Finally! Time for a New Car: budget as been increased to $12k-16k!

[JCE]

My choices have been finalized and are in this post: https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=85119

So to steal M5Power's topic format its time for me to make my own thread. I moved back home with my Mom for several reasons I will not mention here. Anyway...

So here's the low-down on what my plans are:

1. Save $200-400/mo until at least July/August 2007
2. Sell the Focus (will still have positive equity next year)
3. Test drive the finalists on my list that I have not driven yet

Now my requirements are:

• 0-60mp/h - 0-100km/h in less than 7.5 seconds STOCK--cars older than 1994 are exempt
• Absolutely no SUVs, Vans, Minivans, SUTs, SAVs, Pickup trucks, trucks, or anthing that isn't an; estate, saloon, hatch, or coupe.
• Must not be anything American EXCEPT; a first gen Taurus SHO, Contour SVT, Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, Camaro/Firebird/Trans-Am, or Mustang
• If you do have an American suggestion the first requirement is RWD the second requirement is a displacement minimum of 3.0 liters
• Can not be a Honda other than; the last generation Prelude
• Recommending a Nissan product is always a great suggestion FWD is exempt for suggesting a Nissan product
• Remember to keep the suggestions to cars EASILY available within 200 miles from USA zipcode 75074
• Also remember to keep the prices in US dollars--I can convert it but its too much work
• If recommending a salvaged car please include the actual cost of replacing the entire drivetrain; engine, transmission, rear end, and etc
• If recommending a Mitsubishi product make sure it's only the 3000GT VR4 or Galant VR4...nothing else will be considered
• Must not be older than 1993--if you DO want to vote for something older than 1993 give me a valid reason why I should consider it
• Any older Nissan/Datsun Z car and the Datsun/Nissan 510 Bluebird is acceptable--these two are exempt from the year restriction
• If it's a classic car that needs restoration ... that is out of the question.

So please make your suggestions. Depending on several factors I could have as little as $4k or as much as $8k. I'm debating on whether or not to sell my massive video game collection to get an extra few $K's. I will be posting the suggestions at the bottom of the post as they come in and validated. Thank you to those who take the time to suggest something. Please besure to give me a specific reason why to consider that car, and post a picture.


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

The master list of validated (items in blue are my suggestions--and a "~" denotes that I have driven the car before):

• [~]1989-1998 Nissan 240SX
• [~]Any Nissan Z car that I can afford
• [~]A 1993 Ford Mustang GT (hatchback or coupe)
• [~]1st or 2nd generation Toyota MR2
• [~]2000-2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
• [~]1999-2002 Ford Contour SVT
• [~]1993-2000 Camaro Z28 or Pontiac Trans-Am WS6
• Mid/late 80's Jaguar XJ series--most of them (minus V6 models); XJS, XJ12, XJR
• [~]Mid 90's Audi A6 2.8 or late 90's A4 2.8
• [~]2000-2002 Nissan Maxima SE 6spd
• Mid/late 80's Porsche 928
• Mid/late 80's Porsche 944
• 2000 Lincoln LS V8

 

[Killer Cobra]

Ok ive got sum cars for u british at that soo lots of BHP

Jaguar XJR
Jaguar XJ12 Sedan
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ce=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=110&y=10


Volvo S70

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ce=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=118&y=13

Most Audi's

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ice=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=139&y=5

Chevrolet Corvette - Old & New = Both Really good and u will get looks

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ice=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=142&y=9

Mazda RX-7 - Old & New = Not Many New Ones Around But still get 1.3L - 2.6L And high horses

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...rice=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=90&y=8

If You Want More Tell Me

 

[Pupik]

You're 26; sell most of the massive video game collection. Sports (or at least, sporty cars) are not out of the question, unless you have a terrible dirving history with your insurer.

I wouldn't recommend an old (over 4 years) Mitsubishi under any circumstances.

