Alright, so I've saved for ages and have gone back and forth on what car I want. Obviously, the 8 is first on my list (and has been for ages) but I would like to explore my other options. I really want a sporty, good looking car with room for 4. That's why the 8 tops my list, but I'm willing to compromise for better looking/faster cars. Fuel economy isn't that important to me, but handling is.

I have looked at the following used cars, all of which with 15K cap, with 3K saved for possible problems:

pre-2004 G35c
pre 1992 Lotus Esprit
pre 2001 Mustang Cobra
pre-2004 350z
pre-2000 Corvette
early Porsche Boxter models, but that may be stretching it (plus the egg lights are ugly)
3000GT VR-4 (I would love the convertible model, but they only made like 500 of them and as a result, they get expensive...)
and some others.

Are there any suggestions? I really don't like the ricer look of the WRX, nor do I like the Evos (although the Evo X looks pretty sweet!).

I'm not looking to get flamed, but I just want to let it be known that I am going to be 19 very soon and have worked 5 years, saving every penny for this car. I just really don't want to make a mistake and get a car I would regret... So, what's the verdict?

Oh, and I am adamantly against BMW's, so no older M3s for me...

Thanks guys!

 

the verdict is you must drive all the cars you are considering and go from there. Go with the one you like the most from first hand expirience, not by what they are on paper.

 

I agree completely! But what's wrong with an RX8? Why look at other cars? Or are you jsut after a comparison?

 

you come to this forum and ask us what car you should get with a list of cars that in which includes an rx8. why would we tell you to not get the rx8?

 

I like the porsche Caymann.

 

consumer reports is you friend..

4.95 for a month.. that will help with the repair issue.. and that will cover it..

beers

 

You know, a lot of those cars you mentioned doesn't fit four people. Only the G35 coupe, the Mustang, and the 3000gt fits four and I can tell you by experience that neither of those cars wouldn't fit four adults. Why don't you just go for a used 8? The only thing that is even close to the money you're asking for with four seats new are Scion Tc, RSX, Tiburon, or the Civic.

Although for about a grand more,you can pick up a used 05 Pontiac GTO and smoke em' all. You know what? Go for the GTO!!

 

Those cas for 15k... are gonna be super old and high mileage and probably have reliability issues. This isn't even my bias here, but you're gonna be able to get a much lower mileage 8 for the same cost as all of those.

I guarantee you will not find a G35 with under 100k miles for that price.

 

^^ +1

Expect some large maintenance costs.

 

i wouldnt even think about a esprit considering you only have 18k, it dosnt sound like you realize the maintenance cost of a car like that.

you wont fine a good low mileage g35c, id go with the 8

otherwise good luck!

 

yea thats what i was about to say. expect to pay prolly 10-20 in the first year on that lotus. heck i think my rx8 costs more than 3k a year in maintenance and i bought that new

 

Alright, so this car will only be driven 8000 miles a year, if that. It's a car that I would use to drive around and have fun with, not to use as a daily driver to and from work/school/whatever. I really want functional back seats, but its hard to find that paired with looks and performance. The RX-8 is the fairest compromise, and that's why it tops my list. I just want to make the right decision as a lot of my sweat and blood is going into this car. I don't really care about the mileage, although I do care about reliability. This car isn't the only car I have available to me, so if I need to take a long trip, I don't need to take it. However, even so, I would prefer the car to be reliable enough to drive 1000 miles in a week if the need arises.

You guys are right about the Lotus. It's a pipe dream...

As for maint. cost, I am leaving the 3K on the side just in case. It should be able to bail me out of almost anything that insurance won't cover, don't you think?

I'm also not looking for a new car. I don't need 0 miles on the odometer to feel happy. I just want a used car in good condition. I'll save money and/or get a better car...

As for the GTO, I like the car, and I'll add that to my list as well... Are there any other suggestions?

Thanks guys!

 

Because the 8 isn't the best sports car out there, but it is the best in the 26K region, at least in my opinion.

 

Are you looking to pay 15K and that's it or are you looking to put 15K down and finance the rest? If it's the later of the two how much can you afford a month in insurance and car payment?

 

get the yugo!

 

I looked at '04 Cobras.

I'm 6' tall and the rear window in the back seats is at such an angle that I'd only be able to sit back there if I was 5'6".

I'd cross that off your list.

350Z - only has 2 seats, therefore it doesn't fulfill your requirements, scratch that.

G35 - I owned a sedan. You won't find one in 6MT at that price (coupe or sedan), you wont find one in warranty, so scratch that.

The Lotus is a pipe dream. It would take me 6 months to find one that's not a piece of crap from misuse or non-maintenance. Even then, it wouldn't be in your price range.

I own a Boxster S, but you'd be looking at 1997 Boxsters with your price range. That's 2 seats, too, so that's out. Although it will run with the 8 on a track, the ***** for a fun-to-drive-car are kind of lacking in the non-S version.

Corvette - not enough seats, made of fiberglass - keep looking.

3000GTVR4 - Hell of a car, but not a lot of them on the road and they're really expensive to repair, and REALLY prone to problems. My friend just sold his 99' 3kgt because it was so problem-prone. Just go to 3si or any other mitsu forum. If you were going to go with a Mitsubishi, I'd say go with a GSX with a 6bolt, to avoid crankwalk. AWD Turbo, just like the VR4.

The base WRX is a piece of crap compared to the RX-8 (whether that be build quality, reliability, cost of repairs, or econoshitbox aesthetics). I almost bought an STi, though, as that's a whole different beast. Unfortunately I still couldn't get over the aesthetics.

 

If good handling is important to you, why did you consider the Mustang Cobra and the 3000GT?

 

Newer E46/E92 M3 then......

$15K for a car? Miata. Why would you need back seat with a fun/weekend car?

 

Put 18k down on a 911 Turbo and finance the rest

Just kidding, you can do a 50-60k miles G35c or a 03/04 350z with moderate miles. RX8 is also the other option and fun an hell. All options are great. Its up to you and what you want. Drive all the cars and see what fits you and your needs the best...

 

If you can get a g35 coupe for 18k that would be my first choice, 2nd would be a rsx-s, 3rd would be rx-8.

Would not really consider anything else, especially the cars you have listed, maybe a celica gt-s but 4 people in that is difficult.

 

The G35 and the RX8 are the only two that meet your criteria. find examples of both in the price range you are looking for and go test drive them. See which one you like and then purchase.

Next question.

 

ANY Cheap car . . . . . . . . . . $2000
Rebuild engine . . . . . . . . . . .$3000
Bunch of new stuff . . . . . . . .$5000
paint job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3000
Driving lessons . . . . . . . . . . $5000

 

2001 Mustang is nice.

Depends upon how you drive and what you do.

By the way should I buy Kaki slacks or Blue ones.


I just can't choose.

 

If You Live Close To Miami And Like Mustangs I Can Get You In A Cobra For Less Than 10k- Not 100% Legal But Well Work Something Out

 

My dad bought a low miles 1998 Boxster for $12,000.

eBay my friend.