OT: Car for my daughter, Might be mine someday. Options

[914Eric]

OK...so I need a nice transportation car for my daughter, that she will supposedly pay me back for. Given past history, there is a 50/50 chance that will happen. Since I might end up owning it, I don't want just anything. I mean it might actually be parked next to a perfect original 914 someday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)


I’m thinking in the $2-4K range that is maybe 10-15 years old. Maybe something worth putting a new engine in it if it came to that and is a cool driver. Perhaps a particular year/model Honda civic; maybe a particular Subaru that is fun to drive? Maybe a Volkswagen?

I would love to hear all your suggestions. With your suggestion, how many miles will it should run before a new engine is likely?

[gendent]

I am in the same search. This is what I have found:

1) old volvo good, post 99 bad- check out the electrical and transmission
2) Subi 1995-2004- good if the head gasket has been replaced, if not,
discount the asking price $1500-2000 for replacement - if this has been done the other necessary stuff has usually been addressed too
3) Honda Element is a consideration, but they start at about $9500
4) Mercedes diesels are great, but in our neighborhood parts and repair are difficult
5) Nissan pathfinder ? There are many out there but at the price point you/I are looking at they will run for 3-8 weeks and then drain your bank account
6) Consider an "agent" you can contact who has access to the auto auctions- they can look for a vehicle you specify in your price range, mileage, color, etc. at the wholesale sales for a minimum fee, usually $250-500, but you must be able to pony up the cash right away

I have been lookin for a month and am still on a search. good luck

[Ferg]

I am in the same search. This is what I have found:

1) old volvo good, post 99 bad- check out the electrical and transmission
2) Subi 1995-2004- good if the head gasket has been replaced, if not,
discount the asking price $1500-2000 for replacement - if this has been done the other necessary stuff has usually been addressed too
3) Honda Element is a consideration, but they start at about $9500
4) Mercedes diesels are great, but in our neighborhood parts and repair are difficult
5) Nissan pathfinder ? There are many out there but at the price point you/I are looking at they will run for 3-8 weeks and then drain your bank account
6) Consider an "agent" you can contact who has access to the auto auctions- they can look for a vehicle you specify in your price range, mileage, color, etc. at the wholesale sales for a minimum fee, usually $250-500, but you must be able to pony up the cash right away

I have been lookin for a month and am still on a search. good luck

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3469165385.html

[914Eric]

I am in the same search. This is what I have found:

1) old volvo good, post 99 bad- check out the electrical and transmission
2) Subi 1995-2004- good if the head gasket has been replaced, if not,
discount the asking price $1500-2000 for replacement - if this has been done the other necessary stuff has usually been addressed too
3) Honda Element is a consideration, but they start at about $9500
4) Mercedes diesels are great, but in our neighborhood parts and repair are difficult
5) Nissan pathfinder ? There are many out there but at the price point you/I are looking at they will run for 3-8 weeks and then drain your bank account
6) Consider an "agent" you can contact who has access to the auto auctions- they can look for a vehicle you specify in your price range, mileage, color, etc. at the wholesale sales for a minimum fee, usually $250-500, but you must be able to pony up the cash right away

I have been lookin for a month and am still on a search. good luck

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3469165385.html

That Honda element would be perfect. Doubt it will last till after Christmas though.