I'm looking to replace my tired 97 neon.
And i got 12 grand to play with, what would you get and why.

 

An astro/safari with a V8 swap

 

It all depends, What are you looking for? gas economy? someting that the family can putt around with you in? something more or less just for you? PErsonally, I would get a SUV again, Space, something 4cyl like a Isuzu trooper, or Rodeo(Wtf they are) half decent insurance, gas mileage is alright if you don't speed, and Tons of space if you plan a stereo and still have room for a back seat and bags if you plan a trip you know what I mean..thats just me though

 

Or you could buy Killer_klown's Dodge Omni

 

and SPL it :P that would be PIMP :P haha

 

1997 Honda CR-V, great vehicle and fun in the snow. Outperformed my friends 96 4runner in a foot and a half of snow, and we had the exact same winter tires!

 

Nissan Skyline GTS-T or GTS4

200HP stock and the choice of either rwd in the gts-t or awd in the 4.

 

any of the 94-01 third gen integra. i owned a 97 gsr for 5 years and loved every min of it. great on gas, cheap to fix, LOTs of aftermarket parts if you are into that, and very peppy if you get the gs-r. coming from a similar sized car, you would like it.

easy to install a deck and speakers, but not the most huge trunk around

 

a $500 car and 11,500 in toys like subs amps and speakers

 

keep the neon..........put the 12k in RRSP's