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Best second vehicle!!

Discussion in 'General Automotive' started by boshak, May 2, 2012.

  1. May 2, 2012 at 4:58 AM
    #1
    boshak

    boshak [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2010
    Member:
    #37663
    Messages:
    751
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    AG
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Manual 4x4 5VZ-FE
    I'm looking for a second vehicle as a daily driver. I'd like to keep mileage down on my truck and also have a backup vehicle when either of them is down.

    - Budget: $2000 to $3000
    - Good MPG (26+)
    - Manual
    - Easy and cheap to work on if needed
    - Parts easily accessible
    Note: I'm somewhat handy but not a mechanic... Only work I've done is through mod/maintenance tutorials provided by this and other forums

    So far I've been looking at these but have no idea what kind of money pit I'd be getting myself into:

    - Pre 96 Toyota Pickup
    - Pre 96 4runner
    - VW Golf/GTI
    - Civic Hatchbacks (scared of these because of the import scene... Lots of modded overdriven cars and a big theft potential)
     
  2. May 2, 2012 at 5:19 AM
    #2
    mcdowell

    mcdowell My name is Mudd

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2011
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    #60429
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    2,403
    Gender:
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    First Name:
    mike
    mobile al
    Vehicle:
    2011 prerunner SR5
    2in Toytec leveling kit TSB 4 leafpack 130w KC driving lights Wsetin 3 tab lightbar Black headlights Trex eyelids TRD sport wheels Firestone MT Hood protector Vent visors Tube stepbars Colormatch grille
    I know for sure 90s model Honda's start having transmission issues. Had a prelude and accord and both trans. went bad.
     
  3. May 2, 2012 at 5:19 AM
    #3
    PB65stang

    PB65stang Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2009
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    #26900
    Messages:
    1,723
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    First Name:
    Patrick
    Kansas City
    Vehicle:
    2016 F150 Lariat 4x4
    5100s (2.5" front), OEM Raptor wheels, 315/70/17 BFGs, Undercover, tint, Weathertechs.
    Older Camry/Civic/Accord? 4 cylinder 5 speed will get that MPG all day.

    Do you think an older pickup or 4Runner will actually get 26 MPG consistently?
     
  4. May 2, 2012 at 5:25 AM
    #4
    jbrenn

    jbrenn Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
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    allen texas
    Vehicle:
    10 sr5
    I had a 93 pickup you will not get that mpg consistently. You could find a chevy/gro prizm. IT is a corolla with some sheet metal differences.
     
  5. May 2, 2012 at 5:28 AM
    #5
    boshak

    boshak [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2010
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    751
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    First Name:
    AG
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Manual 4x4 5VZ-FE
    True... I guess I'm finding myself to be fond of the old gen Toyotas. I need to stick to my guns and drop them off the list before I get myself into building a project car.
     
  6. May 2, 2012 at 5:29 AM
    #6
    boshak

    boshak [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    AG
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2003 Manual 4x4 5VZ-FE
    Are these both manual trans?
     
  7. May 2, 2012 at 5:39 AM
    #7
    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2008
    Member:
    #9789
    Messages:
    760
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner TRD Debadged
    I did the same as you a few months ago. I bought a 2000 Celica GT. I enjoy 26-30mpg ratings and also enjoy the handling and sportiness of the car. I know it looks and sounds like a ricer car but having to silver streak mica Toyotas in the driveway looks real nice!!!
     
  8. May 2, 2012 at 5:40 AM
    #8
    pudge151

    pudge151 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
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    Sean
    Connecticut
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum

    i agree

    look for a 4 cyl camry, corolla, civic, jetta, golf, altima....

    but i will say that if you spend $2-4 k, plus title, tax, yearly fees, insurance, and so on... you will not save any money by gaining 10mpg over your Taco. I can see wanting to keep the miles down but you paid good money for your truck, unless its a toy for you, then drive it!
     
