Need car recommendations

[Fardor]

I'm looking for a car (used or new) with the following qualifications:
A bit of power. I'm looking at max 160 HP or so. I just don't want something with around 110.
Good gas mileage, for very obvious reasons.
Good reliability, for obvious reasons as well.
Around $15000 (WHOOPS), preferably under.

Optional qualifications:
I really don't like large cars. Something smaller would be nice (doesn't mean it has to be small).

I like hatchbacks/wagons a lot, but there aren't any I know of that seem particularly desirable. I would prefer to not have a 2 door though (inconvenient).

Please don't hold back any recommendations because they don't fit into one of these 2.


Also, if anybody knows any sites that can help me out, please share...

 

[SearchMaster]

It's going to be tough to meet your criteria for $1500.

 

[luckysnafu]

Wow, that is a tough set or requirements. My only thought at the moment is a late 80s BMW 325i (e30). You might be able to find one for $1500, but it will not be in the greatest condition. If you are willing to give up some HP, you should look at the (e30) 325e, which has the ETA engine which is very economical and reliable. My dad has an 86 325e that he picked up for $1200 and it gets over 30mpg on average. Good luck on your search and I hope this helps you out.

 

[DivideBYZero]

2000/2001 Focus? Not too shabby with the 2.0l. Best you're going to get with such a small amount of cash and it should meet all requirements; Hatch, peppy, economical, four doors, etc.

# 2.0 L CVH/SPI: 110 bhp/125 ft·lbf torque. Standard in LX and SE model sedans through 2004. [4]
# 2.0 L Zetec: 130 bhp/135 ft·lbf torque. Standard on ZX3, ZX5, ZTS, and wagon models, and available in SE-model sedans through 2004. [5]
# 2.0 L Zetec: 170 bhp/145 ft·lbf torque. Standard on the SVT Focus.

 

[fbrdphreak]

"Ask for the world, all they can tell you is no."

No.

 

[Gibson486]

You said you want used or new....yet you said you only want to spend around $1500.....how on earth would you get a new car at that price?

 

[thirdeye]

Save more money.

 

[Fulcrum]

I'm not a small car fan (been there done that with my first car, no thanks anymore), but if I were looking for a friend or if I just had to get a smaller car then a Mazda 3 would be near the top of my list for sure.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Fulcrum
I'm not a small car fan (been there done that with my first car, no thanks anymore), but if I were looking for a friend or if I just had to get a smaller car then a Mazda 3 would be near the top of my list for sure.

His budget is $1500. Not $15,000.

 

[iversonyin]

I want a Gallardo for $15000. If anyone can show me a website/link to it. I'll really appreciate it. Thanks.

To OP: A beat-up 93 Civic DX hatchback with 175k miles.

 

[thedarkwolf]

You can get a nice turbo dodge for around $1500.

 

[Fardor]

I meant $15,000.

I had never made a mistake in my life before; Weird feeling, isn't it?

and it doesn't have to be a hatchback. not at all.

also, please don't hold back and recommendations because you think a car is ugly.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Fardor
I meant $15,000.

I had never made a mistake in my life before; Weird feeling, isn't it?

HA!

Well that certainly opens up your choices a bit more.

:sun:

 

[Fardor]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: Fardor
I meant $15,000.

I had never made a mistake in my life before; Weird feeling, isn't it?

HA!

Well that certainly opens up your choices a bit more.

:sun:

yep. well, I guess now since I fixed the mistake, I've never made a mistake in my life, once again.

 

[Vetterin]

Well, now we're getting somewhere! Check out a used Impreza wagon (the 2.5 RS not the WRX). Gas mileage really isn't that bad (I'm actually getting 30.5/highway mpg on my 06 Legacy wagon), it's reliable and all wheel drive to boot.

 

[Riverhound777]

Used Mazda 3 Hatchback meets all of your reqs, depending on how good of gas mileage you are looking for. 150hp, good looks, lots of fun to drive, good mileage(not the best compared to a civic or corrolla).

 

[Tyrant222]

Mazda 3 s (can't go wrong)
Chevy Cobalt SS (173hp 2.4 ecotec with vvt) <--my pick
Scion tC (ya i know you thought about it)
Civic (BLEHHHH)
Sentra 2.0S (140hp MR20 w/ CVT)
Subaru impreza 2.5i (awd 173hp)

In the end, test drive them all. I would go after something brand new in this price range. btw are you looking for auto or manual?

 

[Fardor]

Originally posted by: Vetterin
Well, now we're getting somewhere! Check out a used Impreza wagon (the 2.5 RS not the WRX). Gas mileage really isn't that bad (I'm actually getting 30.5/highway mpg on my 06 Legacy wagon), it's reliable and all wheel drive to boot.

will look into it, but 2wd is fine for me, to be honest. live in southern california.

 

[Fardor]

Originally posted by: Tyrant222
Mazda 3 s (can't go wrong)
Chevy Cobalt SS (173hp 2.4 ecotec with vvt) <--my pick
Scion tC (ya i know you thought about it)
Civic (BLEHHHH)
Sentra 2.0S (140hp MR20 w/ CVT)
Subaru impreza 2.5i (awd 173hp)

In the end, test drive them all. I would go after something brand new in this price range. btw are you looking for auto or manual?

definitely manual. most attractive suggestions so far might be Mazda 3 hatchback. thing is, I think they are ugly. I'm not sure if you said (BLEHHHH) to the Civic because of looks, or because they are boring to drive, but I really like how the latest Civics look (yeah, I know, you probably are thinking I have strange/bad taste).

I wouldn't stray away from a great choice just because of looks, but it definitely is something to think about (for me). Actually, I take that back, I will not get a Cobalt.

 

[nonameo]

if you have no need to hold more than yourself and one more, miata FTW

 

[daveymark]

yep miata > *

 

[randomlinh]

3i if you can let go a little bit of power for gas mileage.

 

[Bartman39]

Corolla S model...? (if your looking for new)

Nice little sedan with sporty looks, good performance and super fuel economy (40+ MPG highway)

We`ve have a 2005 model and have put over 60K on it and no problems or complaints but sure does go a long way on a gallon of gas...

 

[ultimatebob]

How about a used Mini Cooper S?

 

[raildogg]

Honda Fit is the best choice