If you had to buy a winter beater, what would you buy for about $2K - $3K?
Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
If you had to buy a winter beater, what would you buy for about $2K - $3K?
Just trying to get a feel for what you Lexus heads would buy if you wanted to spend about $2 - $3K on a winter beater to protect your expensive Lexus from the ravages of salt this winter?
I am leaning towards a Japanese four cylinder car that is stingy on gas and insurance, thereby offsetting its price against using the GS in the winter (gas and insurance expense and ofcourse protecting it from the salt).
I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
93 Honda Prelude
93 Toyota Corrolla
93 Toyota Tercel
Any others you guys would pick? I have a connection with a Used Car dealer, so I would get a car at their cost (they owe me a favour).
I am leaning towards a Japanese four cylinder car that is stingy on gas and insurance, thereby offsetting its price against using the GS in the winter (gas and insurance expense and ofcourse protecting it from the salt).
I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
93 Honda Prelude
93 Toyota Corrolla
93 Toyota Tercel
Any others you guys would pick? I have a connection with a Used Car dealer, so I would get a car at their cost (they owe me a favour).
Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by onelasttry
I'd buy a 94-96 ford ranger. they are extremely dependable, can be bought in an extended cab, and are great for winter driving.
I'd buy a 94-96 ford ranger. they are extremely dependable, can be bought in an extended cab, and are great for winter driving.
Unrelated question, how come you never came to the Deals Gap meet last weekend that was just a couple of hours away from you in NC/TN ?????
I went down there all the way from Canada! Yes, I know I am crazy, I don't need to be reminded of that! 
Last edited by Hameed; Sep 1, 2003 at 08:05 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 780
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Something in 4x4. For me I would pick a truck because I am always hauling/fixing/going places most can't nearly constantly. I would not pick a ranger though; my mother owns one and it has had a few questions. A mile and away from the S10, but I would stick to a Nissan Hardbody 4x4. Can get one for cheap, and solid as hell.
Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by SDuquette
An old subaru for $1k and pocket the other $2k
Here's mine, peppy 1.8l turbo, hi and low range 4wd, locking center differential, comfy ride
An old subaru for $1k and pocket the other $2k
Here's mine, peppy 1.8l turbo, hi and low range 4wd, locking center differential, comfy ride
I was also considering the Celica Turbo AWD, but that is pretty old now.
Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.
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Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by onelasttry
Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.
Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.
Last edited by Hameed; Sep 1, 2003 at 08:56 AM.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 893
Likes: 1
From: Chicago
Are you sure you only want to spend $2-3K on a winter car? Why not spend a little more and get something newer and more reliable. Imagine having the car breakdown during a viscious snowstorm where visibility is almost zero. Personally, out of all times during the year, the winter is the time I'd something safe, secure, and dependable.
My friends have had their fair share of beater cars so I've learned some.
I'd say look into a 94-95 Honda Accord. They still look "up-to-date", are safe, reliable, and have relatively low maintenence costs. Going price is roughly $5K for an EX model with 100k miles.
Or look into the 92 Lexus ES300. No need to vouch for this car
Also around $4-5K.
My friends have had their fair share of beater cars so I've learned some.
I'd say look into a 94-95 Honda Accord. They still look "up-to-date", are safe, reliable, and have relatively low maintenence costs. Going price is roughly $5K for an EX model with 100k miles.
Or look into the 92 Lexus ES300. No need to vouch for this car
Also around $4-5K.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 780
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Originally posted by onelasttry
Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.
Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.
Ouch... Is that filed under irreconcilable differences?
I think nearly any car would be fine in winter as long as they have Blizzacks, that anti-ice washer fluid, good upkeep, and a sturdy scraper. Oh yes, no leather. SO FREAKIN COLD on the buddies downstairs...
Last edited by Camshaft; Sep 1, 2003 at 11:13 AM.
Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by XenonES3
Are you sure you only want to spend $2-3K on a winter car? Why not spend a little more and get something newer and more reliable. Imagine having the car breakdown during a viscious snowstorm where visibility is almost zero. Personally, out of all times during the year, the winter is the time I'd something safe, secure, and dependable.
My friends have had their fair share of beater cars so I've learned some.
I'd say look into a 94-95 Honda Accord. They still look "up-to-date", are safe, reliable, and have relatively low maintenence costs. Going price is roughly $5K for an EX model with 100k miles.
Or look into the 92 Lexus ES300. No need to vouch for this car Also around $4-5K.
Are you sure you only want to spend $2-3K on a winter car? Why not spend a little more and get something newer and more reliable. Imagine having the car breakdown during a viscious snowstorm where visibility is almost zero. Personally, out of all times during the year, the winter is the time I'd something safe, secure, and dependable.
My friends have had their fair share of beater cars so I've learned some.
I'd say look into a 94-95 Honda Accord. They still look "up-to-date", are safe, reliable, and have relatively low maintenence costs. Going price is roughly $5K for an EX model with 100k miles.
Or look into the 92 Lexus ES300. No need to vouch for this car
Also around $4-5K.
Last edited by Hameed; Sep 1, 2003 at 11:36 AM.
Thread Starter
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 621
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by LexusAristo
Hameed!!
Why don't you turn back the clock and get a ES 250? hehe not the Es300, the ES250!!
Hameed!!
Why don't you turn back the clock and get a ES 250? hehe not the Es300, the ES250!!
