i think i need a daily driver now
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
i think i need a daily driver now
Soo i just got myself a new job at a nice place. My only problem is that this nice place is about a 94 mile round trip from my home, all highway and while i love the jeep for its ability to go anywhere im having a hell of a time affording the gas, so its time for a daily driver.
i know this has probably been asked a lot but I need some suggestions because every time i look for one i end up trying to buy a truck, which wont help. My price range is 3000-5000 and no hondas, any suggestions for something good on gas and actually fun. Thanks
P.s. im a big fan of modifying cars
i know this has probably been asked a lot but I need some suggestions because every time i look for one i end up trying to buy a truck, which wont help. My price range is 3000-5000 and no hondas, any suggestions for something good on gas and actually fun. Thanks
P.s. im a big fan of modifying cars
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Hamburg, NY
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
My DD when I had a really long commute was a VW Jetta. 4 cylinder 1.8L with a 5 speed. It got 30+ MPH& was a blast to drive.
I now work 5 min from my house & roll a Jeep Commander
I now work 5 min from my house & roll a Jeep Commander
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Lets see fuel-efficient and fun for <$5k and no Hondas, a few off the top of my head:
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Hyundai Tiburon
Ford Focus ZX (you may be able to get a 1st gen ST for less than $5k too, but they are hard to find)
Chevrolet Cobalt SS (cheap, quick, good handling, but cheap plastic everything)
Scion TC / Toyota Celica GT
Ford Contour SVT (hard to find)
Mazda 626 (V6 manual is best and still reasonably efficient)
Mazda 3
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Hyundai Tiburon
Ford Focus ZX (you may be able to get a 1st gen ST for less than $5k too, but they are hard to find)
Chevrolet Cobalt SS (cheap, quick, good handling, but cheap plastic everything)
Scion TC / Toyota Celica GT
Ford Contour SVT (hard to find)
Mazda 626 (V6 manual is best and still reasonably efficient)
Mazda 3
Last edited by dmill89; 01-23-2015 at 03:50 PM.
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Lets see fuel-efficient and fun for <$5k and no Hondas, a few off the top of my head:
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Hyundai Tiburon
Ford Focus ZX (you may be able to get a 1st gent ST for less than $5k too, but they are hard to find)
Chevrolet Cobalt SS (cheap, quick, good handling, but cheap plastic everything)
Scion TC / Toyota Celica GT
Ford Contour SVT (hard to find)
Mazda 626 (V6 manual is best and still reasonably efficient)
Mazda 3
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Hyundai Tiburon
Ford Focus ZX (you may be able to get a 1st gent ST for less than $5k too, but they are hard to find)
Chevrolet Cobalt SS (cheap, quick, good handling, but cheap plastic everything)
Scion TC / Toyota Celica GT
Ford Contour SVT (hard to find)
Mazda 626 (V6 manual is best and still reasonably efficient)
Mazda 3
#6
Senior Member
My little DD is a 98 Escort ZX2 with the 5 speed. Been a very reliable car. Only left me stranded twice when I let the timing belt run until it broke. Non-interference, so line everything up, throw a new belt on and it's good to go again. Has a reputation for going through alternators, but mine is only on it's 3rd, and though you can barely see it with the hood open, its actually not hard to change. Fun to drive and good on gas if a 2-door works for you. With the right tires it's good on ice, but if we get a dumping of snow, the Cherokee takes over until the plows have a chance to do their thing. The only issue is much like the XJ, they haven't been made in a while so finding one in good shape can be tricky, especially in rust country.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Posts: 918
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
My little DD is a 98 Escort ZX2 with the 5 speed. Been a very reliable car. Only left me stranded twice when I let the timing belt run until it broke. Non-interference, so line everything up, throw a new belt on and it's good to go again. Has a reputation for going through alternators, but mine is only on it's 3rd, and though you can barely see it with the hood open, its actually not hard to change. Fun to drive and good on gas if a 2-door works for you. With the right tires it's good on ice, but if we get a dumping of snow, the Cherokee takes over until the plows have a chance to do their thing. The only issue is much like the XJ, they haven't been made in a while so finding one in good shape can be tricky, especially in rust country.
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Arizona
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
since you brought up fords, another cheap "performance" option could be a taurus sho. theyre pretty sweet, and they made a focus svt also. i can also vouch for the cobalt ss, my buddy had a saturn ion redline (essentially the same car) and it was nice. another option could be a neon srt 4. tcs look nice, but dont have much power unless you can afford to boost it. i also support thr mazda 3 (preferably speed3).
another option im surprised nobody brought up was vw jettas/passats/golfs. jettas have a huge aftermarket following. or maybe a subbie impreza/wrx. (sti would probably go out of your price range) but awd is always fun!
another option im surprised nobody brought up was vw jettas/passats/golfs. jettas have a huge aftermarket following. or maybe a subbie impreza/wrx. (sti would probably go out of your price range) but awd is always fun!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Matt Krumwiede
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
09-19-2015 10:39 PM
ROCKRIDGE 4WD
Vendor Showcase
0
09-15-2015 01:21 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)