What is a good 4cyl car as a second car?

havic · 09-03-2004, 10:05 AM

I'm looking into getting a commuter car that is good on gas, reliable, and I'm looking to spend about $2000. I'm trying to keep my 4Runner in good shape, as well as save on weekly gas money. What cars do you guys suggest for that price range?

calrockx · 09-03-2004, 10:06 AM

corolla

EWAYota · 09-03-2004, 10:10 AM

see if you can find a late 80's early 90's tercel!

havic · 09-03-2004, 10:19 AM

Wouldn't it be hard to find parts for a tercel? I'm looking for a manual (stick shift) tranny. My friend said 91 sentra se-r. What do you think? Any fun/sporty cars to drive that cost that much?

EWAYota · 09-03-2004, 10:23 AM

hyundai? top of the line 91 kinda sporty, http://www.edmunds.com/used/1991/hyu...2F005259-T.jpg they say 841.00! 93 corrolla's around mid 2000's. not bad.

havic · 09-03-2004, 10:35 AM

For some reason I don't trust the reliability of Hyundais, but the corolla sounds good. I was looking and saw that the 91-94 240sx's falls in that price range. Anybody have experience with them?

SLC Punk · 09-03-2004, 11:37 AM

I second the recommendation for a Tercel. My bother got a 91 Tercel and my sister got a 92 Tercel both brand new for their HS graduation. They both got rid of their Tercel's 2 years ago and they both had over 150,000 miles with no problems and still on the original clutch!! Those little things are built to last!! I have never had any problems finding parts for them. I recommend a 93+, that's when they put the air bag in them.

ken.vs.ryu · 09-03-2004, 11:59 AM

honda civic.

<96 Runner> · 09-03-2004, 12:04 PM

Civic, Corolla, Accord, Tercel

Be very careful in that price range though, you are gonna see some real crappy rides out there.

HaveBlue · 09-03-2004, 12:07 PM

Honda Civic manual. Circa 1990ish.
Those 1.5Ls run for ever. Run quality spark plugs, wires, and 5W-30, keep it tuned and advance the timing about 2° and you'll get 38-55 MPG. I had one for two years. It was an auto, but a trip to Colorado Springs and back yielded 56 MPG. In town, I average 36-38.

bamachem · 09-03-2004, 12:07 PM

1991-1993 accord. you can get a coupe w/ 5 speed for about $2k or less and it will last forever and get about 28-35mpg depending on driving habits and conditions.

4x4Lamm · 09-03-2004, 12:15 PM

My friend has a VW early 90s Jetta with a diesel, he gets 40 in town and 60+ on the highway. That would be nice.

I'm gonna get a dune buggy with a small engine to drive around in the nice weather. That way I can save some gas as well as wear and tear on the 4Runner and still have a cool, rugged ride.

Lamm

roger · 09-03-2004, 12:28 PM

Also look at Honda CRX...just like a Civic but with a different body (sportier IMHO). Very fun to drive, cheap, reliable, yadda yadda yadda.

havic · 09-03-2004, 12:34 PM

I wouldn't mind the Jetta diesel, but German parts are expensive as hell. Accord coupe sounds good, and fun to drive. Civic with 55mpg, damn!!!! That is a hell of a car. Honda's sound like they're easy on the wallet when you go to the pump. CRX is nice, but might be too small. I guess no one likes the other cars I threw out there. I guess the Honda's have the best mpg, right?

payyourtoll · 09-03-2004, 12:36 PM

another vote for Accord

bulletproof

Phisherman · 09-03-2004, 01:31 PM

I've also been looking for a car with the exact criteria you listed. The difference is, I'm trading in my 4R. I've pretty much decided I want an early 90s Accord 5 spd. I used to work at a local dealership so that's where I go to look. My plan is to trade for an Accord + cash (roughly $6,500). That way I can pay a bill or two and invest the rest. If everything works out, I'll be buying a 97 LC at some point in the future. If it doesn't work out, I have a reliable car and a lesson learned.

