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Used Hatchbacks - Got any ideas? - READ ONLY

86 messages,  Last post on Dec 31, 2003 at 4:16 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Toyota Celica, Acura Integra, Geo Metro, Eagle Talon, Saab 900, Coupe, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 9

#8 of 86 Hondas are good by ryuyszh

Jan 08, 2000 (10:40 am)

First of all...the guy talking about the GTI forgot to mention that he was talking about km/hr and not mi/hr. 100 km/hr is about 62 mi/hr. 9 seconds is pretty quick but not super fast.


I'm a junior in college. This year I bought a 1990 Acura Integra LS hatchback for $4200, with 119k miles (about avg). It gets 26 mi/ga city and 32/hwy. I avg about 28 mi/ga. I believe it fits more cargo than my brother's '88 Accord Hatchback (basically the same as an '89). The back seats fold down like the Accord but my hatch window is round whereas the Accord's is flat so I can fit a bit more (I was surprised at how much more!) in there.


Performance wise, it's pretty quick. I'm satisfied. Plus there's no shortage of aftermarket add ons for this car if I can afford them later. 0-60 mph in about 9.6s I think. It has 130 hp, weighing about 2650 lbs. Quarter mile in about 16.5s or so.


Styling. Damn, this is a sweet looking car though! Mine's black with a spoiler and moon roof. I think it's the best looking Integra ever made and the best looking car for the money. I happened to buy a set of '92-93 Integra GS 6-spoke rims used for $240 to add a little flava.


Insurance isn't too expensive, especially since I turned 21, have only 1 speeding ticket, no accidents, and good student discount. Downside, Acura parts are more expensive than Honda parts. Plus, I've spent a grand total of about $8,000 on my car in 8 months, including regular service and fixing what the previous owner broke. The blue book value was something like $6,000 for the car, though. I would definitely have any car you are considering checked out by a mechanic. I brought mine to a Honda dealer and they told me basically everything that I would need to fix. Half hour inspection for $30.


I would definitely not waste my money on a Geo/Chevy Metro or Cavalier. Definitely not low maintenance (they're American cars! haha!). You may think I'm a hypocrite for saying that but I knew my car needed work due to prior neglect and was prepared to breathe life back into it. Also, I don't think a either of those cars would last much longer than 5 years. Okay I'm just saying that to be cocky but Hondas are known (as are Toyotas) for lasting into several hundred thousand miles. Sorry for writing a novel.


Ben


P.S. Acura is a "sister" company of Honda, for anybody that didn't know, and is made by Honda. Sort of an "upper line" Honda, as Lexus is to Toyota, Infinity is to Nissan and I think even Lincoln is to Ford.

#9 of 86 Used hatchback to buy by seppo

Jan 18, 2000 (9:47 pm)

1991 Geo Prizm GSI, 5 door, manual trans.


I used to have a 1990 non-GSI version and I loved it! It averaged in the mid-30's for gas mileage, and had lots of cargo room for the 'typical single college student'. The GSI editions have 130hp (instead of 100), and better options.
1991 is the last year they made the 5 door hatch.


BTW, this *is* a Toyota Corolla with a different nameplate.

#10 of 86 '89-'92 Probe GT by thebrakeman

Jan 24, 2000 (5:48 pm)

In 1995, I bought a used '89 Probe GT. This model was made between '89 and '92. It's a 5-speed, turbo with 145 hp, but a whopping 190 lb-ft of torque (that's the nice thing about turbos). Based on a Car & Driver article I found from 1989, this car would beat a 5.0L V8 Camaro at that time.


I pay about 600 US$ per year, and it's a hoot to drive. 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds. I've had mine past the 120mph speedo, and it still had more before I chickened out.


I would recommend it if you can find one with decent mileage (mine only has 76,000).


Good luck.

#11 of 86 89 probe gt (cont) by thebrakeman

Jan 24, 2000 (7:12 pm)

PS - The $600 for insurance is for full broad coverage. My car is in excellent condition, but you may not need that much coverage.

#12 of 86 Honda CRX by cefurod

Feb 15, 2000 (6:14 pm)

I think a CRX is the best hatchback you could get as a cheap used car. Great on gas, great handling, nice and small around the city. And i know those cars last for at least 200K miles.

#13 of 86 Hatchbacks by focuszx3r

Apr 03, 2000 (12:14 am)

If you are gonna buy a used hatchback here is what I think:
If u have like $2000, buy a Dodge Colt, a Subaru DL/GL, or a pre 1990 Mazda 323--those cars are un beatable
Other then that I dont suggest any hatchbacks except for maybe a civic if you want to pay $4000 for a car with 200k.
The only good hatchback now is the Ford Focus

#14 of 86 carlady by mzn

Apr 03, 2000 (8:35 pm)

If you want a fun-to-drive car, get a VW Golf or a Honda CRX. Unfortunately, since the last model year for the CRX was 1991, you might not find too many on the market.


You'd be hard-pressed to find a used Ford Focus ZX3 now, otherwise, it might be an option.


carlady/host

#15 of 86 My reference to the Focus by focuszx3r

Apr 03, 2000 (9:36 pm)

I said it was the only good Hatchback being offered now, pointing out thats its the only new Hatchback worth buying

#16 of 86 LANOS FOR SALE by atlas1212

Jun 19, 2000 (3:36 am)

I lost my job and must give up my 2000 Daewoo Lanos S Hatchback. I love it but have no choice. 0 down and take over my 250 a month payments and it's yours. It can be shipped anywhere in the country for under 800 dollars. Or you can pay 10,000 cash and have it outright. I must sell. It is white, AUTO, AIR and has full warranty.


Please email at emperoramabilis.net

#17 of 86 FUN and economical by freddy_k

Jun 28, 2000 (6:24 pm)

My 1994 Escort GT was the best car I've ever owned. OveralI liked it better then my new ZX2. It is very quick, very responsive and agile, very reliable (uses more Mazda parts then Ford) and very economical. It is also surprisingly safe, I unfortunately know from experience, and the reason I'm not still driving it now. Definitely go test drive one anyway, and remember that it is day and night beween the Escort GT and LX.

Messages Page 2 of 9

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