Opinions: Looking for a "fun/sporty" daily driver under $10k

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Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

Looking to see what your guys' opinions are for a fun daily driver/commuter car under $10k. I'm currently using my 04 GT as a daily driver and get about 18-19 mpg but looking for something that gets over 20 mpg's. I've been really considering a 2004-2007 Mazda 3 hatchback because I heard they're pretty fun cars that get really good gas, but not sure if I want to pay ~$8-9k on one. What're you're guys' opinions???

Stick to the GT or get a __________??? [patriot]

***Edit: must seat 4!!

[ December 18, 2012, 01:22 AM: Message edited by: SydeWaySix ]

Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :

Maybe an s2000, they're pretty inexpensive fun cars.

Posted by crazyhorse (Member # 5662) on :

I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html

Posted by turbo50 (Member # 6700) on :

Acura tl type s 6 speed.

Took out many a 5.0 with it

Posted by ILLMNRD86 (Member # 9987) on :

supercharged mini cooper

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html

Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by turbo50:
Acura tl type s 6 speed.

Took out many a 5.0 with it

My sister has an 06 TL...not really sure I want the same car as her lol. But I know a type S would be a blast!

Posted by losbadgts (Member # 4394) on :

Mini cooper s are fun cars and get over 30mpg

Posted by crazyhorse (Member # 5662) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html
Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???

yea if it has the speed title it is a turbo
No I don't own one, but I did my research on them before I decided to get a tacoma truck for a commuter. Test drove a speed 6 all wheel drive and man it was fast and looked like a sleeper.

Posted by SLOWBACK 67 (Member # 6348) on :

quote:
Originally posted by losbadgts:
Mini cooper s are fun cars and get over 30mpg

My buddy had one and got rid of his before his warranty was up. He had a few issues with his. One of the electric window motors went out and the radiator expansion tank cracked. Those two things wouldn't have been cheap to replace.

I don't know too much about the SVT focus ( early 2000's ) but they seem to be well in your price range. [patriot]

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SLOWBACK 67:

quote:
Originally posted by losbadgts:
Mini cooper s are fun cars and get over 30mpg
My buddy had one and got rid of his before his warranty was up. He had a few issues with his. One of the electric window motors went out and the radiator expansion tank cracked. Those two things wouldn't have been cheap to replace.

I don't know too much about the SVT focus ( early 2000's ) but they seem to be well in your price range.

I actually wanted an svt focus for a while but for some reason the idea died out...may look into them again. I've read that they're really fun and decently quick. For reliability I'd prefer Japanese, but I'm definitely open to options.

Posted by 306mustang (Member # 9204) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html
Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???

Those are buckets bro. They always get towed in.

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 306mustang:

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html
Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???
Those are buckets bro. They always get towed in.

Really? Do you work at a Mazda dealer/shop?

Posted by cali95gt (Member # 8940) on :

Audi S4... Scooping one up next year and will enjoy a turbo luxury car for the first time...

Posted by 306mustang (Member # 9204) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by 306mustang:

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html
Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???
Those are buckets bro. They always get towed in.
Really? Do you work at a Mazda dealer/shop?

For who I work for they own a Mazda dealer. Yeah if I would buy a Mazda it would be only the newer models

[ December 18, 2012, 01:57 AM: Message edited by: 306mustang ]

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by cali95gt:
Audi S4... Scooping one up next year and will enjoy a turbo luxury car for the first time...

No thanks...had my share of German troubles and I'm not trying to go back there lol. I hope you have deep pockets or know how to work on them. [Frown]

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 306mustang:

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by 306mustang:

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by crazyhorse:
I you can find a Mazdaspeed 3 in good condition with low miles, I'm positive you'll love how fun it is to drive,
I only found a speed6 within your range online
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3475042261.html
Isn't the MazdaSPEED 3 the turbo model? I haven't done much research but I've always been fond of them. I see a ton of them on the road during my commute so I know people like them lol. Ive been searching CL a lot and ones in good condition are about $9k...not sure if it's worth it or not. Do you own one???
Those are buckets bro. They always get towed in.
Really? Do you work at a Mazda dealer/shop?
For who I work for they own a Mazda dealer. Yeah if I would buy a Mazda it would be only the newer models

Any specific issues that you frequently see? I have a 2010 CX9 and love it...no issues so far with about 30k on the clock. It's the family rig so I don't like to DD it, but it's very comfy and drives great for an suv/crossover.

Posted by cali95gt (Member # 8940) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by cali95gt:
Audi S4... Scooping one up next year and will enjoy a turbo luxury car for the first time...
No thanks...had my share of German troubles and I'm not trying to go back there lol. I hope you have deep pockets or know how to work on them.

No deep pockets not do I plan to wrench on it myself. Local mechanic and not beating it to shit all while selecting a well taken care of one will so me wonder.... Hopefully hahaga

Posted by 04 S281 (Member # 9229) on :

2006+ Civic Si 4-door

because race car

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 04 S281:
2006+ Civic Si 4-door

because race car

That's be nice but they're over $10k

Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :

How about an older 04 WRX, plenty of potential for modications. Can take it to the snow, and they're pretty cool little cars.

Posted by a302juGRnot (Member # 10163) on :

99-01 cobras!

Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCM:
How about an older 04 WRX, plenty of potential for modications. Can take it to the snow, and they're pretty cool little cars.

