Domestic daily driver?

I'm looking for a domestic daily driver. I would of course like it RWD/ manual transmission. I would like to keep the fuel mileage at least in the low 20's preferably, the higher the better. While I have no tickets I need to keep in mind the insurance also since I'm still only 21. Would also like it to have a some performance and accept mods well as I plan on doing mods slowly to it. Price range is $4k-$5k and possibly $6k. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

I can't think of a single domestic that's RWD, gets that kind of gas mileage and can be found for under 6k...

I can't think of a single domestic that's RWD, gets that kind of gas mileage and can be found for under 6k...
I was thinking the same thing. With the "Big 3" automakers pretty much abandoning RWD in the '80s, that severely limits your options. For RWD,domestic, good gas mileage, you'd have to look towards the mid sized GM vehicles prior to 1988 with a V6, or something like a Ford Mustang/Mercury Cougar type vehicle. Those should be well below the price range that was listed.With those specifications listed above, you are encroaching into "classic car territory" :lol:.

Whats everyone thoughts on a Camaro or Mustang? I thought I had seen somewhere where a guy can get pretty decent mpg on a mid 90's camaro. Thanks

I was thinking the same thing. With the "Big 3" automakers pretty much abandoning RWD in the '80s, that severely limits your options. For RWD,domestic, good gas mileage, you'd have to look towards the mid sized GM vehicles prior to 1988 with a V6, or something like a Ford Mustang/Mercury Cougar type vehicle. Those should be well below the price range that was listed.With those specifications listed above, you are encroaching into "classic car territory" :lol:.
Agreed. Its hard to get performance and "good" gas mileage. Your best bet is to look at the Mustang, Cougar/Thunderbird, Camaro/Firebird with V6 equipped. some of these you can get early 90s models for your price range (i know an early 90s firebird with a V6 will probably go for around 4 grand give or take). They all have V8 options but if you want good gas mileage then i dunno.

80s Buick Regal may be worth considering too. Pretty sure those had a V6 (may have had a V8) plus you can get some power with mods (remember Buick Regal GNX?)

and freind at school has a custom built v6 in his 97 camero and he gets 19 city. but define dosmetic cause some imports are made in the USA

Whats everyone thoughts on a Camaro or Mustang? I thought I had seen somewhere where a guy can get pretty decent mpg on a mid 90's camaro. Thanks
The "modern muscle car" (Camaro, Mustang) is your best bet. you will definitely get decent mpg on highway, i dunno about city. The more stock, the better. "Good" MPG is the only thing that makes this hard, really. They will respond well to upgrades and relatively easy to work on, much easier the older you go (depends on your mechanic skill). Insurance probably won't be great, but a more base V6 manual equipped car may help a little.

I've been doing a little researching and it seems with a v6 camaro I could be getting around 22-24 mpg combined, Im guessing a v8 would probably be around the 18-20 range? Does that sound about right? I drive a cavalier right now and its not bad. I just want a bigger car (for safety reasons as I feel very unsafe in such a small car),one that has more power, and one that will accept performance mods better. The whole size problem seems to cut out most imports not to mention I'm more of a domestic guy. But if push comes to shove I will just keep my cavy.

the only way to get gas mileage AND performance is to buy a really new car. even still, it's a seesaw effect no matter how many times you slice it.
to save gas or haul ass, that is the question.
o cool, i think i'll go put that in my sig now.