For a maximum of $5000...

[magus57]

...which of these cars would be worth the price, considering reliability, ease of repair, and cost of parts? I've decided to just use my first car (which would be this car) as a daily driver and maybe do some simple upgrades like intake or exhaust, but nothing really major until I get my second car (when I have more money and time). Any help/suggestions?

[newyorker]

I vote the miata becuase its one of my favorite cars not just from the list, but ever. Its a blast to drive, but beware, if you live in an area that gets snow, the miata and 240sx might be some trouble because they are RWD, I would try to find a 1995+ miata because I believe that is when they added the Limited Slip Differential. GL

[magus57]

I do get snow, but my brother had a 3rd gen Firebird and said driving in the snow wasn't too bad, as long as I drive carefully and take it easy when accelerating. My only concern about the Miata is its small size; I feel like some huge SUV could crash into me and turn the car into a coffin for me, regardless of the fact that it got a 4 on the driver impact test.

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: I did some research and found out that the SVX is pretty heavy and costly for repairs, so that drops out of the list.

[newyorker]

Originally Posted by magus57

I do get snow, but my brother had a 3rd gen Firebird and said driving in the snow wasn't too bad, as long as I drive carefully and take it easy when accelerating. My only concern about the Miata is its small size; I feel like some huge SUV could crash into me and turn the car into a coffin for me, regardless of the fact that it got a 4 on the driver impact test.

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: I did some research and found out that the SVX is pretty heavy and costly for repairs, so that drops out of the list.

The SVX is a sort of rare car..shame is that they were only made in automatic, but swaps have been done, im not sure what tranny was used. The miata is not a fast car, but its quick and agile, and is one of the most reliable cars ever made...read more here

http://www.car-forums.com/talk/showthread.php?t=4091

[magus57]

Thanks for that link, helped me a lot!

[99integra]

240 for me, even though its a DOHC and repairs would be a bitch, I would still take it personally.

[newyorker]

Originally Posted by 99integra

240 for me, even though its a DOHC and repairs would be a bitch, I would still take it personally.

Miata is a DOHC also, just a lower displacement (89-93 I believe were 1.6, 94-97 were a 1.8) but they are VERY reliable...I think the 240sx is played out

[elchango36]

For a 1st car/daily driver the Prelude and MX6 OWN all others.