Buying a beater, Any suggestions? Options

[markie]

Since the Celica blew a head gasket, I need a new beater for work, something with decent gas mileage. I have around 3k to play around with. I don't want anything too common like a civic/integra. I was playing with the idea of getting a miata, or an mr2, or maybe even another 6gc.

I would just toss 3k into a new motor/setup, but with gas prices the way they are, I can't seem to justify doing so at this point in time.

Cliff notes:

Miata vs MR2 vs 6GC

[97lestyousay]

I got an 88 corolla gts for $500.00 and have since put 80,000 miles on it with very little work
or problems.

I would look for a late 80s early 90s toyota 4x4, you can pick one up for about that,
drive it and resell in a year or 2 with almost no loss.