New Car Time!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Frizbe
  • 40 comments
  • 1,978 views
Frizbe

Frizbe

Messages
1,410
United States
Albuquerque, NM
Messages
Frizbe
Messages
Darth Frizbe
Yay my suggest me a car thread!

I need a car. I prefer 96 and newer (OBDII), and it has to be stick, would like to be able to autocross it with out to many mods, and under 10K.

I've got four months on my lease so I am just tempting the waters now.

Some cars on my list:

AP1 S2000 (NOT an '00): AutoX is there so is the stick and they drive awesome, but I'm not sold yet....

NB(?) Mitia, Second Gen I like the styling(ish) not hard ot find with a stick and cheap and good in the course but it is a mitia.....

First Gen TT, used to have a Jetta 1.8 so I know the motor, but the car is heave as is the steering, and I'm not sure on the autoX how good it would be out of the box.

E36 M3, awesome, but how is their reliability? I can work on cars, as before I did own a turbo Jetta before, but will I be fixing it every week?

Anything someone can suggest? insurance doesn't seem to be an issue as I've priced the S2000, TT and RX8 at about $100/mo. Oh yeah I WILL NOT buy the first year of a new gen, especially used.
 
Last edited:
2004+ Mazda 6i?

Tires and a little suspension work and it'll do very well, as is they already handle quite decently. A 6s is another possibility, heavier in the nose but much quicker in a straight line.
 
I'm kinda sorta looking at the same types of cars. My top cars are the Mazda 3, Subaru WRX and BMW E36 M3. There are a few members here who are a great resource on the BMWs, and the reliability seems to be aight on them. They certainly won't be cheap to own, but they shouldn't be all that bad if you take care of them.
 
AP1s are great cars, but be mindful of just how impractical they are. They also tend to be a bit snappy, which can be an issue for anything larger-scale than autocross.

I wouldn't go E36. Affordable examples have a lot of miles on them, these days, and the friends who own them have had a lot of trouble in the last year or two.

If you're looking at NBs and S2Ks, how about a Mazdaspeed NB? They're awesome cars, and make up for a lot of the shortcomings (namely, power) of the base models. They look great in dark grey/gunmetal, too.
 
'99 M3
Link to the M3 that got me down that track.

Rotary Junkie
2004+ Mazda 6i?

Tires and a little suspension work and it'll do very well, as is they already handle quite decently. A 6s is another possibility, heavier in the nose but much quicker in a straight line.
Click to expand...
never thought of one I liked the MS6, but figured the others where too mundane to bother with.

Takumi Fujiwara
AP1s are great cars, but be mindful of just how impractical they are. They also tend to be a bit snappy, which can be an issue for anything larger-scale than autocross.

I wouldn't go E36. Affordable examples have a lot of miles on them, these days, and the friends who own them have had a lot of trouble in the last year or two.

If you're looking at NBs and S2Ks, how about a Mazdaspeed NB? They're awesome cars, and make up for a lot of the shortcomings (namely, power) of the base models. They look great in dark grey/gunmetal, too.
Click to expand...
Thats part of the fence I'm on over the S2K, I'm 21 with no real need for any kind of practicality anyway, but I've always had 4 doors and liked them.

The MS-M is the only NB I've driven and would be most likely the only one I'd buy, I love them in the metallic red. and the intercooler is just so epicly small its awesome.
 
They're perhaps a bit weak in power output but enough to have fun with so long as it's a stick (automatic 4-cylinder 6is are horribly slow because there's not much low-end and they're geared painfully long) and far as I can see, even on rather awful tires they stick quite well.

Came back to driving my mom's 6i auto after spending a day with a bone stock 1.8t Jetta 5-speed, promptly cursed the automatic transmission and then did far more around corners than the Jetta could hope to.
 
Myself I would go with the S2000.

They are 2800 lbs with 240 hp stock, a little less with the AP2 which has better suspension.
Ready to go to the track too!

Though for 10K you will get a car with 100K for miles.

If your interested in upgrades, the cars are easily modded.
 
Original TTs drive like boats, and you might as well just get a GTi anyways. If you are looking at an E36 M3, shoot this man a PM about it. He can give you a scarily detailed response of what to look for, how to maintain them and various fixes for problems. AP1 S2000s have somewhat unpredictable handling at the limit, so you might not want to use one as a track car.

