If you were to buy a newish car (2000+) what would you get?

[transient]

I'm in the market for a new car and I'm having a hell of a time trying to find something that fits my needs. There's literally nothing like the 240 anymore.

Requirements:
Light weight (preferably under 3000lbs)
Decent visability
RWD, manual trans.
Predictable handling at the limit.
Max price of around 15k

So far I've eliminated the following: S2000 (tends to spin), Miata (I don't fit), BMW 3 series (too heavy, pricey).

Still on the list for now: Lancer Evo, Porsche Boxter, Lexus IS300.

[S14DB]

Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky?

[Enna]

Max price of around 15k



Kinda limits him S14DB. Your pretty much SOL tbh.

[cc4usmc]

Go with the Porsche Boxster like you said. (Just not the ones with the red interior!)

Find Your Car: Used Porsche Listings Near Oceanside, CA - AutoTrader.com (http://usedcars.kbb.com/fyc_b/searchresults.jsp?sort_type=priceASC&model=BOXSTE&num_records=25&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&search_lang=en&make=POR&default_sort=priceDESC&style_flag=1&LNX=KBBATCLASSFYCSRP&address=92054)

I used the only zip code I could remember for socal lol.

[drftmark]

why not a wrx or sti, 350z, some people sell s15's that are around 15k.

[transient]

I'd absolutely love to have an S15, but it's really not possible in Los Angeles. Laws are too tight. I've owned a Subaru and had huge problems with it, so the WRX is out. The 350z is too heavy and has horrible blind spots.

I actually found a Sky for 16k. It's got a Decepticon logo on one of the storage bins :)

[Enna]

Find Your Car: Used Porsche Listings Near Oceanside, CA - AutoTrader.com (http://usedcars.kbb.com/fyc_b/searchresults.jsp?sort_type=priceASC&model=BOXSTE&num_records=25&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&search_lang=en&make=POR&default_sort=priceDESC&style_flag=1&LNX=KBBATCLASSFYCSRP&address=92054)

I used the only zip code I could remember for socal lol.

Ew Oceanside.... of all places lol.

[S14DB]

Go with the Porsche Boxster like you said. (Just not the ones with the red interior!)

Find Your Car: Used Porsche Listings Near Oceanside, CA - AutoTrader.com (http://usedcars.kbb.com/fyc_b/searchresults.jsp?sort_type=priceASC&model=BOXSTE&num_records=25&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&search_lang=en&make=POR&default_sort=priceDESC&style_flag=1&LNX=KBBATCLASSFYCSRP&address=92054)

I used the only zip code I could remember for socal lol.

I would only go 2000+ on the Boxster. The 2.5's in the 97-99 would slip the Cyl liners. But it looks like there are plenty of 2000+ in the $15k area. 17mpg(city) / 25mpg(HW).

[5t341tH]

lexus's
sc or gs?
i'd get a fit sport cuz those are cool little cars

[ronmcdon]

I'd go with the flying shoe

http://www.ssip.net/upload/bmw-m-coupe-side-1_120.jpg

[Koopa Troopa]

Civic Si.

Now go enjoy driving life.

[Enna]

Seeing how I never gave a answer to what I would get... S15. I'm in vegas, it dont matter here lol.

[jdm538]

from your list i would go with the is300, low maintenance low on insurance reliable inexpensive.

[looking4-240]

Have you considered an Audi?

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

i don't get your reasoning for eliminating the s2000. you'll spin any car if you go over the limit.

[ronmcdon]

Yeah any car will spin if you push it beyond it's limits.
Some cars are just more forgiving than others.
For instance an evo/wrx is more idiot proof than most rwd cars out there.
In fact, I've never managed to spin my evo on any track event to date, despite my terrible driving.
I spin my 240sx almost a dozen times every autoX event.

The S2000 is kinda of a controversial car, so the OP's comments are no surprise.
I've known a lot of s2k drivers (coincidentally also the AP1) who don't feel comfy pushing their car at all.
A lot of S2000's out there end up being no more than boulevard cruisers.

personally, I'd love to own an AP2 some day.
Fun car to scoot around town imo.
the way it drives reminds me of the old 1.6l miata, but with better power & decent seats.

[emersonLP]

I love my Z. The first time I got in I was like "WTF, I cant see shit out the back". But thats what mirrors are for. You can see everything in the mirrors when properly adjusted.

