Well, wedding time is almost here, and we've been discussing auotmobiles quite a bit lately, especially since Belle is now running, and I have successfully driven the new misses, and both good buddies around town a few times...

The Camino runs great, but really needs some long awaited TLC. I've just been so busy working on the Belvedere that I've neglected the Camino. Its got a few water leaks, a tranny leak, a small hole in the radiator, and needs new valve guide seals (plus I got a really cool set of old Edelbrock aluminum finned valve covers that need to be powder coated, and installed)...

So, we've decided to find something new for closer after the wedding. It will probably be a few months just to make sure eveything from the wedding is taken care of financially... and Belle will no longer be top priority...

This will be my daily driver... So, I need something good on gas, so just gonna say 4-cyl, must be 2-door, must be manual tranny. Gotta have something kinda fun, no boring sedans... I'd like to go new, but will consider gently used.

So far my 2 choices include 2006+ Civic possibly even the SI, or Miata (that's still almost Ford right???), new or used, possibly even a used MazdaSpeed Miata.

Any thoughts??? Probably need to stay around or under $25K if new. I really want a new Camaro/Challenger/Stang, but just don't need another V8 or big payment, since I won't be parting with the Camino or Belvedere...

Nothing pressing, no rush here. Just want to start looking for something, so in the not too distant future I can pull the Camino off the road for a while, then keep it around as a work truck/ hot rod toy... May even end up fully resto-modding the Camino for a daily driver...

 

What about the Focus 3 door?

 

I thought about that, but I've driven a few, and just don't care for them. They're great cars, easy to get in/out of, but to me the seats just seem to high, and the shifter doesn't feel right. My buddy's wife had a 4-door, and traded it for an Escape, and after driving both, I really couldn't tell much difference...

 

Hadn't really thought about that. Need to drive one. I've never been to crazy about the extra little doors, but might be worth looking into... Although, they still use the rotary engines, and I'm not too sure about them... I've heard they're not the best for longevity... but I have no first hand experience with them.

 

the RX8's are really slow cars, esp in auto. ive beaten a whole bunch. not to mention fugly

id recommend hte SI, even the saturn ion redline / whatever SS that tiny chevy is called now (theyre pretty decent). if you can get over the girly appearance, the scion tC offers a lot too for the price

 

How about an SRT4 ? I'm not crazy about Dodges but a friend had 2 of them and they are pretty quick and fun to drive.

 

I already know what's eventually going to happen -- now it's time for you to accept it......

 

No 4-doors, AND NO MINIVANS, ddellwo

 

DD, you're starting a family too...we all know what comes next. Looks like the "Mustang" better come in a minivan version.

 

Why are you asking us? Your soon-to-be probably already has the answer for you.

 

Nope, I had it "square" with her before we started -- if she get's her baby, I get my baby!

Plus, I'm the one who controls the money in our family -- my better half has already accepted the fact that she needs to turn her paycheck over to me if she is going to have any kind of sound financial future!

 

Sounds about like my financial situation. She's already told me if I can swing the payment she doesn't care what I do...

 

Keep in mind, that is before the wedding.

 

Small? Two-door? Under $25k ?

 

Take a look at the new VW Rabbits...price is right, two door...pretty decent fuel milage..

R/
Craig