about the same as the cabrio, A Golf TDI is about the same as the cabriolet as well.

I think the CRX is an increase because its a shoe box, its a honda(more likely to be stolen), and its older?

More likely to be riced out and subsequently wrapped around a telephone pole. If low rates are what you're after, you need to select a larger old fart car. A Buick LeSabre or Mercury Grand Marquis will put you on your insurance agent's Christmas Card list.