Project: The Anal Probe

[Gealii]

Originally Posted by HydroJim

If you look at a metro, check the part of the frame called the "frame horn" which is where the front control arms attach. That is the most rust prone area and basically ruins the car. Unless you're into welding?

EDIT: based on your last reply, I assume you already know about this, so nevermind

I would second that my buddy hit a small pothole going 10mph in his geo and ripped the control arm off the frame horn.

[arcosine]

The thing with welding rusty car frames is that you need something to weld to! probably worth it if you get it cheap. Corvair is a fun car to drive, but would be a hobby, I had a '65 monza. How about a Fiesta?

http://www.searchtempest.com/results...200&subcat=cto

[Sven7]

festiva

30/38 mpg

Probably wants more than I want to pay... but damn it looks nice. I'd call it the "Kleenex box" haha. Kinda too nice to drive in the winter... but then again who's going to collect one knowwhatimean?



Also thinking about looking at a $1000 Miata in Wisconsin

[Galane]

1994 Oldsmobile Achieva with the SOHC 4 aka Quad OHC and 4 speed auto. 1994 was the last year for the SOHC version of that engine. 1995 and up were only Twin Cam, the engine formerly known as Prince, errr, Quad 4.

My folks used to have one, it'd easily get 40 MPG in highway driving, including long stretches at 75 MPH. They gave it to my sister for her pizza delivery job. Got great city MPG too, better than the dinky little 1992 "Pontiac" LeMans with its gutless 1.6L and 3-speed auto.

She has the "Pontiac" due to a suicidal deer that used the Acheiva to end its life somewhere north of Jackpot, NV.

That "Pontiac" is actually an Opel design. When GM was done with it, they sold the design to Daewoo then paid the Koreans to stick the Pontiac name on them and export to the USA. When Daewoo was done with it they sold the design to a company in Uzbekistan where it's still being built, though with a more powerful engine.

[ps2fixer]

Interesting read, my dad had a 90 grand am with the 2.3l quad 4 engine (DOHC 160hp version). He beat the thing to death and got ~31mpg. Sadly we don't have it any more, body rusted out + electrical issues.

I wonder what the same car could have gotten if it was hypermiled... 45+ I would think with great "fun" factors at the cost of lower mpg .

[arcosine]

Don't get a saturn sc1

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/cto/3378955969.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3368419328.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3356605348.html

The 84's with the iron duke engine and eco 4 speed got good mileage.

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by Galane

4 speed auto. 3-speed auto.

Absolutely no chance I'm buying an auto.

Also, Indiana?!? I don't want to drive further than Duluth or Brainerd.

I might call on the Festiva today. Might also call on the Miata, which doesn't have wheels. I'd bring my VW wheels. MPG be damned... RWD would be fun!!

OK I found some 14" Mazda wheels with Blizzaks for $150 on CL. I need to check out this Miata. Never owned a RWD car... time to change that!

[arcosine]

All cars use to be rwd, front engine, except for corvair, vw and toronado. Great for donuts in snow,but not much traction with engine weight in front.

[Sven7]

I can always throw a couple dead hookers in the trunk for traction.

My truck's RWD of course, but it's not a car. And isn't one of the best sports cars ever made.

[Sven7]

Just called on the Miata. Trying to keep the excitement down until I see photos.