What is a fun car for $4,000 or less. - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

*DSC* · 12-29-2002, 05:36 PM

FWD, RWD, AWD, whatever. Something fun for $4k or less.
Current options are s13 or an old miata. Both are fun and reliable cars. What are some other cars that are fun and reliable for under $4k? MAYBE a tiny bit over $4k...

Thx in advance...

camppain · 12-29-2002, 05:40 PM

b13 se-r

*ca18guy* · 12-29-2002, 05:55 PM

Any Z or ZX from 70'-89'
240SX
Older Toyota MR-2
Plymouth Voyager (take it racing, you know that would be fun on a road course and you can take 6 of your friends along too!)

BadMoJo · 12-29-2002, 06:12 PM

you looking for a new car? or just a second car?

-E- · 12-29-2002, 06:13 PM

early-mid 90's Subaru Impreza AWD

**West** · 12-29-2002, 06:37 PM

FC3S or 1g DSM

*ca18guy* · 12-29-2002, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BadMoJo
you looking for a new car? or just a second car?

Can you find him a new car for around $4,000?

S13Grl · 12-29-2002, 06:50 PM

Hey, I got a fun car under $4K to sell to you

. It's a '91 Nissan 240SX. Those are loads of fun! Underpowered RWD with the coolest chassis.

If you try really hard and dry your wallet out to the last drop, you can make them go really fast. Let me know!

P.S. It's a 155-horse, 160-lb/ft torque, RWD, 5-speed, multi-point fuel injection, 24V monster! around 2600lb of curb weight. Fun ****!

thelinja · 12-29-2002, 07:00 PM

Yeah, I'll side with West on this one, I'd take the RX7. My friend at school just got an '88 Turbo II for around $4K. That thing is hella fast.

*ca18guy* · 12-29-2002, 07:35 PM

I was gonna mention rx-7 or dsm, but for some reason a $4000 dsm or rx-7 doesn't sound reliable to me

Justin-ATL · 12-29-2002, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ca18guy
I was gonna mention rx-7 or dsm, but for some reason a $4000 dsm or rx-7 doesn't sound reliable to me

you can find FC's for 2-3k all day long here in GA.... but reliable, that's a different story. I will say they are extremely fun though.

xLSTONEx · 12-29-2002, 10:16 PM

A 85 corolla GT-S twin cam SR5 (Tureno). Believe me they are the best car you can get for under a 1000 bucks. And with that extra 3000 dollars you can get so much done to it. They are the best drifting cars you can get. And they are so much fun.

AKADriver · 12-30-2002, 12:14 AM

Haha, the last time I saw a drivable AE86 for sale under $2500 was about 3 years ago. Initial D related inflation ended that fun. BTW the SR5 was the crappy SOHC/carb model, don't buy an SR5 (unless you want to get laughed at Itsuki style).

How about a first gen Neon ACR? They're not the easiest to find, but worth it... how many cars come with adjustable Konis from the factory? The best bang for the buck in an FF car. ITR handling for Civic CX money.

HippoSleek · 12-30-2002, 08:29 AM

If you want a toy, don't build if you can help it!!!

Check out IT Classifieds and look at all the toys that are for sale. You can buy a non-competitive ITS car for $4K or a pack running ITA car. Complete. Cage. Seat. Everything to play. (street legal... well...).

If you are looking for a street car, the lure of the Honda is hard to refuse. But a 5th gen chassis (hatch) is hard to find for anything like a reasonable price anymore. I've heard of DX & CX's around these parts selling for $4K stock! FC3's are also reasonable (not reliable w/o some regular maintenance to a 'different' engine. I'm w/ Ryan on 86's - not only are they actually pieces of cheap crap, but they are now all over $2000! For that, I'd buy and s13. Another option would be an old VW - Sciorocco (sp) or GTi.

AKADriver · 12-30-2002, 08:44 AM

$4k will buy a nice Scirocco or GTI 16v. A lot of those you can find with a ton of nice mods already on them, too... wheels, exhaust, springs, sway bars, euro headlights... The 16v can be a bit finicky though, if you're willing to accept some slowness an 8v will take a lot more abuse and neglect.

I second the 4th gen Civic/CRX suggestion, they're a great deal. 5th gens are in demand and pricey... though I've noticed the 5th gen coupes are dirt cheap because the stunnaz want the hatchbacks now.

I also agree that a race car is best bought whole!

camppain · 12-30-2002, 01:43 PM

EHHHH HMMMM B13 SE-R

orrrrrrr n13 nx2000 aka the evil egg

HippoSleek · 12-30-2002, 03:19 PM

I like the b13 a lot. The chassis is a bit flexy, but for the money, they are awfully hard to beat.