Reading your selection seems to show that you really want a Nissan; 240s of all stripes are quite common and quite cheap down here, not sure about Texas, but it's probably not much different if you live near the major metropolitan centers.

If you're willing to put some time and money into repair, then an old 280Z is always a nice choice. Look closely if someone is parting with a well-cared-for example; they tend to show lots of rust down here, but maybe your drier climate is kinder to them.

Never got much into the 300ZXs, they seem to be a performance bargain, but a tad overwieght. The Z32 (I dunno, the one that came out in 1989) variety is still quite nice looking, though. It's aged quite well for it's looks; Nissan's California design studios made some timeless designs from the mid-1980s to the mid-90s.

 

[Poverty]

Didnt you get the 200sx S14 in the states?

 

[xXSilencerXx]

Since your budget is 4k-8k and you said it fits the category I'd suggest this type of car.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2378680&postcount=1727

I got it for $7900 with only 87,000 miles. There's plenty of Camaros and T/As on autotrader.

Didnt you get the 200sx S14 in the states?

If it's the one without the flip up headlights, we did. Sorry my Nissian knowledge is limited so I can't remember the gens for the 240SX.


Edit: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...s=&advanced=y&max_price=8000&make3=&model=CAM

All of those are in the $8,000 pricae range.

 

[1X83Z]

Don't worry about stealing my thread setup - if you guys knew what I was considering now, you'd try to kill me.

Early 90's Audi S4 quattro

What you're looking for here is a 1992 to 1994 Audi S4 or a 1995 Audi S6. You'll notice that the S6 outsold the S4 despite being for sale for only a third of the time - most of the ones you'll find are S6s. You'll also notice these are money pits and I caution against buying them. All were available as a wagon as well as a sedan.

My suggestion is an older BMW - like an early E36 sedan, or a decent E30. You can get a '92 (first year) or '93 (second year) E36 325 (top-spec model) for $5k. I'm being summoned elsewhere now but I'll think some more and give you a holler with some other suggestions soon.

 

[Jay]

Didnt you get the 200sx S14 in the states?

They got S14's as 240sx's but they had KA24's instead of SR20's (Hence 240sx).

 

[JCE]

What you're looking for here is a 1992 to 1994 Audi S4 or a 1995 Audi S6. You'll notice that the S6 outsold the S4 despite being for sale for only a third of the time - most of the ones you'll find are S6s. You'll also notice these are money pits and I caution against buying them. All were available as a wagon as well as a sedan.

My suggestion is an older BMW - like an early E36 sedan, or a decent E30. You can get a '92 (first year) or '93 (second year) E36 325 (top-spec model) for $5k. I'm being summoned elsewhere now but I'll think some more and give you a holler with some other suggestions soon.

If I consider a 3-series it must be a natural real original M3 of any year. And I like those older Audi's...yes they are money pits as used cars...but if I drop a new drivetrain in it the car should be ok.

Since your budget is 4k-8k and you said it fits the category I'd suggest this type of car.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2378680&postcount=1727

I got it for $7900 with only 87,000 miles. There's plenty of Camaros and T/As on autotrader.





If it's the one without the flip up headlights, we did. Sorry my Nissian knowledge is limited so I can't remember the gens for the 240SX.


Edit: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...s=&advanced=y&max_price=8000&make3=&model=CAM

All of those are in the $8,000 pricae range.

I had no idea that the 4th gen Camaro and the last gen Trans-Am's depreciated to below $10k...I'd happily take a WS6 Trans-Am if I can find one in my price range...running or not.

Jaguar XJR
Jaguar XJ12 Sedan
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ce=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=110&y=10

Most Audi's

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searc...ice=7999&distance=200&address=75074&x=139&y=5

Added the Jag and mid-90's A6 2.8. I had NO CLUE that Audi's depreciated THAT MUCH. The A6 is such a brilliant car...

Didnt you get the 200sx S14 in the states?

