Thanks for all the suggestions. I probably will not get a 2 seater. I used to own an MR2 Turbo and would love another one, but i would like something with trunk space/rear seats in case I need it to haul "junk" that would not fit in the RX-8(or damage it).

 

you can get a relatively low mile Focus ZX3 or ZX5 for your price range.
I know the stigma about Ford, but Focus is one of the most sought after compact car in Europe where they don't judge the car by the blue oval.
Decent manual gearbox, tons of space, great handling for its class, and fuel efficent.
So if you can get past the bad rep Ford undeserving gets for their lineup of cars, then the Focus would be a great option and a great bargain.

 

is it because Europe Focus is totally different from US :P.

 

I agree that the European Focus is better in both handling and fuel efficiency, but it's like not like USDM focus are out of its league or anything like that.
The Mazda3 is based on the European Focus. Besides steering feel, the handling between the mazda3 and the older focus models are pretty much on the same performance level.
If you can somehow get the SVT Focus for that low of rate (anything is possible in this economy), then you'll get a tremendous little car that can hold its own in handling against the likes of mazdaspeed protege (great car, overpriced even to date) and honda preludes.
Again, if you can get over that blue oval, it's a great beater car for your budget.
Can't blame you if you can't, though.

 

i had a 97 ford probe mt
that thing was like a tank and never let me down. it would start right up after any chicago winter. and it also sat for 2 yrs when i was in the army then fired right up for a 2.5k road trip. it was by far the best car i ever had and with great mpg

 

I also had a Miata for 6+ years. It only let me down ONCE when after installing the turbo, due to so much more power (~210 RWHP!) I literally destroyed the aftermarket clutch in pieces

I'd recommend a Maxima for comfort and not too bad mileage (mid 20's). It was my beater when I had the Miata and then the RX8... I remember selling it when it had 245K miles and never an issue with it!

Another one is a Sentra (overbuilt engines - SR20, these are truck engines with so much torque and reliable)

Or a Mazda Protege, maybe even the MP5 model.. Nice "wagon" and awesome handling...

Lastly, you can't go wrong with an Acura... Awesome cars as well.

Don't get a Honda or a Toyota... Yes they might be reliable but you also need to enjoy driving the ~1500 miles you'll be driving a month. These are just TOO boring.

My 2 cents,
Carlos

 

So what are you leaning towards?

 

I noticed it wasn't mentioned, but an 01 Nissan Altima has gotten me around forever, and it only burns gas if you push hard on the power pedal. Its pretty light, nimble and underrated car that I've had lots of fun in.

Trunk is amazing, backseat has room for fun, or 3 ppl.
I avg'd 22-26 MPG with a heavy foot. I would also look into a Maxima of the same year if you are willing to give up the gas mileage for a bit more pep.

 

I love my '02 Mazda Protege.
Very tossable. I think it's only like 2675 lbs.
It's quite good at the autocross.

You can probably find a decent one for $5000-6000.

 

Probably because it was more Mazda than Ford...

 

Things have changed. I might be relocating closer to work, so I won't be needing a beater car as much. But if i had to choose a car to drive 1500+ miles a month, just for work, itll probably be a 4 door integra('96ish year), 4 door civic(96-00), or a ferrari.

 

my beater car is a Honda Accord - guess the Civic would be cheaper initial outlay of cash but soooo cheap and easy to maintain.

 

my friend just got a geo metro 5 speed hatch for like 500 bucks it gets 40 mpg.

 

Definitely a Civic, you can probably get an 03/04 with around 120k miles for about $5k and it'll last you another 200k miles. The body will wither before the engine and tranny fail you. For a commuter, you CAN'T beat a Civic.

 

mr2

 

240sx

 

The miata has the most potential for modding later in its life.. Stout engine for turboing, Light as hell stock(let alone when PS,AC, and etc pulled off), average gas milage ive seen anywhere from 22-28MPG, And convertable tops that go down at any speed rock...... and I swear you have to try to break a miata engine. I had one for years that would regularly see constant redline uphill runs turboed and N/a'ed and never had a problem. the only times the poor car broke where because of my dumb faults or lazyness to change a bulging coolent hose....my fav is when the rear tire flew off on the freeway....that was fun LOL....

Car is still driving around turboed. kid who bought it off me did a good job fixing all my lazness and mistakes lol