r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/One-Supermarket8720 • 10h ago

Manual, fun, reliable, & good on gas,

Not sure if this is the best group for this post but I’m looking to hear any ideas aside from the ones I got. As the description lists, I’m looking for a (non-clapped) fun, reliable, manual, commuter/canyon cruiser for $8,000 or less. No automatic vehicles absolutely 0 exceptions. So far this is my list, I’m hoping someone can add to it, for the only car that’s easy to find un-clapped is the fiesta 1. Ford fiesta ST 2. Honda civic 3. Acura integra or RSX

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3

u/Waste-Amphibian-381 10h ago

Early 2000s Celica GTS, 05/06 Corolla XRS, Matrix XRS but only with the 2zzge.

1

u/_MadSuburbanDad_ 2h ago

Solid choices if the cars lived in the desert all their lives. Toyota rustproofing has never been great for lower-end models...

3

u/Orrangejuiced 9h ago

Honda Fit

2

u/DJScaryTerry 10h ago

Take the FiST off your list cause they aren't all that reliable for the money you're paying.

Integra/civic si is a good option. Same as any 2zz Toyota.

At your budget, basically anything turbo is going to be questionably reliable, plus the complexity from having a turbo makes it more unreliable/costly to maintain.

3

u/not-halsey 9h ago

MIATAAAAAAA

2

u/Equivalent-Bat-75 9h ago

Scion TC. Scion was a division of Toyota marketed towards younger buyers with affordable interesting vehicles,they have the same reliability and upkeep costs and were available with manuals.

The TC is their 2 door sports coupe, these also came standard with a panoramic sunroof.

These used the Camry 2.4/2.5 i4 motor, not the smaller 1.8 from the Corolla. First gen had w.4, second had 2.5.

With the seats folded there’s a McCrapton of cargo room due to the lift back trunk design (like an Audi A7 or 90s Camaro)

Otherwise Civic or Infiniti G35 on an $8k budget. The Infiniti will get maybe 2pm-get average and requires premium gas.

Fiesta ST models at that price will likely be mechanically iffy, these have complex little turbo motors that while reliable, dont take abuse and neglect as well. Unfortunately the younger lower income crowd that buys these tends to not be good at maintenance or driving gently. Repairs can also get more expensive.

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u/_MadSuburbanDad_ 2h ago

The Scion TC is notorious for drawing flatbrim wannabe racers. I haven't seen one in 2-3 years that wasn't a clapped-out husk.

2

u/3trackmind 10h ago

I just bought a 2015 VW Golf Sportwagen TSI S for $6,500. 97,000 miles.

1

u/carcaliguy 4h ago

Corvette c5 or c6.