Need some help on choosing a car

[Squeeb1989]

Hey there, I'm going to be looking for a nice project/daily driver car in the next few days and I've been searching for days on craigslist and google on what to get.

My goal is to have a fun car to drive daily, I'm going to be enrolling in school for a diploma in automotive tech so something I can work on performance, cosmetic wise, (I already have audio equipment from my last car, a turbo dodge that died) would be nice.

So far I've looked up a 1995-98 camaro or firebird with either the 3.8 or 5.7 and I'm really looking for a manual trans.

I've also heard good things about 240sx's but the only year I can get is an 89 and I'm not sure if that makes a difference. One I saw was bone stock with only one owner and under 200k miles, the other was a modded one with stage 3 clutch and some other stuff.

I'm also looking at a really clean 92 3000gt non turbo for 2k and a vr4 that needs a clutch for 2500 but I'm iffy on the vr4 cuz I won't know for sure until after I get it to a mechanic.

I really need something I can drive right away and maybe work on over the summer. My turbo dodge died on me and I've been driving a beat up grand prix.

I'm on a reservation in minnesota but I make trips to the twin cities regulary which is a 5 hour drive. My budget is $3000-3500 tops.

I would greatly appreciate anybody's input and if there are any other easy to work on and cheap cars let me know.

thanks in advance and I hope I can help u guys in the future with something.

[Squeeb1989]

Ok I should also mention that my turbo dodge is a 1989 daytona shelby with a 2.5. It needs a new rack and pinion and power steering pump, plus a heater core and tires. some body work needs to be done including the front ground effect, driverside door, driverside panel, driverside ground effect and the window tint is horrible.

Now if I brought it to a body shop how much do you think that would all cost to get fixed. There is minimal to light rust on the doors and wheel wells, and the paint is faded.

And what about a shop, I would do it myself but it's over 200 miles away from my house at my dad's and It's hard to go down there and work 'cause there's no garage to work in. Not to mention I pulled all the interior out cuz it's parked in a field.

It does have a rebuilt at transmission and rebuild 2.5 motor. the body has 105k miles on it.

I just thought I would throw that out there in case somebody knows if the car is worth saving. I love the car it's just been a pain in the ass. and I hate automatics.

thanks, I know I have long posts, but i type kind of fast and I want to get as much info out there to get as much feedback as I can.

Thanks for your patience

[abigailpoul]

In the past, power windows and door locks is a luxury epitomy. Today, most of them are standard econoboxes; technical genius and a great many good things and small tools to us. There are dozens of features and options that can make your next car a lot of life more convenient and more secure.

[speediva]

Most of the cars you listed I really have no expertise or experience with. I can say that I had an Infiniti and my brother has had enough Nissan Altimas to open a used car lot and we both loved those cars with all our being. A 240sx (as long as it's not been abused) would be a GREAT fun little car and should run until the day the earth stops spinning.

Sorry I'm not much more help! Let us know how your car search goes - and don't forget to look at our individual forums to get some ideas of things to look for with each make/model you provided!

[BullShifter]

Don't buy those turbo cars! The VR4 can cost you a fortune when it breaks. Go with a Honda or Toyota!

[mcmalloy]

Look at the 90 and up Sunbird GT and Cavalier Z24 with 3.1L , I had a 92 Sunbird GT and i was impressed with the performance and looks, fast and good fuel econmy

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Squeeb1989

Hey there, I'm going to be looking for a nice project/daily driver car in the next few days and I've been searching for days on craigslist and google on what to get.

My goal is to have a fun car to drive daily, I'm going to be enrolling in school for a diploma in automotive tech so something I can work on performance, cosmetic wise, (I already have audio equipment from my last car, a turbo dodge that died) would be nice.

So far I've looked up a 1995-98 camaro or firebird with either the 3.8 or 5.7 and I'm really looking for a manual trans.

I've also heard good things about 240sx's but the only year I can get is an 89 and I'm not sure if that makes a difference. One I saw was bone stock with only one owner and under 200k miles, the other was a modded one with stage 3 clutch and some other stuff.

I'm also looking at a really clean 92 3000gt non turbo for 2k and a vr4 that needs a clutch for 2500 but I'm iffy on the vr4 cuz I won't know for sure until after I get it to a mechanic.

I really need something I can drive right away and maybe work on over the summer. My turbo dodge died on me and I've been driving a beat up grand prix.

I'm on a reservation in minnesota but I make trips to the twin cities regulary which is a 5 hour drive. My budget is $3000-3500 tops.

I would greatly appreciate anybody's input and if there are any other easy to work on and cheap cars let me know.

thanks in advance and I hope I can help u guys in the future with something.

if you buy a car with the 3800 G.M. but don't buy a ford with 3800 they are problems big time. if you was here in indiana a guy beside my mom and dads has a 5.0 five speed mustang and it looks new he wants to sale it for $3000.00 without the wheels it is a very sharp car. the cavalier z/24 are good one's my wife had a 92 with no problems at all besides the maintenence.

good luck in your find....