Need me a shagmobile, suggestions?

[RobPaulson]

Shagmobile. . . k not really. I'm actually working with quite a tight budget right now. Here are my requirements...

- Under $6k
- manual transmission
- good gas mileage
- can handle more than average commute. (I put about 30k/yr on)

Some kind of power would be nice to get some gitty-up on the highway. But not necessary.

[Encryptshun]

Seriously.

[AppleBonker]

[MinisterofDOOM]

Mazda 3. Even the 2.0 is fun to drive, but the 2.3 blends performance and fuel economy nicely.

[Kompresshun]

Mazda 3. Even the 2.0 is fun to drive, but the 2.3 blends performance and fuel economy nicely.

Agreed, the Mazda 3 is a great little ride. I'd also vote for a 2003 Maxima 6spd or a Subaru WRX.

[danshaz82]

id do you if you drove it

[Encryptshun]

Ecto-1 FTMFW, shazmeister.

[Xdisaster240sX]

Civic...

[Speedy7_7]

1st gen toyota soarer. Lexus sc300.

[RobPaulson]

hhmmm no pix ftl

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/2209896118.html

[Bubba1]

Shagmobile. . . k not really. I'm actually working with quite a tight budget right now. Here are my requirements...

- Under $10k
- manual transmission
- good gas mileage
- can handle more than average commute. (I put about 30k/yr on)

Some kind of power would be nice to get some gitty-up on the highway. But not necessary.

my ultimate shagmobile: 1966 International Harvester Travelall. Fits all your criteria. I had one of these in college. Big, comfy, well made, very few around so it's eye catching. good american rumbling V8 goodness.

Under $10K, yes, the only issue is finding a non-rusty one.

manual transmission: Mine had a 3 speed manual on the column, combined with gigantic bench seats, insures easy access to your date, while in transit.

Good gas mileage: mine had a 327 V8 2 bbl carb, returned 15-18 mpg on regular gas.

Can handle more than average commute? Heck, you could commute with the entire swedish bikini team and have room for luggage and beer.

Power? It wasn't fast, but it could knock down a redwood tree.

Roomy: as big as a Suburban except this is built tough enough to go off road.The rear seat folds and you can fit a full sized mattress easily in the back. Perfect for a drive in movie.(have done it) Although there is a lotta glass, on most nights the windows will fog up giving you privacy quickly.

Good looks: Yep, I had women come up to me and comment how much they liked my truck.

[scotty-2-forty]

Shagmobile ... I'm actually working with quite a tight bu ... requirements ... Under ... man ... mission ... good ... age can handle more than average ... I put ... on ... Some kind of power ... nice to get some gitty-up ... But not necessary.

Sorry, my interwebz connect broke up your transmission. Sounded like a Craigslist ad for a companion.
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Anyway, I have a 2000 Suburban 5.3L. Gets about 17-18 highway and I've used it to haul not only 8-9 people, but trailers, cars in tow, furniture ... And you can dern well betcha that with those rear seats down, there's plenty-o-room for (you know).

[Urabus GodofTraction]

Get on the Miata train.

[frapjap]

Get on the Miata train.

word. miata train.

[skydragoness]

Get on the Miata train.

word. miata train.

x2

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Get a Volvo. Anything with a T-5. Should be right at 28-30mpg on the highway. Or if you want something more "economical" get a Civic/Corolla.

A miata is hardly a commuter car. lol. Let alone something you want to be seen in pulling into work!

[skydragoness]

A miata is hardly a commuter car. lol. Let alone something you want to be seen in pulling into work!

Ugh..whatever happened to the smiley with the flamethrower.
Depending on the weather in one's state, the Miata is one of the best commuters around! I see 3-4 every day on my way to work.
Gas mileage+fun to drive. You're crazy.

[frapjap]

Get a Volvo. Anything with a T-5. Should be right at 28-30mpg on the highway. Or if you want something more "economical" get a Civic/Corolla.

A miata is hardly a commuter car. lol. Let alone something you want to be seen in pulling into work!

For a single guy, ~30mog and an enjoyable ride, what more could you ask for? Its not like he is hauling christmas trees or towing trailers.

...but then again
http://stuffonmymiata.blogspot.com/

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Unless you're gay. Expect to stay single.

Sorry, but that's my opinion. No doubt they are good on the track but it's a total queermobile imo unless you're a chick.

[frapjap]

Unless you're gay. Expect to stay single.

Sorry, but that's my opinion. No doubt they are good on the track but it's a total queermobile imo unless you're a chick.

See, the problem is that I'm to manly. The miata helps to tone it down a bit. Gerry will have the same problem with all of his crossfit muscles.

[RobPaulson]

i think i found a great deal on a maxima in amazing condition, will report back with info once acquired.

[Kompresshun]

i think i found a great deal on a maxima in amazing condition, will report back with info once acquired.

Can't go wrong with a Max, especially if it's in good condition. The last one I had was at 220k miles when I sold it and still drove like new, the current one(I30 but same thing underneath) is at 145k and no signs of giving up anytime soon.

[RobPaulson]

so, this maxima i'm looking at seems great.

its a 99 with 88k miles on it. no major damage. but there is a service engine soon light on.

"Service engine soon light with 2 codes - P0158 and P0325. The first one is the rear o2 sensor and the second is the knock sensor. After some searching on the org, I learned that the knock sensor is a ghost sensor and is usually triggered when the o2 sensor is triggered. The rear o2 sensor monitors the function of the catalytic converter, so it doesn't have any effect on acceleration or my MPG. To replace both parts its about $100."

