$10-12K Shopping

I'm looking to buy a car in the $10K - $12K range, and am looking for ideas of what to shop for. This is a vehicle that won't necessarily be used as a daily driver, but I would prefer something that could make it through the snow if asked.

Other stipulations:
- Manual transmission
- No more than 80,000 miles, preferably

Obviously, I'd like to have something relatively fun to drive, and if it were more practical (i.e., hatchback), that would be a definite plus, too. Oh, and no Volkswagens -- I'm looking for a reliable car here!

Let me know what suggestions you, the Winding Road readers, have.

Thanks!
by Ewing on Jan. 20, 2010 - 3:27 p.m.
  • allythom
    Subaru Impreza, WRX if your budget stretches to it. Reliable, available as a (slightly dorky looking) wagon and with a 5sp stick. AWD, relatively fun (WRX is a blast).10-12K should get you a decent one. If you need something bigger, think about the Forester or Legacy/Outback.
  • krishna
    Late model e36 M3. 1998 - 1999.
  • Abraham Matthew
    Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo, fun, check, reliable, check, hatchback, check
  • Lance E. Jones
    As wonderful as the WRX is, I'd be a bit worried about any tuner car. Can't really trust that the previous owners haven't beaten it to shiza. If you did want to go that route, the Audi S4 from around 2002 or so could be a good choice as the crowd was a bit more grown up for that car.
  • Acura RSX Type-S/Civic Si. Front wheel drive so there shouldn't be any snow issues, and a rev-happy VTEC with Honda reliability should fit the bill.
  • I must second the WRX if a manual is required. Don't worry about the tuner aspect--check the car over like any other used car, and if it was ridden hard you'll be able to tell. Go for the wagon to get the practicality without sacrificing performance. And if you're diligent in shopping, you may also be able to find an 05 Legacy GT wagon in your range, though most are admittedly going to be a little over in price. If you want something Legacy-sized but can't foot the bill, go for a 2005 Mazda 6s in either 5-door or sport wagon trim; prices for those are between $10k and $11k in good shape with decent (50-60k) mileage. Stay away from Quattro and you should be able to get an 03-04 A4 in your range, but I'd be very concerned about the reliability of any $10k-$12k Audi. SVT Focus, Nissan Altima SE, Civic Si, RSX (though I'd prefer an older 3.2TL type-S) are all in your range and should be reliable rides with some degree of practicality. In the end though, I keep coming back to the rex.
  • quasarmotorsport
    I had the same budget and criteria. I bought a '99 Corvette. It eats the other cars in this list for breakfast. It makes me feel like Justin Bell whenever I'm on the open road.
  • BinGermany
    You can get an '04 Mazda RX-8 in that price range. The engine is covered by an extended warranty for 8 years, I believe. And any other problems should be fixed by now.
  • Jeff D
    Agree with the '99 Corvette comment. If you can get a '99 for that price you are very lucky. I have a 1997 which is worth about that much and it has almost 80,000 miles. The Corvette has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. It's insanely quick and I reached 120mph between Flagstaff and Albuquerque and it seemed like I was cruising just a few miles faster than the speed limit. The beauty of Corvettes is that most owners only put 5,000 - 7,000 miles on them per year so even if you get a 1997 you can stay below your 80,000 threshold. Rust isn't a problem with the body. I hated the run-flats because of the horrible ride I got from them so I switched to mud + snow tires so I would have better grip on wet surfaces. The Pirelli P-Zero Neros are the best all-seasons for that car (according to a ton of research I did at Tire Rack and other sources). I occasionally drive it in the snow (like this morning) and it handles very well assuming I recognize that I have tons of horsepower at my fingertips. Don't go earlier than 1997 because the C5 is much better than the C4 model!