Sweet cars around 25K

[mdurbahn]

I am thinking of getting a car, max price 25k(less is better). Here is my list of cars I am thinking of so far.
01,02 BMW-M3
S2k
02-03 CLK 430
01-02 Z06
late 80's 911
91 nsx
cobra kit car

Any other ones I am missing I should be checking out?

[sonofmayhem]

I like the wrx sti and lancer evo, I saw one the other day go for 18k at a dealer here. I would look into a really nice camaro too, maybe spend 15k on a really nice one with the v8.

And I am lovin' the style of the acura type TL type s, like 286 hp. New they are like 33k, but doesnt seem like you are looking for a new one anyways.

[Jeffro600]

Two friends i know just bought a newer S2000 and a 01 Z06. Both were approximatly in the 22000 range.

In terms of a fun to drive, the Z06 takes the cake hands down, no contest. Step on the pedal in any gear and it goes in quite a hurry. The S2000 you gotta drop it down into a low enough gear to get the peaky motor within its range of power to make it go anywhere. And even then, it still cant match the torque and raw power that the V-8 make. A turbo on the S2000 would make it much more of a contestant IMO. The Z06 even rides nicer too. The S2000 is stiff and rides similar to a forklift although i think the S2000 would be much more fun to toss around in the sharp canyon corners where as the corvette seems like it would be a bit more of a handful.

For a weekend cruiser or fun car, id take the Z06 out of all you have on that list. For a DD, comfort oritented ride, probably one of the BMW's.

[Jake_Blues]

You can get a much newer Nissan 350Z for less than 25K, if you want something that still has a factory warranty, etc. You could probably get a 2006 Z in the 23-24 range.

-E

[ColoradoXJ]

I like the wrx sti and lancer evo, I saw one the other day go for 18k at a dealer here. I would look into a really nice camaro too, maybe spend 15k on a really nice one with the v8.

And I am lovin' the style of the acura type TL type s, like 286 hp. New they are like 33k, but doesnt seem like you are looking for a new one anyways.

x2 on the wrx. good mileage and supa-fast :D

[philip_g]

There are some bargains out there on GTO's too.
Heck I've been trying to sell mine with a supercharger on it for awhile with no bites.

Tough to beat a 400hp v8 for 23k.

[philip_g]

Get an S4 - get a 2001-2002 bi turbo (ESP - traction control) with a full Stage 3 KO4s turbos (450hp, 500lb torque) - you can find these for 20-25k = DO IT!

you could probably find a 2003 for less than 30 with the V8 and have a lot fewer MX headaches.

[scottycards]

If you're looking to spend no more than 25K, I'm going to guess that you're on somewhat of a budget.
I have no idea how much of a wrench you are, but I owned a German car, and I could change the oil and do some basic maintenance, but suffice it to say the cars are fairly hard to work on. And paying someone to work on them is expensive.
For this reason- if you want something fast and that handles well, and gets decent highway mileage, the Z06 wins.
You can dump a ton of cash into high-tech turbos, etc, and they MIGHT run with the Z06, if they're lucky. 405 horse V8 power = fun to drive.

I owned a Superformance AC Cobra kit. It was really fun. I raced it a lot, it was very easy to work on, etc. But it was only good for sunny, warm days. If you want any info about Cobra kits, PM me. I did about a year of research before deciding to go with the Superformance. There is some real junk out there, so be careful.

I know a lot of people like the 4 cylinder jap thing, but I just can't get into it. Different strokes for different folks- nothing wrong with them, just not my cup of tea, or miso, or egg drop, etc........

Good luck! Have fun!

[philip_g]

I owned a Superformance AC Cobra kit. It was really fun. I raced it a lot, it was very easy to work on, etc. But it was only good for sunny, warm days. If you want any info about Cobra kits, PM me. I did about a year of research before deciding to go with the Superformance. There is some real junk out there, so be careful.



I'd like to sell the GTO, mine is running about 480 at the rears, for a cobra kit actually. But man are they proud of the superformance cars.
They must be worth it, people that own them seem to love em.

