I'm looking for a cheap but fun little backup car that I can use during the winter or times when the P5 is out of order. Plus if I follow through with the turbo install I'd really like to have something on the side just in case.

Any suggestions guys? I'm lookin to spend up to $2K and it can really be just about anything. An old school RX-7 would be cool but RWD isn't my thing, and certainly would become a bit dangerous during the winter so I think that's outta the question. I looked at a couple 5th gen Celicas (flip-up lights) but they're still crazy expensive for some reason. Checked into a few 1st gen DSMs and they're kinda the same way, plus I know they have some serious reliability issues so I think I've thrown out that idea too.

I dunno what else to look for. Throw me some ideas guys.

 

One of these would be sick. AWD with LSDs on both axles, intercooled turbo, etc.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/car/433273954.html

 

If it wasn't clear in CA I'd be all over that sucka!! That looks mean as hell, I'm sure it hauls *** too.

But it gives me an idea on what else to look for locally. Thanks Nate.

 

No offence to the GTX (I friggin love them!) but I wouldn't exactly desire a 1980s turbo car as a backup vehicle. You can almost guarantee it won't be as reliable as your P5.

Get a Mazda MPV 4x4 .. they're on the same chassis as the B-series pickup truck (which is the same chassis as the Ford Ranger / Explorer). The only thing you have to do to them is replace the electronic locking front hubs with manual ones (or replace the electronic hubs every year or two)

4x4 truck-based minivan is ftw! They're a blast to go off-roading with, srsly

But really, if you can find any ranger-clone Mazda pickup they're great trucks. They're simple and honest, and I'm sure you can get one crazy cheap.

I'm waiting for my dad to buy a new car so I can take my Mazda B4000 back permanently.. it's a monster for winter driving

 

Maybe an old Subie?

 

Old subies have their gremlins as well.. most notably oil seal concerns

 

dang, i know you can get 2nd gen pros for dirt cheap...i've looked. they're reliable as heck (well, mine at least, even with my spirited driving). i haven't seen an awd 1st gen in the ads in a looooong time.

you don't want a stealmobile civic/accord/integra, even though i could recommend those without second thought....i don't know.

 

No Hondas unfortunately. You won't catch me dead driving one.

 

i agree with kansei....i had a 1993 mazda b2200 and that thing was awsome..i couldnt kill it and was awsome in the winter months...and i only paid 500 dollars for it...lol look at one of those......

 

Never thought of getting a truck of any sort, but if they're as great as you guys say then I guess I might give one a chance.

 

imho they are really great...mine was fun as hell to drive...i had it setting around 1" off of the ground and it still was a beast in the winter time...didnt get stuck once and i live in the the mountains in NC. and it was 2wd .....

 

Well the 1993 is actually a Mazda, not just a Ford Ranger in disguise

I've driven a 1992 B2200 before but have no clue about the reliability of them.

The B4000 is a nice solid truck



As much as I love my 94 (a limited edition in Medium Seafoam Green / Silver 2-tone), don't get a 94. Get a 95+, they have airbags

yeah that's right.. the truck looks pretty decent on the outside but then you step inside and wow

 

Here is what the interior looks like 1995+ (this pic is from a 2007.. seriously they used the same dash/chassis/drivetrain foreve)


On the 95 the steering wheel, gauge cluster, and seats are different though

Everyone makes fun of them because the Tacoma has gone through a couple iterations since the ranger platform has been updated, but they're good honest trucks.

Oh and when I drove it as my daily I got 14-16mpg average (barely any highway driving, lots of full throttle .. 160hp, 220 ft. lbs of torque at 3k rpms ). Highway I've gotten 21mpg

 

as far as trucks go, my family had a 96 dodge dakota sport (last of the fairly boxy years). ext. cab, 3.9l 90 deg. v-6, 5 spd 2wd and no a/c (too bad). that sucker was great. 20 mpg on the highway, no reliability issues, great torque with 5spd. flowmaster 40 series makes it sound veeerrry cool. turning radius was horrid with the extra length. rode very trucky (as expected), i would think 4x4 would be pretty good as well--but get the stick.

never caught dead in a honda, eh? not even a honda NSX?

 

An old 626 would be my first choice. Decent little things they are.

Or a 1st gen pro/escort. You can get a Ford Escort or Probe rather cheap, and they are very Mazda-ish.