From: moofster@world.std.com (A Happy Dog-Cow)
Subject: Recommendations for some used Japanese cars
Organization: The Nest of the Moofster
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 23:45:52 GMT

Looking for some advice and feedback on my selection of used cars.

These are the models I am looking at...  Some entries are
whimsical, long-shots, if you will.  You can see that the
sort of car I am after is economical to operate, not TOO
boring to drive, and VERY reliable.  Of course, they are
all Japanese.  These prices are guesstimated from various
surveys and journals.  Due to the auction nature of the
purchasing, I hope to better these a little.  I am expecting
to pay an additional 10% after purchase to have the car
checked out/gone-over/etc.

My max budget is $350/mo for 2 years, so you can back into
what my max loan should be (say, $7500 for 12% APR @ 24 Months).
Note this is above and beyond insurance, etc etc.  The
following page has an Amort. Chart.

I am also going to purchase a security system for the car
(a top-of-the-line Crimestopper model) which saves enough on
the insurance premium to pay for itself in a little over a year.

(All models assume AC/PWS/5-Spd Manual)

[Prime choices are marked with *s]

1989*   Acura   Integra             $6100/$6875 [RS/LS]
1988*   Honda   Accord LXi          $6600
1988    Honda   Prelude Si 4WS      $7150
1989    Honda   Civic HB Si         $5175
1989*   Honda   Civic CRX Si        $5775
1989    Honda   Accord (Base)       $6725
1990    Honda   Civic Sedan 4D EX   $6850
1990*   Honda   Civic CRX Si        $6725
1990    Honda   Accord DX           $7750 
1991    Honda   Civic HB Si         $7125
1991    Honda   Civic Sedan LX      $7550 
1991    Honda   Civic CRX Si        $8000
1990    Mitsubishi Eclipse GS/16V   $7350
1990*   Nissan  Sentra SE           $6125
1991*   Nissan  Sentra SE-R         $7725 
1990    Subaru  Legacy Sedan        $6200/6875/7500 (Base, L, 4WD)
1990    Subaru  Legacy Wagon        $6425/7100/7750 (Base, L, 4WD)
1990*   Subaru  Loyale Wagon 4WD    $5525
1991    Subaru  Loyale Wagon        $6500
1988    Volkswagen  Golf GTI/16V    $4700
1989*   Volkswagen  Golf GTI/16V    $6175

Note: I am buying these at a wholesale (dealer) auction, hence
the lower expected prices.  Any ideas as to how realistic these
are?  I am interested in reliable but sporty economy here.
(The Subarus and Accords are acceptable because of the creature-
comforts and 4WD & stuff).  (And yes, I understand that it's an
all-sales-final type of thing).

Any comments on the performance of the Sentra SE-R?  I had read an
old Automobile magazine article which praised its good handling and
Infiniti engine.  Is it a good buy?  CRX Si?  Sporty, but is it too
small for a 6'1" 190# dude such as myself?  Does it get at least 30MPG?

How about the Golf GTI/16V?  Reliable enough to compete with the 
others?  I love German road handling/steering, though.

What kind of perf. aftermarket exists for the Honda CRX/Nissans/VWs?

And is a 1989 Acura worthwhile... I know Customer satisfaction and
service are legendary with Acuras.  Is it a good buy overall?

Please email responses and opinions to me at moofster@world.std.com,
as I do not have the time to read the news these days.  THANKS!

Oh yeah, any impressions on that Laser Detection unit that Cinn. Microwave
is promoting?  Does it actually WORK?

Robert