What is a good car for under 5k?

Geo Metro 1.0L

The 2ZZ engine does not like boost. The 1ZZ on the other hand loves it.

Honda Civic with LS swap

You can make 330whp in a cobalt SS for 1500$ easy, that's pretty fast for 2800 lbs

miata
not fast but fun, reliable, and cheap

The spyder is all 3 baby. I give 250hp cars a run for their money, and can't get beaten in the turns, even on stock suspension.

5k is probably a little low for a spyder that won't tank out on you though.

>5k
>190k miles
>Cheap
Ya nah, they used to be, now the rice tax is out of control and they're not worth it

not op but the only reason i'm reluctant to get one is basically zero cargo space.

i love that i can take a miata on trips and have plenty of space for camping gear or whatever

A 2zz brings the car to a 4.8-5.2 0-60 though, and it's naturally aspirated, meaning less maintenance.

i'm in norcal and 5k will get you one with 100k or less and in good shape. more than it used to be but not that bad.