[mymutter]

Subaru SVX should be able to be found for under 5k

[Tempted (Banned)]

SVX can be bought for less than 5k but they aren't reliable, if that's what he wants. Basically it sounds like he wants a car designed for FWD that was converted.

I like the Merc 4Matic cars. You can get them cheap, they are reliable the they have AWD systems that work. In 2003 I had an old Subaru GL Wagon that was a blast. It was selectable 4wd, not AWD. It had FWD, 4hi and 4lo selected by a lever behind the shifter. The Subie front engine boxer motor means it has a conventional layout rather than transverse design. Can be easier to work on.

I'd avoid the small Mitsu AWD cars(Talon, Eclipse, etc) because of the zero reliabitlity. If the trans works, the motor blows. If the both work, the rear diff blows. Just not reliable cars.

Dunno how much of a rally style vehicle you're looking for but one of the coolest is the Isuzu Vehicross. Kinda tall but very planted. They sell around here for 4-5k when you can find one.

[ASCOFF]

Originally Posted by Tempted

SVX can be bought for less than 5k but they aren't reliable, if that's what he wants. Basically it sounds like he wants a car designed for FWD that was converted.

I like the Merc 4Matic cars. You can get them cheap, they are reliable the they have AWD systems that work. In 2003 I had an old Subaru GL Wagon that was a blast. It was selectable 4wd, not AWD. It had FWD, 4hi and 4lo selected by a lever behind the shifter. The Subie front engine boxer motor means it has a conventional layout rather than transverse design. Can be easier to work on.

I'd avoid the small Mitsu AWD cars(Talon, Eclipse, etc) because of the zero reliabitlity. If the trans works, the motor blows. If the both work, the rear diff blows. Just not reliable cars.

Dunno how much of a rally style vehicle you're looking for but one of the coolest is the Isuzu Vehicross. Kinda tall but very planted. They sell around here for 4-5k when you can find one.

Reliability wise, I dont mind dropping some cash. But im not looking for some thing not willing to take a beating. Like what your saying with the talon. Im planning on investing another five.

Plans are the make a nice winter vehicle that can off road pretty well, in the summer. Like dirt trails. The audis dont fit that bill. They will probably fall apart faster than a talon given that task.

Right now my choices,

E30 325ix
A4 B5 2.8
A4 B5 1.8
A4 B5 S4
Subaru WRX
Subaru Impreza
VW Golf 4-motion (not sure these exist)
R32

[Supra_MKIII]

Golfs were never AWD in the USDM except in the R32s, as far as I know.

I would avoid the S4. Most any S4 you find in that price range is going to be completely trashed. Try to get a B5 1.8t.

Though, honestly, a clean Eclipse GSX or Talon TSi that isn't super high miles shouldn't be that unreliable. Not all the motors in them had crankwalk issues and all that. You can find reliable ones. If you don't need power, an Impreza or Legacy will be your best bet. A WRX in that price range will be beat.

[Tempted (Banned)]

AMC Eagle. The end.

[Tempted (Banned)]

This is gonna sound retarded, but I also recently bought a Chevrolet Astro AWD EXT van. Rock solid drivetrain, room for an orgy and unbelievably upgradeable. I do a lot of hunting and fishing and this thing is outstanding for that. Best part is it only cost me a grand and has ice cold AC, new tires and no dents/dings/rust. Water pump start leaking, cost me $19 to replace with a new one. The 4.3 Vortec makes plenty of power and all the parts are interchangeable with a 87+ SBC. I'm happy with it.

[mymutter]

Lol, my work gave me an awd astro for a work truck, drove it for 120k (total of 240k on the truck) and I will be honest, most fun I have ever had in a chicago winter. Beat the hell out of it and it never let me down, 1+ foot of snow, just mash the gas and it went. gas mileage was ****, but they can be found for so cheap!

[Tempted (Banned)]

Yeah I get 12-14mpg on the highway. Around town I'm in the single digits. Insurance is nothing though. $14 a month is what it breaks down to.

[Tempted (Banned)]

I wonder if you could chop one and move the driver's position back a little....

You could build a giant Subaru Brat.

[~Proto~]

cheap
fast
reliable

pick two

[Tempted (Banned)]

Originally Posted by ~Proto~

cheap
fast
reliable

pick two

Manual transmission Camaro's from 85-95 can be cheap, fast and reliable. Just not AWD.

This is a STEAL. Guy is asking $3k. Its an Outback AWD with a FIVE SPEED MANUAL TRANS. Rare to see those on Outbacks. I'm considering this thing myself, he's about 20 minutes from me.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/3397751132.html

[Tempted (Banned)]

Then again, these don't suck either. AWD Passat.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/3398089043.html

Holy smokes. $1700 for this AWD 5 speed Impreza wagon in outstanding condition.
http://nwga.craigslist.org/cto/3345330322.html

[AntiHeightPunk (Banned)]

Originally Posted by AntiHeightPunk

buy a dodge iroc r/t

i think you missed this

[Tempted (Banned)]

Originally Posted by AntiHeightPunk

i think you missed this

[Supra_MKIII]

Originally Posted by Tempted

Manual transmission Camaro's from 85-95 can be fast

lol

[Tempted (Banned)]

Originally Posted by Supra_MKIII

lol

Faster than the Jap crap from the same time period.

[Featherlite 07]

Originally Posted by Alan777

* Not a good source for reliable cars

boom.

[Supra_MKIII]

Originally Posted by Featherlite 07

boom.

Your M5 needed one repair that costs more than the total money I've spent on cars, maintenance, and upgrades in my entire life.

[Gazz]

lol

[Tempted (Banned)]

Originally Posted by Supra_MKIII

Your M5 needed one repair that costs more than the total money I've spent on cars, maintenance, and upgrades in my entire life.

Tells me that you've never built a car. Hot rods are money pits. Fact of life. I get all my parts at cost and still put 10 grand a year in projects. I'm trying to not get stupid with the R/T because I had 15k in my last one and only put 2500 miles on it. Just in the parts I've bought in the last couple of weeks I have 3 grand in it. Nothing but a turbo(two, actually, because I found a cheap Holset after I bought a Turbonetics), FMIC, Cometic HG, a head rebuild kit(don't need it, but doing it anyway since I'm about to be throwing over 2 bar at this thing), a set of custom axles and a ported exhaust manifold. I still have to buy injectors, a computer, plugs and wires, a high volume oil pump, a turbo timer, a BOV, intake piping and other stuff. You can pretty much count on spending 5 grand over what you spent on the car to get it to your liking, unless you want to keep it stock.

[cvm973]

Lol at the turbo timer