[LSPowered]

The Vette is now gone. I'm going to look for the right 96-98 Cobra, decent LS1 F-Body or something else fun & sub $8k for a bit longer. In the meantime, I want to compile a list of other potential fun cars to buy around $15k or less. I prefer manual trans, but won't rule out auto. Would also like AWD, but I don't have to it.

Number one on my list is another Mazdaspeed6. Maybe a Speed3, but I don't think I'd be able to drop the coin on that when I can just wait for a Speed6 at the same price.

I've also added S197 Mustang GT, 05+ GTO, Legacy GT, 1st gen 300 SRT8, Marauder, Acura TL, E46 M3, Cobalt SS, SRT4 Neon, G35 sedan, WRX & Volvo S60R to the short list.

What cars am I forgetting? No Terminators. Not taking out a loan on a New Edge. I left C5Z off the list b/c that's not a winter driver.

[DSB335d]

I'd recommend the WRX I'm a little biased though. The interior isn't too bad but the stereo definitely needs upgraded, or a 350Z the interior is slightly better but in my opinion even Bose sucks in that car (i hate bose actually ive heard it means buy other sound equipment..)I have both of these and have racked up a ton of miles with very little maintenance on both and you could now find either one in your price range. '02 WRX w/ 125K+ , and an '05 350Z convertible 175K+

[LSPowered]

Originally Posted by DSB335d

I'd recommend the WRX I'm a little biased though. The interior isn't too bad but the stereo definitely needs upgraded, or a 350Z the interior is slightly better but in my opinion even Bose sucks in that car (i hate bose actually ive heard it means buy other sound equipment..)I have both of these and have racked up a ton of miles with very little maintenance on both and you could now find either one in your price range. '02 WRX w/ 125K+ , and an '05 350Z convertible 175K+

350Z would not be an option. I want more than 2 seats.

[1-2MANY]

Is300, Acura tsx/tl, or g35.

[Superfly_M3]

2002 Maxima stick. Great car, very reliable and has some pep. That car will run 14.5 all day - proven.

[b0bab0i]

EVO with SSL package, might be a bit more than 15k tho.

[TimZ]

vw golf mk4 r32 right around 15k and fun as hell with awd and comes in 6mt and sounds amazing

[LSPowered]

Originally Posted by b0bab0i

EVO with SSL package, might be a bit more than 15k tho.

No Mitsu for me, thanks.

[LSPowered]

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

2002 Maxima stick. Great car, very reliable and has some pep. That car will run 14.5 all day - proven.

Wrong wheel drive. If I'm doing something like that I may as well just get a TL. My buddy's has been great & I was actually set to buy one in 2007 before I ended up going MS6 instead.

[Petrosexual]

Lease-return vehicles in the 36-month old range are a good bet. Still have some factory warranty, depreciation works in your favor, usually dealer-serviced and generally not abused. Candiates ? VW Golf/ GTI, Cooper S, Audi A4, 328i, 128i.... craigslist has a good snapshot of what's out there

[tphss]

WRX would be my choice. Yes interior is junk, but seats are comfy, it's reliable (I had an STI), and stereo is easy to upgrade with aftermarket headunit/speakers unlike many other cars.

I'd check he Mazdaspeed6 as well.

[LSPowered]

Aside from the lack of torque, what about an S2000?

[stefan]

Surprised an E36 M3 isn't on here. $10,000 for a clean E36 plus $5K in maintenance = reliable DD that is also really fun to drive. Just don't slam it and it'll be perfectly usable as a daily.

[LSPowered]

Originally Posted by stefan

Surprised an E36 M3 isn't on here. $10,000 for a clean E36 plus $5K in maintenance = reliable DD that is also really fun to drive. Just don't slam it and it'll be perfectly usable as a daily.

I've only seen high mile ones go for that around here + I'm not buying something I have to dump $5k in maintenance into. I want reliable not money pit.

[b1aze]

I looked at the MS6s before i bought my STI and they were nice. Tough to find one for sure but not bad at all. The leather was medeocre and not much for the tuning crowd but unique cars none the less.

I vote for a 04-05 STI IMO. Probably beat to shit, but fun cars to DD.

[Silver-Bolt]

Subie. Even if it's beat they are easy to work on and parts are cheap.

[py0413]

Originally Posted by LSPowered

Aside from the lack of torque, what about an S2000?

it only has 2 seats and comes with a very small trunk?

[stefan]

Originally Posted by LSPowered

I've only seen high mile ones go for that around here + I'm not buying something I have to dump $5k in maintenance into. I want reliable not money pit.

Hmm.. suit yourself. I've dropped around $7K into maintenance over about 1 month. I know that seems like a lot, but it's been nothing but reliable for a year now. I guess it all depends on your risk tolerance. Did you end up picking something up?

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by stefan

Surprised an E36 M3 isn't on here. $10,000 for a clean E36 plus $5K in maintenance = reliable DD that is also really fun to drive. Just don't slam it and it'll be perfectly usable as a daily.

As someone who has been looking at e36
M3's for the past year, I can say that if you buy one for $10k it will need little possible no maintenance work. Below that line are the ones that need work cosmetically and mechanically or are salvage and above the line are garage queens. Maybe it differs state to state but there are more reasonable prices outside ca. Go with the e36 it'll be great

[JoosyJoos]

E46 ZHP. Those go for around 13-15k in good shape.

Although I second the E36 option... if you're willing to get your hands dirty.

[mbintx]

'04 Acura TSX.
Dont dismiss it until you drive one. It's a jewel. Dead reliable, too.

[NemesisX]

Originally Posted by mbintx

'04 Acura TSX.
Dont dismiss it until you drive one. It's a jewel. Dead reliable, too.

Wrong wheel drive = no thanks

If you want to go japanese that's fine but go with something like a G35 coupe.