Mikelly Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 (edited) Sypherslayer, I'm sure you're already aware how hard it is to find a clean AWD EVO or STi. The M3 isn't a bad choice. You could still look at Camaro and Mustang platforms, but at $15K don't leave out the Pontiac LeMans. You could also find a higher mileage C5 Corvette. I have fond memories of the 99 model I once owned. The other three that come to mind are th Miata, S2000, and the BMW Zseries. If you can get over the macho BS stigma, the Miata Speed version in 2004-2006 timeframe was turbocharged, had RAYZ wheels from the factory and was a serious asshauling sports car with lots of mod potential for not a lot of money. Miatas also get decent fuel mileage and are very durable. Some guys like the S2000. I've never owned one so I can't recommend one way or the other. The Zm Roadster I owned (2002 model) is out of your price range, but the regular Z3s are still pretty decent pics. You could also think about a used Porsche Boxter for that money. That's all that comes to mind from my end right now. Happy hunting. Mike Edited March 30, 2013 by Mikelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndyAndTheSea Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I'd recommend e34 M5 One of the last hand built BMWs One of the better cars I've driven. That's going to probably be my next car purchase/obsession. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SypherSlayer Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 awesome! thanks for the ideas. I have a love/hate feeling about both the Miata and the S2K. I love their performance but I'm not a fan of soft tops.... Has anyone been around an RX8? I've found a bunch under $10K. I just don't know as much about the Renis engine as i do about the Wankle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted March 31, 2013 Author Share Posted March 31, 2013 Go drive one. If I hadn't gone out and drove the Mustang, I would have had the same poorly informed and somewhat biased opinion of the car, and you already know the end result there. Go find an RX8 and drive it. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 The RX8 is a great platform. Has a lot of the same quality communication that you get in the miata, but most certainly feels like a heavier car. In reality they're not THAT heavy though. Their biggest downfall was the lack of power, being NA only, and once Mazda had issues not being able to meet rated horsepower then the tuner crowd pretty much gave up on them. Being in CA it'll be hard to justify turbocharging the stock motor too. If you're happy with the stock power when you drive one, it's certainly got my blessing as a DD. Doesn't get the greatest MPG, but it's not BAD by any means, and is probably one of the coolest 4 seaters that can actually hold 4 adults in it's era and price range. I'd say find an STI in that price, which you CAN, but the bigger issue is maintenance cost. Consumables on the EVO and STI are SPENDY. Go price out pads, rotors, plugs, wires, etc. They're NOT cheap to keep in tip top shape. The RX8 on the other hand will be low cost all around. 15k will also get you a REALLY nice 350Z... Should get mid 20's mpg, has nearly 300hp, comfortable to sit in, motor reliable as nails. Not a bad choice. But it IS heavy, doesn't have much cargo, and isn't a real looker imo. But if space isn't a huge concern, you can also look at the second gen MR2. Great cars. Handle wonderfully and cheap to maintain. Little spendy for what they are imo, but so is the FD3S. It's a contender, that's all. A great car that you might overlook because it's a FF platform is the SVT Focus or later Focus ST. Just all around amazing car for what it is. SVT was specifically thinking of the average auto-x-er when they designed their version of the focus. It handles really well for being FWD and it's very easy to mod and work on, and also easy on the pocket book. And on that note you can easily get a Mini S in that price range, even one of the newer ones with the turbo (don't get the first year of the turbo, they had issues). Biggest problem I have with these is that they can be spendy to work on. But all around great platform that's fun to drive at the limit. Probably another one that'd be high on my list of recommendation, would be the 03-04 cobra, if you can afford the MPG, which WON'T be good. Most are over $20k though, and finding one down around 15k will be hard. But you CAN find the Mach 1 for that price, and if you take care of it probably shouldn't drop much in value. The mach 1 is still a great mustang with a great engine, and can be a hoot on the track just like the cobra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I made a similar decision a little over a year ago with a similar budget to yours. I was looking for a fun DD and my main concerns were: reliability, maintenance costs, fuel mileage, and of course "fun factor". I'll run you through my top choices: I love the Audi S4's engine and interior, but portliness and poor mpg drove me off. It also isn't really a sports car, and not what I was really looking for (but oh that engine!). The Porsche Boxster was really fun to drive and had a nice engine note but maintenance, reliability, and running costs drove me off. I wasn't a huge fan of the looks either. I thought about a C5 Z06 since they are possibly the best "bang for the buck" but I didn't find any within my budget. Plus, they have horrid interiors and I'm not crazy about the exterior either. It just didn't give me that feeling, as stupid as it sounds. Sort of like being disappointed after your buddies point out a "hot" chick... The E46 M3 is gorgeous and a helluva car, but reliability and maintenance costs were poor. I also couldn't find a decent one within that budget. Conversely, the E36 M3 is also a great performer and a bargain but once I delved into the E36 M-Coupes, the M3 just wasn't enough. I drooled (and stil do!) over the E36 M Coupe and came close to buying one. Love those cars. In the end, their poor reliability concerned me, plus they ate more fuel than my #1 choice. I ended up with an '04 S2000, although I have to disclose that I'd wanted one for a long time. I never had a convertible before and never like them, but since that's the way it came, that's the way I'll take it! Besides, 4 months later I got a hardtop for it, although to my surprise I actually enjoyed having the top down. It's almost like riding a motorcycle. It was the only car that had the total package for me: great performance, awesome reliability, inexpensive maintenance, and I love the interior and exterior. The price of entry seemed like an amazing bargain at just under $15k. It just gives me that feeling every time I look at it or drive it. Only problem is that half of the S2k owners seem to be morons... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leon Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 awesome! thanks for the ideas. I have a love/hate feeling about both the Miata and the S2K. I love their performance but I'm not a fan of soft tops.... Has anyone been around an RX8? I've found a bunch under $10K. I just don't know as much about the Renis engine as i do about the Wankle. FWIW, the "Renesis" engine is a Wankel. Seeing that you're in Stockton, I hope that you have a garage to park this new car... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted April 9, 2013 Author Share Posted April 9, 2013 So I installed a new suspension on the Mustang, along with GT500 Mufflers. The Eibach pro plus kit came with adjustable front swaybar, non adjustable solid rear bar, all hardware, matched springs, struts/shocks, and I bought the .75 degree camber bolts. I've had 4 days driving the car now and I can honestly say I'm as happy with this car as I've been with anything I've owned short of the 996TT 670HP monster. Total package is what's really winning me over with this car, from performance to creature comforts and entertainment. It's the total package! I've got $23880 invested so far! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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