Hatch A Plan: 2006 Audi A3

A high mileage complex luxury cars with scary electronic integrated gizmos should put the fear of the electron into any sane person...and I count myself in that small group.  A mid 2000s Audi A8, for instance, is going to be overly complicated and certainly cheap because it is going to cost arms/legs/kidneys/children to repair...but if you step downmarket into something like a low spec Audi A3 that doesn't have all the complicated rube goldberg auto-driving features...you might just be able to drive it for a few years and sell without doing anything other than adding gas.  Maybe.  Got a lucky rabbits foot keychain? Find this 2006 Audi A3 offered for $5,500 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist.

Hot Hatch: 2004 Ford Focus SVT

The term hot hatch is tossed about like gonorrhea in a college co-ed dorm building, but what does it really take to be a hot hatch.  First, you need a hatch.  And then you need powahhhhh....maybe!  What you need in a fast hatch is something that is equally at home in a parking lot dodging shopping carts or cones...and for that you need handling.   Find this 2004 Ford Focus SVT offered for $2,500 in Houston, TX via craigslist.

Riveting Ride: 2000 Proton Satria GTi

Proton is a Malaysian manufacturer which made cheap runabouts in much the same vein as Hyundai and Kia during the 1990s. Based on an old Mitsubishi Colt, the Satria was nothing special. However, the GTi badge can work magic, as it did on the Mk1 Golf and Peugeot’s 205, and the same rings true for the little Proton, with its Lotus tuned handling. Find this 2000 Proton Satria GTi for $4,400 AUD ($3,350 USD at the time of writing) in Taree, NSW, Australia via gumtree.com.au

The Other, Forgotten GTI: 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6

During the hot hatch wars of the 80’s and early 90’s Volkswagen Golf GTIs squared off with Honda Civic SIs in the United States each with a dedicated following. It looks like with the Ford Focus ST now joining the two well-known models and what seems to be and arms race of horsepower in the hatchbacks there may be a resurgence in the market. But there are hatchback models that never were modified by flat brimmed teens with street glow and stanced to a level where they scrape their oil pan on the paint while changing lanes. Here is the chance to own an unmolested beauty that was imported recently and appears to be intact and correct. Advertised on the list that is Craig’s, located in Newport News, Virginia this 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI  is yours for the mere price of $7,500; beret and baguette not included.

Pre Diamond Star Hatch:1989 Dodge Colt Turbo

by Cory -- The 4g63 engine is sort of the Hercules of Japanese import tuner world. The 4g61 was it's little brother and originally came in this 1989 Dodge Colt turbo. This 4g63 engine swapped 1989 Dodge Colt is listed for $2200 in Minneapolis, MN.

5k: Hatch Brat: 1980 Subaru DL Camino

 The Subaru Leone (Italian for Lion) was a compact econobox manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1971 to 1994 and marketed as the DL in the USA.  Like most Subarus, it was powered by a flat-4 engine and was available in multiple body configurations including the funky-cool El Camino style BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter)...but this one started life as a simple DL Hatch.  Find this 1980 Subaru DL Camino offered for $3,500 or reasonable offer, located in Sierra Vista, AZ via NASIOC forums.

5k: Baby Pistons: 1993 Mazda MX-3

 The Mazda MX-3 was a sporty 2+2 hatch that used much of the BG platform (Familia/323/Protegé) functional parts.  The thing that set Mazda's little CRX/GTI hunter apart was the the addition of an optional high revving (7,800 rpm) 1.8 liter V6.  That is not a typo, it came with a V6 that was smaller than most inline-4 cylinder engines at the time -- and this particular MX-3 is not the average ridden hard and put away wet example.  Find this 1993 Mazda MX-3 offered for $3,300 in Carlisle, PA

Mid Week Match-Up: A Daily Driver For TinyFrogs

It is Wednesday so that means another time for a Mid Week Match-Up (TM)!  DT reader TinyFrogs is looking for a commuter in the $5k-$12k range.  Find him something good.  In his words:  Anyway, later this summer I'd like to pick up an efficient, reliable, and fun-to-drive compact wagohatch of some sort, manual transmission, ballpark of $5k (cash) to $12k (note). I like sleepers with style.  This would complement an old Xterra that needs more TLC, so no beaters.  Also needs some modern safety.  I have a family.