$15k cash. Need me a car. Suggestions?

[JCE]

As a former VR4 owner ('93 my favorite year) let me please recommend one VERY important thing: make sure you get the timing done before 90k and if you buy one with more than 90k miles you SEE the reciept of it being done at a legitimate shop. And as a general rule avoid any over 130k miles as its nearing death for the drivetrain if it wasn't babied or replaced. I'd look at a '93 or '94 VR4. The '94 doesn't have the popups but does have a 6spd gearbox. Also the '94 was the last year of the active aero system--and here's a tip you can simply swap the headlights for the popups if you want. Will need to replace the outer bodywork but it can be done.

Try saying no to that.

Good god that sounded awsome!

However... Why are we overlooking 1996-1998 Cobras? 300bhp, 5-speed, good looks, decent suspension. Everything the Mach has, albeit with different heads that are, if anything, TOO BIG, and different camshafts.

Cam, compression bump, and maybe a .030 overbore later, you have 350+bhp reliably and the ability to kill anything short of a Terminator. You could always add boost and kill them too.

+1 The insurance will be VERY VERY high in a Cobra (24 & 25 symbol rating) its still the best bang for your buck next to a C5 Corvette. You can get a '99 Cobra for $15k with reletively low mileage. 320bhp, better looks than the '96-'98, and well more power.

well.. you know germans and their over-engineering.. but that allows fitting a 8-cylinder engine in space that was meant for 6-cylinder engine.

Thank you.

I'm a BIG fan of the Mitsu 3000GT VR-4. I'll take that car with any amount of miles, so long as the lister has receipts of the repairs. I only would consider a 3000GT in the 91-93 body style.

*see above for my thoughts on a VR4.

I'm very interested in knowing your opinions on the last gen corvette. As of now, the C5 is the most bang for the buck I have been able to find. I seem to be able to find C5 manuals everyplace for $15k and below. Base model tops at 345hp. Less than 5 seconds to 60 if you're able to find a Z06. No room, but lots of bang. 21 year old with a corvette? Feels sort of nice if you ask me.

Dispite my hatred for the C4 and C6--the C5 is at least the modern Corvette that I would pay my own money for. The popup lights, power, noise, feel (mostly related to the power and grip) and price would make this a sure thing. And keep this in mind, the Corvette and GTO are less insurance than a Trans-Am and Z28/SS Camaro. Why? Symbol ratings are 4~5 points less because more young people own the latter. Thanks to older people making these cars just that more affordable for us under 30 people.

The s'charged Cobras are about $300-400 away from STOMPING everything in sight in a straight line well enough to keep up around a road course as they aren't too bad handling. Add in a few aftermarket suspension bits and good wheels/tires/brakes and you have a hell of a car for fairly low outlay provided you don't pay through the nose up front. Also, don't get a 'Vert.

+1 I'd +rep this if it were still here.

When did this happen? This thing where you drive stick?

You made me laugh and this had my beverage come out of my nose.

I liked it. I've driven a couple of C5s and they have a lot of appeal, mostly in the powertrain dept. Great low end, pretty good throttle response. Great noise. The suspension and tires have a lot of stick, but you're not really sure where you stand because the Vette doesn't tell you much.

The steering is accurate in it that the car goes pretty much where you point it, but offers almost no feedback. It's vague. I mean really vague like the steering isn't really attached to anything. Of course it is, but if you're just driving along, hands on the wheel, the car gives you the same sensations as if you were in a Malibu or Silverado.

But once you pick up speed, the C5 becomes really enjoyable because you can go stupid fast. Good balance at the limit, mostly benign. It's not all that intuitive because you have to trust the car --there is very little feedback about what's going on at the contact patches. But pretty much nothing will touch the performance for the price.

I personally think the C5 is a good looking car. Low, broad and dramatic. The thing about Corvettes is that you have to come to terms with the rental car interior. (Well that and the Nondisclosure Agreement the steering racks have to sign before installation at the factory) If the swaths of cheap plastic and hand-me down switch gear doesn't bother you, then it's a good bet. If you want something more involving to drive, you will have to look elsewhere.

On a personal note, I think Corvettes are a terrible first sports car for a younger driver. Lots of power. Lots of stick from the tires. It's not the sort of car you want to cut your teeth in. It's not a bad handling car or anything, but it's limits are so high, when you DO make a mistake, you will be flying. I think autocross or track time is wise with the purchase of any high performance car regardless of age. For younger drivers, I think it should be mandatory.


