Seriously considering getting out from under my upside-down 96 Jeep Cherokee. We owe its worth, and its holding me back. I love the Cherokee from a practicality standpoint, but ... I want my MINI.

I want to buy a 1k, 2k, or maybe 3k temporary car with cold hard cash to expedite the process of saving cashola for a new MCS.

I'm also thinking about trying my hand at autocross. My plan was to do so with the MINI, but if I get a "temporary car" that is well suited for that, maybe I can learn the ropes and hit the ground running when I get my MINI.

I also have a two year old son that I need to haul around on occassion.

In your opinion, what is a good performing, fun-ish, reliable-ish, practical-ish older car that might be well suited for me, given the above criteria?

I know this is a broad question, with many possible answers, but just feel free to sling your opinions. I'd be happy to hear them! For the most part, I'm posting this for fun, so lets keep it lighthearted. Thanks! :smile:

 

I am thinking along the lines of a VW Golf hatchback (1999-2002) with regular 2.0L Gas engine or the 1.8T turbo engine. I believe the 5 door 1.8T Golfs were made only in 2000 and 2001. I am sure you can pick up an used one for a reasonable amount, but I am not sure about your budget for this temporary "beater".

 

I think another good choice would be a 1988-91 Honda Civic hatchback (Specially the Si model) or a 92-95 Civic Hatchback (Also look for the Si version). To me Civic hatchbacks made after 1996 are garbage IMO.

The old Honda CRX (88-91) I think is the closest thing that resembles the present day MINI in terms of size and handling but those are only 2 seaters, while the Civic Hatchbacks offer reasonable space front and back and should be reliable provided that they were taken care of accordingly during the majority of their service life.

 

The Civic hatch is definitely a great autocross car. They will run forever if taken care of, but do tend to be a little pricey for one in good shape. Another car to consider is a 91-94 Nissan SE-R. It's a little heavier than the civic but has a factory LSD, and will also make a great autox car.

 

i agree on the 92-95 civic hb, they look great and many wont loose any more value... and possibly gain some. My brother had a 92 CRX Si for several years and sold it 2 years ago for more than he bought it for.

 

Ok, let me get this straight.... You mean to tell me that your brother just sold a 12 year old Honda (That probably sold new back then for $14K-$16K) for more than he bought it new or used??
I never seen a Honda or any other Japanese car retaining 110%+ of its original MSRP over a 12 year period.

In fact very few cars (Exotics and high priced classics) may be able to pull that kind of resale value...

 

I would check out a Mazda Protege. They are very fun little cars - well, very fun "big" cars, if your frame of reference is a Mini

But, unlike Hondas, Mazda's do not have "stupid" resale value (however, as a Honda owner, I like the high resale), so they can be purchased at a pretty reasonable price.

Civics are always a safe bet (I've owned several, and autocrossed several), but they tend to be a little bit pricier than some other nice cars.

Another car worth looking at is an Escort GT. Get the twin cam model (I think 91 and newer). This car is essentially a two door Protege. It has a mazda chassis and a mazda engine, basically just a ford body and interior.

Also, Neons are good autocross cars that you can get for the short dollar.

 

nooooo, he had it for five or six years... he had bought it used... that was the last year the made the crx and people still want them, his was in perfect condition

 

The Civic would be my choice... especially an older hatch. Take it out to the autocross and learn all you can about the right line...

Second choice would be a Neon, probably... many quick guys running with our club in basically stock Neons with a good set of tires...

 

How about a wrangler? About the same wheal base but alot more tipsy :smile:

 

A 96 Cherokee is pretty close to being a $3000 vehicle, as it is. How much do you owe on it? A friend of mine who is in the same Jeep group as I sold his 97 Cherokee for $3500 a few months ago (wish I woulda jumped on it ).

If you go looking at first gen Neons, make sure to find out if they have had their head gaskets done, or you will have to spring for a pretty big bill to repair that.