The Project Pad

So, my 1994 3.0L hand me down from grandma ford taurus' days are coming to an end, and im in starting to get into the market for a replacement. With that being said, i would love to hear the collectives opinion on a daily vehicle. I don't commute far to work, under 10 miles one way. i was kicking around trying to find a mk4 jetta/golf/gti TDI, but the lack of commuting in my opinion i dont think would be worth the higher diesel vehicle price tag. so, im between a mk4 2.0L....or maybe just getting some sort of 2000ish era civic. anyone with better ideas, or opinions, im all ears.

Toyota corolla 1.3.

Ive had one of these (1994 model) as a daily since 2000 and its been nothing but reliable for little cost here and there.

Since you aren't far from work, I would think fuel economy wouldn't be too much of a concern. As such, I would highly recommend an E34...

They are seriously awesome to daily and tend to require very little in terms of maintenance. My 353k mile example is proof of that. I've only spent a few hundred dollars on it in almost two years (after getting it road worthy) since I purchased it for $900. M5x and M6x engines are awesome in terms of reliability... especially if you compare that to something like a 1.8t.

The ultimate commuter really is any basic, entry level Japanese car. You get economy, reliability, longevity and ease of maintenance. Parts availability is no issue, cost of maintenance is second to none. Being a car guy, you won't get too attached to it, and who gives a rats ass if someone dings it? Nobody will ever taunt you into a race and the likelihood of getting into too much trouble is greatly reduced with 120 horsepower through a fwd slushbox, and the insurance companies recognize that fact as well. And something like that makes you appreciate your other, nicer/faster/better vehicles that much more.

ur20v wrote:The ultimate commuter really is any basic, entry level Japanese car. You get economy, reliability, longevity and ease of maintenance. Parts availability is no issue, cost of maintenance is second to none. Being a car guy, you won't get too attached to it, and who gives a rats ass if someone dings it? Nobody will ever taunt you into a race and the likelihood of getting into too much trouble is greatly reduced with 120 horsepower through a fwd slushbox, and the insurance companies recognize that fact as well. And something like that makes you appreciate your other, nicer/faster/better vehicles that much more.

thus why a 99-04ish honda civic is on the list. the only thing keeping me away from that, is that being a car guy and working at NAPA for 6+ years here im steered more towards a German automobile.

2.slow MK4 is a great choice. I recommend that vehicle often to others who are after something other than something from the far east. Entry fee is less than a tdi, and economy is 30+ on cheaper fuel. Tough to argue with for a sensible german driver.

PRA4WX wrote:2.slow MK4 is a great choice. I recommend that vehicle often to others who are after something other than something from the far east. Entry fee is less than a tdi, and economy is 30+ on cheaper fuel. Tough to argue with for a sensible german driver.

Specific model years to lean towards? Engine codes?

PRA4WX wrote:2.slow MK4 is a great choice. I recommend that vehicle often to others who are after something other than something from the far east. Entry fee is less than a tdi, and economy is 30+ on cheaper fuel. Tough to argue with for a sensible german driver.

Only problem with the mk3 and mk4 w/2.0 is that they were all built in Mexico. There is a definite, distinct difference between the cars built in Germany (TDI, VR6, GTI) and the cars that came from south of the border... a night and day difference.

if you're feeling really cheap pick up a geo metro. 1L 3 cyl 5 speed. 55hp, 1800lb. It's so slow and cheap. And it REALLY makes you appreciate faster/nicer rides

My daily is a 04 mk4 1.8t sedan... Nothing but oil changes and gas has been thrown at it. Much more pep than my previous 2.slow ABA powered mk4. Though the 2.0 was a slush box, the 1.8t with 5speed and 180hp is quite lively... I control the gas mileage to fun ratio with my right foot.
I did just trade my 01 civic with an 05 Town & Country. Great car but interior build quality/road noise suppression was lacking so it was an easy move.

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since ive built a 1.8t, i really wouldnt want to deal with that motor for a daily to be honest. although numerous people have told me that i should just get one of those. im coming from a 94 taurus like i said above. so i almost feel as if anything at this point is going to be a step forward.

chaloux wrote:if you're feeling really cheap pick up a geo metro. 1L 3 cyl 5 speed. 55hp, 1800lb. It's so slow and cheap. And it REALLY makes you appreciate faster/nicer rides

I hear this complaint voiced, but haven't seen the problem myself to date.

I'm trying to decide between a GEO metro and another Diesel VW caddy. You can pick up a relatively decent condition Caddy for about $2000 with the diesel. I miss mine and still regret selling it. But metros are more comfortable.........I think and get similar fuel mileage with cheaper fuel

AngryTaco wrote:I'm trying to decide between a GEO metro and another Diesel VW caddy. You can pick up a relatively decent condition Caddy for about $2000 with the diesel. I miss mine and still regret selling it. But metros are more comfortable.........I think and get similar fuel mileage with cheaper fuel

I know it's nothing anyone wants to think about. But would you want to get into an accident and be in a metro?


Sent from a computer. In my pocket.

not really lol. I'd feel safer in the metro over the Caddy though. A friend of me has kind of turned me on to a Subaru Jesty. 3 cylinder, AWD, cheap, and cheap to maintain + killer fuel mileage.

Zerb wrote:So, my 1994 3.0L hand me down from grandma ford taurus' days are coming to an end, and im in starting to get into the market for a replacement. With that being said, i would love to hear the collectives opinion on a daily vehicle. I don't commute far to work, under 10 miles one way. i was kicking around trying to find a mk4 jetta/golf/gti TDI, but the lack of commuting in my opinion i dont think would be worth the higher diesel vehicle price tag. so, im between a mk4 2.0L....or maybe just getting some sort of 2000ish era civic. anyone with better ideas, or opinions, im all ears.

Just my .02 cents,
I've had great luck with my B5 A4 1.8t, 5spd, fwd (yes fwd). It's less drivetrain to pull around then a Quattro thus increasing it's efficiency. I get about 32 mpg highway. I've done nothing but normal up keep, 91 octane and synthetic oil. Though the most reliable and inexpensive car I own and have ever encountered is my 88 BMW 325e e30. It's a bullet proof inline 6 and It get upwards of 35 mpg...and you get the classic e30 body style that everyone loves! They can be had for 1500-3500 for one in good Conditon. B5's can also be had for very cheap these days. Anywho good luck with the search!