Cheap Available Platforms?

[rs899]

Hi-

I am new to this, but I already own an 82 VW Rabbit Diesel Pickup and am working on getting an 81 VW Cabriolet (with a 1.8JH engine) running.

I am looking into yet another cheap and cheerful platform for my daily 65 mile commute over secondary roads. I sniffed around here, but I haven't found a sticky or FAQ that lays it our for me.

I am looking for something in gas (in case the price of diesel vs gas goes crazy like it did 2 years ago) that is a good starting point.

I want to find something under $1000 and in fairly plentiful supply.

I know Honda CRX and Toyota Starlet are thrifty.
I am leaning toward an early Saturn stick, but what are some other good semi-beaters that I have overlooked?

Is there a good thread on here somewhare that discusses this? Thanks

Rick
Deltona, fl

[blownb310]

Welcome to the forums. How about a '91- '94 Nissan Sentra E model? This was the base [cheapie] model that returned the best mpg's.

What early Saturn model gives good mileage?

[Bicycle Bob]

I spent years hoping to even see a Toyota Starlet while driving Celicas. Now, I'm delighted with the mileage and reliability of the Suzuki Swift and other 3-cyl clones. I think the best years are '92 - '94.

[rs899]

I like the Swift/Metro 3 cyl, but after being rearended 3 times in 5 years, I really want something that has a bit more to it behind me where I can't do anything about it.

I believe the early Saturn SL1s with 1.9 SOHC and sticks routinely get in the 40s. They are common as dirt in the junkyards.

But you guys would know this...I'm asking..

Rick

[shovel]

it's been my observation that 90's Ford sedans are damn near free.... Tempo/Topaz/Taurus/Crown Vic/etc - perfectly serviceable examples are all over craigslist in my area for $400-1500

[SVOboy]

Crxxxxxxxxx :d

[rs899]

The CRXs I have seen really seem to have been used up/modded into something unusable for the purpose. I nearly bought a new one in '84- wish I had. Still- they give me the willies when I weight them up against the remaining SUVs.

Rick

[shovel]

Werd, I spent 2 solid weeks trolling Craigslist for a used CRX that had somehow managed to avoid the "FAST N FURIOUS LOL!" disaster.

Not one, at any price. Dozens of miserable hack jobs with various misbegotten "performance" mods... no thanks. I'm not going to trust my life to a machine some 17 year old with more imagination than funds or talent randomly kluged together, nor is it cost effective to try to undo the "mods".

[MetroMPG]

Can old Corollas be had for $1k yet? If so, that might be a decent option that meets your "meat behind the driver's seat" requirement.

Otherwise, I think you'd do well to go after the SL1 Saturn. They're capable of returning good economy with a motivated driver.

And if you're not interested in the Geo hatch because of the lack of rear crumple space, and are handy (I s'pect so), what about dropping a 1.0L into the usually 1.3L Metro/Swift sedan? See this car: 54.2 after lowering car, 4 mpg gain

(Thread is about lowering, but look at his garage entry - it's a 1.0L conversion.)

Last but not least, you're right: a dedicated thread/article that lists options for cheap, efficient used cars is a great idea.

[blownb310]

Don't forget about the Toyota Tercels as well. Although Toyotas have great resale values, so a decent one may not come cheaply enough for you.