Car around $10k

[osnap]

So this summer i want to get into something newer (Think 00+). Partially I just want something that doesnt squeek and rattle, that has working A/C, power locks, etc - all the luxuries that many take for granted, no doubt. I want a decent ammount of pep (I'd say 200 or more crank hp would be perfect). Something moderately sporty but not overplayed. Primarily looking at imports - not a big domestic guy... and primarily looking at Japanese, at that, simply because European cars + maintenance = ick. MUST be manual - no AT! Coupes preferred. Around the $10k area, give or take a little.

So far I've considered the RSX-S, and 7th gen Accord coupes. MAYBE if I step down in power and "new-ness", I'd consider a super clean stock EM1 or DC2, but ive already had one car stolen and I dont really want to go through that again. Frankly Im open to more than just Hondas... wondering if anyone had any obvious choices that I'm not seeing. I'd love a 99+ TL, but finding them MT is damn near impossible. *shrugs*

[Bruce Leroy]

i would pick up a clean bugeye wrx. 4 doors, they are reliable if not abused (i think), ok interior, and its a more mod friendly car.

[speedminded]

Japan:
2002+ Lexus IS300 Manual but it will have higher mileage to be $10k

or my 2001 integra with an ITR engine and Tein Flex for under $10k :tongue:


...but I say euro.

323i 5 speed - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/581656153.html

M3 Sedan for $11k - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/556095181.html

or

328i 4 door for $6k. Springs & shocks, wheels & tires, M3 cams and valvetrain...another $5-6k or so for a GT35R turbo setup installed and you got a reliable 500+whp 4 door that will run circles around just about any sportscar under $75,000...in a sedan :tongue: - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/589698337.html

[osnap]

the bugeye WRX's are good cars, but i just cant bring myself to like the way they look. IS300's are DAMN near impossible to find with manual trans, or at least they were last i looked. I considered E36 M3s and E46 coupes but kinda got iffy about it for insurance reasons (M3) and maintenance costs (either).

Regardless, i kinda want something with less than 100,000 miles... though beggars cant be choosers, and my parameters are getting pretty picky. haha

[Revmaynard]

I don't know what they run for right now, but a MS Protege is a nice DD.

[osnap]

oh wow thats a great idea... *looks into it*

edit NIIIIIIIIICE (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=239462109&dealer_id=57112186&car_year=2003&model=PROTE&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=__bWF6ZGFzcGVlZA,,__&keywordsrep=109097122100097115112101101100&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&only_price=1&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=MAZDA&keywords_display=mazdaspeed&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceASC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceASC&address=30101&advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=31)

and they make 178 bhp / 166 lb·ft. decent.

[Revmaynard]

Yea boy, my friend has a boosted '02 Protege LX and since he's been driving I've been somewhat apart of his Mazda club as a tag-along. They're nice cars and handle great straight out of the box.

[speedminded]

That M3 sedan is a time bomb. :no: Awesome car for sure, but I'd never want one with 120k+ on the clock.I'd probably take a 200k mile M52 from a 328i over a 120k mile S50/52...not only thicker sleeves and more reliable but a replacement block goes for under a grand all day long ;)

[toxxxic]

AW i was gonna say a TL!

[IndianStig]

I really want a 3 series.

[bandydesign]

328i 4 door for $6k. Springs & shocks, wheels & tires, M3 cams and valvetrain...another $5-6k or so for a GT35R turbo setup installed and you got a reliable 500+whp 4 door that will run circles around just about any sportscar under $75,000...in a sedan :tongue: - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/589698337.html

^^ Thats what I want!!!!:yes:

[D.Choe]

So this summer i want to get into something newer (Think 00+). Partially I just want something that doesnt squeek and rattle, that has working A/C, power locks, etc - all the luxuries that many take for granted, no doubt. I want a decent ammount of pep (I'd say 200 or more crank hp would be perfect). Something moderately sporty but not overplayed. Primarily looking at imports - not a big domestic guy... and primarily looking at Japanese, at that, simply because European cars + maintenance = ick. MUST be manual - no AT! Coupes preferred. Around the $10k area, give or take a little.

So far I've considered the RSX-S, and 7th gen Accord coupes. MAYBE if I step down in power and "new-ness", I'd consider a super clean stock EM1 or DC2, but ive already had one car stolen and I dont really want to go through that again. Frankly Im open to more than just Hondas... wondering if anyone had any obvious choices that I'm not seeing. I'd love a 99+ TL, but finding them MT is damn near impossible. *shrugs*

I'm in the same boat, hope you find something to your liking

lots of good suggestions so far, keep them coming so I can compare/contrast too

[Deke]

WRX ftw (slightly biased :rolleyes:)


http://www.subydude.com/subyslideshow/d/13085-1/IMG_1974.JPG


They're harder to find but have you thought about the older (99-01) RS 2.5?


http://www.scoobyphotos.eclipse.co.uk/photographs/classic/special/22b/full/22b_953.jpg

[Got Milk?]

