Daily Driver - Reliable w/ Good Performance?

[YodaGeek]

Hi,

I’m looking at getting a bunch of different cars and can’t decide which one would suit me best. Here are some of the cars that I’m looking at:

- Nissan Sentra SE-R
- Nissan NX2000
- Nissan Maxima
- Nissan 200SX
- Chevrolet Z24 Cavalier
- Dodge Neon
- Honda Civic Hatchback (5th Generation)

Which of these cars would be able to get the best performance but still be reliable? The car doesn't need to have good performance stock as long as it can be upgraded?

Also, when I was researching the NX2000, I couldn't find much information. How's the aftermarket for this car as I like it a lot.

Thank you.

[Zachp911]

Originally Posted by YodaGeek

Which of these cars would be able to get the best performance but still be reliable? The car doesn't need to have good performance stock as long as it can be upgraded?

I hate to say it, but the Honda Civic Hatch is probably the most reliable and has the largest aftermarket out of all the other cars. You are talking about the '05 Civic Si Hatchback, right?

[alphalanos]

you should let him know that its going to take some money to get alot of performance out of that . The Maxima can be made fast with not too much money, depending what year it is.

[v10_viper]

MAXIMA!!

Actuall the Maxima or Sentra, I've never heard of the NX200, and the other cars are just kinda geeky. But whatever fits you best, I actually like 2 door neons if they have the DOHC engine, because 150 hp isn't tooooo bad I guess, for that car, and the turbo kits made for that year neon are pretty bad ass. I believe that someone on AF when I first joined had one too. But reliability issues come to mind with Neon's. I hate Cavy's and Civics stock too, well not Cav's so much.

But it all depends on your use, do you care what people think of your ride, or do you want it just as a use of reliable transportation, that gets you there quick if need be?

[illegal_eagle187]

maxima would be a good choice, they are pretty quick stock, but have good i/h/e, cam work some rims and rubber and it would be a good choice

[YodaGeek]

Awesome, thanks guys. What would you guys choose as your second choice? Also, what do you guys think of the Infiniti G20, Ford Escort, and the Ford Probe/Mazda MX6?

Thank you!

[BlackGT2000]

I have a friend back home with a 95 Mazda MX-6V6 and 5 speed. That is a really nice car in my opinion. He did it all tastefully. Lowered an inch or two, exhaust (sounds like a motorcycle), bigger brakes nice looking brushed aluminum wheels 17s I think, he added a factory little wing on the back(its not really a wing its more like a bump) Its black with tan leather interior. Its decently quick and really smooth. I do like that car.

[YodaGeek]

I doubt I'd be getting the V6 though since gas mileage is a concern (Pizza delivery if you're going to ask.).

[Zachp911]

Originally Posted by YodaGeek

I doubt I'd be getting the V6 though since gas mileage is a concern (Pizza delivery if you're going to ask.).

Have you considered a Prelude? Its alot better than the Civic Hatch you mentioned. 2.2L I4 200hp DOHC VTEC (5th gen Prelude). You get a car thats good on gas, but also is a lot faster than a Civic. I'm not being biased because I own one eiter.

[YodaGeek]

I would love to get a Prelude but so many of my friends have them and they know what to expect. I kind of want to catch them off guard. Thanks though!

Edit: I'm really sorry for doing this but I just keep on seeing new cars that I like and that get pretty decent gas mileage. The car that caught my eye was a Pontiac Fiero GT 4 Cylinder. I've heard that their decent. Anyone know much about them?

Thank you so much!

[BlackGT2000]

I don't think that V6 was really a gas hog, it was only a 2.5 liter.

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by YodaGeek

Edit: I'm really sorry for doing this but I just keep on seeing new cars that I like and that get pretty decent gas mileage. The car that caught my eye was a Pontiac Fiero GT 4 Cylinder. I've heard that their decent. Anyone know much about them?

Thank you so much!

i have always liked fieros but i have always wanted to build one into a race car. i dont think their reliabilty is that strong and i bet the gas mileage isnt that good eventhough it is a 4 cylinder.

the maxima and cavalier are pretty quick stock.

a have seen a stock Z24 calvalier manual get into the 14's on stock tires. the maxima is almost as quick but lacks a little sportiness in comparison to the cav.

[YodaGeek]

Okay, thanks. I was born and raised in a family that always got Honda's and Toyota's and we have never owned a domestic because my dad thought that the quality was lacking. Anyways, how's the reliability of the Z24?

Surprisingly I found that the 4 Cylinder Fiero gets around 25 MPG (City). But if reliability is lacking I don't know if I want it anyway.

[Zachp911]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Integra GSR yet, thats another good car for gas mileage and performance.

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by YodaGeek

Okay, thanks. I was born and raised in a family that always got Honda's and Toyota's and we have never owned a domestic because my dad thought that the quality was lacking. Anyways, how's the reliability of the Z24?

Surprisingly I found that the 4 Cylinder Fiero gets around 25 MPG (City). But if reliability is lacking I don't know if I want it anyway.

well, in general...Japanese cars do seem to have a bit more quality than american cars.

the Cavalier Z24 will just give you more bang for your buck when comparing it to civic or 200zx. reliabilty doesnt seem to be a big issue with these cars but then again i have never owned one but i have a couple buddies that do and they dont have problems with them.