Yes, I had a 1998 200SX SE-R 5spd in 2005 and it was a blast to drive. I don't want another one however, I want something a bit different. Maybe something with a nicer interior or more power+RWD/AWD. I'd rather buy another 240SX than a 200SX, the interior is one notch nicer and it's obviously RWD. 👍

 

[Jay]

Yes, I had a 1998 200SX SE-R 5spd in 2005 and it was a blast to drive. I don't want another one however, I want something a bit different. Maybe something with a nicer interior or more power+RWD/AWD. I'd rather buy another 240SX than a 200SX, the interior is one notch nicer and it's obviously RWD. 👍

When Poverty said 200SX he meant the 200SX rebadged S14 Silvia that Europe and Australia got, not the 200SX the US got.


US 200SX

Euro/Australia 200SX

SR20DET powered^

 

[neanderthal]

W124 mercedes 400E

 

[1X83Z]

If I consider a 3-series it must be a natural real original M3 of any year. And I like those older Audi's...yes they are money pits as used cars...but if I drop a new drivetrain in it the car should be ok.

Added the Jag and mid-90's A6 2.8. I had NO CLUE that Audi's depreciated THAT MUCH. The A6 is such a brilliant car...

What?!?!? You say no to my E36 325 suggestion but you accept a '98-'00 A6 2.8?!?!? Do you understand that the vehicles had the same power output despite the A6's being 400 pounds heavier with a gearbox tuned for economy and comfort?! The '98-'00 A6 does 0-60 in around 9 flat, but really closer to the mid-nines. Trust me - you'll agree when you drive one.

W124 mercedes 400E

Kudos my man - you've just found me my next car.

 

[JCE]

When Poverty said 200SX he meant the 200SX rebadged S14 Silvia that Europe and Australia got, not the 200SX the US got.


US 200SX

Euro/Australia 200SX

SR20DET powered^

Ahh, gotcha. BTW that's exactly what my SE-R looked like...just mine was pretty shade of blue.

What?!?!? You say no to my E36 325 suggestion but you accept a '98-'00 A6 2.8?!?!? Do you understand that the vehicles had the same power output despite the A6's being 400 pounds heavier with a gearbox tuned for economy and comfort?! The '98-'00 A6 does 0-60 in around 9 flat, but really closer to the mid-nines. Trust me - you'll agree when you drive one.

I have driven both--still prefer the Audi. The problem with owning a 3-series is I will be put into a catagory that I do not want to be in. A (semi)young white poser who couldn't afford an M3--no matter what you do to a 3-series it just isn't an M3. And, I happen to prefer the Audi over the BMW...the A6 to me is just pure sex. I don't care if it's 0-60 by next year...everything else to me compensates for the lack of acceleration. Plus the power can be solved by some forced induction and a better tuned ECU to help with those econo-shifts. 👍

W124 mercedes 400E

I don't care for the look of the car. I'd rather get a 190 and put the Evolution kit on it.

What bothers me is I'm seriously thinking about selling most of the stuff I own and not eat to try and save up enough money for one of these:

2001 CLK430 w/AMG package:

*edit*
My brother is going to sell me back my '90 Camaro RS V8. This will at least help my financial situation when I get it running well enough to drive everyday so I can sell the Focus. And, I do plan on restoring the Camaro at some point.

 

[neanderthal]

the W124 (300E) and W201 (190E) bodies are nearly like the small and medium of the same car that BMW used to do. except BMW did large as well.

to say you dont like one, but would get the other is bizzare.

 

[1X83Z]

the W124 (300E) and W201 (190E) bodies are nearly like the small and medium of the same car that BMW used to do. except BMW did large as well.

to say you dont like one, but would get the other is bizzare.

Yeah but this is coming from a guy who turned down a 3-series for the A6 despite the A6 being worse in every measurable area because it's "pure sex."

