WTB: High MPG Beater

[TorinoCobra070]

Ok, so while driving a Bronco that gets 11 mpg is fun, I have decided that I can have more fun with all that gas money elsewhere. Basically I am looking for any cheap, reliable car that will be snow-friendly and gets good gas mileage (around 30 highway hopefully).

Budget is flexible, but just for the sake of putting a number out there, I would like to aim for $1,500. I am talking about a real beater here. Looks are not a big concern, as I will probably go crazy and chalkboard paint the thing anyway :thumbup:

Let me know if you have something available. Thanks!

[JPolen01]

My accord might be for sale soon. Not sure if it will be that cheap though. It's not stanced anymore either.

[Jake]

Too bad my E36 is out of your budget, it's 30 mpg highway and super-duper clean.

Look for an E30 325e?

[TorinoCobra070]

Yeah, I'd like to increase the budget, but I think the Cobra would prefer getting a nice set of Brembos instead haha.

I'd be open to an old BMW, assuming it is reliable and won't leave me sitting in a little bit of snow.

Jon, I've looked at older Accords. Definitely an option.

[drivesideways46]

Any interest in a 1994 Ford Probe GT?

[TorinoCobra070]

Hmm any more details on the Probe? Not my favorite Ford, but like I said as long as it gets good gas mileage and I can rely on it, I might be interested.

[SlimKlim]

As a diehard BMW lover, don't buy one as a reliable beater. Your best bet would probably be an E36 318i, which is going to be about as slow as a corolla, except far less likely to keep all its fluids on the inside, and while it'd be possible to get around in the snow, its not your best bet. Just ask Ken about towing my car through the Charleston Townes parking lot.

If the Probe doesn't work out I'd go for an early-mid 90's Camry/Corolla/Accord/Civc. Dead reliable, FWD for snow, great on gas.

[BLINGMW]

...except far less likely to keep all its fluids on the inside...

I have to agree, a 150k+ mile, 20 year old, not-well-maintained Honda is a more likely to keep running and go in inclement weather than a similarly abused BMW. That being said, I still vote for an E30 or E36 318i. :lol:

oooooooooooohh!

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[drivesideways46]

The Probe has about 150k miles, it has an ebay CAI, decent header, catback exhaust, and lightweight flywheel.

I've got my eye on a beater track Miata, which will qualify for historic plates here in MD. So I've just lost interest in it.

I'm asking 1500, obo, and I'll try to get pics up here in a little bit.

[TorinoCobra070]

As a diehard BMW lover, don't buy one as a reliable beater. Your best bet would probably be an E36 318i, which is going to be about as slow as a corolla, except far less likely to keep all its fluids on the inside, and while it'd be possible to get around in the snow, its not your best bet. Just ask Ken about towing my car through the Charleston Townes parking lot.

If the Probe doesn't work out I'd go for an early-mid 90's Camry/Corolla/Accord/Civc. Dead reliable, FWD for snow, great on gas.

Yeah, those are the main vehicles I've been looking at. Thanks for the heads up on the old BMW's, as I am clueless on them :thumbup:

The Probe has about 150k miles, it has an ebay CAI, decent header, catback exhaust, and lightweight flywheel.

I've got my eye on a beater track Miata, which will qualify for historic plates here in MD. So I've just lost interest in it.

I'm asking 1500, obo, and I'll try to get pics up here in a little bit.

Yeah I wouldn't mind seeing some pics. Thanks.

[ScottyB]

I still vote for an E30 or E36 318i.

no love for the Ti? i always thought they were pretty cool as a RWD econo-hatch. dirt cheap and a pretty stout engine if maybe a little over-complex, but whatever that's how Germany rolls.

[BLINGMW]

won't find a TI for $1500 unless it's... well crashed like mine was :lol:

[JPolen01]

Is the Ti that odd looking hatchback thing? Every time I see one on the road it's a) ugly as shit b) beat to hell c) ugly as shit.

[SlimKlim]

Is the Ti that odd looking hatchback thing? Every time I see one on the road it's a) ugly as shit b) beat to hell c) ugly as shit.

Yep, and yep. If I'm not mistaken they also use an archaic rear suspension design from the E30. :vomit:

[BLINGMW]

Yep, and yep. If I'm not mistaken they also use an archaic rear suspension design from the E30. :vomit:

pssh that's the best part!! :dunno:
It's an E30 in disguise!

[TorinoCobra070]

Haha, one of those things is out of the question. I also realize my budget is ridiculously low, but that is sort of the point. I just want a car that I don't have to worry about what happens to it. Deer runs into the side of it? Fine. Old lady backs into the rear bumper? Fine. Punk-ass kids spray paint it? Fantastic. The extra money is going towards Cobra parts / Christmas presents lol.

[drivesideways46]

Sorry it took so long, I had to find the pics on my old cell phone, these are a little over a month old. The rear bumper is a different color, because my brother rear-ended the car soon after I took delivery of it.

It's currently parked at my folks' house, so let me know if you want any additional pictures. I can grab an engine bay shot and one of the interior at the very least when I'm over for Thanksgiving.

[SlimKlim]

That's pretty baller for $1500

[Jake]

^ +1. I always thought that generation of Probe, in GT form, looked like a pretty good car. It's all Mazda underneath (MX-6).

[Dave]

I'd rock that for $1500. What kind of MPGs you getting in that puppy?