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!

 

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 was checking out the vw's too but they aren't that sporty.The car i choose is going to be something i keep for a while that is why i am willing to drop 15k on it.

 

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. . .

 

I had a subaru svx.. that car was fun

 

Mine is coming off lease in about 3 weeks. Ill sell you mine for 15K. Has 35K miles on it. 2002 blue sedan. Rims and tires have 1,500 miles on them. Upgraded Suby sound system (if you can call it that), center armrest, upgraded Suby security. Windows tinted. Colored side spoilers.

 

Daily driver?? I choose a 88 924S FWIW.

 

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.

 

I second the 325iX opinion. They are holding their value very well also. Here's my $3200 wonder.

 

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.

 

i will have to check out those 325's

 

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).

 

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 wanted a TDI but they are harder to find with lower mileage.

 

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