Don't worry though neanderthal - you've dead to rights sold me on the W124 400E. It's interesting - right after you made that comment I searched for one on AutoTrader, interested supremely in a reliable car: there were more than a few on the site with 210k+ on their original engine that were barely going cheaper than those with 120k! epinions verified it - people were consistently saying they bought the cars with 120 or 150k on the clock, sold it well north of that (or still own it) and have only had regular maintenance. And JD Power says its long-term feature and accessory reliability is "among the best." All this AND a 268-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 with a 7.1-second 0-60 time... it's the best of every possible world.

 

[Slicks]

Yes, those Mercedes, specifically the larger E cars, were excellent. Still part of Mercedes' bank-vault era of cars.

3000GT, I can see why you'd like one of the cars and not the other, but it's the other way around for me. The 190E, from all I've seen, just doesn't seem to have the quality and longevity of the 300/400, etc. E cars. The taller/narrower look of the car, with the higher stance, just doesn't do it for me.

As for suggestions...
-1994-95 Impala SS?
-Early-mid 90's RX-7 (Not so great on the reliable part)
-Miata
-Late E30 3-Series
-E34 or E39 5 Series (540i ?)

 

[1X83Z]

Don't get an E34 5-series with a V8. Google "nikasil alasil" and you'll find out why. That's not a headache you need, especially if this is all the cash you've got for a while.

 

[retsmah]

I've got a mk1 MR2, I'd recommend one. Although you are going to have a hard time spending $4k, most will be quite a bit less, unless you find a really nice supercharged one... which doesn't sound too bad The MR2 is a lot of fun, I wouldn't want to trade mine for anything short of an Elise... maybe a mk3 MR2 spyder.

Handling on the MR2 is good, reliablity is good. Really everything about it is great, the ergonomics are fantastic for me, the motor sounds excellent, the shifter is the best I've used, even though mine is 18 years old. I've driven cars that put up better numbers than the MR2, but the numbers don't really tell you much about the driving experience. Just go do some test driving I suppose.

 

[Ghost C]

• Any older Nissan/Datsun Z car and the Datsun/Nissan 510 Bluebird is acceptable--these two are exempt from the year restriction
• If it's a classic car that needs restoration ... that is out of the question.

You seem to have contradicted yourself there. If you can find an old Z car with no rust that someone is willing to let go for $4,000 more power to you, but on a boring night I can go outside and watch my 280ZX rust as it sits.

Either way, a mid-90's Thunderbird could be right for you. They come with V6's, supercharged V6's, and V8's with a decent amount of power, they're RWD, common, inexpensive (think about $1,500), reliable, and fairly good looking. I'm sure Drifting Thunda would agree with me here.

Why the no American cars rule anyway?

 

[Tornado]

Don't get an E34 5-series with a V8. Google "nikasil alasil" and you'll find out why. That's not a headache you need, especially if this is all the cash you've got for a while.

Exploding cylinder liners would be a headache, I agree.

Anyways, how about a Jaguar XJS?
Maybe a Lincoln LS, if you are willing to circumvent the American requirement?
Everyone loves the 300 ZX.
A Miata, perhaps?
And finally, a German car for the win!

 

[JCE]

the W124 (300E) and W201 (190E) bodies are nearly like the small and medium of the same car that BMW used to do. except BMW did large as well.

to say you dont like one, but would get the other is bizzare.

I don't think so, I like the smaller profile of the 190. 👍

Yeah but this is coming from a guy who turned down a 3-series for the A6 despite the A6 being worse in every measurable area because it's "pure sex."

Not every measurable area, you missed the emotional bond I have with Audi products...more specifically A6's and you also didn't notice my "it's not an M3" comment?

Yes, those Mercedes, specifically the larger E cars, were excellent. Still part of Mercedes' bank-vault era of cars.

3000GT, I can see why you'd like one of the cars and not the other, but it's the other way around for me. The 190E, from all I've seen, just doesn't seem to have the quality and longevity of the 300/400, etc. E cars. The taller/narrower look of the car, with the higher stance, just doesn't do it for me.