All that to say this... 1 more vote for an Accord.

calg3 · 09-03-2004, 08:26 PM

If you can find one-Suzuki Swift GT/GTI or Mazda 323 GTX.

dragr1 · 09-04-2004, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by havic

Wouldn't it be hard to find parts for a tercel? I'm looking for a manual (stick shift) tranny. My friend said 91 sentra se-r. What do you think? Any fun/sporty cars to drive that cost that much?

I had one of those, great fun and pretty fast. For strictly commuting, there are better mpg options out there.

dragr1 · 09-04-2004, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calg3

If you can find one-Suzuki Swift GT/GTI or Mazda 323 GTX.

Good luck on the GTX, only about 1700 of those imported from 1987-1988.

dragr1 · 09-04-2004, 09:30 AM

For strictly commuting, I would say base Honda Civic. Cheap-reliable-great mpg-tons of them out there for parts.

09-03-2004, 10:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
havic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 194	What is a good 4cyl car as a second car? I'm looking into getting a commuter car that is good on gas, reliable, and I'm looking to spend about $2000. I'm trying to keep my 4Runner in good shape, as well as save on weekly gas money. What cars do you guys suggest for that price range? __________________ 98 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD, stock with a lot of dreams for my Runner. So much to do, so little money............ Oh yeah, the elbow mod. I live in NYC. With all the bumps and potholes, I don't have to go off-roading.

09-03-2004, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
calrockx Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Santa Clarita, California Posts: 4,746	corolla __________________ [2002 4Runner 4WD]

09-03-2004, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,599	see if you can find a late 80's early 90's tercel! __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace

09-03-2004, 10:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
havic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 194	Wouldn't it be hard to find parts for a tercel? I'm looking for a manual (stick shift) tranny. My friend said 91 sentra se-r. What do you think? Any fun/sporty cars to drive that cost that much? __________________ 98 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD, stock with a lot of dreams for my Runner. So much to do, so little money............ Oh yeah, the elbow mod. I live in NYC. With all the bumps and potholes, I don't have to go off-roading.

09-03-2004, 10:23 AM	#5 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,599	hyundai? top of the line 91 kinda sporty, http://www.edmunds.com/used/1991/hyu...2F005259-T.jpg they say 841.00! 93 corrolla's around mid 2000's. not bad. __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace Last edited by EWAYota; 09-03-2004 at 10:26 AM.

09-03-2004, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
havic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 194	For some reason I don't trust the reliability of Hyundais, but the corolla sounds good. I was looking and saw that the 91-94 240sx's falls in that price range. Anybody have experience with them? __________________ 98 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD, stock with a lot of dreams for my Runner. So much to do, so little money............ Oh yeah, the elbow mod. I live in NYC. With all the bumps and potholes, I don't have to go off-roading.

09-03-2004, 11:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
SLC Punk Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 5,882	I second the recommendation for a Tercel. My bother got a 91 Tercel and my sister got a 92 Tercel both brand new for their HS graduation. They both got rid of their Tercel's 2 years ago and they both had over 150,000 miles with no problems and still on the original clutch!! Those little things are built to last!! I have never had any problems finding parts for them. I recommend a 93+, that's when they put the air bag in them. __________________ -Travis 1997 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4 Supercharged Desert Dune SOLD :( 1992 Celica All Trac (AWD-Turbo) #223 of 271 US spec for 1992 FOR SALE 2005 Tundra Double Cab Limited 4X4 2.5" lift 265/70R17 Dueler Revo's 4Runner and Celica Webpage

09-03-2004, 11:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
ken.vs.ryu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 640	honda civic.

