$5000 Good MPG, good handling DD, what would you get?

ZJeepMI

ZJeepMI

Forum Member
I may be in the market for a new daily driver soon for around $5000. With gas prices i'm really looking at cars that get 25+ MPG in the city. Nothing in price range is going to be fast and pull that kind of gas mileage of course. But, what kind of cars would be fun to drive at least, and reliable enough for DD use?

What do you guys have, or what would you buy?

Just looking for some opinions. :wavey:
 
Everyone will dog on this but...

Can pick up a 03-05 Neon or Neon SRT-4 that will do the job. Of coarse with the SRT version it will be between 100-115k miles.
 
Older cobalt SS with a blower on it? Much cheaper than the turbo models.

SRT might be a little pricer than 5k..
 
AutoRoc said:
Older cobalt SS with a blower on it? Much cheaper than the turbo models.

SRT might be a little pricer than 5k..
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I think any SRT4 or Cobalt SS for $5,000 is going to have 150k miles on it and be beat on. I looked. You don't start seeing decent ones until around $8000
 
Something with a blower or turbo will require premium fuel, which seems to defeat the purpose of trying to save on fuel...???
 
Buddy of mine has a 2003 Saab 9.3 manual four door. just over 90k on it, seriously as close to mint as you can get. Located in troy, and hes asking 5 or 5200 i think. Deff a nice car. PM me if your interested.
 
I needed a car in that range and I found my 99 TA. I average about 21 mpg in it. Totally stock with 110,000 miles on it.

-Geoff
 
You'll call me batshit crazy, but my Civic is fun to drive. It's like a go-kart in the corners. 30-33mpg combined city/hwy. Pick up a 96-00 Civic for well under $5000. Reliable as shit, cheap to fix, easy to work on, easy to upgrade for more fun (handling).... They're not fast by any means, but corners are fun.
 
Quick86 said:
You'll call me batshit crazy, but my Civic is fun to drive. It's like a go-kart in the corners. 30-33mpg combined city/hwy. Pick up a 96-00 Civic for well under $5000. Reliable as shit, cheap to fix, easy to work on, easy to upgrade for more fun (handling).... They're not fast by any means, but corners are fun.
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I had a B16 swapped '97 Ex that got 36mpg mixed. It was loads of fun to drive. I'd certainly suggest a Civic as a DD. I'm driving one now, and it could be a lot worse. I love how you don't have to do much but drive the damn things. Something nicer though, an Accord would be a more comfy ride, but get less MPGs. Also a perfect DD. Just make sure it has oil in it, and it'll go as long as it has gas in it. :lol:


Keep in mind that the Cobalt, G5 or whatever it is have unusually high insurance. Too many personal injury claims is the cause. They aren't very safe - and likely why they were so short-lived. Was the Ion on the same chassis? Personally I love the FSVT idea. I was keeping an eye out for one when i was car shopping last year. I'd love a 4 door with the euro package. HIDs, heated seats, 20 spoke wheels and the additional two doors.
 
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Get a normal Cobalt. Or a normal Neon. Or anyhting naturally aspirated. You don't need a turbo or supercharger, more parts to go wrong, pemium fuel, higher isnurance. You're asking car guys about daily drivers, I'm suprised nobody suggested a Mustang yet :D
 
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