All u said in ur first post explained what RSX-S is.

[fivex684]

E36 M3
Volvo 850 T5-R / R (only come in auto though)
Contour SVT
MS Protege
Audi A4

[OneSlow5pt0]

bmw 540 6speed

[speedminded]

bmw 540 6speedyep, the e39 was the next one I was going to suggest but looked like he was interested in a slightly smaller car.

[OneSlow5pt0]

yep, the e39 was the next one I was going to suggest but looked like he was interested in a slightly smaller car.

yea,well in that case

2000 Celica GTS or maybe a RX-8,not sure what thier going for right now

[osnap]

wont do AT, so Volvo's a no. Contour SVT is still a Ford, no thanks. B5 A4's are decent but resale is garbage and maintenance is a pain - i have a buddy whos an audi tech and he had more than a few words to say. dont want a 5 series. celica gts wouldnt be TOO bad, if they didnt get such a rap for being chick cars lol. RX-8s are pricey and insurance loves em.

[OneSlow5pt0]

wont do AT, so Volvo's a no. Contour SVT is still a Ford, no thanks. B5 A4's are decent but resale is garbage and maintenance is a pain - i have a buddy whos an audi tech and he had more than a few words to say. dont want a 5 series. celica gts wouldnt be TOO bad, if they didnt get such a rap for being chick cars lol. RX-8s are pricey and insurance loves em.

lol,celica is no more girly than a RSX or eclipse.....yea,i figures RX-8 would still have decent value,didnt know they were bad on insurance though

[osnap]

...yeah im gonna agree to disagree on that first statement lol.

[Revmaynard]

I know a guy locally selling a spicy orange MSP with around 70k on it I think, it's got about 15-16k in mods including cf trunk and hood. He is asking I think around 9k for it. Lemme know if you're interested and I get more specs/details.

[osnap]

id love details but unfortunately this is probably 6 months out... im just trying to get some ideas. *shrugs*

[DinanM3atl]

That M3 sedan is a time bomb. :no: Awesome car for sure, but I'd never want one with 120k+ on the clock.

Time bomb?

I am screwed. I only have about 400 miles left till my car blows up!


I'd probably take a 200k mile M52 from a 328i over a 120k mile S50/52...not only thicker sleeves and more reliable but a replacement block goes for under a grand all day long ;)

The miles are getting up there on the S50/52. I don't see any major problems with 120K or even 150K and up.

How are they "more" reliable. Considering besides the item you listed they are essentially the same exact motor. Hell an S50/S52 is a bored and stroked M50... I wouldn't put the m52 in some class above the S52. The same failure points exist in terms of engine reliability.

Don't want to start some huge debate but a 120K e36 M3 Sedan is perfectly reliable. No less than a 120K 328 sedan.

[speedminded]

Time bomb?

I am screwed. I only have about 400 miles left till my car blows up!



The miles are getting up there on the S50/52. I don't see any major problems with 120K or even 150K and up.

How are they "more" reliable. Considering besides the item you listed they are essentially the same exact motor. Hell an S50/S52 is a bored and stroked M50... I wouldn't put the m52 in some class above the S52. The same failure points exist in terms of engine reliability.

Don't want to start some huge debate but a 120K e36 M3 Sedan is perfectly reliable. No less than a 120K 328 sedan.Most likely an M3 engine was run harder than a 328i, expecially if compared to an automatic M52...the question is which one had the most service, oil changes, etc.

You know the sidewalls are much thinner on the S50/52 so in the long run it would make makes sense that the M52 is the more reliable of the two, especially with a forced induction application. The M52 is also considerably cheaper (cheaper than a GS-R engine, lol!) and with $300 for used M3 cams then however much for the valve train it's practically halfway to being an S50/52 M3 engine anyways while retaining the meaty block. I'd rather have an S54 over a S50/52 :tongue:

[Random Hero]

Time bomb?

I am screwed. I only have about 400 miles left till my car blows up!


Just keep your fire extinguisher and looms of wire handy.


I have the perfect car for you man...2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege

You can come pick it up this weekend for $10k even :)

PM me if you need more details...

[speedminded]

Just keep your fire extinguisher and looms of wire handy.You're thinking E46.

[DinanM3atl]

No he is thinking of VW and Audi...

The wiring on my 1989 325i is perfect... BMW doesn't have a wiring and fire problem.

