Sporty car for less than 5 grand. Update: see 1st post!

[savage388]

I second the Celica. All around great car! We have an ST230 in the family that is a very fun car. It may be a bit tough to find one that isn't riced out, but they do exist in good condition. And I can testify for Toyota reliability, it will last just about as long as you do.

I'm still not too keen on fwd, especially being that I want something I can run at the track from time to time.

 

[astrosdude91]

Who says that you can't run FWD at a track? I can personally attest to the competencies of a front wheel drive car on a track. I'm sure if you did a lap with my friend and his GTI at MSR Houston, you would do away with any anti FWD stigma.

Trust me. The stereotypes about FWD are dated. Get with the times.

 

[Roush_fan_99]

I'm still not too keen on fwd, especially being that I want something I can run at the track from time to time.

If you want a track car, buy an INEX Legend car, you can pick up a decent one for about 8k and a friend of mine turned his street legal, but I'm not sure if it meets INEX rules anymore, but still a blast to just go to a track day or something.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Here's my alternative to the AE86/88:

1992-93 Acura Integra GS-R

^ If you EVER find one. It has the combination of sleepy factor, Prelude-like anemities, DC2 practicality & ABS, EM/EK Civic Si/SiR rauchyness of the B-series, and DAT VTEC song of the AP1 S2K. It was one of the 1st VTEC-powered mass-produced cars in the glory days of Honda. And (IMHO) one of the rarest cars Honda ever made.

B17A1 + DA6-body + Not available in JDM/Euroland = pure fun hatch/fastback

-> And I used to own one. This car had taught me on how to love Old Honda's. Many people (esp. EK Civic drivers) dissed this car so much, they to tend up in utter humiliation in the end.

 

[CyborgGT]

How is rarity an opinion? Anyway, I agree DAs are pretty bad ass. The trouble with old Hondas though is finding one in good condition. You've gotta give yourself quite a buffer in your budget nowadays just to anticipate a restoration.

How difficult would it be to convert one of those Celicas, the generation pictured, to AWD in the US? That would be killer.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ I'm just giving an idea. A car's distinctive rareness are usualy a plus in my book.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

I second the Celica. All around great car! We have an ST230 in the family that is a very fun car. It may be a bit tough to find one that isn't riced out, but they do exist in good condition. And I can testify for Toyota reliability, it will last just about as long as you do.

Do you mean ZZT230? As in these ones:

If so I third it if you can find one. Especially with the 180-horse 2ZZ-GE (GT-S I believe it is in America).

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ Yes, the Celica with the 2ZZ engine (that also powered the Corolla/Matrix XRS/Pontiac Vibe GT/Lotus Elise/Exige) is called the GT-S here in America (and the last ever Toyota GT-S nomelature).

-> IMO, if you ever consider the ZZT230; make sure get the 'base' GT-S, as in without the TRD ACTION/Sport Package. Or also known in JDM-land, the 'Mechanical Sports Package', this package is also seen in GT2!

TRD Sport/ACTION/Mechanical Sport Package

^ Um, no.

-> But for almost the same dough, why not the RSX Type-S or a cool-shifting but much un-loved EP3 Civic Si?

 

[CyborgGT]

You just saying to stay away because of the body kit? Personally, the ones I've seen look cool in person... that one needs lowering 2-2.5".

 

[Azuremen]

-> IMO, if you ever consider the ZZT230; make sure get the 'base' GT-S, as in without the TRD ACTION/Sport Package. Or also known in JDM-land, the 'Mechanical Sports Package', this package is also seen in GT2!

The Action pack isn't that bad, but the more important part is the GT-S bit. However, it is worth noting power was down after 2003 (I think) because they adjusted the fuel cut point and didn't adjust the VVTL-i timing, resulting in a very narrow powerband that was more or less impossible to stay in with the factory gearing. Of course, this is all handled through the ECU, and is the reason why 2002 or early ECUs are preferred for 2ZZ swaps into the MR-S.

-> But for almost the same dough, why not the RSX Type-S or a cool-shifting but much un-loved EP3 Civic Si?

The RSX would be a good choice, but keep in mind the newer Civic Si's had Limited Slip from the factory. But not sure where they are sitting in price points. The K20 is a better motor compared to the 2ZZ. At least whatever A version is in the Type S.

As for the EP3 Civic Si, no. Crap K20 version, heaviest version of the Civic at the time, and just slow. Would be better doing a EK chassis Si (EM1 or a swapped EK-9) and going from there.

 

[Eric.]

Yeah, EP3s are slow.

Apparently some RSX-S have limited slips, or so an owner of one told me at the drag strip. It felt like it had one. He couldn't keep up with a 4dr Si though, even when I missed third once.

 

[savage388]

Update: Thanks to everyone that has contributed and after spending the winter thinking it through I've decided that a 3rd generation camaro is my best option for the simple fact that parts and cars are cheap and plentiful around here, even if finding a standard will be tough. So in that case any further input from owners or other knowledgable people would be appreciated. Local PA owners advice and or tip offs would be exceptionally helpful. Thanks .

 

[Tornado]

You can't get the 5.7 with a manual, so you are either stuck with the 5.0 (which is alright so long as the car you get was fully optioned so it has the most power) or you can buy a 5.7 and swap a manual in (which is what I would personally do), which shouldn't cost anymore than $500 or so, possibly even less if you luck out on parts.

Edit:

http://www.iroczone.com/2009/10/iroc-z-spotters-guide/

Doesn't apply to '91/'92 Camaros, but should be of interest regardless.

 

[savage388]

You can't get the 5.7 with a manual, so you are either stuck with the 5.0 (which is alright so long as the car you get was fully optioned so it has the most power) or you can buy a 5.7 and swap a manual in (which is what I would personally do), which shouldn't cost anymore than $500 or so, possibly even less if you luck out on parts.

