Opinions on Buying my next car.

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Hey Simtropolis , I wanted some opinions on some cars and Trucks i've been eyeing on.Also I wanted to know if yourself or knew someone who owned any of these cars.

And off course you can suggest some as well. My price range is 2500 USD and below. And no Japanese cars newer than 1994 please.Must be manual transmission as well!

Here is my list , the one's underlined are the most wanted and the one's that are stared are incredibly rare/hard to find.

-1980's Pontiac Fiero 2M6 4 speed

-3rd Generation Pontiac Trans-Am

-3rd Generation Chevrolet Camaro

-Chrysler/Dodge Conquest

-1980's Mercury Capri

-Renault Fuego*

-Pontiac J2000*

-Pontiac Sunbird Turbo*

-GMC Sierra

-Oldsmobile Starfire

-Plymouth Laser

-AMC Eagle

-Dodge Daytona

-Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

-Ford EXP*

-Mercury Lynx*

-1980's Ford Escort

-Jeep Comanche

-Saab 900

-Dodge Diplomat

-Alfa Romeo 164

-Peugeot 505*

-Buick Skylark/Skyhawk

-Subaru SVX

-Plymouth Duster

-1st Gen Ford Probe

-Pontiac Grand Prix 5speed

-Oldsmobile Achieva

-Pontiac 6000*

-Chrysler LeBaron GTS*

-Buick Reatta

-Oldmobile Firenza *

-GMC Jimmy/Chevrolet Blazer

-Subaru Brat*

-Chevrolet Chevette

-Pontiac Phoenix*

-Mazda RX7

-Datsun ( Anymodels)

-Geo Storm

-Isuzu Impulse*

-Isuzu Amigo

-Suzuki Sidekick

-Toyota Land Crusier ( Older models )

-Isuzu Trooper

-Opel Kadett *

-Chevrolet Beretta

-Renault Encore*

-Saturn S-Series Coupe

-BMW 2002

-Audi Coupe*

-Cadillac Allant'e

-Eagle Talon

-Sterling*

-Dodge Shadow / Lancer

-Nissan Pulsar

-AMC Pacer /Gremlin

Now I know , that's a ridiculously long list, but that's what i'm researching and interesting in. If your going to recommend a car... Please No HONDAs , Toyota Camrys or Sentras

Thanks. ( And yes I know some of the cars are badge engineering and some only came in automatic trannys )

[x493x 446]

Your title's PontiacFiero, I would say go for that though I would also be tempted to go for one of those Alfa's or the BMW 2002. I know they aren't on your list but a nice Nissan Skyline or 240sx are high on mine. And you don't like the late 90's RX-7 rather than the late 80's which I assume you've listed? Or is that above you're budget?

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Your title's PontiacFiero, I would say go for that though I would also be tempted to go for one of those Alfa's or the BMW 2002. I know they aren't on your list but a nice Nissan Skyline or 240sx are high on mine. And you don't like the late 90's RX-7 rather than the late 80's which I assume you've listed? Or is that above you're budget?

Yea , the late 90's RX-7's are way to high for my price I checked already. A Skyline! People imported those in Canada? because I once saw an importing place , they had alot of nice stuff , like a Peugeot 205.

[x493x 446]

Your title's PontiacFiero, I would say go for that though I would also be tempted to go for one of those Alfa's or the BMW 2002. I know they aren't on your list but a nice Nissan Skyline or 240sx are high on mine. And you don't like the late 90's RX-7 rather than the late 80's which I assume you've listed? Or is that above you're budget?

Yea , the late 90's RX-7's are way to high for my price I checked already. A Skyline! People imported those in Canada? because I once saw an importing place , they had alot of nice stuff , like a Peugeot 205.

There are a lot of Skylines here, most are tuned though over here so you'd be challenged if you wanted to find a R32, so early 90's, for under $4000. Importing is actually pretty big in Vancouver, the city next door, Surrey, there's an importer ever block full of right hand drive beauties. Problem is the government is banning the importation of right hand drive vehicles starting 2013 so got to get them in while you can before the price skyrockets.

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Your title's PontiacFiero, I would say go for that though I would also be tempted to go for one of those Alfa's or the BMW 2002. I know they aren't on your list but a nice Nissan Skyline or 240sx are high on mine. And you don't like the late 90's RX-7 rather than the late 80's which I assume you've listed? Or is that above you're budget?