I was going to say the same a d they are great durring the winter months rain snow sleet being a awd car and they come in four doors and have great utility if you get a wagon

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 50Reasons:

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCM:
How about an older 04 WRX, plenty of potential for modications. Can take it to the snow, and they're pretty cool little cars.
I was going to say the same a d they are great durring the winter months rain snow sleet being a awd car and they come in four doors and have great utility if you get a wagon

How's their maintenance and reliability?

Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :

Get a Pink Puss.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEHZ8dzVEFs

Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by 50Reasons:

quote:
Originally posted by JohnCM:
How about an older 04 WRX, plenty of potential for modications. Can take it to the snow, and they're pretty cool little cars.
I was going to say the same a d they are great durring the winter months rain snow sleet being a awd car and they come in four doors and have great utility if you get a wagon
How's their maintenance and reliability?

They seem to be pretty reliable cars but check this website the op is asking the same qs
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1752079

[ December 18, 2012, 09:31 AM: Message edited by: 50Reasons ]

Posted by SlowStockFox (Member # 1081) on :

get a regal gs or a gtp. u can get one for 2-5k and with about 500 in mods u can run 13s. there nice and avg 28mph hiway with mods

Posted by El Caballo (Member # 6355) on :

What bout a FIAT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx4l1hbb9HU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Posted by SLOWSN95 (Member # 8269) on :

I like the old school Subaru RS. AWD, 4 cyl, decent on MPG, can take you to the snow.. everything I'd like in a DD.

If not a RS, then I also like the Acura TLs. Comfortable, good MPG, 4 door.. that'd be one of my other choices.

Posted by BLoWN FR500 (Member # 8766) on :

WANT TO BUY MY BIKE [Big Grin]

ITS FUN & SPORTY. AND UNDER 10K LOL

[ December 18, 2012, 01:55 PM: Message edited by: BLoWN FR500 ]

Posted by 04 S281 (Member # 9229) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by 04 S281:
2006+ Civic Si 4-door

because race car
That's be nice but they're over $10k

Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on :

hardtop miata [Big Grin]

Posted by iron50 (Member # 11231) on :

i have a miata super clean with 100 thous miles. 2 grand, my buddy bought it 2 years ago for 56 hundred from the dealer.

Posted by BLoWN FR500 (Member # 8766) on :

FTW [worship]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3431726837.html

Posted by BLoWN FR500 (Member # 8766) on :

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3478021500.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/3481237353.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3456282707.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3474962615.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3451226908.html

Posted by AL STOCK (Member # 1852) on :

LS1 Bruh

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3471983826.html

NVM you said 4 seater.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/3486690251.html

Lexus GS430

G35 Sedans
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/3477292437.html

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

No miatas...I need a 4 seater.

I've had a Lexus GS before...don't want another.

Posted by 87droptop50 (Member # 7185) on :

Keep the stang !!!

Posted by BRB 50 (Member # 10395) on :

Try a 04 and up infinity g series. Sedan or coupe. The 07s will be at the top end of your budget. I drive them all the time at my job, ( Bay Cities Auto Auction). They are my personal favorite idea of a daily driver, and i get to drive EVERY car there is regularly. No.2 on my list would be the subarus, wrx, mitsubishis. No. 3 would be the mini coopers (clubman and s series). Stay away from mazda , cheap interior that falls apart, audis bad electrical and transmissions, vw electrical, bmw s are good but expensive to repair, and the focuses are crap (older ones anyway)

Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 87droptop50:
Keep the stang !!!

+1 Calm down with the car swapping neighbors are gonna think you work at a dealership.

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:

quote:
Originally posted by 87droptop50:
Keep the stang !!!
+1 Calm down with the car swapping neighbors are gonna think you work at a dealership.

LOL, they already do! One of my neighbors comes by all the time wanting to check what new car I have hahaha [Big Grin]

Posted by nitrous_bob (Member # 77) on :

im on my second saturn ion

first was a '03 lvl 2
second is a '06 lvl2

i cant MAKE it get less than 30 mpg, sporty??? no

i had 17's on my '03, and could have lowered it too...but i LOVE these cars for long hauls

Posted by Y2K 281 (Member # 10132) on :

I almost bought a Speed3 but found out they have a good amount of issues in the earlier models. Plus from what I have seen they don't get the greatest gas mileage. Turbo seal issues is one of the bigger problems. I would honestly say as the times get tougher economy and gas price wise the Honda Civics are looking pretty damn tempting. Fantastic gas mileage and the Si's are pretty sporty for what they are. My ex bought one certified preowned and that thing had a good amount of power to enjoy it as a daily.

Posted by 89Rodknocker (Member # 2951) on :

Infiniti g35's would be the way to go an 03-06. I would try to get the later models than the 03/04. I have a coworker that has a super clean 06 for sale.

Posted by SydeWaySix (Member # 3596) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 04 S281:

quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:

quote:
Originally posted by 04 S281:
2006+ Civic Si 4-door

because race car
That's be nice but they're over $10k
Find one for $11k or $12k and offer them $9k cash... and you have room to bump up to $10k if they say no.

I'd actually get be of these if I could find one locally for the right price...the ones you posted were in different states! Lol

Posted by 4.6WPRStang (Member # 8685) on :

quote:
Originally posted by turbo50:
Acura tl type s 6 speed.

Took out many a 5.0 with it

Isnt that car like 300 horse awd? I think they look cool too

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