Considerations for my next car.

[dre1507]

So the Lexus crashed, and I am in the process of getting it fixed. The dilemma here is that I'm bored with it. Particularly due to the automatic. I don't mind it being heavy, under-powered, and no too aesthetically wowing. I just can't stand the automatic transmission, which i place most of the blame on for crashing. Not to mention it sucked where fuel economy is concerned.

The RSX was better on fuel economy, and it was a fun car to drive. It was a full 1000 pounds lighter than the Lexus, better looking IMO, and had better power-weight ratio. However, I'm on an hiatus from fwd cars, and not really interested in AWD (aside from B5 Audi S4) cars. So this is where I need some suggestions.

Criteria: rwd, manual transmission, reliability, somewhat usable backseat, under $5000.

I would really appreciate suggestions based on personal experience and/or credible information. I already considered 240sx's, but not sure I want to pay for drift tax.

Only ones that keep popping in my head are late 90's 540i, and 2000-2003 325i.

Cliffs: Need rwd, manual transmission suggestions with at least slightly usable rear seat, under $5000.

[Bubba1]

So the Lexus crashed, and I am in the process of getting it fixed. The dilemma here is that I'm bored with it. Particularly due to the automatic. I don't mind it being heavy, under-powered, and no too aesthetically wowing. I just can't stand the automatic transmission, which i place most of the blame on for crashing. Not to mention it sucked where fuel economy is concerned.

The RSX was better on fuel economy, and it was a fun car to drive. It was a full 1000 pounds lighter than the Lexus, better looking IMO, and had better power-weight ratio. However, I'm on an hiatus from fwd cars, and not really interested in AWD (aside from B5 Audi S4) cars. So this is where I need some suggestions.

Criteria: rwd, manual transmission, reliability, somewhat usable backseat, under $5000.

I would really appreciate suggestions based on personal experience and/or credible information. I already considered 240sx's, but not sure I want to pay for drift tax.

Only ones that keep popping in my head are late 90's 540i, and 2000-2003 325i.

Cliffs: Need rwd, manual transmission suggestions with at least slightly usable rear seat, under $5000.

Well, RWD, a manual transmission and a back seat kinda limits your options.

I think the best choice is by far an early Infiniti G35. They might be a tad over $5K, but they fit every requirement you have.

I think the BMW 3 series is a safer choice than an older 540i. The old Bimmers are fairly reliable but they can be frightfully expensive to repair. I know WDRacing owns a 5 series and likes his, but he's handy with a wrench which helps keeps his costs reasonable.


Fox body Mustangs and previous gen Camaros are certainly options, but they were not particularly well made back then compared to the Japanese cars, and their back seats sucked.


Lexus SC300/400, GS300/400. luxury cruisers, and some came with a third pedal but they can still be had pretty cheaply now.

Another one that comes to mind is an older Cadillac CTS (early ones were not great but they kinda fit your requirements). Average reliability but a real back seat. Though might be tough finding a manual transmission.

Another thought is a LexusIS300. It think they came with an optional manual.


I would advise staying away from Mercedes. They really are frightfully expensive to repair.

[elwesso]

I think if you were going to look at the 90's 5 series, I'd stay away from the V8's and stick with a 6 cylinder. A bit less HP, but they're pretty bulletproof. The V8 has it's share of issues especially in the earlier years, but the 6 cylinder is basically the same engine they've been using since the 80s.

You can also get the E36 M3 in a sedan, that would be a lot of fun.

I think the GS300 would be a good choice too. My uncle has a GS300 automatic, and it's adequately powered so with a manual trans would be nice. 2JZ power!!

I think overall the best choice like Joel said was the G35. They meet about every criteria you list, although you might be looking more at 6k. A guy at work just picked up an 03 for like $5500 in pretty good shape, automatic though.

[frapjap]

Since speed isn't high on your priority list, a V6 sports car isn't too bad of an option.

Its likely that you can pick up a V8 equipped SN-95 Mustang (1994-1998) for about 5k.


You could most certainly get an Edge style Mustang (1999-2004) with a V6 for about 5k.


The later style Edge V6 is the same engine as the previous SN95 style, but has more power and is better designed.

Bubba is right about Camaros. Also look for Firebirds or Trans Ams.
There are 2 styles in the 4th generation. 1993-1997 (LT1 equipped if V8)


and 1998-2002 (LS1 equipped if V8).


