Pocket Rockets v2.0

[Tony_SS]

I'm still in the market for a fun, compact driver. Requirements:

Any year, make or model, foreign or domestic.
2-door hatchback
FWD
4/5spd
Would like to keep the value around $3k or under.
Must have a back seat.

Any new idea's?

[silver69camaro]

I'd do a BMW 318i but that's RWD. Cheap and fun.

[Nessumsar]

I said it once, and I'll say it again: Crx

[Scott Parkhurst]

ya - CRX or Accord are hard to argue with...

[Tony_SS]

I would like a backseat just in case, for the kiddos. Otherwise I like the CRX.

What about a Nissan NX? I want a Suzuki Swift GT but they're hard to find.

[mc84_zz4]

Saturn ION?

[Mr. Hinge]

I love my little Kona Focus...

[Tony_SS]

What about RX-7's?

[Tony_SS]

I love my little Kona Focus...

I'd do a Focus.. whats their performance model.. SVT? I want something that's pretty quick and agile.

[Takid455]

dodge dayton Pacifica or shelby Z.

[Nessumsar]

83-87 Toyota Corolla, or more commonly known as the Ae86. They get great milage, and have a TON of aftermarket support.

Or a crx... lol

[jocko124]

Toyota Corolla FX-16

[DanP454]

I like 1970-1974 Celicas (ra21) I found a couple on craiglist for 1300 or so and the styling is cool.

[Tony_SS]

These are great...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/FlaredCivic1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/OldSchoolAE86Racer-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/BestCRXEver1-1.jpg

[ill steez]

why do you prefer fwd?? i've owned one fwd car in my life, and i swore i'd never own another, haha.

i'd go with either the 318, ae86, or a mid 80s to early 90s porsche, like a 944 or 928. i'm pretty sure you can get pretty much any of those in the 3k range.

[megaladon6]

how important is major power?
there's the VW GTi and subaru/WRX for hatchbacks.

[Rick Dorion]

I've always thought a Fiesta Shogun would be cool.

[nowukno]

Tony look into the BMW 2002 those things are sweet.Or even an Datsun 510,I know those arent in your year range but are fun little cars

[Tony_SS]

FWD or RWD, either one is OK, depends on the deal or the car. Major power isn't important.. but if its going to be FWD it has to be quick.. I do like the Datsun 510's.. older, but still cool.

I'm still hell bent on a Suzuki Swift GT. I had one in college and it was an auto and I always wanted a stick. I have a line on 2 different ones.. so looks like I'll be bringing one of those home. 1700 lbs, 5spd 100hp, 4 wheel disc brakes and 39mpg! That's lots of fun per dollar.

[twosaturns]

why do you prefer fwd?? i've owned one fwd car in my life, and i swore i'd never own another, haha.


lots of fun FWDs, it's just a different performance than a RWD. I've had a couple of GTI's, an '86 and an '87, both 8valves, and they were always a hoot to drive.
I had a saturn SC1 w/ a twin cam swap, and that was a fun quick little car. although hardly any aftermarket support, they are fun and reliable stock; IMO the gear ratios were just about perfectly spaced. 124hp and 2200lbs is a good combo.
me personally, I'm waiting until later this year for the US intro of the Mazda2.

[DarkBuddha]

XR4TI. 2 door, hatchback, IRS RWD, turbo, cheap, fun, good handling, eats up the highway, addictive, and 10 times more family friendly than nearly any other 2 door hatch. Seriously. The rear seat is properly decently sized for even adults. Fits two kids with room to spare. Hatch + fold-flat rear seat means huge hauling ability. 2.3 Lima motor is cheap and easy to get parts for. There's plenty of parts suppliers and support. Kids love it... especially with the BOV! Pic for support:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img159.imageshack.us/i/img2244zk0.jpg/)

[ill steez]

lots of fun FWDs, it's just a different performance than a RWD. I've had a couple of GTI's, an '86 and an '87, both 8valves, and they were always a hoot to drive.
I had a saturn SC1 w/ a twin cam swap, and that was a fun quick little car. although hardly any aftermarket support, they are fun and reliable stock; IMO the gear ratios were just about perfectly spaced. 124hp and 2200lbs is a good combo.
me personally, I'm waiting until later this year for the US intro of the Mazda2.


Yea, I had a GTi as well, and I agree, it was a blast.... until i drove a sporty rwd. that's just my personal opinion though.