[Spridgets] Thinking about buying another car

[Andrew Payne]

I've spent the past few days thinking hard on a cross country trip that I've wanted to take for years. Next year I may be able to do the trip. The basic idea is to be on the road for about 80 days and spend a day or two in each of the 49 states. (Hawaii until you build a bridge, you're dead to me! ;) I will camp most nights, stay with friends some, and a few nights in hotels.  I will likely do it in several regional trips so that I can keep my business afloat. 
As a car guy, the question of what car to take has always been important. I had thought an Elise until yesterday when I came to terms with the prohibitive cost. I can do the trip, I could buy the car, maybe both. I can't afford to take that car on this trip. Tires, depreciation, maintenance, parts... So back to planning. 
Years ago I thought a BGT was the perfect car. Fosters goodwill, fun, plus it would plan my trip: I drive till I breakdown, and I explore the town until parts arrive. I still think it would be a good choice. A Miata might be perfect. 
So the open question is what car do I start looking for? Below is my criteria. 

*My budget will be a max of $5000. This is for road ready condition. 
*Manual transmissions only!
*The car must be fun to drive. 
*The car must be reliable. 
*Parts should be readily available, and affordable. This includes tires. 
*I need a securely lockable trunk at least as big as a Miata's. 
*I need to be able to reasonably expect 30,000 miles of mostly trouble free driving. 
*A/C and cruise control would be ideal. 
*25+ MPG

Drew
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