I totally agree CK. I am looking for something as cheap as possible.

 

CK6, That is not true. It affects both the 4 and the 6 cyl. Mine was a 4cyl EX. The good news is that Honda offers extended warranty on the 99-01 models

more info on the tranny can be found here
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Re...cord&trimid=-1

 

I recently bought a '03 Mazda Protege 5 for 9K OTD. I got it in manual (5-speed), and it's got a lot of pep for a car rated at 130hp. I don't know if you're interested in wagons though. The wagon is actually shorter in length than the Protege sedan, so it still comes across as a pretty sporty car.

I would definitely recommend it as a daily driver. It's louder than the hondas and toyotas i've been in, but it's not a big deal. The gas mileage I've been getting is just under 30 mpg. You can pm me if you have questions.

 

I had leased a Mazda 3 in June 06 with 5 speed, sunroof and alloy wheels for $300/month. This was with 1K down, 18k miles/yr for 24 months. Very good daily driver in my opinion.

 

Mazda 3 all the way and if you can get away with get a Mazda Speed 3.. I think that thing is 2300 lbs and 270 hp turbo charged.. that would be fun as a daily driver. I'd take one. lol

 

Thanks guys. I would really like to keep the payments around $200. My NSX payments are high enough! I am really leaning toward buying a sub $10k car outright. This way, I wouldn't have any payments. Only problem with that is the unknown factor of breakdowns.

 

Hey if its a DD why does it matter?

My friend when and bought a Geo Metro.. has like 70hp haha and thats probably not at the wheel, tops out at like 70mph but gets 40mpg. He paid 1400, spendt 600 to tune it and now its a 2k car with over 175k miles running strong. Just pointing out.. however if ya wanted abit of style other suggestions above are good.

 

I just didnt want to buy a money pit. The worst thing that could happen is to buy a sub $10k car and put $10k into it for repairs.

 

Yes it does matter. It he gets hit in a Geo, chances are he won't live to enjoy his NSX...

 

remember if you put $2000 down for the Accord, you'll still pay TT&L which will come to an additional $1500 (based on 20K & 6.25% + fees).

I recently bought an 03 Pontiac Vibe with 30K miles on it for $10K....if you find a deal like that and put your $3500 down...your payment will be low. Personally, I'd get the Matrix if you can find a deal on one. Base 4 cyl motor and you should get at least 30+MPG and a Toyota bullet proof motor.

 

PICS!!!

Jonny

 

Yeah. I really wanted to go the Mazda 3 route too, but i hadn't (still haven't) sold the Lexus yet, so I decided to go sub $10k as well and pay all cash for the Protege. My friend helped me test drive a Mazda 3 manual b/c I still wasn't comfortable driving it at the time. It seemed like an awesome car - it was the GT package w/ HID's, leather seats, etc.

Accords hold their value very well, and deservedly so. I doubt you'll find one that's less than 6 yrs old for 10k. If you do though, I would jump on it. I considered a Matrix for a long time too, but the looks ultimately killed it for me. lol. Just personal taste. Good luck w/ your search.

 

Here's a little update. I am very close on pulling the trigger on the lease. Here are the numbers:

2007 Accord SE
Total drive off fees: $3597.51
Monthly payments: $149+tax=$160.33!!
12k/year
36 months.
Residual: $13,178
The 1st payment is included in the drive off fees. What do you guys think?

I know that the drive off fees are a little high but that is necessary for the very low monthly payments of $149.

 

that sounds like a nice deal. I like the SE Accord. It's safe, roomy and gets good mileage.