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  1. #1
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    Default What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    I have a vacation house about 300 miles from my house. 300 miles one way. It is just me and my wife when we go down and we have an suv. After I get out of the city and depending on traffic I run between 80 and about 110. (Unstable over that) I was wanting to find a 4 banger or something that gets better gas mileage and can run at high speeds without transmission over heating. My suv does the job well but drinks gas bad. When my wife drives down she gets about 22 to 23 mph per gallon. When I drive the high speeds I get about 12 to 13mpg.

    I was looking at the new Ford Focus I really like that car. But if it is a chicks car I don't want it. I prefer a used car off craigslist. Integra, Ford SHO, Del Sol, anything acura pretty much.

    Thanks, Jason

  2. #2
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    my IS300 has 180,000 with only regular maintenance and will cruise at 120 all day long. and get 22ish mpg while doing it. comfortable, quiet, quick (not fast compared to other cars, unless you plan to boost it) and safe.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    I think the Acuras and Honda's are really stable between 80-100 and should still get low to mid 20's at those speeds. Heck even my brick shaped pick up with 2.4 L 4 banger averages 20 mpg at 80-85. I would look at some of the forums for these vehicles for more info.
    Last edited by Freebird; 10-01-2011 at 03:15 PM.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    Wish I could afford a lexus. Yeah I like the hondas and accuras. Only my mechanic told me that these cars are not designed to run at high speeds for a long time. Lets say you run 120 for 2 min in the city but on the open road maybe 5 min at a time till you have to slow down etc. I guess as long as it has a good transmission cooler it would do just fine. Now if there was only a way to put my wife to sleep during the drive. It would get rid of this. (Oh my gosh we are going to fast Jason. Are you going to bump their bumper, I hate it when you pass on the shoulder

  5. #5
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    My girl keeps a close eye on my speed too. She alerts me anytime we reach 80. Dont even think about taking turns fast.. I hate driving with her in the vehicle. But I do get better gas mileage when she rides with me. In order to do any fun performance driving I have to go alone. I have never in my life known any female who would say the words I long to hear... Faster, lets go Faster.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    Quote Originally Posted by chrisridebike8 View Post
    my IS300 has 180,000 with only regular maintenance and will cruise at 120 all day long. and get 22ish mpg while doing it. comfortable, quiet, quick (not fast compared to other cars, unless you plan to boost it) and safe.
    I am not a fan of Honda. They crumble like a tin can at just about any speed. I think the most bang for your buck is definitely Lexus. They make a safe reliable fast car at a really good price.

    A couple other cars would be Infinity or Acura.
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  7. #7
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jstglockem View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by chrisridebike8 View Post
    my IS300 has 180,000 with only regular maintenance and will cruise at 120 all day long. and get 22ish mpg while doing it. comfortable, quiet, quick (not fast compared to other cars, unless you plan to boost it) and safe.
    I am not a fan of Honda. They crumble like a tin can at just about any speed. I think the most bang for your buck is definitely Lexus. They make a safe reliable fast car at a really good price.

    A couple other cars would be Infinity or Acura.
    You do realize that Honda makes Acura? Honda is one of the few companies that gets racing development to market quickly. Take the VTEC valving on Honda/Acura engines, that was race developed and hit the market relatively quickly. I'd say a Honda is built for speed for extended periods as well as any other!

  8. #8
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    Mid 1990's 3000GT (Not the VR-4), just the naturally aspirated 6-cylinder.


    They will get you High-teens to really low 20's for MPG, but were actually designed for the speeds your asking for, for extended periods (105-115MPH).

    You can pick up a decent used one for $7,500 these days... they cost a bit more for upkeep than some of the other cars listed (Hondas etc)... but they will surely cruise in the 115+Range much better.


    Also, over-heating transmission? I've run my 5-speed EX (with Si brakes) at 100-105MPH for some time on desolate roads with no issue at all...

    Regardless:

    1990's Mitsubishi 3000GT
    Case closed.

    You're welcome old bud.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    Look at a Saab 9-5 for under $4,000. The turbo is easyy to tweak from 185/205 HP/trq to close to 300/340 for around $1,000 and 35 mpg legal hwy speeds.

    Least expensive car that is autobahn approved.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: What is a cheap but reliable fast car?

    I have a 06 Civic coupe 5 speed and run speeds up to 85-110 on the Interstate since i have had and it just rolled 100k. I do run Mobil 1 synthetic.It still runs like a old singer sewing machine and no tranny problems yet. I average 34mpg doing 85+ with the A/C. Cruising on the Interstate at 65-70 will get you 35-42 mpg. I also have a K&N filter.
    Last edited by Jag42; 10-01-2011 at 06:14 PM.

 

 

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