My sister is looking for something to replace her so-rusty-that-the-rust-has-rust '88 taurus that she's had for the last 8 years (abused before she got it, it was a happy-16th-birthday hand-me-down from grandma, and being your typical highschool girl, it got named and until it started leaving her stranded you couldn't pry her out of it, even though it was a piece of junk).

She's looking for something in the $3k - $5k range, that will be reliable (oil changes, occasional tuneups, basic inexpensive maintence only for another 6 years while finishing her masters and getting her PhD), and "cute" (examples of "cute" later).  Will see a good mix of city and highway miles.  It also has to be an automatic, since she refuses to learn to drive a standard, and she'd prefer front wheel drive since she's scared of rear-wheel-drive.

Her idea of "cute" seems to consist of the Honda Civic Del Sol, early 90s Toyota MR2 (she's pissed because its RWD), and the early-to-mid 90s Eclipse.  My interpretation of her version of "cute" is semi-sporty-looking (but performance doesn't seem to really matter to her) compact 4banger.

We've found a dozen or so Civic Del Sols, and a couple of Eclipses in that price range, but I know nothing about them, other than its getting hard to find one that hasn't been fucked with by a teenager with more money than brains, and shitty taste in aftermarket accessories.

Any advice regarding those two, things to be aware of, things to run away from, etc.  Also any suggestions for similar cars?  Trucks / SUVs are out ("too big"), so suggestions of cars only.

Honda Civic SI(late 90's models)
VW Beetle

The Civic Del Sols only seat 2, and rice burner racer types drive them, same with Eclipes.  I;d look into a Hyundai Tiburon

Quoted: I should lock this thread until such time as it is determined if a guy shopping for a "cute" car is cause to revoke his man card!   ETA..I drove a "vintage" MR2 and it was a lot of fun. I wouldn't venture across the country in it and there wasn't room for you to change your mind in it but what a blast to drive.

As I said...my sister is looking for something to replace her car with....I just bought a tacoma a few months ago.

I get to answer the "is this a good car" questions, and I'll readily admit I know jack shit about any of the cars she's asking about.  At minimum they're lacking at least two cylinders, and aside from the MR2 they're being propelled by the wrong wheels.

Quoted: Honda Civic SI(late 90's models) VW Beetle The Civic Del Sols only seat 2, and rice burner racer types drive them, same with Eclipes.  I;d look into a Hyundai Tiburon

I suggested the Civic SI, it got called ugly.  The VW Beetle got called "cute" so I guess its on the list of options

The only concern with the ricer-types playing with the cars is it makes it hard to find one that hasn't been messed with, although her wanting an automatic seems to help with that.  

you probably wont fund a New Beetle in that price range. Also from what I have seen Reliablity is not VWs thing.  My Ex-GFs 02' Beetle was at the dealer quite a few times under warrenty for strange electrical glitches.

Of the choices the Del-Sol is probably your best bet. Although I'm not sure if they were ever avalible as an automatic.

Or consider a Mazda Miata if she can live with rear wheel drive.

VW Golf.

Wife had a 95'Del Sol with auto. Good car.
30 city mpg. Decent acceleration. Good handling with double wishbone suspension.
Get one! I remember in Montana I was driving 70mph when it was snowing sideways.
Bought it new. We beat the shiite out of that car. She was durable.

used miata.

i'd go with an eclipse, they are dependable and will last her for a long time!

Hi,

Mazda Protege (not cute enough?)
VW New Beetle (too cute?)
PT Cruiser (cute!)
Volvo S40 (not cute enough? but very safe)

95-00?  Nissan Sentra or 200SX

My '96 Nissan 200SX SE 1.6L has 196,500 miles on it and is still going strong.  37mpg average.

Not exactly a speedburner.  It will pass other cars but you need to plan a couple of days in advance.

ZM

Quoted: I should lock this thread until such time as it is determined if a guy shopping for a "cute" car is cause to revoke his man card!

This from a guy that built a Jeep and painted it pink and purple?

'95-96 Saturn SC2

the SC1 and SC2's are good little cars. I have a Ford ZX2 that is an excellent vehicle! regular maintance and it will run like a dream for as long as you own her

Civic Si.  Maybe an Acura Integra, if she can find a deal.

Or a Beetle.

Jim

VW Jetta/Golf/Beetle is a good choice, just check maintenance history first.  The diesels (www.tdiclub.com) seem to be more reliable IF she'll go that route.  And ya can't beat the 50mpg.

Ford Focus is also supposed to be a good car once you get past all the recalls in the early years.  I had one for a rental car for about a month and liked it.

don't be scared of the RWD!  it makes for a much easier car to control in slick weather once you know what you are doing!

A V6 mustang is always a good low price car.  I has a bit of pep to it and is somewhat sporty.

Quoted: don't be scared of the RWD!  it makes for a much easier car to control in slick weather once you know what you are doing!

You know that, I know that, but there's no way anyone is going to convince my sister of that.  She's stubborn and irrational about many things, RWD being one of them.  Personally, I'm done with FWD -- closest I might get is something AWD, but thats a ways off -- enjoying my RWD toys too much right now.

Quoted: Quoted: used miata. +1 Great cars for the money (there's a reason they've made the C&D Top Ten so many years right alongside cars costing 3-4 times as much ).  As long as it's had basic maintenance (mainly proper oil-changes), I wouldn't be afraid of an early 1st-gen one at all (and they can be had CHEAP if you look).  I personally know of several here with 200k+ on the clock and no major problems. Mine is a '91 (with 100k+) that I've had since new and it is still my favorite car that I have owned in 25+ years of driving.

If it wasn't RWD a miata would be on her list.


As it is, a miata is on MY list because of the handling.  I'm just out of garage and driveway space at the moment.

Don't you risk revokation of your man-card to own a miata?