Cheryl Carter

I don't think any of the cars discussed have the beautiful lines of our 928's. Especially the GTS with it's wide hips. If I were to switch to something else it would be a recent model SL 65 or 55. Not for looks but for speed and modern comforts/reliability. Still not as attractive as the GTS IMHO.

pcar928fan

^^^^^^
Don't bet on that Cheryl. A friend had an SL55 AMG and sold it because it spent more time in the shop than on the road or in his garage. He bought it new and was DISGUSTED with it! I do like the looks of them though...

docmirror

Supercar means different things to different people. I have a Mondial, and I had an Espada. The Mondial is not a supercar, although it was pricey to start with, and cost a ton to maintain, the performance at top end just isn't there. The Mondial t would be on the edge of a supercar, and they can sometimes be had for around $25-30k, but the OP said "under $20k". That will get you a 80-88 Mondial, or a raggy Espada.

It will also buy a rather nice 850i but not an 850CSi, of which there are less than 2000 worldwide. Sometimes you could find the smaller Lambos with V8s for that price, but again, barely a supercar based on the performance. the would also need plenty of work at that price. The Ferrari 400/412 can be had in that range and for me it qualifies, even though it has 4 seats like the Espada.

The real bargain play in that range right now is the late 89-94 Lotus Esprit. No question it is a supercar, and the prices on them are stupid low. I've been shopping for one for about 3 years, and just haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I'm pretty close. There was a black one in Portland that I had my eye on for $15k asking, but I hate black on the Esprit so I passed. There is also a red one that I know of asking $19k that I might grab up soon. Stunning looks, neck-snapping acceleration, corners like it's on a guide-wire and has a lot of exotic plastic and metal gew-gaws to define the supercar genre. If you think the 4 pot holds it back, get a firm grip on all your cylinders and try to catch one.

Ben

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/...hp/carno/68249

$26k - Not far off the OP's under 20..... Still more than my unemployed pockets can handle at the moment though

shmark

There are definitely Mondial t's for sale right now in the 20's, I know of two. A Mondial 3.2 is a much better buy, cheaper to maintain and some insist they are better built. Not a supercar though. I'm with docmirror, the 400/412 definitely qualifies as does the Espada. I picked the Jarama because they are even more unusual than the Espada, same setup but with a shorter wheelbase. Viper is an excellent choice and will pin your head back like nothing else. I rode with a friend in his GTS at Road Atlanta and that thing was loafing at 175 before he hit the brakes at the black flag station. If you know RA, that is braking very early. Amazing machine for cheap. Esprit is also great and even the V8s are coming down in price now, but I personally prefer the S4 models.

You want unusual? Go hunting for a TVR, any TVR. They are like alligator wrestling, will try everything to bite you in two but when they are on, they are ON.

jayc67

Interesting. I have had an NSX for a very long time and I've not really spent any money at all on maintenance. I had the Zanardi suspension parts put on and that was a bit of coin but scheduled maintenance has been less than the 928 and I've had no problems at all. Tire expense is the most painful, changing them often.

It's been a fantastic car.

The worst I've have maintenance cost wise was a 308GTSi. Horrible.

Next on my list is an 850. I'm researching those lately.

Tom in Austin

I think I agree, tuner versions of common body styles can't be considered "super cars" ... minimum requirement is a distinct bodystyle, like a 928, Pantera, NSX, 850, Testarossa, etc. ...

all those AMG, BMW 'E' and Audi 'S' models are off the table ... no matter how many HP they have.

That logic probably also knocks out GT3s and other wonderful 911 variants ...

jayc67

Have to agree. Great cars no question, but when you see a used dealer lot with 20 examples of each it's hard to get very worked up, at least for me.

I like things that make people say "What the hell is that?" Also should have a timeless design.

I regularly run into people that don't know much about cars who think my S4 is of recent manufacture. It just never gets "dated" other than the wing.

docmirror

Good catch. You'd never get it into the states without spending way more than it's value. I found a CSi in NJ a few years back and it sold for $40k-ish. Maybe somewhat lower now.

Erik Behrendsen

Speaking of supercars for under $20K, here's an article that fits the bill for cars under $10K. They may not all be super, but you'll certainly recognized the ones that are.
http://www.windingroad.com/articles/...src=Nextscreen

auzivision

This fits the bill of under $10K, just like the article

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1551119660.html

Lizard928

There are tons of japanese 850s up here with the V12. One of our local 928 guys is always drooling over them.
I would have to say that for me it would be the TT V8 lotus esprit.

Richter12x2

There was an e39 M5 up here in Dallas for under $20k, not exactly what you're looking for, but still a nice car.

robot808

There's an 82 Ferrari 308 for sale near me for $19,999.

chewy8000

+ 1

I have always wanted to own a Pantera. I saw one enter I-95 once at Mach speed with Velocity stacks and disapeared in a puff of dust. Such a badass car!