M

+1 & +air rep A Corvette would be a terrible first sports car, you are quite correct with the vague steering/feel observation. Its not a bad car minus the interior--infact I'd own one if it had a better interior and was slightly more roomy horizontally for me. When people wreck these (and they do) they're usually going well in excess of 100mph. That could mean the end of your life. And no one here can even try to tell me "oh I'd drive it slow and proper" ********, its a Corvette you don't drive it like a grandma. You'll be seduced by the power and noise--and you most certainly will the very first time you stomp on the accelerator--you'll get your first ticket in it in 90 days. Its just a car you own to drive the hell out of and enjoy life with. Same as with the Camaro, Mustang, Firebird/TA, GTO, GTI, WRX, Si, NSX, MINI, 911 and the list goes on. THESE are the reason we enjoy driving and life in general. This can also get you in trouble or worse--dead.

Enough of my lecture.

=========================================

$15k? Let me see, try these on for size:

2003-2004 Mercury Marauder -- cool as cool can get
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...nsmission=&doors=&max_price=15000&cardist=380

1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL500 -- is a Merc SL what else is there to say?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...nsmission=&doors=&max_price=15000&cardist=454

1999-2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG -- yes that's AMG you read for $13k
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...rs=&transmission=&max_price=15000&cardist=407

The E55 is the 3rd on my list of most bang for your buck behind the Cobra and Corvette. All that luxury and power and looks for less than $15k? And most importantly this one is comfortable and quiet when you want it to be.

 

[Bones Brigade]

ive had my car for 90 days with no tickets.

 

[Gil]

Well Matt,
Don't know if you've found a car yet....
I'm changing my recommendation to a NEW '09 Mazda6.
Yes, I know it will be more than the $15,000 you've budgeted.
But you can get the car for about 20G's for a nicely equipped iSport Value edition.
On a 3 year note with 3% APR your monthly payment will likely be less than your gas bill.
At 0% APR you'd be looking at about $140 a month for 3 years.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

@ JCE: The E55's interior looks like it has more poor-farm material than a Focus...

And if the last ML I rode in (from around the same time) is any indication, it does indeed have cheaper plastics and such than cars that cost what it does now brand new.

 

[WJHMH]

I looked at a W208 CLK 55 AMG coupe, you can pick up a 2001 or 2002 for under 14k now. The only issues will be being a high milage Benz & these cars are not that great on gas plus various mechanical, electrical known problems but nothing that can't be fixed plus they are fast & fun to drive.

 

[Gil]

While a cool older car is a neat suggestion. If your budget is $15000, I would suggest you get a car that can be purchased and made pristine for that $15,000.
Or you get a new car that costs not too much over that price point and pay the rest by loan getting the lowest possible APR and the shortest payment time you can afford.

 

[buickgnx88]

I would say buy a late 60's/early 70's VW Beetle with a good body/interior, and purchase either a Porsche flat-4 or a 1600cc flat-4 and throw on a turbo. Heck by that time, you'd still have money to burn!

 

[cloud9racer]

I'm in a similar boat as you and I'm leaning towards the s2000. It's a honda so you know it'll be much more reliable than all the BMWs and Benz's suggested. For $15,000 you'd probably have to settle for a AP1 (2000-2003) model. If you have a daily driver and you're looking for a no-frills sports car, the s2000 is perfect.

 

[Matt R]

Feels kind of crazy that I'm getting a check soon for money that I haven't worked to earn. I did cut the crapola out of my hand though. Just been something on my mind lately.

In town today I saw a 1999 BMW 325i that was very nicely done. Selling for $8300. Couldn't see the mileage though. I've always liked em. Later I saw the nicest fastback mustang I've ever seen. It wasn't for sale. It was driving down the road. Just thought I'd mention that.

I'm thinking there are a lot more vettes in my area than I previously expected.
Not thinking of getting the new Mazda 6. I'd still prefer an RX-8.
Older Mercs and stuff are nice but not my sort of thing really. Like the SL500 though.
I really like the S60R though. I think it's beautiful.

I'm going to have to get out and test a few vehicles soon. I'm really looking forward to all of that.

 

[///M-Spec]

In town today I saw a 1999 BMW 325i that was very nicely done.

No such animal. You sure it wasn't a 328?


M