I'm a huge fan of the NX2000. I wanted one so bad when I got my old Civic Si hatch, but couldn't find one. I really wanted an SE-R back then, but had to settle for the Honda. Now they are plentiful and cheap (okay the NX is hard as hell to find, but then even cooler! ).

For the money, I would take one of those over an similarly priced Honda - provided I didn't want to make it a race car. For that, they suck bonkey dolls in ITS.

onebadm5 · 12-30-2002, 03:23 PM

3k will buy a clean e30 318is, and you can spend the rest of the money on a chip, lightened flywheel, etc...

DamnedButDetermined · 12-30-2002, 04:37 PM

I would vote on...

Tied for 1st) NX2000 & Suzuki Swift turboed
2) B13 SE-R
3) CRX
4) early 90's impreza
5) 5th gen Hatch

DbD

AKADriver · 12-30-2002, 05:21 PM

The 318is you'd get for $4000 would be an E30 chassis model. Maintenance parts for it are not particularly expensive, except I remember the plug wires being really expensive for some reason. The other option in an E30 would be the 325es (stick to -s models if you want a fun E30, they have LSDs and other fun add ons) which is much cheaper to maintain. The 325e and es had an ultra low revving 2.7L inline six that makes mountains of torque but piddly horsepower... still lots of fun to drive though in -es trim.

The 318 you're thinking of is the 318ti which was an E36 chassis hatchback... interesting car, but underpowered and expensive... way over $4000.

If you're just buying an NX to swap, get an NX1600, much lighter. The NA SR20DE is great in that light little car. I'd take an NX2000 over a CRX for a street car... it's a bit bigger inside, a little quicker off the line thanks to the extra displacement, and it's 'different'.

*DSC* · 12-30-2002, 07:32 PM

Oh, hey thx for suggestions guys keep them commin.

I should have said in my original post, this is for a friend. Needs a daily driver. He's not a mech or a racer, wants a car to get him around that is fun and easy to look at...maybe an auto-x here and there.

And about the toy mark

spring 03 baby!

HippoSleek · 12-31-2002, 08:53 AM

Agreed the 318 is a bad choice (I even thought I posted on that?) It's under 140 hp, over 2800 lbs. and costs a mint to repair or upgrade! Worst choice of all.

For someone who's pretty new to the whole thing, doesn't know alot about turning wrenches, and needs a daily driver - I think my list would be:

1) s13 w/ mild mods
2) SER/NX2000 (no swap... 140 is sufficient for that car)
3) 5th Gen Civic EX
4) Scirocco/GTi 16v
5) EF (4th gen) Civic SI or CRX SI

Missing from my list: money bit Bimmers, overpriced hatchcraps, and Miatas - just b/c if you only have one car, it should NOT be a Miata (Miata would be #1 on my list b/c I don't need a DD).

toddnappi · 01-01-2003, 11:18 AM

I have an 88 N/A RX-7 for sale. Still on the semi-project side. But it's got new paint and a lot of new parts. I'm in NJ if anyone's interested. Looking for $2600.

*ca18guy* · 01-01-2003, 11:23 AM

You can get a 5.0 Mustang for under $4000

the head · 01-03-2003, 09:01 AM

when it comes to cheap fun cars the two favs I have had were
1985 chevy turbo sprint ($550.00) I went out gravel driving with it every day for 6 months before it finally was destroyed

S12 chassis CA18det powered 200sx ($425.00) off roading jumping dirt berms and cuasing general mayham used plasma torch and cut off roof had convertable until the sides began to cave in then sold it to a junkyard for $50.00

My new street racer (under construction) S13 sr20det bought the car for $195.00 and will have a decently fast car for under $3000.00 when finished

the reason I loved the top two so much is that they were odd and cheap if they got damaged I didn't care that is my recommendation peace

AKADriver · 01-03-2003, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the head
S12 chassis CA18det powered 200sx ($425.00) off roading jumping dirt berms and cuasing general mayham used plasma torch and cut off roof had convertable until the sides began to cave in then sold it to a junkyard for $50.00

CA18ET. SOHC. That sucks, those are great cars, no wonder I couldn't find one in decent shape

12-29-2002, 05:40 PM	#2
camppain Will never get banned... Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego CA Age: 41 Posts: 1,510 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	b13 se-r __________________ -=-99 Sentra SE 5 speed-=- -=-95 240 SE 5 speed-=-

12-29-2002, 06:12 PM	#4
BadMoJo Nissanaholic! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo, Ca Age: 39 Posts: 1,931 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	you looking for a new car? or just a second car? __________________ ----Gone----