  9. May 2, 2012 at 6:09 AM
    #9
    mcdowell

    mcdowell My name is Mudd

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    mike
    mobile al
    Vehicle:
    2011 prerunner SR5
    2in Toytec leveling kit TSB 4 leafpack 130w KC driving lights Wsetin 3 tab lightbar Black headlights Trex eyelids TRD sport wheels Firestone MT Hood protector Vent visors Tube stepbars Colormatch grille
    My exp. ( badluck) has just been with auto.
     
  10. May 2, 2012 at 6:18 AM
    #10
    newertoy

    newertoy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2010
    Member:
    #32204
    Messages:
    1,560
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    First Name:
    Kevin
    East Tn
    Vehicle:
    2003 4x4 extra cab
    2" lift AAL and Bilstiens-front-rear,front diff drop. main drive drop
    Older Toyota --any model--just be sure it has had regular maintenance and NO major defects,oil leaks,ck eng,ect. Stay away from VW--had a friend w/one-had major problems all the time. Nisson-hear they are good--never owned one.
    Cannot go wrong w/TOYOTA.
     
  11. May 2, 2012 at 6:22 AM
    #11
    CRU

    CRU Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
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    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    They are hard to find but how about a late 80's CRX HF? Dependable and nearly 40 mpg.
     
  12. May 2, 2012 at 6:41 AM
    #12
    CantSitStill

    CantSitStill Well-Known Member

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    FTR
    CNY
    Gen 2 MR2 non turbo (your budget will nto allow a turbo), or 2000 + Celica.
     
  13. May 2, 2012 at 6:50 AM
    #13
    Hairy Taco

    Hairy Taco Jungle of Love

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Chris
    North of Hell
    Vehicle:
    08 TRD
    GTI's are a really fun drive. My Dad has one that I borrow on occasion for long drives. He hasn't had any problems with it since he bought it 10 years ago. I would not hesitate to get one of these:)
     
  14. May 2, 2012 at 6:51 AM
    #14
    PB65stang

    PB65stang Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Gender:
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    First Name:
    Patrick
    Kansas City
    Vehicle:
    2016 F150 Lariat 4x4
    5100s (2.5" front), OEM Raptor wheels, 315/70/17 BFGs, Undercover, tint, Weathertechs.
    FWIW, my mom had an '88 Accord 4 cyl / 5 spd with 200k+ on it back when I was a kid without a lick of transmission work. My sister's '01 Civic with an auto didn't have any transmission problems either in 100k miles.

    I also had a '93 Nissan hardbody pickup with a 4 cyl / 5 spd that was a tank as far as reliability, and my former roommate had a 93 (I think) 240SX with the same combo with 250k with no tranny problems at all.

    Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 90's Honda/Toyota/Nissan cars, but that's just me.
     
  15. May 2, 2012 at 11:38 AM
    #15
    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion Sounds Gooooood

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Steven
    DFW, Tx.
    Vehicle:
    09 Double Cab TRD Sport 4x4
    The autos are fairly crappy but the manual tranny's are rock solid. Engines are even more solid. Try and find a 4th gen prelude with the H22 engine and a manual. Those are fun!
     
  16. May 2, 2012 at 11:43 AM
    #16
    runyun

    runyun Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2011
    Member:
    #56336
    Messages:
    195
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    Male
    Irving/N. Grand Prairie
    Vehicle:
    02 Silver TRD DC
    this one is easy.. for that price range
    95-99 Nissan Maxima (97-99 look the best)

    hands down very reliable, roomy, 200hp, great mpg. (average 26-27 combined) dual timing chain (never need to replace) and always had cold ac.

    i've had several with the 2 highest mileage maximas having 235k miles and 295k miles. Never had a problem. (maybe change out waterpump)

    only issues i had were oil leaks.. but those are minor and expected.
     
  17. May 2, 2012 at 6:48 PM
    #17
    034RUNNER

    034RUNNER Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2010
    Member:
    #39634
    Messages:
    31
    CT
    Vehicle:
    03 4RUNNER SE
    My money's on the early toyota pickup.
     

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