I’m trying something new today. Instead of a straight Friday runoff like we’ve done in the past, or two new outrageous or expensive cars, I’m giving you the choice between one of the week’s winners, or a new, fifth car. No scenario, no criteria, just pick the one you like best.
I guess you really like the idea of a cheap extra car to mess around with, or it’s totally lost on you. There’s no in-between. For those of you who like the idea, the comments yesterday were split pretty evenly between the Mazda and the Subaru. Those who were just looking for a decent cheap car overwhelmingly chose the Mazda, giving it an easy win.
I like the idea of having something to mess around with, but I’m not sure it’s worth the extra hassle and insurance to actually buy one. If I did, though, the Mazda is the easy choice between these two. I’m not a huge Subaru fan anyway, and that little Mazda 323 just feels more honest and trustworthy. That Subaru has been for sale for a long time, and based on the reactions to it here, I’m not surprised.
So, let’s quickly recap the week’s winners, and then I’ll introduce you to the new guy.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
This basest-of-base-model Daytona is by far the most expensive car here, but it’s also by far the lowest mileage. It has just seven thousand miles on its odometer, and it sounds like most of those came from the second owner. What’s the going rate for a thirty-six-year-old new Dodge? They don’t come up for sale often enough to really establish an average price. It’s a cool car, at least I think so, but you’re either willing to pay almost ten grand for it or you aren’t.
Image: Craigslist seller
If your favorite flavor is “Plain” and Cat Stevens is just too darn loud for you, I think I might have found you the perfect car. This Hyundai Sonata is so inoffensive that even Tipper Gore couldn’t find fault with it. It’s in excellent shape, has low miles, and is being sold for a decent price. What’s not to like? Well, there’s the danger of falling asleep at the wheel.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
Used minivans can be really good used-car bargains, as long as you’re willing to be seen in one, and as long as you can find one without half a box of Cheerios between the seats. This Isuzu Oasis seems to fit the bill. It’s got a lot of miles on it, but it’s a Honda in all but name, so miles aren’t much of a concern. And if you don’t need all those seats, you can always take them out and use it as a cargo van.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
This little Mazda 323 looks like the perfect amateur rallycross car. It’s cheap, lightweight, nimble, and already a bit beat-up. It wears snow tires that would work well as all-terrain tires too, and I have a suspicion it may have been lifted an inch or so already as well. Don’t want to rallycross? No problem. Use it as a cheap commuter car.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
Engine/drivetrain: 1.0 liter OHC inline 3, five-speed manual, FWD
Location: Cookeville, TN
Odometer reading: 120,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives “decent”
Yes, you’re seeing this right: Someone took a Metro and painted it like a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. Cute, right? I mean, I think I’ve seen something like this before, but that’s fine. I’ve seen I don’t know how many Herbies and General Lees (Generals Lee?) over the years; there can be more than one real-life Cozy Coupe. And of course, if you’d rather just have a regular Metro, you can always take the emblems off and repaint it.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
Power for the Metro comes from a suitcase-sized three-cylinder that I’ve heard can be wrestled out of the engine bay without a lift by two strong guys, or one big weightlifter. It punches way above its weight, though; no one would ever call a Metro quick, but it feels quick, and you can mash the gas pedal into the floor and hold it there as long as you need to, and this car won’t care. The seller says it runs “decent,” but that it “needs a tune up.” The check-engine light appears to be on, which indicates something might be going on. “Needs a tune up” is starting to become the new “air conditioning just needs a recharge,” I think. Bring a code scanner, and proceed with caution.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
The seller says the interior is almost perfect “except headliner.” It’s falling down. But if that’s the biggest issue inside, that’s pretty good for a car as old as this. It’s a pretty fancy Metro; it has air conditioning and a CD player. There’s no word on whether either of them work, though.
Image: Facebook Marketplace seller
Apart from the Little Tikes paint job, it’s in good condition outside. It looks like they started with a red Metro and just painted the roof yellow, so returning it to red should be easy enough if you wanted to. Or just lean into the bit and let people point and smile as you go by.
So what do you think? Is the Cozy Coupe-ified Metro a better deal than one of the week’s winners? Or are you sticking with one of your earlier choices? And if so, which one? Take the weekend to decide, and I’ll see you back here on Monday.