Yea , the late 90's RX-7's are way to high for my price I checked already. A Skyline! People imported those in Canada? because I once saw an importing place , they had alot of nice stuff , like a Peugeot 205.

There are a lot of Skylines here, most are tuned though over here so you'd be challenged if you wanted to find a R32, so early 90's, for under $4000. Importing is actually pretty big in Vancouver, the city next door, Surrey, there's an importer ever block full of right hand drive beauties. Problem is the government is banning the importation of right hand drive vehicles starting 2013 so got to get them in while you can before the price skyrockets.

wow , that's true , the closest I've ever gotten to a skyline was back at the NY auto show when the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie came out and they had a R34 Skyline there.

[Zelgadis 638]

Well, you do have unusual tastes in cars, I'll give ya that.

By Sterling, are you referring to the Sterling 827? Another car you can add to the list is a first gen Acura Legend. Exact same car and I do believe it was available with a manual. However, I don't know if either the Sterling or the Acura suffer from the blithering idiocy that mine did. Namely, that the front end had press-on brake rotors. Worst idea ever...

The Subaru SVX was a good car overall, but a bit of a design flaw in it as they designed the brake rotors to be too small for the car.

Alfa Romeo: yeah, they had a rep for catching on fire. Hence why they're not sold here anymore.

Saab 900: My aunt still has her 1988 900 convertible. God, I love that thing. I have a 2007 Saab 9-5. I love it too. Manual gearbox is rubbery, but it's a great car overall.

Eagle Talon: The one I always thought was the best-looking of the Eagle/Plymouth/Mitsubishi trio.

Plymouth Duster: Don't do it. Just don't. Parents had one. And it's the reason why Mom hasn't considered a Chrysler product of any kind ever again.

Peugeot 505: Yup, been searching for one of those myself. Damn, they're hard to find.

Ford Probe: Good one. Consider its companion, the Mazda MX-6. Or, it's four-door counterpart, the Mazda 626. In the mid-80's, they often came with turbos. In 1988, the car was re-designed and for that year only, it was available with a turbo and 4-wheel steering. I had one. I absolutely loved that thing. Had to give it up when I moved to Japan. *sniffle*

Olds Vista Cruiser: Interesting one on the list. Pretty good runners, actually. My aunt bought one new and still has it.

AMC Eagle: A car ahead of its time. Go anywhere in anything. Basically, the Subaru Outback of the '80s. I'd get one if I could find one too.

Audi Coupe: Isn't the VW Scirocco the same car? (I might be wrong...) Fun as hell. Lotsa maintenance though.

Opel Kadett: Can't say I can thumbs up this one. Frankly, I've never seen an Opel that wasn't junk.

Pontiac 6000: I had a friend who had one. Absolutely unremarkable in every way. Noisy, slow, boring about sums it up.

Since you already have an SUV or two on here, I'd take a look at some of the older Jeeps. I think the Wagoneer was one of the best early SUVs ever made. Even now, I'd prefer it over most of the new ones.

Probably can throw in some of the old '80s Japanese pocket rockets. The Celica was always my favorite of that group. My brother had an '82 Celica. You absolutely could not kill that thing. He had to drive it off a cliff to make it stop running.

Nissan Maxima isn't on your list. Up to 1986, before they got the annoying motorized seatbelts would be good. Make sure the fuel injectors were replaced as part of the recall. Otherwise, you're looking at a bazillion dollar repair bill.

That's all I got, I think. Good luck.

ISF

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Well, you do have unusual tastes in cars, I'll give ya that.

ISF

Hey thanks alot for that , every little bit helps! And yes I do have unusual taste in cars lol. Yes I am referring to the Acura based Sterling.

-The Wagoneer's are awesome , but the gas mileage

-Yes the Audi Coupe , it's kinda similar to the Scirocco in styling wise , but has a 5 cylinder engine.

-I included the 6000 , because I heard there built like tanks, not fun to look at or maybe to drive , but reliable in the winter time , count me in.

-What was wrong with the Duster? I thought the slant 6 was a good motor.

Thanks again!

[Zelgadis 638]

The slant six is alright, I guess. Not nearly as good as the small block V8 in the 1975 Malibu. Not exactly the best comparison, but it's what I know.

But the brakes... Oh my god the brakes... I've never driven anything with worse. It's far, far too easy to lock them up, and doing so will send that thing into a spin every single time.

