My car believed in the Mayan Apocalypse. RIP "Lips" Eclipse

[Ducky]

Today, after having had $800 worth of parts and labor poured into her over the last six weeks, my 17 year old car died again. I think it's time to look at buying a new used car. I'm looking at getting another two door coupe (2x2 seating with a hatchback, preferably) manual transmission (5 speed, six including reverse to be pedantic) four cylinder. No larger than a 2.5L for the same reason as the four cylinder, fuel economy. Kicker is? I'm looking at a $5k price cap. So yeah, a roughly ten year old car is in my foreseeable future.

The cars I'm considering are another Mitsubishi Eclipse or a Dodge Stratus. Due to horrific experiences, I'd rather avoid Hondas, Fords and Chevys. Does anyone have any suggestions of cars that may fit the bill? I'd rather have knowledgeable opinions before I hit the car lots.

[lewisipso]

I've heard decent things about the Stratus. I've known a few people that have owned one. Their opinion was favorable. However, I have never even driven either of your choices.

[Bjohnson63]

From what it sounds like, your looking for a car with a remote control. They can be found at most toy stores for about $50...

[Ducky]

From what it sounds like, your looking for a car with a remote control. They can be found at most toy stores for about $50...

I'm fun sized and need something I can reach the pedals on. It also helps if I can reach to work on the engine and don't have to climb into the trunk to reach the last of the groceries.

I should specify, it's the Stratus coupe I'm looking at. The full sized Stratus is a different car entirely. Found out last night the Stratus coupe was based off the Mitsubishi Eclipse. So yeah, I'm basically looking at another Eclipse, no matter what badge it wears.

Fun note, my old Eclipse had had both E's and the C ripped off the back, so it read LIPS. I will do the same to another Eclipse, and if it's a Stratus I may pare it down to RAT.

[Ducky]

I've also decided to add VW Beetles to the list of possibilities.

[Ducky]

And the winner is...

http://www.nadaguides.com/cars/2004/...dard-equipment

The 2004 VW Jetta GLS 1.8T

Yeah, it's a four door. And Bjohnson, it does have a remote control - for the locks and trunk.

[pgg]

Did you buy it yet?

[pgg]

Will it be calledET?

[Ducky]

I've got to talk to the bank tomorrow and won't be able to fill out the paperwork til Thursday because of my work schedule. It's going for $5970, decently under KBB and WAY under what most local dealers want, the dealer I'm getting it from has sold my parents their last several (much more expensive) cars and has had this one on the lot for a while. Reason it hasn't sold? It's a stick. He had it listed at $6900 but knocked nearly a grand off for me so I could afford it, I suspect he's happy not just for the sale but to be able to get it off the lot.

It's actually a bit of a blast to drive. I didn't expect to be impressed, but actually giggled when the turbo kicked in and my head pressed into the headrest. I didn't know 1.8L could even come close to doing that.

And pgg, no, it'll stay the Jetta, unless I get a wild hair and change it to Jet.