[ANVIL]

If I were to buy a newish car? G35, EVO X, S2K, 350z or IS300. drive each one and decide

[helikz]

Yeah any car will spin if you push it beyond it's limits.
Some cars are just more forgiving than others.
For instance an evo/wrx is more idiot proof than most rwd cars out there.
In fact, I've never managed to spin my evo on any track event to date, despite my terrible driving.
I spin my 240sx almost a dozen times every autoX event.

The S2000 is kinda of a controversial car, so the OP's comments are no surprise.
I've known a lot of s2k drivers (coincidentally also the AP1) who don't feel comfy pushing their car at all.
A lot of S2000's out there end up being no more than boulevard cruisers.

personally, I'd love to own an AP2 some day.
Fun car to scoot around town imo.
the way it drives reminds me of the old 1.6l miata, but with better power & decent seats.

I used to own an AP1, and from my experience, that car, with minimal suspension work (coils, RCA) handles better at it's limits than anything in your price range/chassis selection.

I'll agree that it's much like the boxster in it's "midlife crisis mobile" status on the streets, but the people who are spinning their ap1's are simply putting too much faith in their car to save them from bad driving.

basically, the ap1 will do EXACTLY what you tell it to.... if you tell it to do something stupid.... something stupid is going to happen.

[pink godzila]

My list...

S2000, 350z, EVO9 (I know... its over 15K)

[VQMaxFan]

C5 vette, preferably FRC in silver

[P_856]

is300 or evo

[pinkarrowsnow]

Evo or s2k for sure no porche boxter they are not too cool plus maintenance and stuff will be very pricey just cause its a porche.

[driftsilvias13]

350z. the blind spots are not bad at all and it is most like a 240 compared to all those other cars mentioned. Even though its a 2 seater the interior has a lot of space to be comfortable in.

[VanduzerLancerES]

is300.. SLAM IT, AND DRIFT IT!

[Flicktitty]

IS300
G35
350Z
WRX Wagon
03-04 Mustang Cobra (15K might be a little hard to find)

[VROOOM]

i bet you could get a 400hp CTS-V for around 15k

[VQMaxFan]

i bet you could get a 400hp CTS-V for around 15k

Or just about any other ls powered car, camaro, t/a, gto, vette...

[drift freaq]

I would not own a Boxster. I would own a Cayman. Both look a little funny though and the Boxster was a poor excuse by Porsche to capture the the whole speedster/spyder nostalgia thing. It failed in my opinion.
Honestly given your list the IS300 is the only one that stands out as nice and reliable. I personally like them a lot too.

I think trying to limit yourself to 3k in weight is severely limiting your options. Most modern cars tip the scales at 3k or over. Unless they are A: cheap little economy cars or B: Something thats posing as a sports model but is overpriced i.e. Mini coopers (while cool are way overpriced,thank you BMW!)
With all of this said the 350Z right now is the best bang for the buck as you can get them used for 10-13k . Actually its the same deal with the IS300. Though the 350Z will be a year or two newer.

It also depends on what your trying to do with this car? I personally would pick up a IS300 for a daily in a heartbeat if it would get better mileage. LOL it does not get the greatest mileage.

[gregfarz78]

350z or c5 vette

i bet you could get a 400hp CTS-V for around 15k

lol no maybe with 100k+ miles but not one in good condition they still go for low 30s used maybe high 20s

[palmdale_mob]

I would have to say IS300, 350z, or g35
I prefer g35's but they are harder to find in the 10-15k range

[aznpoopy]

s2000.
if you're really uncomfortable driving it, do what they did to the AP2.
soften the rear and add a wider back tire; enjoy life.

[zenki.life]

haha. well if money fell out of the sky we would all get a gtr.

[VROOOM]

350z or c5 vette



lol no maybe with 100k+ miles but not one in good condition they still go for low 30s used maybe high 20s


not really. when i bought my Mazda they had a CTS-V with 60k miles for 24k this was a year ago and cars are much cheaper now.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=251917236&dealer_id=63318085&car_year=2004&rdm=1238013194189&model=CTS&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=__Q1RTIHY,__&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=067084083032118&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CAD&keywords_display=CTS+v&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=90713&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=53&standard=false

49k miles for $16,999

[RicerX]

haha. well if money fell out of the sky we would all get a gtr.