The Pontiac 6000 is a reliable vehicle indeed. If that's what you're looking for, then thumbs up here. Paint tends to peel though. Of course, any car that old is bound to have paint issues by now.

ISF

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Thanks , I'm planning to look at a V6 Fiero 4 speed on this weekend upstate ( In NY ) , all the brakes need to be replaced. It's my dream car and once winter comes up , I might buy snow tires. I've been looking everywhere for one , all I can find is the dinky 4 cylinder ones and Fiero's that are to much for me , and off course those stupid replicas.

There's this website that helped me ALOT for searching classified around the country called http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=cp , it searched the WHOLE craigslist , eBay , cars.com , autotrader ,etc. And now Craigslist it's self doesn't want Jaxed.com using Craigslist , so it's a HUGE downer cause it helped so much.

Anyway , does anyone have an opinion on snow tires / threads ? Or how they get around in snow ? ( Besides an AWD vehicle or SUV / Truck )

[Easy Bakes 253]

Anyway , does anyone have an opinion on snow tires / threads ? Or how they get around in snow ? ( Besides an AWD vehicle or SUV / Truck )

good tires and 150 lbs of sand in the trunk.

adds weight to the rear and usefull if your stuck on ice or something as extra traction to get you going.

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Anyway , does anyone have an opinion on snow tires / threads ? Or how they get around in snow ? ( Besides an AWD vehicle or SUV / Truck )

good tires and 150 lbs of sand in the trunk.

adds weight to the rear and usefull if your stuck on ice or something as extra traction to get you going.

Yeah I know that trick , In the Fiero it's mid engined so that's where all the weight is.

[Zelgadis 638]

Heh. I was gonna say... The Fiero has no trunk. Anyway, snow tires are going to be a good idea if you live in a place where it snows and you have RWD. Further, the Fiero, no matter where the engine is, is a fairly light car, so yup, I'd say you should definitely get them.

So, I'm not entirely up to speed on Fiero trim levels. Is the V6 the one that came with all the ground effects on it or were those available on the 4cyl as well?

Hmmm... Speaking of mid-engine cars... I'm suddenly reminded of the Toyota MR2. I loved those.

ISF

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Heh. I was gonna say... The Fiero has no trunk. Anyway, snow tires are going to be a good idea if you live in a place where it snows and you have RWD. Further, the Fiero, no matter where the engine is, is a fairly light car, so yup, I'd say you should definitely get them.

So, I'm not entirely up to speed on Fiero trim levels. Is the V6 the one that came with all the ground effects on it or were those available on the 4cyl as well?

Hmmm... Speaking of mid-engine cars... I'm suddenly reminded of the Toyota MR2. I loved those.

ISF

There were three different versions you can buy from 84 to 88.

The 2M4 ( 2 Seater Mid Engined 4 cylinder ) Iron Duke 2.5 4 Cylinder model was a notchback which is my favorite body style.

Then in 85 the GT model came out and was the first year with the V6.This also incudes the Formula Trim.

And finally in 86 the Fastback styling released.

  Edited September 21, 2011 by PontiacFiero84  

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

THE CONQUEST! That's probably the only vehicle worth the metal its pressed from on your list. The SVX was powered by a 3.3L H-6 that was mated to a 4-speed transmission. I do not believe a manual was available. The strain that the big engine (by Subaru standards, at that point I believe they were still working with sub-2L 4 cyl boxers) put on the transmission was too much to handle and you'll be looking at replacing an expensive component in those... The Mitsubishi-sourced Conquest was a cool car and is still rather unique. I think I've only ever seen one in person in running condition.

But really what you should do is just find a suitable Fiero and enjoy that for a while. It's in your screen name, after all. Honestly, some of those cars are absolute garbage, unreliable turds churned out by cynical companies employing cynical engineers and accountants assembled in factories by jaded, cynical workers. Erase everything on your list and just enjoy the Fiero. It was a unique design that made the best of what GM had to offer at a time when everything else they were building was being demolished by the competition from overseas.

In fact, here is a four-step guide to buying a used car. Some of it seems a little touchy, but overall it's fantastic advice. Links to the first three parts are included in the article's lead-in.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/08/how-to-buy-a-used-car-part-4-negotiating-2/

Best of luck! Live the dream!

