Old Domestic Vehicles That Aren't Sh!t?

I'm going to be doing some Sea To Sky commuting for a while and our 99 Pathfinder is quite possibly the most boring vehicle on the planet and also drinks gas.

Looking to spend up to around $2500 or maybe a bit more for an old 'banger' that will be fun to drive and be somewhat economical at least. In the perfect world it'd be something 'cool' like the 86 Golf GTi that I looked at, but without a super sticky clutch, potential overheating issues, no hand brake etc….

Not being from these parts, I tend to think that all US vehicles are utterly shit, break down all the time and are impossible to send around corners at more than 40Kph. Is this unfair? ;) Probably a bit I guess. Are there any hidden gems that I could add to the list of suitable cars to look for? i.e. probably a hatchback / coupe, manual, 2.5L engine or less and something that I can take corners in a UK style? I don't really care about refinement. I have arms that are perfectly capable of winding down windows for example.

Another "here's the awesome car I drive" thread.

Here's the awesome car I drive. Vibe/Matrix.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5620167387.html

Mind you if I did it again I'd look for even better milage in a micro car.

Get an old Acura CSX/EL or a Civic Si or Mazda 3 hatchback.

clearly you want a lowered Yari, err Vitz. but probably not for $2500.

~6L/100km manual, not driving slow.

By domestic you mean Ford/GM/Chrysler?

Back in the day I had a Mazda mx3 precidia , 5sp, small 6cyl engine, easy on the gas, fun. Low (no) maintenance, small car. Sounds like it meets your requirements…

I think it was a '97.

Have a look at a 2006/07 Focus. Comes in 3dr or 5dr. Great handling car, I had one for 7 years and 240,000 kms with minimal issues. Just an alternator and general service. It can be modded for more even more fun but definaltely get the 5spd. ![]([HTML_REMOVED]

Thanks all. Yes I was specifically thinking of American brands. I was wondering about the Focus too as they were fairly well regarded there. The Euro ones were built in euroland though.

The 'rebuilt' car above is certainly a good deal although I never know how that effects ICBC insurance.

Thanks all. Yes I was specifically thinking of American brands. I was wondering about the Focus too as they were fairly well regarded there. The Euro ones were built in euroland though.

The 'rebuilt' car above is certainly a good deal although I never know how that effects ICBC insurance.

It affects resale value more than anything. Unless it's a hack job then it should be fairly obvious if it's a turd or not

The 'rebuilt' car above is certainly a good deal although I never know how that effects ICBC insurance.

it was just the first Vibe/Matrix I found on CL. Vibe is a Pontiac (North American) version of the Toyota Matrix (Japan). Mostly the same, just a little less expensive. Rear seats fold down perfectly flat with a hard plastic backing - perfect for a bike in the back.

He said domestic.

pretty sure he meant not imported from the UK…

Do it right.

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/cto/5584857051.html

Do it right.

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/cto/5584857051.html

4.56 - should top out pretty quick.

Anyone know what company does the bird decal behind the left front wheel represents? Haven't seen that in years.