My M3 is run hard sometimes. Otherwise it was driven easy and also has more than the required maintenance. I have a 250K M3 :)

I don't want an S54... Maybe if it was track only and I was making 100K a year or more so when it does break I can fix it.

[speedminded]

No he is thinking of VW and Audi...

The wiring on my 1989 325i is perfect... BMW doesn't have a wiring and fire problem.

My M3 is run hard sometimes. Otherwise it was driven easy and also has more than the required maintenance. I have a 250K M3 :)

I don't want an S54... Maybe if it was track only and I was making 100K a year or more so when it does break I can fix it.Heard about a recall on the E46 for something in the dash cluster that was causing fires. Don't know how isolated the incidents were but there have been a couple burned ones sitting at dealerships.

[NAIZBST]

that sucks^^^^

[Jecht]

I've been in several Mazdaspeed Proteges and they are REALLY nice cars. When I have money and I want another four door FWD car, that is going to be what I pick up. It would be even more badass if you bought a Protege5 (the station wagon version) and swap all the turbo parts over since it uses the same engine. Badass turbo station wagon slammed to the ground with a nice stereo = win!

[Siverprobegt]

Time bomb?

I am screwed. I only have about 400 miles left till my car blows up!



The miles are getting up there on the S50/52. I don't see any major problems with 120K or even 150K and up.

How are they "more" reliable. Considering besides the item you listed they are essentially the same exact motor. Hell an S50/S52 is a bored and stroked M50... I wouldn't put the m52 in some class above the S52. The same failure points exist in terms of engine reliability.

Don't want to start some huge debate but a 120K e36 M3 Sedan is perfectly reliable. No less than a 120K 328 sedan.


Bmw don't really give problem till over 200k or more...At 100k,there just breaking in. :D But when the m3 need parts ,it's going to cost a little money...If i was him ,i'll get a 330,if you can find one at a low price!!!Almost the same hp as a e36 m3 :goodjob:

[JDMjoe]

RSX type s... gotta stay w/ honda! lol

[01CDMLUDER]

everything you want describes a 97-01 prelude. you see alot more rsx's than ludes too but they're both good choices IMO.

[Farrow2005]

Lexus. Is300. or Gs 430

[Alan®]

Japan:
2002+ Lexus IS300 Manual but it will have higher mileage to be $10k

or my 2001 integra with an ITR engine and Tein Flex for under $10k :tongue:


...but I say euro.

323i 5 speed - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/581656153.html

M3 Sedan for $11k - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/556095181.html

or

328i 4 door for $6k. Springs & shocks, wheels & tires, M3 cams and valvetrain...another $5-6k or so for a GT35R turbo setup installed and you got a reliable 500+whp 4 door that will run circles around just about any sportscar under $75,000...in a sedan :tongue: - http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/589698337.html
I've been doing some hypothetical looking of my own but i think a 98-99 GSX would be good AWD boosted etc.

[osnap]

everything you want describes a 97-01 prelude. you see alot more rsx's than ludes too but they're both good choices IMO.
oh god... 5G preludes are so underrated and under appreciated that i didnt even think about em... not a bad idea. itd be cheaper too.

hmmmmmmm...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/whitericemafia/prelude%20photoshoot/DSC07135.jpg

[speedminded]

I've been doing some hypothetical looking of my own but i think a 98-99 GSX would be good AWD boosted etc.lemme know how that works out :tongue:


oh god... 5G preludes are so underrated and under appreciated that i didnt even think about em... not a bad idea. itd be cheaper too.

hmmmmmmm...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/whitericemafia/prelude%20photoshoot/DSC07135.jpgInsurance is high on most Honda's though!

[OneSlow5pt0]

5th gen ludes are by far my fav my honda

[IndianStig]

4G lude>5G lude

but still when it comes to honda its NSX>S2k>Lude>DC....**** the civic

[redpanda]

They're harder to find but have you thought about the older (99-01) RS 2.5?


http://www.scoobyphotos.eclipse.co.uk/photographs/classic/special/22b/full/22b_953.jpg

2.5rs' seem harder to find than the bug-eyed ones

[pankopp]

especially if you are trying to find a 22B like pictured, find an old Impreza L for like 3 grand, swap in a 2.5 rs motor or wrx motor and do the rs bumper update.. then you have a crazy fun fast awd car for way under 10 grand...

[01CDMLUDER]

4G lude>5G lude

but still when it comes to honda its NSX>S2k>Lude>DC....**** the civic

i have owned both a 4th gen and 5th gen. i like the 5th's better but the 4th gens are alot cheaper.

[87 Turbo II]

I 2nd the Mazdaspeed Protege