OT Daily Driver
#16
You might want to look into an older BMW 325iX if you want AWD... the older 1980's ix's are below $5000 these days, and they are reliable. The e30 engine is pretty much bulletproof if the owner did the routine maintenance. I've seen a lot of them posted for around $3000 or so--good for a winter beater too!
#17
I'm looking at the Mazdaspeed Miatas (yeah, yeah go ahead and say "it's a girl car. . .) The 3rd gen. ones coming out are pretty sweet looking (much more aggressive looking styling, etc.) and they're STOCK LSD & turbo - 178 h.p. in that tiny frame makes it pretty quick - I heard stock is about a 15-second 1/4 mile. And since it's a turbo, you KNOW it's easy (relatively) to push more power out of (bigger turbo, bigger i/c, etc.) I bet within 3-4 years 250+ h.p. Miatas start showing up at the track that'll run circles around most of the cars on this board.
I might be able to pick one up new for not much more than my current money pits cost me per month. . .
I might be able to pick one up new for not much more than my current money pits cost me per month. . .
#19
The new GTI ain't too bad for the price either. . . Although personally I'd go for a Cabrio.
Is it just me or are the offerings of most of the manufacuters sucking royally right now? Think of it - Toyota no longer makes the Celica GT (or any Celica or other "sport" model anymore), VW got rid of the Cabrio in favor of the eternally-girlish convertable bug, Nissan has NO sport cars (esp. roadsters) this side of the 350ZR, which is a ripoff for the price (you can get an entry-level Z4 for the same price, with a 100,000 mile BMW warranty. . .) Predictably, the American car makers don't have crap - the Mustang sucks and is overpriced, Chevy don't have jack, Chrysler don't really have jack. Dodge? Please. I guess the GTO ain't bad but it looks like a friggin' Pontiac Sunfire. The styling sucks. Even Honda doesn't have schite except for the S2000, which is ridiculously overpriced and puts it (like the 350Z) into the same price range as the Z4, which is WAY more car for the money. . .
The offerings are pretty limited for anyone wanting a sporty car - especially a soft top. I think dollar-for-dollar the Mazda is pretty good but I have to learn more about the warranty programs etc. . .
Is it just me or are the offerings of most of the manufacuters sucking royally right now? Think of it - Toyota no longer makes the Celica GT (or any Celica or other "sport" model anymore), VW got rid of the Cabrio in favor of the eternally-girlish convertable bug, Nissan has NO sport cars (esp. roadsters) this side of the 350ZR, which is a ripoff for the price (you can get an entry-level Z4 for the same price, with a 100,000 mile BMW warranty. . .) Predictably, the American car makers don't have crap - the Mustang sucks and is overpriced, Chevy don't have jack, Chrysler don't really have jack. Dodge? Please. I guess the GTO ain't bad but it looks like a friggin' Pontiac Sunfire. The styling sucks. Even Honda doesn't have schite except for the S2000, which is ridiculously overpriced and puts it (like the 350Z) into the same price range as the Z4, which is WAY more car for the money. . .
The offerings are pretty limited for anyone wanting a sporty car - especially a soft top. I think dollar-for-dollar the Mazda is pretty good but I have to learn more about the warranty programs etc. . .
#21
Thinking outside da' bun...
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by daniel951
just did a search and there is no wrx turbo in my area on autotrader for around 15k
#23
Originally Posted by MPD47
As far as "fun factor" for cars, I have yet to find much which was as fun as my e30. Just a thought, although they are fairly slow.
Great cars indeed! I enjoy driving mine more than the 944. Maintenance isn't quite as overwhelming, they are generally more reliable, and parts are cheaper.
#24
Originally Posted by Chase72
You might want to look into an older BMW 325iX if you want AWD... the older 1980's ix's are below $5000 these days, and they are reliable. The e30 engine is pretty much bulletproof if the owner did the routine maintenance. I've seen a lot of them posted for around $3000 or so--good for a winter beater too!
#25
Thinking outside da' bun...
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From: Dayton, Ohio
I agree Kuhl. Mine has been good to me in the three months Ive had it. As long as the transfer case/tranny doesnt take a dump on me, if this car keeps doing what its doing, I have zero complaints. They arent real peppy but are GREAT highway cars. I love the low rpms on the highway. They just chug along. And the engine kind of sounds diesel-ish. Like a workhorse truck kind of engine.
#27
I *almost* bought an older 535i a few years ago. The owner had installed a high duration cam and o my god the *lub-lub-lub* was incredibly intoxicating! Car was a manual and pick-up on the freeway was great!
If/when I go back to an NA that is one of the first items I will be changing on the car (if available).
If/when I go back to an NA that is one of the first items I will be changing on the car (if available).
#28
I love my VW - that diesel will surprise the hell outa people, but since you're in Colorado, i don't know if I'd go diesel. I don't have any problem starting mine, but I've never started it in sub-zero weather either. I will say they're cheap to mod. $600 for 325Ft/Lbs isn't bad.
I'd probably go with a 325i or WRX if I wanted a sportier car.
I'd probably go with a 325i or WRX if I wanted a sportier car.
#30
Three Wheelin'
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From: San Francisco, CA Porsche: '92 968 Blk/Cashmere
I've been doing some research along the same lines and here are some cars that I've put on my list (some may be slightly over 15K):
C5 Corvette
BMW Z3, E36 M3, E46 323/325, E39 540
MINI
Audi B5 S4, TT, A6
350Z/G35
964, Boxster
C5 Corvette
BMW Z3, E36 M3, E46 323/325, E39 540
MINI
Audi B5 S4, TT, A6
350Z/G35
964, Boxster