[scottycards]

I'd like to sell the GTO, mine is running about 480 at the rears, for a cobra kit actually. But man are they proud of the superformance cars.
They must be worth it, people that own them seem to love em.

Hands down the best one out there, with the exception of the Shelby kit, which is even more- like double......

Factory Five is probably the #3- they seem to be pretty decent.

I owned SP #326- had it for about 4 years. Black, no stripe, black pipes. Ran 17" wheels, and a 351W. It was really fun. Sold it for about 5K less than I paid. Hell of a deal. Re-sale on those cars is excellent.

[philip_g]

Factory Five is probably the #3- they seem to be pretty decent.



I had wondered about the F5 cars, they seem reasonable if they're worth a damn.

My boss was looking at a SP car, he test drove one at the dealer there in castle rock that I think was about 70k complete, with a rousch something or other motor. He couldn't bring himself to sell his porsche to buy it. :rolleyes:

[sonofmayhem]

what the fawk are you all talking aboot?:D

[mdurbahn]

I had a WRX a year back for awhile. It was pretty fun but not as fast as I would have hoped. Now I see the prices really have come down on them though...one of the main reasons I like the idea of getting a cobra because they don't really depreciate like the rest of the cars on my list.

[jnschwie]

Talk to Mack about his S60R. He may give you a steal on it.

[Mack]

Shoot me a PM.

[scottycards]

I had a WRX a year back for awhile. It was pretty fun but not as fast as I would have hoped. Now I see the prices really have come down on them though...one of the main reasons I like the idea of getting a cobra because they don't really depreciate like the rest of the cars on my list.

Notes on the Cobra-
1. The pedals are offset- it is uncomfortable to drive for more than about 3 hours, and will cause back pain. I drove mine from So Cal to Denver twice, and although it was awesome, my back hurt for a week each time.
2. Rain- don't let anyone tell you that the soft top is worth a dime. It will leak around the door sils and through the door seams near the winshield.
3. The heater doesn't work- at all.
4. If you're much over 6 foot, the car probably won't work for you. I'm 6 foot, and I fit, but at 6'2", it would be a no-go.

Other than those minor items- you will never be behind the wheel of anything that is as much fun. Huge power, huge oversteer, loud side pipes, ........and people will constantly come up to you complimenting your car, and asking questions about it. You will get a lot of "thumbs up". Don't even get me going about how single women respond to them- I could tell you a few stories.........:eek:

[philip_g]

Talk to Mack about his S60R. He may give you a steal on it.

those are beautiful.

[philip_g]

Notes on the Cobra-
1. The pedals are offset- it is uncomfortable to drive for more than about 3 hours, and will cause back pain. I drove mine from So Cal to Denver twice, and although it was awesome, my back hurt for a week each time.
2. Rain- don't let anyone tell you that the soft top is worth a dime. It will leak around the door sils and through the door seams near the winshield.
3. The heater doesn't work- at all.
4. If you're much over 6 foot, the car probably won't work for you. I'm 6 foot, and I fit, but at 6'2", it would be a no-go.

Other than those minor items- you will never be behind the wheel of anything that is as much fun. Huge power, huge oversteer, loud side pipes, ........and people will constantly come up to you complimenting your car, and asking questions about it. You will get a lot of "thumbs up". Don't even get me going about how single women respond to them- I could tell you a few stories.........:eek:


Man I want one :(

I'm about 6'2.5 or so, but the guy that has dynod my GTO (lou's cars) does the local cobra club every year and said one was just a bit bigger and thought it would fit me, now I can't for the life of me remember who the kit was.

[scottycards]

Get one.

I seem to recall after I sold mine that SP changed theirs to accomodate larger persons.

I used to be on the SCOF (superformance cobra owners forum)- it's a password deal, owners only, but I think you might be able to get into the public part of the site.

poke around here a bit and see if you come up with anything. You can buy a SP Cobra for under 40K if you look hard.......

http://performanceunlimited.com/scof/

[philip_g]

Bah I'd want to build one if I did that, and I can't justify a 40k garage queen :(

[Jake_Blues]

If I was spending that sort of money, I'd probably get an Ariel Atom-

http://www.arielatom.com/images/StaticContent/front%203q%20grey%20streaks_s.jpg (http://www.arielatom.com)

-E

[crow223]

I bought my wife an 06 mustang gt. Black on black with a 5 speed and a punchy 300hp v8. FUN car. It was right around 25k.