I wouldn't.

[silpena]

hands down a c5 vette in black. You can find pretty sweet deals on those as low as 12k with higher mileage but around 15k decent miles on it and the left over u can use from some basic add-ons and you would have a beast!

[taiyoparts]

Low mileage SC300 or a 350Z...

[lflkajfj12123]

s2000.
if you're really uncomfortable driving it, do what they did to the AP2.
soften the rear and add a wider back tire; enjoy life.

qtf.

and no one said an rx-8 huh hahaha :(

[BRAIN_Z33]

3 motha fuckin 50 Z

[lflkajfj12123]

3 motha fuckin 50 Z

was that necessary?

like really?

[Bushido]

new miata maybe..

hmm, genesis coupe?

maybe..

new cars kinda lack soul..

[Ineedparts]

G35... I will be picking one up this week, a four door. I was quite surprised with the power it has, you should deff. go testdrive one.

[ro240sx]

I would get an Audi S4 bi-turbo. I've seen some with 60+k for around $12k.

[BadAzzSentra]

Hmmm EVO VIII
350Z
ZEEOH6 or FRC
M3? 97'-00'ish?

[BustedS13]

i fit in the miata better than the s2000. weird.

[Schermer]

Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky?

terrible cars.

try a 3rd generation MR2, mid-engine, RWD, vert, almost under 2k pounds.

[DeadlyZ33]

Wait, you think a 350z is too heavy so you want an IS300 instead? :confused:

[VanduzerLancerES]

id be down for a is300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JDM_inspired]

honda s2000...

[VROOOM]

terrible cars.

try a 3rd generation MR2, mid-engine, RWD, vert, almost under 2k pounds.

do you know the Turbo Solstice and Sky make 300whp with just a tune? those cars are awesome.

[!Zar!]

Wait, you think a 350z is too heavy so you want an IS300 instead? :confused:

An IS300 is more functional, not to mention it's lighter than the Supra.

[helikz]

do you know the Turbo Solstice and Sky make 300whp with just a tune? those cars are awesome.

yeah, these little beasts are stupid fast with only a little aftermarket. my qualm with them is they're also pretty stupid looking. Solstice's are all body, no roofline, looks like someone took an air compressor to a '48 porsche's tailpipe and (over)inflated it.

[S14DB]

terrible cars.

try a 3rd generation MR2, mid-engine, RWD, vert, almost under 2k pounds.
and almost 140hp...

Why get the Boxster clone? Why not get the Boxster?

[Siizzzoooo]

S2000, thats what I did (AP2), and don't regret it at all! I love it as my daily!

[ByeByeSti]

350z,
g35,
m3
evo
is300

without a doubt for any of those.

supra over all though :)

[blueshark123]

3 series bmw is300 s2k,evo,sti,350z

[mangoes]

Just get a 350z man. It makes a nice daily + its driftable already =D.

Evo is a bit boring although it is pretty practical.

[DreamN]

Mini Cooper, Audi S4, IS300, and E46 (3-Series). Those are actually my choices for a newer car. If I land a decent paying job I'd give the IS300 & E46 the boot in favor for a 1 Series Coupe.

[zorak]

G35, SC430, or Fit.

[DreamN]

SC430???? It's slow, impractical, and ugly. Complete failure of a car. G35 would be a good pick though. I'm leaning towards German made for my next car though.

[!Zar!]

That's the way.

Bmw should be at the top of your list.

[ByeByeSti]

s4's are where its at though your right, german engineering :) b5 and b6 s4's are amazing

[DreamN]

^ Definitely considering a B5 S4. Twin Turbo V6 is sex. Wouldn't buy a B6 or B7 S4, I wouldn't mind a B7 RS4 though :D

[titaniumbmx]

135i !.........
http://xs537.xs.to/xs537/09142/2901563962_7bde10cee8595.jpg
http://xs537.xs.to/xs537/09142/dsc03106321.jpg

[JRas]

s2000 ( predictable to me )

E36 M3 ( older than 2000+ )

edit: RX7 FD? ( again older than 2000+ )

[BustedS13]

i think i'd get a z4, honestly

[ESmorz]

If I didn't need the hatch space I would have purchased a Sky.

[slider2828]

FD, but not reliable.... So S2k.... personally, a lot more predictable than any S chassis.... Awesome car.... maybe except an S15....