12-29-2002, 06:37 PM	#6
West OMNOMNOMNOM Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Denver, CO Age: 40 Posts: 6,456 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: West Feedback Score: 0 reviews	FC3S or 1g DSM __________________ West - Zilvia.net - Toyobaru.net - NapkinSketch.com

12-30-2002, 08:29 AM	#14
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	whaddaya want it for? If you want a toy, don't build if you can help it!!! Check out IT Classifieds and look at all the toys that are for sale. You can buy a non-competitive ITS car for $4K or a pack running ITA car. Complete. Cage. Seat. Everything to play. (street legal... well...). If you are looking for a street car, the lure of the Honda is hard to refuse. But a 5th gen chassis (hatch) is hard to find for anything like a reasonable price anymore. I've heard of DX & CX's around these parts selling for $4K stock! FC3's are also reasonable (not reliable w/o some regular maintenance to a 'different' engine. I'm w/ Ryan on 86's - not only are they actually pieces of cheap crap, but they are now all over $2000! For that, I'd buy and s13. Another option would be an old VW - Sciorocco (sp) or GTi.

12-30-2002, 01:43 PM	#16
camppain Will never get banned... Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego CA Age: 41 Posts: 1,510 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	EHHHH HMMMM B13 SE-R orrrrrrr n13 nx2000 aka the evil egg __________________ -=-99 Sentra SE 5 speed-=- -=-95 240 SE 5 speed-=-

12-29-2002, 05:36 PM	#1
DSC New Title Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: VA Posts: 3,454 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What is a fun car for $4,000 or less. FWD, RWD, AWD, whatever. Something fun for $4k or less. Current options are s13 or an old miata. Both are fun and reliable cars. What are some other cars that are fun and reliable for under $4k? MAYBE a tiny bit over $4k... Thx in advance... __________________

12-29-2002, 05:55 PM	#3
ca18guy Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Clearwater FL Age: 39 Posts: 3,226 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ca18guy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Any Z or ZX from 70'-89' 240SX Older Toyota MR-2 Plymouth Voyager (take it racing, you know that would be fun on a road course and you can take 6 of your friends along too!)

12-29-2002, 06:13 PM	#5
-E- Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Florida, Americas Wang! Age: 39 Posts: 2,912 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	early-mid 90's Subaru Impreza AWD

12-29-2002, 06:50 PM	#8
S13Grl Married to the Mob Join Date: Dec 2000 Age: 40 Posts: 3,670 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hey, I got a fun car under $4K to sell to you . It's a '91 Nissan 240SX. Those are loads of fun! Underpowered RWD with the coolest chassis. If you try really hard and dry your wallet out to the last drop, you can make them go really fast. Let me know! P.S. It's a 155-horse, 160-lb/ft torque, RWD, 5-speed, multi-point fuel injection, 24V monster! around 2600lb of curb weight. Fun ****!

12-29-2002, 07:00 PM	#9
thelinja Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,466 Trader Rating: (3) Rides Gallery: thelinja Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Yeah, I'll side with West on this one, I'd take the RX7. My friend at school just got an '88 Turbo II for around $4K. That thing is hella fast.

12-29-2002, 07:35 PM	#10
ca18guy Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Clearwater FL Age: 39 Posts: 3,226 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ca18guy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I was gonna mention rx-7 or dsm, but for some reason a $4000 dsm or rx-7 doesn't sound reliable to me

12-29-2002, 10:16 PM	#12
xLSTONEx BANNED Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Kennesaw, GA Age: 35 Posts: 390 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A 85 corolla GT-S twin cam SR5 (Tureno). Believe me they are the best car you can get for under a 1000 bucks. And with that extra 3000 dollars you can get so much done to it. They are the best drifting cars you can get. And they are so much fun.

12-30-2002, 12:14 AM	#13
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 39 Posts: 3,112 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Haha, the last time I saw a drivable AE86 for sale under $2500 was about 3 years ago. Initial D related inflation ended that fun. BTW the SR5 was the crappy SOHC/carb model, don't buy an SR5 (unless you want to get laughed at Itsuki style). How about a first gen Neon ACR? They're not the easiest to find, but worth it... how many cars come with adjustable Konis from the factory? The best bang for the buck in an FF car. ITR handling for Civic CX money.