[sonofmayhem]

If I was spending that sort of money, I'd probably get an Ariel Atom-

http://www.arielatom.com/images/StaticContent/front%203q%20grey%20streaks_s.jpg (http://www.arielatom.com)

-E

2nd time in a week ive seen this... I saw a fellow on pirate that was selling his rig for one, but had a viper in his garage:rolleyes: fawking rich people:D

[Ghettojeep]

Shoot me a PM.

Thinking of getting rid of it already? We still haven't raced for a Benjamin yet. If you want we you can just give me the hundo and we can skip the whole thing. :flipoff2:

[Brutus]

Z06 is a corvette right? GOOD FRIGGIN' luck picking up a ZO6 for under $25K! KBB is one thing but ACTUALLY finding one for under 25K is gonna be tough.

WRX STi all the way.

[scottycards]

Hit corvetteforum.com and you can find Z06's for 25K. You're probably looking 2001 or earlier.

[CUBoulder96XJ]

2003 Cobra! decently cheap now, and extremely fast (11's with minor boltons) plus easy to work on. i'm owning this car sometime in my life :beer:

[lilgreenjeepyj]

Id personally be hunting down an R32... But I love dubs... :)

Otherwise, it would be an Audi or WRX wagon...

[crackhead]

My bro-in-law just picked up an 05 Mustang GT w/ an intercooled Vortech for 22K.. Ebay baby, yeah...

[meatblanket]

How about an Austin Mini with a Honda v-tec drivetrain?
http://www.superfastminis.com/

[mattscout]

Boy, what I could do to my Scout for 25k! I have either ridden or driven several high performance cars and they are my hobby although I can't afford one now. The Superformance cars are the best ones available for that type of car. Very well designed and are as fast as anything out there. Carroll Shelby is in a partnership with Superformance and speaks very highly of their cars so that is good enough for me. I would get their Cobra Daytona coupe with a Roush engine and all the comfort items like A/C Tilt, etc. Go fast and be comfortable. Corvettes are the best bang for the buck and you can get stock to modified for about 15-25k. Depends if you want a Cop Magnet. My boss has an Audi A4 ultra sport 1.8t. He has done a lot of bolt on performance enhancers ie. big turbo, brakes,suspension,tires,intercoolers, etc. It is one of the fastest cars I have ridden in and it looks like any other A4 with a nice set of wheels but is faster than the V8 Audi's and get 30+ mpg on the highway and is reliable enough to drive anywhere. He drives it to SLC,Texas wherever he needs to go and it is so stealth it isn't funny. Cops don't give it a second look. The EVO/WRX type cars have huge potential. The Suby can get 500hp pretty easily but it doesn't come cheap and with all the wings-n-things hanging off them they attract too much attention and are pretty stiff and small. Depends on what you are trying to achieve. IMHO the Audi is the best all arounder. The Corvette is the best builder and the EVO/WRX are the best arrest me nows. M3's have a lot of potential and are really well rounded cars but are rwd and can be a handful on the track. If you go for the A4 make SURE it is a Turbo car as the V6 doesn't have many upgrades and is a little anemic in factory trim. Or you can "invest" your 25K in my Scout! I will even send you pictures of your "investment" on occasion and you won't have any of the headaches of maintenance or upkeep.What a DEAL!:-) Anyway have fun shopping and happy motoring.

[sport69]

03 cobra might be a stretch as many are still bringing 25k and up. It can be done but it may take some looking around.

or you could probably swing a higher mileage '01 Z06 right around 25k if your willing to go to other markets. Local will be a tough find in that price range.

A regular C5 vette would probably meet your "max price 25k(less is better)" criteria a little better.

Volvo S60R is a sweet ride and definitely in your price range.