  Edited September 13, 2011 by NMUSpidey  

[PontiacFiero84 109]

THE CONQUEST! That's probably the only vehicle worth the metal its pressed from on your list. The SVX was powered by a 3.3L H-6 that was mated to a 4-speed transmission. I do not believe a manual was available. The strain that the big engine (by Subaru standards, at that point I believe they were still working with sub-2L 4 cyl boxers) put on the transmission was too much to handle and you'll be looking at replacing an expensive component in those... The Mitsubishi-sourced Conquest was a cool car and is still rather unique. I think I've only ever seen one in person in running condition.

But really what you should do is just find a suitable Fiero and enjoy that for a while. It's in your screen name, after all. Honestly, some of those cars are absolute garbage, unreliable turds churned out by cynical companies employing cynical engineers and accountants assembled in factories by jaded, cynical workers. Erase everything on your list and just enjoy the Fiero. It was a unique design that made the best of what GM had to offer at a time when everything else they were building was being demolished by the competition from overseas.

In fact, here is a four-step guide to buying a used car. Some of it seems a little touchy, but overall it's fantastic advice. Links to the first three parts are included in the article's lead-in.

http://www.thetrutha...-negotiating-2/

Best of luck! Live the dream!

Gee , thanks for calling my list garbage lol. But everyone has their fair taste in vehicles , and that's what I love in car wise.

But yeah I'm checking out a 85 GT hopefully on Saturday. Also with the negotiating link , most of that I already know , but thanks.

  Edited September 14, 2011 by PontiacFiero84  

[Duke87 1,070]

Please No HONDAs , Toyota Camrys or Sentras

Why the hate for the Sentra? My father has had five of them ('99 ,'02 ,'05, '08, and now '10) and I've always thought it to be a pretty decent car.

Then again, I have no idea what one in the age range you're looking for would be like.

To throw something else out there, I can say nothing but good things about my Ford Focus. Solid American car, good on gas. Mine is an '09, but you could probably find an older one. I see them around.

[PontiacFiero84 109]

Anyone like these badboys?

[Zelgadis 638]

Considering the time period of cars he's looking at, I don't blame him for the hate on Sentras. In the 80's, they were trash heaps. My brother's '84 Sentra is the only car I've ever known whose hood dislodged and flipped open onto the windshield. On the freeway. That's just plain scary right there.

Back to the topic: Corolla GT-S. I approve.

ISF

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

AE86 is a hero car here in Japan, like the '67 Mustang from Bullitt. If you could find one at your target price, nice. Rust would be an issue, though. Sorry to call your list garbage, I just finished watching three hours of Jeremy Clarkson ranting on Top Gear (it rubs off a little bit), but dude... Oldsmobile Achieva? AMC Eagle? 80s Escort? Saturn?

I must say, I do like the Ford Probe choice, although I don't remember seeing too many of those on the road last year when I was back home for a while (a worrying sign). The Reatta is interesting. I remember reading to go for a 1990 year or newer. Duke is also right on the Focus. Those are underrated good cars. Reasonably sporty for what they are, too. I still say throw out your list and just hunt down a Fiero. You already have a SHO (sweeeeeeeet), so get another unique, interesting car instead of, well, an Achieva.

[Zelgadis 638]

I admit, I also don't have a high opinion of a good number of cars on that list. Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't get what you want. Just make sure you're aware of what awaits you when you take ownership.

Personally, I couldn't recommend the Focus. I drove one once. After 15 minutes, my back was killing me. Worst seats ever. They were flat, hard, ill-shaped, and offered no side or back support whatsoever. And it was supposed to be the top of the line model.

ISF

[PontiacFiero84 109]

AE86 is a hero car here in Japan, like the '67 Mustang from Bullitt. If you could find one at your target price, nice. Rust would be an issue, though. Sorry to call your list garbage, I just finished watching three hours of Jeremy Clarkson ranting on Top Gear (it rubs off a little bit), but dude... Oldsmobile Achieva? AMC Eagle? 80s Escort? Saturn?

I must say, I do like the Ford Probe choice, although I don't remember seeing too many of those on the road last year when I was back home for a while (a worrying sign). The Reatta is interesting. I remember reading to go for a 1990 year or newer. Duke is also right on the Focus. Those are underrated good cars. Reasonably sporty for what they are, too. I still say throw out your list and just hunt down a Fiero. You already have a SHO (sweeeeeeeet), so get another unique, interesting car instead of, well, an Achieva.