As for suggestions...
-1994-95 Impala SS?
-Early-mid 90's RX-7 (Not so great on the reliable part)
-Miata
-Late E30 3-Series
-E34 or E39 5 Series (540i ?)

Thanks for seemingly being the only soul that understands my liking of the 190 over the 300/400. The Impala SS is a no for a couple of reasons, one it's way too common around here, and two which is most important...I prefer the Crown Vic. Slower yes, but I prefer it's looks. The RX-7 really might just not be on my list...the older ones (FC) are hard to find in great shape that aren't convertables and the FD 3rd gens are way too expensive for good running condition NON-TURBO models. And I'd need enough money for a V8 swap as I don't care for the rotary longterm. I can't physically fit into a Miata. See my above comment on a non-M3 3-series. The 5-series like the RX-7 won't be possible in my price range for a good running model. I do appreciate the suggestions however.

I've got a mk1 MR2, I'd recommend one. Although you are going to have a hard time spending $4k, most will be quite a bit less, unless you find a really nice supercharged one... which doesn't sound too bad The MR2 is a lot of fun, I wouldn't want to trade mine for anything short of an Elise... maybe a mk3 MR2 spyder.

Handling on the MR2 is good, reliablity is good. Really everything about it is great, the ergonomics are fantastic for me, the motor sounds excellent, the shifter is the best I've used, even though mine is 18 years old. I've driven cars that put up better numbers than the MR2, but the numbers don't really tell you much about the driving experience. Just go do some test driving I suppose.

Actually my brother has a white '85 non-supercharged model and it IS a blast to drive...and I like the look and feel of the car too. I helped him rebuild a JDM motor and drop it in his MR2. Only thing that might not fit my needs is the lack of a great running model that has an original untouched motor with untouched timing. The timing is VERY fickle on these things and I don't want some wackjob by some inexperienced novice mechanic. The same rule applies for a Fiero GT (which is also a great fun car)...it's nearly impossible for me to find one with zero rust and in decent enough running shape.

Exploding cylinder liners would be a headache, I agree.



Anyways, how about a Jaguar XJS?

Maybe a Lincoln LS, if you are willing to circumvent the American requirement?

Everyone loves the 300 ZX.

A Miata, perhaps?

And finally, a German car for the win!

Oh, wow I can get a Lincoln LS V8 for under $8k? Ding ding ding, there's a winner. The XJS is also added...I love the look of those cars. The 300ZX is in the "Z" catagory. Anything Nissan/Datsun or German gets the highest priority so obviously the Porsche 928 and 944 are right up there on my list now. Thanks.

*edit*
And the anti-American request is mainly due to the serious lack of fun, technology, and luxurious cars. And I prefer European and Japanese over American cars anyway. But that doesn't mean there aren't some cars I've not thought of like the Lincoln LS Toronado mentioned.

 

[1X83Z]

I don't think so, I like the smaller profile of the 190. 👍

To lastly speak in favor of the W124, Automobile Magazine, in its 20th anniversary issue, named it one of the twenty cars with the "biggest impact on the automotive landscape" (and the earliest of all 20). In fact David E Davis, Jr himself wrote the article about the W124, filling the article with extreme praise - it's really a fantastic vehicle. What I'm afraid of is that your car search is based a bit too much on subjective qualities - you've turned down some decent suggestions and put up some others which really don't give you what your thread title suggests you're interested in!

Not every measurable area, you missed the emotional bond I have with Audi products...more specifically A6's and you also didn't notice my "it's not an M3" comment?

Well the A6 isn't an S6! Anyway you seem to be turning down the car because of its image, or your perception of its image - not fair!

(I swear I'll have some decent recommendations up soon!!!)

 

[High-Test]

Lexus SC 300.

I think I met every one of your requirements.


2 doors, 2+2 seating, 220 horses, 210 ft. lbs. of torque, 0-60 under 7.5 if I'm not mistaken, under $ 8,000, Smooth inline 6, REAR WHEEL DRIVE!, Lexus Quality...


And then there's the really good stuff.