BMW M3's also a big thumbs up.

Any thought to a Ford Lightning?

Good luck with your search.

[Ghettojeep]

My answer to this very question about a year ago...

http://a858.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/l_5612e8373a11cd9e3d7060586febecf1.jpg

If you want the fastest thing out there to start, it's an Evo hands down. I chose the STi b/c I wanted a warranty (mine was certified used ), and a more daily driver oriented car.

There are a ton of choices out there, living here in CO I would chose an awd turbo. Pick your flavor, subi, audi, or other. It just depends what you want.

If you want a ride, let me know. We'll blast mine up Boulder Canyon.

[_CJ]

I'll build you a Fox platform Mustang that'll crush anything on the list for less than $15,000.00.

[Jake_Blues]

I'll build you a Fox platform Mustang that'll crush anything on the list for less than $15,000.00.

As long as it doesn't have to turn :D

-E

[J Kimmel]

I'll build you a Fox platform Mustang that'll crush anything on the list for less than $15,000.00.

ya but what if a girl drives it?

[JKTODD]

ya but what if a girl drives it?

:spit:

Good one!
See other thread for explanation!!!

[Mcstiff]

I'll build you a Fox platform Mustang that'll crush anything on the list for less than $15,000.00.

I could say the same about a 1990 Audi 90 and you could drive it in the snow

[_CJ]

I could say the same about a 1990 Audi 90 and you could drive it in the snow

Yeah, but it'd still be a 1990 Audi..... :barf: And I'm pretty sure most people on this site have a real 4x4 to drive in the snow.

[snagnbass]

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec

[snagnbass]

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec!!

[scottycards]

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec!!

:loser: :barf:

[Jake_Blues]

Honda Prelude 2.2 Vtec!!

He said 25 THOUSAND, not 25 DOLLARS.

-E

[Mcstiff]

Yeah, but it'd still be a 1990 Audi..... :barf: And I'm pretty sure most people on this site have a real 4x4 to drive in the snow.

"I hope that I will soon forget the Audi Quattro. Until I do, I shall continue to worship that bitch goddess Success at the expense of friends, family, honesty and decency - anything to be in a position to have one. The Quattro is evil, an insidious witch in the guise of state-of-the-art engineering, a circe who commands your obedience every waking moment and a succubus who haunts every dream. She's the seductress who recreates That First Time all over again, who snips all your tethers to innocence and changes your life forever." - Four Wheeler Magazine, August 1982

[REDLYNER]

$25k will get you into a Z06. Probably not an '02 or newer though. Which limits you to an '01 since that was the first year. The issue is you are buying into the bottom of the bucket at that price. It will be hard to find a low milage one (although there are always deals to be had).

I have been fortunate enough to drive several exotics and favor the Z06 the most. Just my personal taste though. I owned a modded out 350Z that was a blast to drive, but doesn't have near the power of the the Z06. I would test drive an 01/02 C5. You might really enjoy it and be able to throw some mod money at it also. Are they the end all of cars? No. But bang-for-the-buck, they are nearly impossible to beat. Probably why I think so highly of them.

My dad has an S2k, which is a track monster, but isn't going to pin your head back. A boxter will be very similar to the 350 and the S2k. Same as the Z3 M roadster. All fun and in your price range, but all kind of small and toyish.

Something you may really want to consider is a Supra turbo. Those things can be made into monsters without a lot invested and can be had for what you are willing to spend.

Where are you in CO? I have an '01 Z with ~450hp that you could try out. I might be interested in selling also -close to your price range(+/- $2,500).

Cammed, Headers, HF Cats, CAI, UD Pulley, Lowered, Tinted, 36,000miles, etc.

PM me if interested.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/915981/Zpics1.JPG

[mdurbahn]

sick vette! Well while I have been checking out cars on my list the past month I ran into a Porsche 930 turbo. Pretty sick little car, anyone have any experience with these?

[cheftyler]

My dad had a NA 930, and a friend of his had the turbo. Both of them were just awesome cars, very few maintenance issues and just fun.