I've driven a 6i, and they are playful enough. The chassis is sturdy enough, and the engine has a relatively good aftermarket, though the car is a bit heavy for what you are probably looking for.

Have you looked into a ZZW30 MR2? That would fit your bill quite nice, probably even better than an S2000.
 
ND4SPD
The hell is a Mitia?
Click to expand...

I'm from New Mexico, therfore I can not spell. Google has trouble sometimes.:dopey:

Thanks for the ideas guys, the only reason I was looking at a TT was the AWD, but the car would be more of a DD that an autoX every chance I got like the S2K.

Not a fan of anything American, I was spoiled by my Jetta and had a Neon as my first car. I think there is a saying about first impressions isn't there.....

EDIT: Found it! Miata! Woot, I had to put Mazda in front of it to get Google to find it though.
 
Well, a properly cared for E36 M3 should be reliable as hell. Mine has 144k miles on it, runs fine. And as long as you don't get parts from the dealership, cheap. Plus very easy to work on, since they were designed with hand tools in mind. And it is faster in the real world than the S2K because you don't have to rev the crap out of it to get power. Not to mention much easier to live with day to day, back seats, more room for the driver, and a rear window made out of glass.

Don't see why you'd bother with AWD living in New Mexico, snow shouldn't be an issue.

The MR-S (MR2 Spyder) will offer a more engaging driving experience stock than the NB Miata, and be a bit faster. Plus more cockpit room, but less storage space.

Honestly, I'd say go for the M3. It is fast enough you won't constantly want to get more power out of it. And every small issue is heavily documented, with generally easy fixes. You could get into a very nice one for 12 grand, or a bit older (say 95) for half that. The just need routine maintenance, unlike a VW.
 
gibson
how bout a 96 vette, they can be had pretty cheap if you know where to look, plus you cant beat the power of a v8
Click to expand...

Absolutely. The power of a V8 won't be necessary for AutoX but a helluva lot more fun.

Pontiac Solstice?
Cobalt SS Turbo?
Integra Type R?
M3 is nice.
Audi S3?
 
Last edited:
I've just been on eBay US and stuck in a bunch of your criteria - newer than '96, less than $10k, manual transmission etc. I also filtered to only show coupes as that should give a nice mix of style/practicality. Things that caught my eye included:

BMW Z3, M3, general 3-series coupes
Ford Mustangs
A few Chrysler Crossfires
A few Mitsubishi Eclipses
Late-model Celicas
The odd Camaro or Trans-Am.

My instinct would be to grab one of the big V6/V8s and surf around on a wave of torque... but you've mentioned you're not into the US cars. From what's left, I don't think you could do much better than the M3 or perhaps a Z3 2.8, but the Celica might be fun in a "light revvy Japanese FWD" kind of way.
 
Paulie
HFS recommending big engined muscle, somebody put this in their sig!:eek:
Click to expand...

:lol:

Big-engined muscle has a time and a place. If I was living in the States I'd be more than happy to run around in a Camaro or a pickup or something (SVT F-150 Lightning? YES PLEASE). Contrary to popular belief I do actually like muscle cars and big engines... just not all of the cars they put them in!

And I'd never have one in Europe, as over here smaller cars just make more sense and they're more fun for the roads. As are FWDs. And it's usually small cars and FWD that I end up defending the most! :)
 
homeforsummer
I
My instinct would be to grab one of the big V6/V8s and surf around on a wave of torque... but you've mentioned you're not into the US cars. From what's left, I don't think you could do much better than the M3 or perhaps a Z3 2.8, but the Celica might be fun in a "light revvy Japanese FWD" kind of way.
Click to expand...

Might not be all that suitable for autocross though. I'd have thought a nice rev-happy engine would get the job done better.
 
True. But then Frizbe has already said he's not interested in the big Americans so it doesn't matter anyway. Which is why I reckon the M3/Z3/Celica would be more fun. And more than useable enough day-to-day.
 