12-30-2002, 08:44 AM	#15
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 39 Posts: 3,112 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	$4k will buy a nice Scirocco or GTI 16v. A lot of those you can find with a ton of nice mods already on them, too... wheels, exhaust, springs, sway bars, euro headlights... The 16v can be a bit finicky though, if you're willing to accept some slowness an 8v will take a lot more abuse and neglect. I second the 4th gen Civic/CRX suggestion, they're a great deal. 5th gens are in demand and pricey... though I've noticed the 5th gen coupes are dirt cheap because the stunnaz want the hatchbacks now. I also agree that a race car is best bought whole!

12-30-2002, 03:19 PM	#17
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah those too. I like the b13 a lot. The chassis is a bit flexy, but for the money, they are awfully hard to beat. I'm a huge fan of the NX2000. I wanted one so bad when I got my old Civic Si hatch, but couldn't find one. I really wanted an SE-R back then, but had to settle for the Honda. Now they are plentiful and cheap (okay the NX is hard as hell to find, but then even cooler! ). For the money, I would take one of those over an similarly priced Honda - provided I didn't want to make it a race car. For that, they suck bonkey dolls in ITS.

12-30-2002, 03:23 PM	#18
onebadm5 BANNED Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 678 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	3k will buy a clean e30 318is, and you can spend the rest of the money on a chip, lightened flywheel, etc...

12-30-2002, 04:37 PM	#19
DamnedButDetermined Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Jax, Fl Age: 39 Posts: 637 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I would vote on... Tied for 1st) NX2000 & Suzuki Swift turboed 2) B13 SE-R 3) CRX 4) early 90's impreza 5) 5th gen Hatch DbD

12-30-2002, 05:21 PM	#20
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 39 Posts: 3,112 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The 318is you'd get for $4000 would be an E30 chassis model. Maintenance parts for it are not particularly expensive, except I remember the plug wires being really expensive for some reason. The other option in an E30 would be the 325es (stick to -s models if you want a fun E30, they have LSDs and other fun add ons) which is much cheaper to maintain. The 325e and es had an ultra low revving 2.7L inline six that makes mountains of torque but piddly horsepower... still lots of fun to drive though in -es trim. The 318 you're thinking of is the 318ti which was an E36 chassis hatchback... interesting car, but underpowered and expensive... way over $4000. If you're just buying an NX to swap, get an NX1600, much lighter. The NA SR20DE is great in that light little car. I'd take an NX2000 over a CRX for a street car... it's a bit bigger inside, a little quicker off the line thanks to the extra displacement, and it's 'different'.

12-30-2002, 07:32 PM	#21
DSC New Title Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: VA Posts: 3,454 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Oh, hey thx for suggestions guys keep them commin. I should have said in my original post, this is for a friend. Needs a daily driver. He's not a mech or a racer, wants a car to get him around that is fun and easy to look at...maybe an auto-x here and there. And about the toy mark spring 03 baby! __________________

12-31-2002, 08:53 AM	#22
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Agreed the 318 is a bad choice (I even thought I posted on that?) It's under 140 hp, over 2800 lbs. and costs a mint to repair or upgrade! Worst choice of all. For someone who's pretty new to the whole thing, doesn't know alot about turning wrenches, and needs a daily driver - I think my list would be: 1) s13 w/ mild mods 2) SER/NX2000 (no swap... 140 is sufficient for that car) 3) 5th Gen Civic EX 4) Scirocco/GTi 16v 5) EF (4th gen) Civic SI or CRX SI Missing from my list: money bit Bimmers, overpriced hatchcraps, and Miatas - just b/c if you only have one car, it should NOT be a Miata (Miata would be #1 on my list b/c I don't need a DD).

01-01-2003, 11:18 AM	#23
toddnappi Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: NJ Age: 36 Posts: 439 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have an 88 N/A RX-7 for sale. Still on the semi-project side. But it's got new paint and a lot of new parts. I'm in NJ if anyone's interested. Looking for $2600.

01-01-2003, 11:23 AM	#24
ca18guy Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Clearwater FL Age: 39 Posts: 3,226 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ca18guy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You can get a 5.0 Mustang for under $4000

01-03-2003, 09:01 AM	#25
the head Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: in a dark room mastering the art of typing with one hand Posts: 2,164 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	when it comes to cheap fun cars the two favs I have had were 1985 chevy turbo sprint ($550.00) I went out gravel driving with it every day for 6 months before it finally was destroyed S12 chassis CA18det powered 200sx ($425.00) off roading jumping dirt berms and cuasing general mayham used plasma torch and cut off roof had convertable until the sides began to cave in then sold it to a junkyard for $50.00 My new street racer (under construction) S13 sr20det bought the car for $195.00 and will have a decently fast car for under $3000.00 when finished the reason I loved the top two so much is that they were odd and cheap if they got damaged I didn't care that is my recommendation peace

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