Under 10k Sports Car Suggestions/Comments

[Blitanicle99]

Here's my story, Ill try to keep it short.

My daily is an F250 Super Duty Diesel FX4. I do roofing, its kind of required to have a truck. Not that large of a truck, but its what I like to drive. Also it pulls the hell out of anything I put behind it.
I have had plenty of cheap, FWD, RWD cars and trucks that have been my projects. The ones I spend money on, the ones I stay up all night looking at setups Id like to do myself. example: I have an FC RX7 that I was planning on an LS1 swap in the next few months. Well my logic is that why spend 5-6 grand on the engine and tranny of a 1800 dollar car? Yes, its old and still kicks a lot of ass and to the car community its a pretty cool car.
However, honestly I just want something a nicer than what Ive had before. So, my RX7 is up for sale and so is my silverado. I plan on saving for a few months and buying something decent for once. Something I would actually keep and work on over time and not just buy and sell after a few months.

This is the list of cars Ive had and just got bored of after a few months.
Ford Taurus (lol)
87 Toyota 4runner, lifted, big tires... yada yada yada (it was cool in high school)
1992 240sx hatch, stock mostly just getting into the small import cars with RWD
1993 240sx Hatch, CA18det, T3/4 turbo, blow off valve, couple of cool things
05 Kawasaki Zx750 (bad ass paint
1983 Toyota Pick up, 36s, locked, 4.88s.. blah blah
1988 VW Jetta Mk2 GLI, suspension, wheels tires, paint (awesome awesome handling)
1986 Mazda Rx7 FC, suspension, header, exhaust, diff, gears, stripped, seats, 4 points
1993 Silverado, single cab step side 5.7

All of which I have gotten bored of in just a few months or less.

Basically I want RWD or actually thinking of AWD. Never even driven an AWD car, but thinking I might like it. My buddy has 2 Evos and I love the way they car corner. I just can't find something that I LOVE. I have an appreciation for all cars, just haven't found something that I would actually spend the money on.

So for 10k, maybe a little more if need be... what would you buy? American/Japanese/European... Doesn't matter.

What would you buy and why?

[Elbow]

A Miata, rwd, light, loves mods, and handles insanely well. With boost and bolt ons you will haullll ass.

Or an E30, quicker out of the box then a Miata, RWD, German, handles well, etc.

OR get lucky and get an E36 M3 sometimes they pop up for around 10k. That'd probably be my definate search for 10k.

[RL...]

stang? v8, rwd.....

or 240....

But since you said you want something "nicer" I'd put a few thou down and finance a nicer car. Something you'll be happy putting payments on. Because You can't really buy anything too nice/new for under 10k.

[Paree4g63]

Only thing I can think of for around that budget I would personally get would be is a 2002+ Lexus IS 300. It's rwd & it supports the 2jz legendary supra motor. The 2002+'s have the manual tranny's and when you mod this car out; it sounds good and looks good. Stock 1/4 times factory made should be low 15's and high 14's varying on the driver's performance. In Japan, this car is known as the Toyota Altezza; great in handling and performance & luxuriousness. Best bang for the buck if you wanna go with imports around this budget and still look good from point A to point B. In the future, I'd like to get one myself as well. Other then that, Evo's are the best picks as well and you can find a used one for a few grand more then your budget. You can hit up the club in a Evo filled with 6 people and still pull a few modded cars and it's a good looking four door. G/L man

[scabtastic]

I think Dsport had an article on this...i think it ended up being

Civic
SRT4
SC300
non turbo MK4 supra
Mazdaspeed Protege
240sx (kouki s14)
RSX type s
S2000
FD RX7
Bugeye WRX

wow i cant believe i remembered them all.

[AnthonyF]

^not a bad list. The Miata SHOULD be on there, but a lot of guys dont like the name Miata or the thought of them being seen in a Miata.

-Ant.

[Elbow]

^not a bad list. The Miata SHOULD be on there, but a lot of guys dont like the name Miata or the thought of them being seen in a Miata.

-Ant.

Exactly lol.

BTW if you think 10k can't build you a nice car then..

[AnthonyF]

Exactly lol.

BTW if you think 10k can't build you a nice car then..

hence why there are miata race classes and no classes for the above cars.

-Ant.

[GGPIS3]

for 15,500... you can have my 2001 turbo IS300 should be making around 350ish rwhp.

