Looking for a daily driver
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
Looking for a daily driver
The head gasket in my '93 Beretta GTZ bit the big one. As the cost of getting it fixed exceeds the value of the car, my wife and I are considering getting a new car. We have the 'Vette (summer toy) & a Ford Escape (hauling & utility) and are looking for a 2nd daily driver. The criteria are:
1. 'Sporty' 2-Door - kind of a modern version of the GTZ
2. Reliable - I spend enough time wrenching on the 'Vette
3. Drivable in winter snow/slush/salt. We don't get a ton of snow here and have the Escape if we do, but it will see some bad road conditions.
Suggestions? Cars to avoid?
Bob
1. 'Sporty' 2-Door - kind of a modern version of the GTZ
2. Reliable - I spend enough time wrenching on the 'Vette
3. Drivable in winter snow/slush/salt. We don't get a ton of snow here and have the Escape if we do, but it will see some bad road conditions.
Suggestions? Cars to avoid?
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
$?$?$?$?
Question is besides as little as possible what do you plan to spend for a "reliable" replacement, I'd look at it as how much it'll cost to repair the Beretta vs. what could I buy for that amount, not that the value of the Beretta does not exceed the cost of the repair, but if you and the wife want a diferent car that reasoning is moot. Peace,,,Moosie 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
The cost to repair the Beretta is ~$1000. Quad 4's aren't fun to work on. I'm also considering trying to fix it myself, which of course would be significantly cheaper. It's just a matter of having the time. I really like the Beretta, but problems have been accumulating on it. The shocks are original, the rear springs & rear brake lines are also pretty rotted. It's also harder to find parts for a GTZ than it is for a Corvette.
As for $$$, I would say < $40K.
Bob
As for $$$, I would say < $40K.
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
<40K? Your options are almost endless. What do you like? Why don't you spend 5K on the Beretta. That's less than the depreciation of a new car as soon as you sign the papers.
Anything is good in the snow if you have snow tires and drive appropriately. If you want new, look at: Mustang, 08 Camaro, Charger (I know it's 4 door), Cobalt SS, used BMW M3, Dodge Magnum, Monte Carlo SS, Impala SS... what other "sporty" cars can you think of, they could be in this list as well.
You may have better luck in OT.
Anything is good in the snow if you have snow tires and drive appropriately. If you want new, look at: Mustang, 08 Camaro, Charger (I know it's 4 door), Cobalt SS, used BMW M3, Dodge Magnum, Monte Carlo SS, Impala SS... what other "sporty" cars can you think of, they could be in this list as well.
You may have better luck in OT.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Quincy MA
your choices are pretty much wide open. You can buy almost any car on the market (save for exotics and extreme luxury) for 40K
If I had 40K to blow i'd more than likely get a fully loaded Mazda Speed6 all wheel drive 300hp/tq and its sexy. or you could even get a used Z06 (although you said it has to be good in snow, so that might be a deal breaker) but yea if you have that kind money to toss into a new car just go out and test drive every single car that you see on the road that catches your eye. Hell I do that for fun and I am not even in the market. But just drive em and see which one you like, then worry about reviews and the like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Welcome to the Quad 4 fun. I too had Beretta GTZ with that engine. I paid $600 to have the head gasket replaced in about '95, mine was a '90 model. I really liked that car, but unfortunately it was a POS.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
St. Jude Donor '15
Assuming you are looking for something closer to $4K rather than $40K that is somewhat sporty and can do OK in the winter:
- Mid 90s Ford Probe / Mazda MX-6 / Mazda 626 with a manual transmission. They were built together in Flat Rock, MI. The 4 cylinder is very reliable, but the V6 is more fun and just needs the right kind of TLC. Be sure to get a manual transmission because the automatics self-destruct at about 100K.
- Late 90s Buick Riviera with the supercharged 3800.
If you want to buy something the in the low 20s, look for an 04 or 05 CTS with the 3.6 engine. Plenty of fun with 4 doors and a good set of winter tires and wheels will get you through most anything. Cadillac Certified pre-owned is a great program.
- Mid 90s Ford Probe / Mazda MX-6 / Mazda 626 with a manual transmission. They were built together in Flat Rock, MI. The 4 cylinder is very reliable, but the V6 is more fun and just needs the right kind of TLC. Be sure to get a manual transmission because the automatics self-destruct at about 100K.