I have also heard that the cats on these things go around 100k, so i may be looking at a new cat soon?

also, from my understanding to get it registered etc i will need to send it through emissions right? these codes will need to be fixed, how much am i looking at to have them fixed? (i know it says $100, i'm looking for a estimate from someone here though, i'm a bit ignorant to this stuff and trust u guys )

[Kompresshun]

"Service engine soon light with 2 codes - P0158 and P0325. The first one is the rear o2 sensor and the second is the knock sensor. After some searching on the org, I learned that the knock sensor is a ghost sensor and is usually triggered when the o2 sensor is triggered. The rear o2 sensor monitors the function of the catalytic converter, so it doesn't have any effect on acceleration or my MPG. To replace both parts its about $100."

I have also heard that the cats on these things go around 100k, so i may be looking at a new cat soon?

I would say if you don't mind having them replaced and the deal is right then go for it. Maximas doo have problems with O2 sensor and Cat issues but they're not terrible, the knock sensor code would worry me a little though, even if it's a ghost code. It may be fine, but that is a risk to take with your money, unless it's a really good deal. How far of a drive is it for you to go pick it up? Maybe you could find a shop there locally or a Nissan dealer that would do an inspection for you, it would most likely cost a little cash but it would reassure you that the car was worth the money.

My I30 has 145k on it now, I bought it with 108k on it and 2 O2 sensors went bad the day I drove it home. Thankfully a Nissan service tech was the previous owner, so he told me to bring it back and he would fix the problem. 1 1/2 years later, the Pre-cat failed, which ran me $987 to replace at a local exhaust shop that I trust. Infiniti quoted me $1,100 to fix the problem as well. So far though, no other issues with the cats. It seems like the pre-cat is usually the big issue on these though, and obviously the most costly to fix. I'm not 100% on the 99 but my 2000 I30 has two pre-cats in addition to the other cats.

[RobPaulson]

well heres the listing, take a look see if you got a minute.


it's basically got everything i'm looking for and everything i'd do to it myself. (intake, sub, and i LUV those tail lights) LOL all minimal things compared to the fact that its a 5spd with EXTREMELY low miles. but i am rather concerned about having to drop another $1000 into it within a year b/c of some kind of issue like the cat, timing belt, or something else i'm now unaware of.

also, it's a good drive away. i live in stratford ct and its in brooklyn NY.

EDIT* He just texted me back, timing belt and pulleys were replaced in oct09, he has receipts. i r much more confident bout this one meow. still gota figure out the sensor stuff though... idk how realistic having it inspected is though. i feel like it'd cost me a fortune in the city.

[Kompresshun]

For that price, I don't honestly think you can go wrong. It looks like a very nice car and I wouldn't let the sensors worry you too much. I would honestly offer him less $ for it, i'd offer him $3,500 for it and use your concern about the sensors as leverage and the fact that you're driving a long distance to pick it up. Book value in fair condition is $3,925(that's more than my '00 I30 is worth in excellent condition!), good is $4,550, so it's not like he's asking too much for it but i'm willing to bet he'd come down a little on it. That's only $200 off the asking price.

I think you'll be ok with just a visual inspection, just drive it and make sure it seems sound and that it doesn't do anything weird. It sounds like he has been taking care of it, I can't confirm that you will just be able to slap an O2 sensor in and that'll fix everything, but I still think it's a good buy.

[RobPaulson]

[skydragoness]

Unless you're gay. Expect to stay single.

Sorry, but that's my opinion. No doubt they are good on the track but it's a total queermobile imo unless you're a chick.

Oh. I see. You're one of those guys.

Rob:
Maxima FTW!
And that's all typical emissions stuff one will have to replace if it hasn't been done yet on any used car honestly..just annoying when it's being passed on to the next owner. I'd have it inspected at a shop in their area first, get a quote and have them come down on the price more to compensate for the expenses (if all checks out on the car first and they're aren't more issues to be found).

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Oh. I see. You're one of those guys.

See why I drive a BMW?

Just kidding. I have just as high of a regard for the Z3/Z4 as a Miata. And plus, you're a girl so there's no attack to you.

I just don't see the utility in such a small car if you have such a large commute. Not only is there no room if you happen to carry anything, but also consider the safety factor of such a tiny car. It'll crumple like a tin can if it's hit with anything bigger than....well....another Miata.

+1 for the Maxima. They are pretty dead nuts reliable.

[skydragoness]

Oh. I see. You're one of those guys.

See why I drive a BMW?

Just kidding. I have just as high of a regard for the Z3/Z4 as a Miata. And plus, you're a girl so there's no attack to you.

I just don't see the utility in such a small car if you have such a large commute. Not only is there no room if you happen to carry anything, but also consider the safety factor of such a tiny car. It'll crumple like a tin can if it's hit with anything bigger than....well....another Miata.

+1 for the Maxima. They are pretty dead nuts reliable.

Bah. I went to a BMW car club dinner once. It was awfully stuffy in there. Really stuffy. Stuffed full of ....

Anyway.

He asked for a commuter car, not something for towing/hauling people/things with. :P
The NC Miata (newest) are the safest yet, and the NB's (99-05) did get 4 star front and side impact, the early NAs are probably not so great but in 95 onward they added beams to the doors. Miatas are bad for pedestrians though.