[K20Z1]

rsx-s (even though its slow)

[OneSlow5pt0]

2nd,3rd and 4th gen camaros and firebirds
C4 Corvette
Z31 and Z32 300ZX Turbos
Mustangs
Miata
MR2s
Celica All trac/GT4
E36 M3
BMW 540
RX-7 T2
91-92 Dodge Daytona IROC R/T
280Z Turbo


but for me,id keep my Camaro and for 10k i could turn it in to a allround beast

[metalman]

Miata! Specifically this one...and its available for far less then 10k!

[Blitanicle99]

I guarantee I'd have the Miata for a week and get bored of it and sell

The thing is, I get bored of cars easily. They excite me at first, and then its just like a good sneeze, you wait for it to come forever and boom its gone. I have no emotional attachment to them. Just a piece of metal that attempts to excite me and generally just fails after the first month or two.

The only vehicle so far that I have kind of like the styling/looks/general idea of the vehicle itself is a 2.5 RS.

Hands down, any car I could own would be a Lancia Delta Integrale Evo. However, 65k later... I might be able to import a rusty old one. Therefore, why not try to mimick one? Its small, ligther, AWD, boxer engine... and hell cheap lol

[yungdz]

yea 2.5rs ftw!

[Frög]

E 36 M3

OR

300ZX Twin Turbo..

[TheGrillMan]

e36 m3 deff


you can find them all day long right now for under 10k easily


if your willing to drive a 95 ive seen them around 6.5 \ 7

[speedminded]

328i sedan + turbo kit + suspension < $10k



Here's one with higher mileage but I've driven it numerous times and it's a SOLID car.

$4,600 http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/989480866.html

I'm sure the current owner would do a turbo setup on it for around the $10k budget as well. There's a few '97+ for around $5-6k but there is no way they have the service, maintenance, and upgrades the above one has.

A 400whp e36 sedan with upgraded suspension would eat most sports cars for breakfast. The M3's are nice but higher insurance and more expensive parts. The 328's M52 takes boost alot better than the S50/52 from an M3 as well due to having more meat between the cylinders.

[yogi08]

travis get a 2.5rs. keep it, and when you continue to bank in this big money do an sti swap. i really love the 2.5rs stock, with an exhaust.

[Glides]

My old 2.5 RS is up for sale. My brother has it. Modded, interior swapped and basically just needs the engine swap. I loved it. Sure footed, good gas mileage, classic Subby sound with unequal headers and exhaust. Just a lovely sound.

If you are interested, i'll put you in touch with him. Comes with a good many spares, wings, wheels and whatever as well. You won't be dissappointed with a 2.5 RS. It's like Grits, it just belongs.

[Blitanicle99]

I love BMWs, especially well done. However, my two best friends owning M3s has led me to not buy one. Great awesome car, just incredible what an 98 M3 would do with a cold air intake and good tires. It blew me away. However, it is a very high matiance vehicle. No matter what defense people bring, an M3 is a high performance sports car, not a reliable corolla. I would love an M3 or a BMW, but the only kind I would buy is an E30 unless I had the cash for an E92.
And, as far as a 300zx TT its a land barge with too many vacuum lines.

Not bashing cars here, just been around enough of both M3s and 300s to not want to own one, unless it was a Euro Spec M .

Anyways... tell me more about this 2.5 RS.... Reliable? Doesn't eat fuel like my diesel does? Short wheel base for some good auto x? Oh and good for tall people? I am 6'3"... 200 lbs

[Elbow]

Yeah I agree those TT Z's are just totally a pain in the ass.

As for the Subaru Glides speaks of, I can vouch for it, it's a really nice car.

[speedminded]

I love BMWs, especially well done. However, my two best friends owning M3s has led me to not buy one. Great awesome car, just incredible what an 98 M3 would do with a cold air intake and good tires. It blew me away. However, it is a very high matiance vehicle. No matter what defense people bring, an M3 is a high performance sports car, not a reliable corolla. I would love an M3 or a BMW, but the only kind I would buy is an E30 unless I had the cash for an E92.
And, as far as a 300zx TT its a land barge with too many vacuum lines.

Not bashing cars here, just been around enough of both M3s and 300s to not want to own one, unless it was a Euro Spec M .

