Want to buy a good commuter car...

[DavidPartay]

I'm a little torn, I probably won't end up with another Commy (still keeping my wagon) but I've had a few ideas:


~2001 Barina
~2000 Corolla
~2002-04 Holden Ute
~2000 Mazda 323
2007 Hyundai Getz (1.6L manual)
1996 180sx
1996 BMW 318si


I want something fun to drive, with a decent interior, manual, and I really want RWD... I'd love the 180sx but I don't know how good it'll be on fuel, and I'm thinking the Ute will probably chew way too much fuel as well even if I get a 6 speed V8.

So I'm kind of leaning towards the Barina or the 323 as I like the looks of them but I have no idea about how reliable the cars are or what the best choice would be.

Have any of you guys got any experience with any of these models?

[DavidPartay]

It'll be doing about 50% freeway KMs

Ahh crap, sorry hit the Quote instead of Edit button!

[_R_J_K_]

Sigma FTW!

[Uber_Flacky]

I would go the corolla, because they are realiable and decent on fuel, but my other half's Grandfather drives a Getz, really good on fuel, zippy, and when you get a lower profile tyre handle alot better, also the 1.6 is supposed to be better on fuel (provided you don't treat it like a race car)

[DavidPartay]

Yeah I'm driving a 1.5L 2004 model Getz for work at the moment but I don't know if I'm going to want to own one, it's a great car and it's been pretty much indestructible (just clocked over 200,000kms) but I think I really want a change of car just for something different . I'm getting about 7.2/100 even with my moderately aggressive driving.

I'm sort of mainly tossing up between the Corolla and the Barina if I end up going in that direction... The Barina has really nice seats which is good for me as my back gives me issues, but I really would like the 180sx if the fuel economy is reasonable.

[Dr.304]

180sx gets around 350-400kms per tank depending on foot.

Thats with usual mods (FMIC, Exhaust, more boost)
How do i know you ask? i used to own one

Great car - i miss it so much!

[DavidPartay]

How big is the tank? That doesn't sound like much unless we're talking a 40 litre tank

[Dr.304]

I believe its 50L.

Trust me - they are a very fun car to drive.
If u get one, make sure its SR20DET.
Then FMIC, Full 3 inch exhaust, 13-14psi boost, fuel pump = 150+rwkw.


Amazing acceleration. Too much fun. Im barring up talking about it (also thinking of my old 180sx)

[DavidPartay]

Sounds like a plan to me I've seen a few on Carsales with similar mods to that, that's a LOT of power for such a little car!

I have a friend who took me for a drive in his 200sx which he sold a few years back, amazing little car! I imagine the 180sx would probably feel a little bit more 'raw' . The 200 was unmodded as well.

[greenfoam]

My friend has a S13 Silvia, around 200 rwkw with the CA18, it's very good on fuel, not the best you can get but miles better (and faster) than a Commodore

[Dr.304]

How much are u willing to spend?

Look for a 180sx that has all the mods done. If you are purchasing one get one with:

FMIC
Full exhaust
Pod Filter
Fuel pump (V. Important)
Coilovers

Also if it has been "tuned" make sure u see dyno sheets for proof. Hopefully he has one for both AFR's and boost.
Also confirm what turbo is running on the car. If its the standard T25g, do not run more than 14psi boost. If u run 14psi it will hit 14 psi then drop to 10psi.

Look for a 180sx that has a T28 at least, that means at around 14psi with all supporting mods you are looking at 170rwkw. That is respectable and can definately get the tyres frying in no time.

[greenfoam]

My mates CA18 has the GT2860R on it with about 15psi and its a manual. They are an awesome car, not much in the way of traction once they get going

[Dr.304]

My mates CA18 has the GT2860R on it with about 15psi and its a manual. They are an awesome car, not much in the way of traction once they get going

I can completely understand!

GT2860R @ 15psi? Boost it up!

17-18 PSI.

[greenfoam]

He's been through a few CA18's when he used to do all the messing with them himself. He had this one built and tuned by a shop in Melbourne so I think he's happy to be conserative now . It's allready fast enough how it is really for a daily driver

[Dr.304]

He's been through a few CA18's when he used to do all the messing with them himself. He had this one built and tuned by a shop in Melbourne so I think he's happy to be conserative now . It's allready fast enough how it is really for a daily driver

If it is tuned for 15psi, then run 15psi.
Would hammer!

[DavidPartay]

I'm hoping to save up about $8-$9000 or so as I don't want to finance the car at all (I won't be able to afford saving up rego + insurance for two cars if I finance it)... So it'll be in several months time when I'm happy with the amount of money I have.

So yeah, up to about $9000 but that'll have to cover insurance and stamp duty, etc. and I'm hoping to have money left over to do a stereo if I need to .

I've seen a few 180sx that I'll be able to afford on Carsales, but obviously I'll give them a good look over before I even consider buying them!

Thanks heaps for the advice on the cars by the way! Now I know a bit more of what to look for