09-03-2004, 12:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
<96 Runner> Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WA Posts: 10,705	Civic, Corolla, Accord, Tercel Be very careful in that price range though, you are gonna see some real crappy rides out there. __________________ Christian <>< My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

09-03-2004, 12:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
HaveBlue Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,693	Honda Civic manual. Circa 1990ish. Those 1.5Ls run for ever. Run quality spark plugs, wires, and 5W-30, keep it tuned and advance the timing about 2° and you'll get 38-55 MPG. I had one for two years. It was an auto, but a trip to Colorado Springs and back yielded 56 MPG. In town, I average 36-38. __________________ Alan *1996 Supercharged 4Runner Limited* Hi Altitude 4Lo A 4WD club for Colorado and surrounding states

09-03-2004, 12:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20	1991-1993 accord. you can get a coupe w/ 5 speed for about $2k or less and it will last forever and get about 28-35mpg depending on driving habits and conditions.

09-03-2004, 12:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
4x4Lamm Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 2,568	My friend has a VW early 90s Jetta with a diesel, he gets 40 in town and 60+ on the highway. That would be nice. I'm gonna get a dune buggy with a small engine to drive around in the nice weather. That way I can save some gas as well as wear and tear on the 4Runner and still have a cool, rugged ride. Lamm __________________ The Rescue Runner: 1995 4Runner SR5 Limited, 3.0 V6, Auto, 4x4, 4.88 Gears, Downey HD Coils, SAW Torsion Bars, OME Shocks and Steering Damper, 15x8 Outlaw II Wheels, 31x11.50R15 Mickey Thompson MTXs, Marlin Sliders, BCC Rear Bumper, TJM T-13, Warn M8000 w/ Rockstomper Line, Emergency Warning Package Destroyed By Fire: 92 4Runner, Lots of mods. I will miss it...

09-03-2004, 12:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
roger Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 466	Also look at Honda CRX...just like a Civic but with a different body (sportier IMHO). Very fun to drive, cheap, reliable, yadda yadda yadda.

09-03-2004, 12:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
havic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 194	I wouldn't mind the Jetta diesel, but German parts are expensive as hell. Accord coupe sounds good, and fun to drive. Civic with 55mpg, damn!!!! That is a hell of a car. Honda's sound like they're easy on the wallet when you go to the pump. CRX is nice, but might be too small. I guess no one likes the other cars I threw out there. I guess the Honda's have the best mpg, right? __________________ 98 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD, stock with a lot of dreams for my Runner. So much to do, so little money............ Oh yeah, the elbow mod. I live in NYC. With all the bumps and potholes, I don't have to go off-roading.

09-03-2004, 12:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
payyourtoll Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 1,445	another vote for Accord bulletproof __________________ Rob

09-04-2004, 09:30 AM	#20 (permalink)
dragr1 Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 3,594	For strictly commuting, I would say base Honda Civic. Cheap-reliable-great mpg-tons of them out there for parts. __________________ 1985 4Runner Dual e-lockers, dual cases, yada yada '00 Suburban 2500 4x4 '07 Tacoma Double Cab 4wd TRD '02 Lexus IS300 1991 Tiffin Allegro 31' Class A

09-04-2004, 09:34 AM	#21 (permalink)
Vato Loco Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3,483

09-03-2004, 01:31 PM	#16 (permalink)
Phisherman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 366	I've also been looking for a car with the exact criteria you listed. The difference is, I'm trading in my 4R. I've pretty much decided I want an early 90s Accord 5 spd. I used to work at a local dealership so that's where I go to look. My plan is to trade for an Accord + cash (roughly $6,500). That way I can pay a bill or two and invest the rest. If everything works out, I'll be buying a 97 LC at some point in the future. If it doesn't work out, I have a reliable car and a lesson learned. All that to say this... 1 more vote for an Accord. __________________ 2000 4Runner w/Limited Interior Swap, 170k miles, last leg. Give a man fish and he can eat for a day. Give a man Phish and he will groove for a lifetime.

09-03-2004, 08:26 PM	#17 (permalink)
calg3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Old Line State Posts: 1,039	If you can find one-Suzuki Swift GT/GTI or Mazda 323 GTX. __________________ 2006 Subaru Outback, miss my 4Runner! Look at my previous truck(s) in the Yotatech gallery: http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=42494