Cheap, and I mean CHEAP(under 3k)! fun cars (joint, AWD, MPG)

[Me007gold]

I know I had a thread before looking for cheap cars, but now I am looking DIRT CHEAP, I want to be under 3k. Looking for a dirt cheap car thats "fun" to drive, means I will be stuck to 80's and maybe early 90's. I found a few cars in my area all ready, 94 Escort GT, 91 Miata. Got a few more on my list that I craigslist each day. Mitsu Starion/Chrys Conquest TSI, E30 BMW, Rabbit GTI, Pontiac Fiero, MR2. What else would you be looking at?. I dont know if I would be able to find a civic/crx for this price

[Checkered24]

I've owned a few V6 Fieros. Currently have a 1985, V6, 4 spd manual. Not the fastest cars on the road, but they are light, have terrifically communicative steering (especially the 88's I owned) and handle terrific if you take the time to replace the worn out suspension parts (bushings, shocks/struts, etc). My first I had 13 years, spun an engine bearing at 160K miles (I think I hurt the engine driving it on the track at Watkins Glen). This one is at 98K, runs real strong.

Back in the day I owned some Ford Probes and thought they were very nice driving cars too. Not in the same way as the Fiero (FWD vs RWD probably the biggest difference) but they too drove very well, handled curves well. A 1st gen turbo Probe can be had for under $3K, but be sure the turbo is ok.

Are the Conquest/Starion's under $3K? I thought they were more.

Try finding a Dodge Stealth. I have seen some with really low asking prices, compared to a Mitsu 3000GT, and in decent shape.

I have never seen a Miata that cheap unless it is in really deplorable condition. Around here, good condition Miata's seem to bottom out around $4500.

If your on a budget, I would stay clear of a BMW. Something like a Fiero will be dirt cheap to repair, as old GM parts are a bargain. A Bimmer? Not so much!

[Me007gold]

Ive seen a few miatas for around 2,000 but most of them at least need a new top. I am not sure if thats something I can do my self. I dont have any problems turning a wrench, but that kinda stuff worries me

[vmaxnc]

Stick with something simple. No sophisticated electronics, no turbos, no AWD system, etc. I don't know what your definition of fun is, but I'd look for a 5.0 Mustang, maybe a Celica, Z-car, something along those lines. Mass produced rather than low volume. The Rabbit may be a good choice, but I'm not a fan of anything else you listed but the Miata.

[jambo101]

Getting down into the $3k range you wont be finding anything great, i'd stick with the Miata as they are very reliable if properly maintained and are a ton of fun.Also a great Miata forum..
Heres the San Antonio Craigslist with several i'd be interested in enough to go look at
san antonio cars & trucks - all classifieds "Miata" - craigslist

Example

http://sanmarcos.craigslist.org/cto/3217889229.html

Depending on how much fun you want have you considered a motorcycle?

[The Continental]

I've seen decent Miatas that cheap. You could be the first to make a Miata rat rod haha.

My choices would be V8 pony car, Fiero, Miata, or AWD Stealth/3000GT.

[Brian_M]

Porsche 924 and 944 (non-turbo) fit that slot. Galvanized bodywork so it doesn't often rust, and so long as the timing belt is maintained/replaced they are quite reliable. The major issues are ball-joints (under $300 fix if needed, will only need it done once in the cars life though), steering rack ($400 parts cost and 2~3 hours shop time), DME relay ($20 and a couple minutes) and... er, not much else come to mind.

Amazing forum dedicated to the cars too over on Rennlist.

I miss my 951 (944 turbo), the most enjoyable driving car I've been in for under $30k new or used. Super comfortable for long road trips, and I even saw 28mpg highway if I kept it under "go straight to jail" speeds.

[Tourian]

Any $3K 3000GT VR-4 is going to be beaten on bad and probably going to need 5 times that much money to get it right. You might be able to find a decent Eclipse/Laser/Talon AWD turbo for that much, but bring extra money too.

I'd stick with the posters advice to avoid anything with AWD and turbos at that price point and maybe find an old DA Integra.

[StealthRabbit]

I have pretty good luck with $500 GTI's. For another $500 you can make them a GTD (50 mpg Turbo Diesel GTI). I prefer '85 - 91

I have plenty of fun in my $35 'Stealth Rabbit'

50 mpg since 1976, no OPEC required

[Sean-a-thin]

How about an old Subaru Outback Sport (preferably a stick-shift model).

Cheap, fun, cool-looking(?) car.