- 3,879
- thevonsteinery
So a series of events (including the totaling of two cars) over the past month or so have brought me to the point of needing a new car.So I have about $10k to spend, but I'd like to keep it under $8k. I want something fun and reliable and I've narrowed it down to two cars; either a 5th gen Prelude or a Focus SVT. I am leaning slightly toward the Focus as they're a bit cheaper around here for a decent mileage one, the 6-speed and I like hatches more. As for the 'Lude, I would rather have an SH, but they're hard to find under $10k with a stick. Both are tough to find unmodified, a preference though not a necessity.
Here's a '02 Focus for $6900, which looks like a decent deal and I'll probably call the dealer. So, is there any insight that anyone has for me? Anything to look for or am I overlooking any cars? Is a manual Prelude SH worth holding out for, is a non-SH still good or is it even worth it with an auto SH?
Focus SVT:
Engine: 2.0 I-4
Horsepower: 170-hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 145 lbs.-ft. @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel economy city/hwy: 21/25 mpg
Curb weight: 2,750 lbs.
Honda Prelude SH:
Engine: 2.2 I-4
Horsepower: 200-hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 156 lbs.-ft. @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel economy city/hwy: 22/27 mpg
Curb weight: 2,950 lbs.
I know it's not a pic of an SH, but close enough.
Here's a '02 Focus for $6900, which looks like a decent deal and I'll probably call the dealer. So, is there any insight that anyone has for me? Anything to look for or am I overlooking any cars? Is a manual Prelude SH worth holding out for, is a non-SH still good or is it even worth it with an auto SH?
Focus SVT:
Engine: 2.0 I-4
Horsepower: 170-hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 145 lbs.-ft. @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel economy city/hwy: 21/25 mpg
Curb weight: 2,750 lbs.

Honda Prelude SH:
Engine: 2.2 I-4
Horsepower: 200-hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 156 lbs.-ft. @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel economy city/hwy: 22/27 mpg
Curb weight: 2,950 lbs.

I know it's not a pic of an SH, but close enough.