I sold my Taurus earlier this month ( Hint the status ) , that car was my first car and to learn Manual on.

I see you despise the Achieva hahaha

[x493x 446]

The AE86. I loved those sporties Corolla's, now they are just a boring commuter, even the S seems like the tryed at sporty buy failed miserably. If they still made the AE's and the Levin's I would be proud to say that there's a Corolla in my driveway, now the only thing I'm proud to say is that it has a high resale value. Ya's they're realiable now but ugly and not fun.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

The AE86. I loved those sporties Corolla's, now they are just a boring commuter, even the S seems like the tryed at sporty buy failed miserably. If they still made the AE's and the Levin's I would be proud to say that there's a Corolla in my driveway, now the only thing I'm proud to say is that it has a high resale value. Ya's they're realiable now but ugly and not fun.

I'm beginning to wonder about the usage of the word "fun" in relation to cars. I've been thinking that a car being "fun" depends a lot more on how you use it, the experiences you have in it, and where you go in it than does the actual car. There are degrees, of course. A Mustang GT convertible will be more fun than a Corolla sedan, but I don't think that eliminates whatever fun you could (or should, really) be having in an economy car.

That probably makes my opinions seem silly, but that's because they are. Silly opinions . Doesn't stop me from having them, though .

EDIT: Ah, I see your profile thingy now. Shame to see a car like that go. But the future awaits!

  Edited September 21, 2011 by NMUSpidey  

[PontiacFiero84 109]

How about an Isuzu Stylus?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu5pODvqFfc

[Zelgadis 638]

I always liked the Stylus and Impulse. Great cars that got far too little attention.

Can't say I know anything about their reliability though. Isuzu has always been hit and miss in that department.

In the area of "fun," it is an interesting debate that can be had. What is fun? My 1988 Mazda 626 GT Turbo was fun. Moreso than my 1991 Accord or my 1998 TL, and they were, technically speaking, "superior" cars. There are a lot of subtleties in cars that come together to form the fun factor, and tech specs are only a small part of that.

Hell, my 1992 Daihatsu Mira J was more fun than my Accord, and by all rights, it was a piece of crap. Heh, the Pacific Ocean tried to steal it from me, but that's another story.

ISF

[x493x 446]

Fun doesn't depend on what the car is, it's how it looks, but mostly how it handles. For all of us fun will be different, for some it's a Ferrari and for some it's a Camry, it all depends on your likes.

[Shadow Assassin 336]

Personally, I couldn't recommend the Focus. I drove one once. After 15 minutes, my back was killing me. Worst seats ever. They were flat, hard, ill-shaped, and offered no side or back support whatsoever. And it was supposed to be the top of the line model.

It's a shame you guys don't get the Focus that we get in the rest of the world. Much better, I would say.

Unfortunately, thanks to Ford's "One Ford" thing, we're getting the US version next year... which is not going to end well.

[NMUSpidey 3,956]

Personally, I couldn't recommend the Focus. I drove one once. After 15 minutes, my back was killing me. Worst seats ever. They were flat, hard, ill-shaped, and offered no side or back support whatsoever. And it was supposed to be the top of the line model.

It's a shame you guys don't get the Focus that we get in the rest of the world. Much better, I would say.

Unfortunately, thanks to Ford's "One Ford" thing, we're getting the US version next year... which is not going to end well.

Actually since the US Focus lagged a bit behind the competition they're using the Europe-developed Focus for their "One Ford" thing. So the US actually gets the good Focus Europe has been getting for the last few years. Same thing with the Fiesta, which has finally arrived in the US (along with its distant cousin the Mazda 2/Demio).

Links: http://www.netcarshow.com/ford/2011-focus/

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/02/review-2011-ford-focus-se-sedan-and-focus-titanium-five-door/

[Zelgadis 638]

Yeah, I drove the first generation Focus. I should hope that they have improved the seats since then. If the current version is the euro one, it should be better.

ISF

[Duke87 1,070]

It's interesting, how expectations of what a car should look like vary. Most of the world (or at least Europe) prefers hatchbacks. In the US, hatchbacks have a connotation of being cheap-ass cars (thank you Chevette) and people want sedans. Also, Americans prefer to have a full size trunk to keep all their crap in.

I have heard that they're going to change over the US Focus to look like the Euro Focus... which is a shame, because if they keep it that way, I won't be getting another one. I don't want to drive a hatchback.