Insight on my first M/T Car.
 

I have about $3k (tax exempt) to splurge on a beat up car. I'll be learning how to drive stick/manual transmission on it so I can eventually be promoted to drive the FR-S. I have an automatic DD so this will strictly be a practice car-I hope.

I'm only looking for Toyotas.

Looking for some testimonials/comments/experience with the following cars.

89-94 Celica
5th and 6th Gen Corolla
Tercel (early 90s)
Paseo

Also open to suggestions as long as it's Toyota.

get an mr2

good RWD to practice on

Didn't know you could get one for so cheap, thanks!

you could proby get a mr2 for around 4-5k on craig.

Can't get a driveable one for 3k, I just got mine for a bit over 5k. There was someone asking 4k for a 170k mile one or something from Mountain View, not sure if it's still there. Just checked, don't see it. Probably sold.

maybe not a sw20.

but aw11 yes. there is a lot out there under 3k

Oh heh, I was thinking ZZW30s :P
I've seen very very cheap SW20s, and AW11s are all really cheap. Shouldn't be hard to find.

i know you said toyotas only, but for practicing and cheap, miatas are great. but if you can find an old beat up corolla or celica that should be about the same.

Thanks all for the replies!

get a celica, sub 2000 models can be had for about 2k.

Why not just learn on a friends car for free? I had maybe 3 hours total experience before driving my FRS off the lot.

Sure i stalled on a weekly basis for a while, now its smooth as butter (most days). Save yourself the $3K

I would do this. Miata is also an option.:burnrubber:

Most of my friends drive automatic cars. The two or three who drive manual are away from college...miatas I would actually consider...what does insurance look like for late 80s early 90s miatas?

A solid Miata will likely take your whole 3K budget, however insurance should be reasonable.

I am a younger guy and had a 90 for a while and the rates were very reasonable. Plus they are a blast and should prepare you for RWD fun!