I don't know whether 4K is a hard limit and I don't know what kind of negotiation you could do, but this would be a decent choice:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...4847/overview/

Or, hey, a ZHP:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2876/overview/


But this Scion might be a really good catch--it's a stick!

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...8497/overview/

Or this Scion coupe, if you want an auto:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...4127/overview/

Or #vanlife

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9768/overview/

Actually that Eurovan is pretty fucking dope.

I like the idea is the Scion coupe even with auto.

Actually that ZHP seems like a screaming deal at $4500. The listing is well presented and it reads like a lot of preemptive maintenance was performed. Plus you could teach her to Auto-X. Our 325xit just keeps trucking a long.

Yeah, you're not wrong about that. Would be a bold play but might be better overall than some random shitbox from a buy-here/pay-here lot.

Maybe it's time for John to give up his Mazda3...

The only issue with the ZHP is it is a bmw and they can be expensive to repair unless Clyde is able to do the work himself.

My friend has an E92 and has had quite a bit of problems with the car, meanwhile physically it is absolutely beautiful both inside and out ... you would think it is a perfect car.

I assumed that was the purpose for the thread being started....

What engine.... Let me guess n54?

E46s aren't bad to maintain, but the trick seems to be finding the right one to start with and I don't have the time or energy for it.

A friend and I are also kinda sorta looking for a well maintained and stock stick ZHP. A classing change for last year makes it worth giving a shot and if it doesn't work, it's a high quality, low cost daily driver that should work for a long time.

But, for my kids, the $4k limit is pretty much a hard cap (more accurately, $4.5k all in with inspection, repairs, tags, fees, etc). Also, four doors is nearly a 100% requirement.

Appreciate all the thoughts and links. Keep 'em coming!