After two winters of running the RX8, I'm considering getting a winter car. Looking closely at my RX8 this spring, I noticed some surface rust in the rear wheelwells, and since I'll likely keep the car for some time, I'd like to keep it in the best shape possible. Anyone have a suggestion of a good, reliable, cheap to operate car in the sub 5k range?

Today I test drove a 99 Protege LX touring. I guess this was the top of the line back then, and it is a good little car. Reasonable acceleration, decent handling, and according to some, it is more fun than any of it's competitors of the day. Still, after a 15 minute test drive, getting back in the RX-8 was a revelation. Driving it everyday, I sometimes forget just how good it is, but everything, I mean EVERYTHING feels terrific in this car! I swear I was grinning like an idiot the next 15 minutes...:) So 2 lessons learned:

1. It will be really, really difficult to not drive my RX8 for 3-4 months
2. Next time I think I need to upgrade cars, I'll just test drive something else to remember how good it is to have an 8.

Haha, I think I may be picking up an old used Civic for the winter myself... Not excited about it, but better than putting my 8 through a winter of driving...

My gf has a '03 Protege LX... It does an alright job in the snow and I enjoy driving it, but like yourself, I find getting into the 8 after driving the Protege is just an unreal feeling lol...

After two winters of running the RX8, I'm considering getting a winter car. Looking closely at my RX8 this spring, I noticed some surface rust in the rear wheelwells, and since I'll likely keep the car for some time, I'd like to keep it in the best shape possible. Anyone have a suggestion of a good, reliable, cheap to operate car in the sub 5k range?

There should be plenty of decent 3rd gen Integras for that price. I used to have one when I was a student in Ottawa. Well maintained Honda engines just plain -start- without fuss at minus 40, when everyone else around you in the parking lot are still trying to turn over their engines.

Buy an old Miata, 02 MINI or Celica, those are pretty much your only choice for fun to drive beaters.

subaru impreza.

how many kilometers are on your car???? suface rust and corosion is covered for a while...just had some fixed on my car at the bottom between the doors.

And yes, definitely take your car back to Mazda to have the rust on the rear wheel well lips and above the driver side suicide door sill taken care of. These are standard rust spots for the RX-8.

Honestly, you're not going to find any decent winter beater for $5k unless you're willing to think outside of box and consider cars that most people don't want (ie. American cars, old Subaru, old Miata, etc) or have cosmetic damages.