- Late 90s Buick Riviera with the supercharged 3800.
If you want to buy something the in the low 20s, look for an 04 or 05 CTS with the 3.6 engine. Plenty of fun with 4 doors and a good set of winter tires and wheels will get you through most anything. Cadillac Certified pre-owned is a great program.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: LaSalle ON
Thanks for the responses 
The number IS $40K, not $4K. By keeping the GTZ on the road for 14 years we've saved enough for another decent car
Just Looking to hear good & bad opinions about what everyone's driving in this (rather broad) category. Already have a Consumer Reports, have read it voraciously, agree with some of it & disagree with other parts.
Still looking...
Bob
The number IS $40K, not $4K. By keeping the GTZ on the road for 14 years we've saved enough for another decent car
Just Looking to hear good & bad opinions about what everyone's driving in this (rather broad) category. Already have a Consumer Reports, have read it voraciously, agree with some of it & disagree with other parts.
Still looking...
Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
I purchased a Mustang GT for a daily driver about a year ago and have had great luck with it. Rides really well and the interior on the new ones are a lot larger than the Fox chassie cars (80's - 04). One of the best features I got on mine was an interior upgrade that eliminates a lot of the plastic feel to the interior (dash pad and arm rests are padded and have stiching on them similar to the 60's cars).
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 6
I purchased a Mustang GT for a daily driver about a year ago and have had great luck with it. Rides really well and the interior on the new ones are a lot larger than the Fox chassie cars (80's - 04). One of the best features I got on mine was an interior upgrade that eliminates a lot of the plastic feel to the interior (dash pad and arm rests are padded and have stiching on them similar to the 60's cars).
my personal recommendation as well. Get one with traction control and even Cleveland winters are a piece o cake
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
I vote is also for a Cadillac CTS. I bought my used '04 3.6L for
$16'000, (note to dealers: proof read you adds before you post them on the internet) with 40k miles on it. The car gets an average 25mpg with mixed city highway driving. It has an excellent ride, exceptional handeling, seats 4 very comfortably, it has a large trunk, and Above all it is RWD.
$16'000, (note to dealers: proof read you adds before you post them on the internet) with 40k miles on it. The car gets an average 25mpg with mixed city highway driving. It has an excellent ride, exceptional handeling, seats 4 very comfortably, it has a large trunk, and Above all it is RWD.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
We bought a brand new 07' HHR about six months ago, it cost us right at 16k with zero percent gm financing. It's fully loaded and we opted for the upgraded 2.4 liter 174 horse engine which is pretty close to the hp that came stock in my 82 corvette 
Overall it's been a good car and and the payments aren't too bad
Overall it's been a good car and and the payments aren't too bad
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
You have many options with 40K. I purchased a 2003 BMW 525i 2 years ago with 29K in miles and new car warenty for 32K. This year we purchased a 2004 BMW Z4 for 30K with 28k in miles and new car warenty remaining.
I have found over the years that 2 or 3 years old is a bigger bang for the buck on anythig you purchase.
You were so disiplined in saving take your time and look around, you'll find somthing nice.
I have found over the years that 2 or 3 years old is a bigger bang for the buck on anythig you purchase.
You were so disiplined in saving take your time and look around, you'll find somthing nice.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 11
From: Lubbock Texas
I must agree with the Mustang guys also. Bang for the buck-- they are hard to beat. They are reasonably fast, comfortable, and handle fairly well. And have a semi-usable back seat. & IMO they just look sharp also.
My daily driver: 07 GT California Special 4.6, 5speed , 3.55 rear
My daily driver: 07 GT California Special 4.6, 5speed , 3.55 rear
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Last edited by rihwoods; Oct 28, 2007 at 09:57 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
Hundia Tiburon is a nice little car. Bought one for my wife and she loves it. 100kwarrenty. get the v-6\ version.
Ever replace a water pump/ thermostat on that quad? what a pain in the neck. After i did that the first time, decided I will NEVER own another.
Ever replace a water pump/ thermostat on that quad? what a pain in the neck. After i did that the first time, decided I will NEVER own another.
Last edited by ghoastrider1; Oct 28, 2007 at 10:14 AM.