Edit:

http://www.iroczone.com/2009/10/iroc-z-spotters-guide/

Doesn't apply to '91/'92 Camaros, but should be of interest regardless.

Yes but won't the 350 be quite a bit harder on the transmission and get much worse gas mileage? I've heard of slightly modified 305s getting 22-23 highway. I want the 350 I'm worried it will break the trans and rear end, especially if I take it to VIR for a weekend.

 

[Tyger]

I'll second what someone said a while back, a tidy Porsche 944 (or 924 turbo) is great bang for your buck, and is a proper sportscar rather than a coupe. You would have to spend a little time hunting a nice one out though, but that should be part of the fun =)

 

[savage388]

I'll second what someone said a while back, a tidy Porsche 944 (or 924 turbo) is great bang for your buck, and is a proper sportscar rather than a coupe. You would have to spend a little time hunting a nice one out though, but that should be part of the fun =)

I couldnt afford to repair or maintain an old Porsche, it is a Porsche no matter if it's cheap to buy or not.

 

[Bottoz]

Can we please dispel the "old Porsche maintenance" lie. 944 parts are CHEAP. That's why I race 'em.

 

[Tyger]

Of course you could really take a punt and go for a tatty 928, some were good for 170mph+ in their day but I wouldn't like to say what they would reach now, at that kinda price ;-)

 

[JACK_GTR]

Ive a Toyota MR-S ZZW30 convertible there very cheap cars most are under 4000 here and are great fun to drive....easy to tune as parts are everywhere here for them and there not to bad on insurance etc 1.8L non turbo fairly nippy cars aswell

 

[Azuremen]

Can we please dispel the "old Porsche maintenance" lie. 944 parts are CHEAP. That's why I race 'em.

Indeed, they aren't like other Porsche's in terms of maintenance.

I'm gong to suggest an E36, 328i shouldn't be too hard to find, and possibly even an M3 for 5 grand. And parts are not bad to get for these cars, despite popular belief.

 

[Anna+Reece]

Fiat Spider 2000 by 〄 Reece M, on Flickr
This was $1800


In the snow by 〄 Reece M, on Flickr
This was $2800



Cleaned by 〄 Reece M, on Flickr
This was $300

So, there are a few very fun and affordable options.

 

[savage388]

That 3000 gt isn't bad at all for the price.👍

 

[Tornado]

Yes but won't the 350 be quite a bit harder on the transmission and get much worse gas mileage? I've heard of slightly modified 305s getting 22-23 highway. I want the 350 I'm worried it will break the trans and rear end, especially if I take it to VIR for a weekend.

Mileage would be near as makes no difference to each other.



And in regards to the transmission strength, so long as you don't start dumping money into the engine, anything you would do that would break the tranny when hooked up to the 5.7 would break it when hooked up to the higher power versions of the 5.0.

 

[savage388]

Mileage would be near as makes no difference to each other.

And in regards to the transmission strength, so long as you don't start dumping money into the engine, anything you would do that would break the tranny when hooked up to the 5.7 would break it when hooked up to the higher power versions of the 5.0.

That seems to be the consensus, so a nice carbed 350 may be in my future after all. What do you think a running engine will cost? 400-500 dollars, more?Long live sbc!

 

[SpartanG]

Great choice on the car, although I'm a 4th gen kind of guy, both for camaros and mustangs. Good luck with insurance!

 

[savage388]

Great choice on the car, although I'm a 4th gen kind of guy, both for camaros and mustangs. Good luck with insurance!

I hate to ask but can you give me a ballpark figure? I've been really worried about it.

 

[SpartanG]

I hate to ask but can you give me a ballpark figure? I've been really worried about it.

at LEAST 3k easy, i'll be surprised if it's any less. A high risk age group in a high risk car is never going to be fun. Only way to find out is to get a VIN number and call around.

 

[savage388]

at LEAST 3k easy, i'll be surprised if it's any less. A high risk age group in a high risk car is never going to be fun. Only way to find out is to get a VIN number and call around.

It doesn't help that ive got a speeding ticket either I'll be searching for a cheapest at all costs option, maybe I'll keep it at 2500 or so as I don't plan in using it in winter.

 

[Azuremen]

It doesn't help that ive got a speeding ticket either I'll be searching for a cheapest at all costs option, maybe I'll keep it at 2500 or so as I don't plan in using it in winter.

Interesting fact, liability on my M3 was less than it was on the Integra I had for a while, because of the typical driver demographics. I'm paying about $1500 a year for full coverage with an accident on my record at the moment. I'm a bit older but don't have any other discounts beyond my age. I imagine a speeding ticket wouldn't look as bad.

While you are set on a Camaro, I would just cross shop some cars based on insurance. Some nice things might end up being less to insure and cheaper to own in the long run, even if it is seems counter intuitive.

 

[savage388]

Interesting fact, liability on my M3 was less than it was on the Integra I had for a while, because of the typical driver demographics. I'm paying about $1500 a year for full coverage with an accident on my record at the moment. I'm a bit older but don't have any other discounts beyond my age. I imagine a speeding ticket wouldn't look as bad.

While you are set on a Camaro, I would just cross shop some cars based on insurance. Some nice things might end up being less to insure and cheaper to own in the long run, even if it is seems counter intuitive.

Thats rather interesting that driver demographics plays such a big role. I guess I might do some super buzzkill insurance based shopping this week too. I was also wondering if I could get a plan for classic cars as the requirements can be quite low. I know a guy with an 85 firebird v6 auto that pays 300 per year!!! Just because he could document his car was in decent shape and had a garage to keep it in. Any help on this option, it looks pretty good.