sporty hatchback for under $8000 used?

DCopp · 02-22-05, 06:32

I am in the market for a sporty hatchback as I am going to give my LHS to my fiance. I am leaning towards a GTI but am unsure what motor to go with...I kinda like the idea of the turbo deisel. Maybe a Focus ZX3 if I can come across a SVT or that hooked up orange one. I really don't want something too sporty as I like the hauling(cargo) options I get with a Focus or VDub. I even like the Subi 2.5RS but finding a used one in my area is rare.

Any info is appreciated as I know the horror stories on the VW's and even the Focus are all over but I've seen some sweet ones on here and I would dress them up a little no matter which one I get. (rims, chin spoiler, go-fast goodies.) Thanks!!!

MongooseGA · 02-22-05, 06:37

S13 240SX.

Maybe even one with an SR20DET or KA24-T swap/conversion.

Thinking about buying new cars is fun, even if it's not for you

DCopp · 02-23-05, 07:09

I'd like another Nissan as I had a '01 Sentra SR20DE and miss the heck out of it...Not sure I want RWD here in MI though.

OJ_GTI · 02-23-05, 07:44

I love my 2000 GTI but you're right to be a little wary. If you're handy most things can be taken care of yourself if you buy a Bentley manual.

I have a 1.8T (and it's chipped too). The 2.0 and 1.9 TDi Golfs tend to be a bit underpowered especially if you're looking for something sporty. For $8,000 you may have trouble finding a Mk 4 GTI but you never know. With the chip mine is approx. 204 hp and 235 ft/lb torque. It's a really fun car and incredibly versatile with the hatchback.

The main website for VW enthusiasts is www.vwvortex.com - there's loads of good information to be found. If you have any questions just send me a note.

PS - I had a 95 Nissan 200SX SE-R with the SR20DE engine before the GTI. Fun car and incredibly rare in Canada.

Knockwurst · 02-23-05, 08:04

I hate to be the pessimist here, but a used MK4 VW is the worst choice you can make. While I admit to being a life-long VW enthusiast, I’ve owned 3 MK4 GTIs . . . each one has been a maintenance disaster. Once the warranty expires, that’s where it becomes costly. Yes, you can get a Bentley and do the work yourself. The Bentley does no good resolving electrical issues or component malfunction. Do a little research and you’ll see that VW is dead last in reliability . . . it’s disenchanting to say the least. Though I’ve come to love these cars with all their quirks and eccentricities, I cannot recommend this sort of headache to anyone.

G35stilez · 02-23-05, 08:16

Acura Integra GSR

SpoiledMan · 02-23-05, 09:07

Ditto that!

DCopp · 02-23-05, 09:54

I could never find a Integra here in Bay City or the Tri-City area...and if I did it would be waaaaaaaaaay overpriced!!!

hadboosttroy · 02-23-05, 10:13

I 3rd the gs-r. You should be able to find a 97-98 with avg. miles for 8k. Reliable as it gets too

ebpcivicsi · 02-23-05, 10:17

Quote:

Originally posted by GSRstilez
Acura Integra GSR

Couldn't agree more. Loads of aftermarket parts, DEPENDABLE, looks great, easy to find, great resale value, did I mention that they are dependable?

04Runner · 02-23-05, 10:29

I say Integra GSR as well. I recently purchased a 96 4-door GSR with 60K miles for a little over $6k. It is in very good cond. and very well maintained. THey are a little hard to come by sometimes though. If it were me I would stay away from one that has any aftermarket performance parts installed on it. In my opinion, if someone has installed these parts, chances are they enjoyed driving the hell out of it. Not necessarily the case, but something to consider at least.

SpoiledMan · 02-23-05, 11:05

Mine's lowered with 18's, HKS exhaust and AEM intake and yes, I do drive the snot out of it. I also maintain it well and Mobile 1 flows through its veins! The inside of the engine is as clean as the outside of the car.