It's responsive, very fast, and has some really good looks.

 

[JCE]

To lastly speak in favor of the W124, Automobile Magazine, in its 20th anniversary issue, named it one of the twenty cars with the "biggest impact on the automotive landscape" (and the earliest of all 20). In fact David E Davis, Jr himself wrote the article about the W124, filling the article with extreme praise - it's really a fantastic vehicle. What I'm afraid of is that your car search is based a bit too much on subjective qualities - you've turned down some decent suggestions and put up some others which really don't give you what your thread title suggests you're interested in!



Well the A6 isn't an S6! Anyway you seem to be turning down the car because of its image, or your perception of its image - not fair!

(I swear I'll have some decent recommendations up soon!!!)

Am I allowed a little bias? I'm not totally turned off by a suggestion if it doesn't meet my requirements...see the below quote.

P.S. But the S6 starts out as an A6! FTW!

Lexus SC 300.

I think I met every one of your requirements.


2 doors, 2+2 seating, 220 horses, 210 ft. lbs. of torque, 0-60 under 7.5 if I'm not mistaken, under $ 8,000, Smooth inline 6, REAR WHEEL DRIVE!, Lexus Quality...


And then there's the really good stuff.

It's responsive, very fast, and has some really good looks.

Awsome, accepted. I love those things, and the V8's are a hoot! (SC430?)

 

[Sniffs]

*laughs*

4 to 8 grand non front drive in MY area means you end up with a beat up ranger or S10 with 150k on it. i rarely seeanything but a pile of junk out here for less than 10 large...for 100k miles. if I want a jag or a beamer, I'll just go to the local junkyard, which has piles of old 3's, 5's, xj's, and 944's rotting in the rural cowpat scented air

 

[High-Test]

No... the 430 is the 60,000 dollar convertible.

The SC 300 was a Soarer body with a Naturally Aspirated 2JZ.

The SC 400 was a Soarer body with the 1UZ-FE V8.

Same body, different motors.

Personally, I'd go for the 6.

 

[ND4SPD]

Well, my choice would obviously be the P71 for obvious reasons.

 

[JCE]

My problem is everytime I see a car on my list I want it and nothing else...so how am I going to pick one when the time comes? Price and vehicle mechanical condition may be the final factors for me to consider.

 

[JCE]

I've narrowed my final choices to two (kind of 3) cars. My budget has increased to $11,000-$16,000. I will be getting one of the following cars within the next month or so. Definately before the end of the year. Several factors have caused me to narrow all my choices to these final three.

My choices (in order of desire) are:
1. 2003 Mercury Marauder

I love the look of this car, its quite intimidating I think. Plus the fact that it has a center console+shifter really peaks my interest. Not to mention slap the 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra supercharger on it and it become a whole new animal.

2. 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria Sport (black or white) to clone a Marauder:

If/when I get one I will get the Marauder front end treament along with the tail lights and exhaust to clone the exterior look. And because starting in 2003 the Crown Vic sport models had the center console and not the column shifter.

3. 2002-2004 Lincoln LS

A great looking car, comfortable, and would be interesting with a couple of turbos slapped on that 3.9L V8.

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

• The only way one of these choices will surpass the others is under the following conditions:
• Price--not sticker price as much as monthly payments & APR
• Less than 60k mileage
• Insurance costs if one or more of the choices are immediately available at the same time
• A combination of the above

So as of today I am no longer considering ANY other cars for purchase.

 

[skip0110]

Note that the Marauder has the DOHC V8 from the old Cobras (before they were supercharged) while the Crown Vic gets the relatively anemic SOHC version.

That would be 302 hp versus 240 hp.

If it was me I would definitely get the Marauder. All it really needs to wake it up is a $100 shift kit.

 

[ND4SPD]

Oh man! I love Marauder's so much! The only panther car I would get over a P71! If it were up to me I'd de badge the Marauder though and paint the rims black. Here's a lil inpsiration!