What problems did they have with their e36 m3's? Typically any issue that may arise on a pre '99 BMW (other than 8-series, lol!) can be easily diagnosed and fixed from simple tech how-to's and searches on BMW forums...or eliminated by preventive maintenance.

BMW uses natural rubber on their suspension and guibo so obviously there's a potential to have noises and other issues since the material breaks down and deteriorates infinitely faster than urethane or polyurethane. Along with a few other misc. items, the older plastic thermostat housing was an issue on e36's but easily upgraded to a later model aluminum version. Rear shock mounts squeak, it can be fixed. The oil filter housing gasket is often mis-diagnosed as a leaky oil pan. If the clutch pedal squeaks lube it up. Old radiator expansion tanks crack after 5 to 7+ years, you know it so replace it before hand. Brake circuit failure and OBC and climate control lights is normally easily fixed. Keep the seat rails greased up. O2 sensors need replacing just about as much as any other car, there's twice as many on OBD2 cars. etc. etc.

Great post on common or chronic failures regarding e36's:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=191293

Most is preventive maintenance which any owner should be aware of saving tons of $$$ down the road, the same goes for any other car on the road.

[Glides]

I got a for sale thread up in the Subaru section. You can check it there. I can also arrange for you to meet with my brother. He lives in Conyers. It's a 98 WRB 2.5. Just begging for an STI or WRX swap. Already has the Blue Suede pink stitching interior in it, some pretty rare Speedline wheels on it and a bunch of stuff done. PM me and i'll give you what info I can. I loved the car.

[green91]

I was in the same situation as you and also picked up subaru as a project car. Ive got the engine town down right now in the process or rebuilding it.

[Blitanicle99]

What problems did they have with their e36 m3's? Typically any issue that may arise on a pre '99 BMW (other than 8-series, lol!) can be easily diagnosed and fixed from simple tech how-to's and searches on BMW forums...or eliminated by preventive maintenance.

Actually it wasn't the little things. It was loosing a head in one, and the motor in the other. Ontop of that, multiple electrical problems as well as the usual "love/hate" relationship. I can't have that in a car, I'll sell it in a week. I have to find something I absolutely adore rather than just like.

[yogi08]

monster truck speaks to you

[SampaGuy]

The thing with the 2.5rs is that you have to replace the headgasket around 120k or so. And this requires you to pull the engine out ($$$ for labor). But it would still be within your price range.

[green91]

for anyone reasonable mechanically inclined these headgaskets are a piece of cake.

[RWD164]

I guarantee I'd have the Miata for a week and get bored of it and sell

The thing is, I get bored of cars easily. They excite me at first, and then its just like a good sneeze, you wait for it to come forever and boom its gone. I have no emotional attachment to them. Just a piece of metal that attempts to excite me and generally just fails after the first month or two.

The only vehicle so far that I have kind of like the styling/looks/general idea of the vehicle itself is a 2.5 RS.

Hands down, any car I could own would be a Lancia Delta Integrale Evo. However, 65k later... I might be able to import a rusty old one. Therefore, why not try to mimick one? Its small, ligther, AWD, boxer engine... and hell cheap lol

There is a 1980 Lancia Delta Integrale HF on Ebay right now. It will probably sell for about $12000. If you can do work yourself, it has a spun Cam bearing, which is not all that complicated of a repair. Here is the link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...1%7C240%3A1318

International Auto Parts (IAP) Carries parts for Lancia, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati, so they have whatyou need.

Mark

P.S.

Look at Ebay frequently, there are quite a few of these in the States.

[Turbodude06]

98-01 LS1 camaro or trans am, Do a couple of little bolt ons and a cam u get low 13's to mid 12's u can drive everyday, sounds bad ass, hold their value, u can safely throw a 100 shot to it, and u got one bad car. Thats just what I want LOL Good luck though

[ksniperfox]

Because You can't really buy anything too nice/new for under 10k.

maybe a 09 kia....

[IndianStig]

Get a Scooby!

[Bruce Leroy]

1g dsm.... built

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1001580293.html


turbo s2k's.... cost more but newer and nicer
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/973048967.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ctd/998810937.html

[03RCode]

A little out of your price range but... can be made ridiculously fast for cheap, and still have factory reliability. With bolt on's my old one ran a 12.4 @ 114 with a bad 60'. Not to mention its several years newer than anything mentioned, and low mileage...

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/997273426.html