Like Phil, I'm pretty much in the same boat. Although I do own a bit of money on my 1998 Toyota Celica GT that I bought last year, I've been actively looking for a replacement (or at least thinking about it) for six months. Minus the planning to do autocross, I otherwise have the same requirements. Perhaps with a bit more forgiving standard on the American models.

My short list currently:

  • Honda S2000 AP1
  • Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB or early NC)
  • BMW Z3 Coupe (NOT convertible)
  • Toyota Celica ST230
  • Chevrolet Cobalt SS S/C
  • Pontiac GTO
  • BMW E46 328i or 330i
  • Honda Accord Coupe EX V6

Those that are highlighted, thus far, seem to be the most-likely considerations, given the prices, relative reliability, and overall availability (well, minus the Z3 - hyper rare). Insurance is typically what I look at first, and the Miata is surprisingly affordable in that sense. Gas mileage, typically, is second. Then, the price of the vehicle. As a former VW owner, I'm willing to get a bit of wiggle room on reliability. As long as its running most of the time, and I can fix it in my driveway without too much effort, I'm game.

There are a lot of really great options available at the $10K mark, especially newer and more "relevant" sport sedans and coupes from most of the major manufacturers. Kick around some ideas, see what you can find locally, and drive them. You'll find the right vehicle in no time at all.
 
Porsche 944 turbo or S2, or if you really insist on decent power and torque, Porsche 928.. if you only would accept older than '96s that is.. what about MR2 Turbo?
 
I wouldn't touch the Porsches with an eleven foot pole. I just wouldn't want to deal with the incredibly high cost for parts. Even the basic ones. Sure, they may be "reliable" on occasion, but its not worth it later on. Especially if you want to keep it as a daily.
 
Frizbe
I'm from New Mexico, therfore I can not spell. Google has trouble sometimes.:dopey:

EDIT: Found it! Miata! Woot, I had to put Mazda in front of it to get Google to find it though.
Click to expand...

Lol I know what you meant I was just yanking your chain.

My vote would be tied between an S2000 and the MS Miata.
 
TheCracker
Might not be all that suitable for autocross though. I'd have thought a nice rev-happy engine would get the job done better.
Click to expand...

Not really. The smoother torque and power delivery means less shifting, and thus less time lost fumbling with gears. The 1ZZ in my MR-S was much nicer for autocross because it would develop torque and power around 2500 RPM, versus the 4500 RPM needed in my AW11 with the 20 Valve...

Leonidae
Porsche 944 turbo or S2, or if you really insist on decent power and torque, Porsche 928.. if you only would accept older than '96s that is.. what about MR2 Turbo?
Click to expand...

MR2 Turbos stop being sold in the US in 1995. And a Porsche is a horrible idea, sorry.
 
Pontiac Trans-Am WS6. A friend has one and recently autocrossed it...only problem was overheating the power steering fluid. He claims to have won his class, which included a built S2000...
 
Jim Prower
Pontiac Trans-Am WS6. A friend has one and recently autocrossed it...only problem was overheating the power steering fluid. He claims to have won his class, which included a built S2000...
Click to expand...

Then that person has no idea how to drive an S2K. They dominate A stock if I recall correctly.
 
Believe the class was some form of Street Modified...said friend's T/A has 425 HP, so I figure they bumped him up a class or two.

Hopefully they'll get the vid of his event on YT...
 
Jim Prower
Believe the class was some form of Street Modified...said friend's T/A has 425 HP, so I figure they bumped him up a class or two.

Hopefully they'll get the vid of his event on YT...
Click to expand...

Oh, Street Mod. Just about anything goes in that class, from engine swaps to turboing and so on. Slicks are also allowed.

Further, his Camaro has a back seat, correct? (I think they did) The S2000 dose not, so it would be in SM2, for 2 seaters. So he shouldn't have been in the same class anyhow...
 
Sweet thanks for the input guys, I think i am leaning more towards the M3, I have a lust for high revving engines.

I dont think I qualify to drive an F-Body seeing as I have not inter-bred with my cousin yet. (And never will for that matter)
 
Toronado
Clever. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I thought so.
I just don't like the F-Body's especially, they seemed to me to want the power of a 'Vet with the handling of a Caviler and missed on both accounts. And the interior sucks.
 

Latest Posts

Back