Datsun350Z Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I'm thinking about picking up a used car this spring. I've wanted an s2000 since forever, but since getting serious about this purchase and researching, i'm dissapointed in the power gains without forced induction. Criteria: MUST be: 1. Sells used for Under $20k with less than 50k miles. 2. 2000 or newer. 3. 200+ HP stock with room for reliable improvement. 4. Manual Trans Prefer: 1. RWD 2. Convertible, T-Tops, Targa Top. 3. Under 3000 Lbs Any ideas? Or is the s2000 still my best bet? I'm still set on the s2000, i'm just hoping to widen my eyes and make sure i'm not passing up something more potent for the same amount of $ Thanks for any input. BTW, I know Cheaper platform + cash into Mods = Best bang for buck But i'm tired of wrenching on my daily drivers. I need new(er) car reliablilty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vashonz Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 WRX is good M3 can be had for that much you might be able to get a C5 for that much I think a big part of reliability is keeping it close to stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260pos Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 The obvious choice here would be the Mustang GT, IMO Cars.com http://www.edmunds.com/used/2005/ford/mustang/100464179/prices.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1ghtymaxXx Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I would say mr2 turbo, or a mark IV supra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun350Z Posted January 12, 2007 Author Share Posted January 12, 2007 I know it's tempting, And i could have a wicked Rx-7 for that pricetag, but but like I said I need 2000 or newer. Also with the Mr-2 turbos, they were a favorite of mine... but for some reason the pricetag is stuck at around $8k... a little much for an mr-2 IMO. I would say mr2 turbo, or a mark IV supra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randy 77zt Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 i used to work for a ford dealer where i smog tested the used cars for the lot.got ahold of an s2000 one morning-decided it needed a long test drive.i like those cars but if i got 1 i would leave it alone and just change the oil.2004& up has a slightly bigger engine for more midrange torque.problem with a highly developed car is bolt on hp mods dont produce much bang for the buck.honda has pretty much got all the hp they can from 2.2l.if you spent bucks for a cold air kit and exhaust you might see 10hp on a chassis dyno.the only other topless car thats cheap is a miata.to small and too slow for me.since i am an auto mechanic for a living fixing cars in my spare time isnt fun anymore-thats why a clean stock s2000 gets my vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73ZCAR Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 V8 MIATA:D Seriously checkit, Mostly with ford I think. http://www.monstermiata.com/v8Miata_Image.asp?theType=Car&theHeader=V8Miata%20Photos&thePage=CarPhotos And here is one with an LS1. http:/http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341955/ If your budget is around 20K its definately doable. Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest l28et Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 Honda S2000. Easy. Will be my next car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsun350Z Posted January 12, 2007 Author Share Posted January 12, 2007 My last car was a turbo miata. My favorite to drive so far. I love the monster miatas, but I'm looking for something a little nicer than the miata base. If I were going to spend the cash that way, I'd probably do an oldschool mini with an integra GSR swap (minor mods will net you 220 Hp)... Power to weight is unbelievable, 220HP 1350 Lbs 1. 2008 Viper: 3,400 lbs / 600 hp = 5.667 lbs/hp 2. Ford GT: 3,400 lbs / 550 hp = 6.182 lbs/hp 3. 2006 z06: 3,130 lbs / 505 hp = 6.198 lbs/hp 4. 2006 Viper: 3,400 lbs / 510 hp = 6.667 lbs/hp 5. Super Mini: 1,350 lbs / 220 hp = 6.13 lbs/hp 6. s2000: 2,800 lbs / 240 hp = 11.67 lbs/hp Imagine how quickly you'd be at the dodge dealer with your new viper wondering why you can't shake a mini... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240hoke Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I just bought an '01 BMW 330CI 5 speed with the sport package. I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 So why does it have to be 2000 or newer? There's a lot of older cars that are still good cars. The 90's BMW 3 and 5 series were still great cars when BWM replaced them with better cars for no reason (sales were still good, they just decided it was time). A good supra could be a stretch on that budget actually. You'd either have to settle for a NA or get one of the cheeper more questionable turbo models. And FC RX7 is much closer to that price range, though I'm still always weary about rotary longevity because no matter how many miles some people have put on them, the guys that are enthusiast rebuild them often because they're smart... You could grab a 93 mustang cobra, drive it for 5 years and sell it for more money than you paid for it (though you gotta find one that's mint, and then keep it mint). NSXs start around 20k so they're just a pinch out of range, but something to consider. You could almost build a FFR cobra replica for that price, but that's time and time=money. If I wanted a good all around vehicle at that price range though, for me it'd be a WRX. Cheep-ish, reliable-ish, good power. Very versatile car all around. STI For Sale There's a lot of options for that price range man, you just gotta decide what's most important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlderThanMe Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 2004 Nissan Frontier crew cab... VG33 at 175hp, 20mpg, ability to haul Z motors, 5 speed tranny, 5 seater $15,000 w/ 35,968 miles VG30DETT should bolt in with some trimming or just build a VG33ET... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudypoochris Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 350z...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 81na ZX Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 And FC RX7 is much closer to that price range, though I'm still always weary about rotary longevity because no matter how many miles some people have put on them, the guys that are enthusiast rebuild them often because they're smart... NA Rotaries last for ever. I had an 84 FB with more miles than my ZX (225k vs. 220k) . Original engine, it outlasted the body easily... I have no other suggestions I would have said Miata, but you already had one... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 350z...? We are Z guyz are'nt we?????????????????????????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 350z...? You would say that wouldn't you? Though I must admit... he's right. They've sold well enough that you can get a pretty decent deal on one used. I just don't like how they're way heavier than the S30 cars and have less than half the cargo area.... 100% unpractical for myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdizzy204 Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 the best choice would be a s2000 for your criterion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comrade_Charlie Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 I like the lexus IS300, it comes with a 2jz non turbo, then turbo it for under a grand or so... but its 3200 pounds has 215hp stock, but no convert, or targa so... but a 2004 can be had for less than 20k with under 50k on engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMWHYR0HEN Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 I havnt checked the pricing because im not in the market to buy a car... But, I would check out the Lancer Evo. Given your restrictions, that's what I would choose. 1) it's an Evo (lots of race history into that car) 2) plenty of power in stock form w/ lots of aftermarket support 3) It's four wheel drive 4) Brembos X 4 corners 5) Great handling 6) it's got four doors! By the way, what will the car be used for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73ZCAR Posted January 14, 2007 Share Posted January 14, 2007 Ok, soooo... Find an S2000 with a blown motor and drop an LS1-t56 combo in and be done with it. Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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