G05
BMW X5
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3 hours agoLAST POST
04-12-2016
dragonsi wrote
My only comment on Impreza's is that unless something has changed, the 2.5L NA engines are usually due for a headgasket replacement around 100-120k miles.
I think the current versions run 2.0s.
04-17-2016
If she doesn't drive much I'd lease a new/lightly used civic, CRV, Rav4, Cruze, etc...

Not sure about the CRV or Rav 4, but I know the Cruze/Civic leases for well under $200 a month. Beats spending $10k outright on a beater, no?

Much less chance of her getting stranded because of a breakdown I would think. Also, safety has probably improved significantly in the past 5-6 years.
06-19-2017
Thanks for all the input everyone. I ended up buying her a CPO Civic. It's been good to her for a year and looks like it will last her for quite a while through grad school and beyond.

Now I am looking for my own DD. I was thinking a E30 325is. Thoughts? Under 10k. Fun to drive, and easy to maintain.
06-20-2017
What does your commute look like?

I am not much into Miatas, but they seem like they would be fun to drive even with city driving by taking turns a little more aggressively than normal. Manual transmission is a must for fun to drive. Adds some connection to the drive. Large aftermarket so parts are inexpensive and plenty. Get some cheap suspension bits and some good tires and you're good to go.

If you are commuting with traffic - throw that manual transmission idea out of the window, haha.

I hear that Mazda3 speeds are fun cars to drive. From what I remember they had a very high Slalom speed.
06-20-2017
PoorLurker wrote
What does your commute look like?

I am not much into Miatas, but they seem like they would be fun to drive even with city driving by taking turns a little more aggressively than normal. Manual transmission is a must for fun to drive. Adds some connection to the drive. Large aftermarket so parts are inexpensive and plenty. Get some cheap suspension bits and some good tires and you're good to go.

If you are commuting with traffic - throw that manual transmission idea out of the window, haha.

I hear that Mazda3 speeds are fun cars to drive. From what I remember they had a very high Slalom speed.
80 miles round trip in LA traffic. It's a blast! /s
06-20-2017
jmg wrote
80 miles round trip in LA traffic. It's a blast! /s
That 5 drive is killer.

Or the 605..

Or the 10..

Or 210...

Pass!

I remember having to drive from Irvine to Cerritos on the 5 - North from 3-5ish once a week for a month... I couldn't imagine people having to do that everyday.

Mazda3 Speed hatch
06-20-2017
PoorLurker wrote
That 5 drive is killer.

Or the 605..

Or the 10..

Or 210...

Pass!

I remember having to drive from Irvine to Cerritos on the 5 - North from 3-5ish once a week for a month... I couldn't imagine people having to do that everyday.

Mazda3 Speed hatch
I use all those freeways!!!
06-20-2017
Little late to this thread. My work car is 2013 Hyundai accent. It was the first year of the new redesign model.

I could not be happier with the car. Drives great, good power and it has never been to the dealership. It has 70,000 miles and has only had oil changes at jiffy lubes...

Work always give my cheap work cars and this is by far the best work car i have ever had! Strongly recommend a 2013 or newer Hyundai accent.
3 hours ago
Follow up 10 years later! I ended up buying her a 2011 Civic LX Coupe. It lasted her through college with no problems!

Once she got a job and could afford her own car, it’s now the family loaner car and the longest I’ve ever owned a car. Ironically I’ve only driven it 5 times, mostly to get it serviced or smogged. It’s as reliable as can be.