The dead nuts reliable GM 3.8l was intro'd in 1995 for both the Firebird and the Camaro. Avoid the 3.4 V6 in 93-94 cars.

In either case, the Chevy V6 and V8 are superior to the Ford V6 or V8 of the time in power and fuel economy. Both are widely available with a manual transmission and T Tops (if you like 'em).
A great condition, sub 2000 3.8l V6 RS Camaro won't cost you more than 5k.
A decent condition LT1 car will probably cost about 5k.
A higher mileage (about 100k) LS1 car will be just over 5k.

The Camaro and Firebird & Trans Am handle leaps and bounds better than the same generation Mustang.

[dre1507]

Thanks for all the really good suggestions guys.

Bubba: My current car is an IS300, but finding one manual is more expensive than easy. If the 6 speed G was in my budget range, I don't think this thread would exist. I've driven a bunch of 3 series manual at my job, and I really like the mushy but buttery feel of the shifter and the clutch pedal feel is great.

Wes: Thanks for the heads up on 90's v8 5 series. I really need a car that I don't have to work on until I can invest in a proper tool box. Also why a GS with manual swap is not as appealing right now as cool as it would be. Looking into M3 sedans, though.

Ray: Saw an edgy mustang tonight, and boy did it look amazing. And that beige 'maro looks nice.

[NolimitZ32]

Have you given though to a truck or SUV? Though not very fuel efficient, pretty much any good old (dead nuts reliable) Nissan or Toyota can be had for $5k easy. Just a though. And if you get one big enough you get the benefit of being able to run over ricers MUAHAHAHHA

[Jesda]

BMW E46 sedans are out there for cheap but 5 grand won't get you a 330i.
The later F-bodies are surprisingly well-built cars.

G35 seems like the best of everything.

[Looneybomber]

Looking into M3 sedans, though.

You did say you wanted to stay under 5k and be reliable right? Not a great chance of finding an M3 that fits

[nissangirl74]

G35's - looks like you're closer to $6K and that's with a lot of miles http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... true&Log=0

Trucks - lot more options

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... mileageASC

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Don't be scared of a 540i V8 (E34) at all.

If you want to be safe, get one with an ausil block. They run basically forvever just like any other BMW engine. With better mpg than a 535 and usually better taken care of (they're newer) they're a decent value if you do your own work. Mine had the nikasil with 159K and pulling like a champ. If you don't have problems ~100k, it usually won't ever happen.

The only thing that gets pricey is the clutch for the 6-speed manual. Other than that, a fantastic car that is still relatively cheap. 300hp and ~300 lb ft is two tons of fun, literally.

[dre1507]

Nolimit: while i have warmed up to trucks, I'd still prefer them primarily for work. Though I do like the few boosted pickups running around terrorizing the streets in my area.

Bex: I found an 03 with decent mileage (<100K), that I could easily talk down to 6K, for sale in another state right now. Just wouldn't want to buy it without being able to see it in person first.

Looney: I saw a few m3 sedans in the 5-6k range, but I know nothing of their reliability, so I'll hold off.

A lot of people have been saying G35, so I'm currently looking into the 03 6 speed, preferably sedan.

Jesda: I wouldn't mind the 325 as long as it's manual. There's one at my job that I get to park every few days, and the sweet feeling of the clutch and buttery shifter puts a smile on my face every time.

Christian: If you're saying that all I need is to invest in some tools and I can sufficiently maintain a 540i, then it might actually be worth looking into. I'm not mechanically backwards, but lack of proper tools has always hindered me from working on my cars.

[Bubba1]

Don't be scared of a 540i V8 (E34) at all.

If you want to be safe, get one with an ausil block. They run basically forvever just like any other BMW engine. With better mpg than a 535 and usually better taken care of (they're newer) they're a decent value if you do your own work. Mine had the nikasil with 159K and pulling like a champ. If you don't have problems ~100k, it usually won't ever happen.

The only thing that gets pricey is the clutch for the 6-speed manual. Other than that, a fantastic car that is still relatively cheap. 300hp and ~300 lb ft is two tons of fun, literally.

Time to put my dad hat on for a moment. The newest 540i was made in what, 1995? 1996? They are cheap to acquire now, but it also means you're talking about an 18 yr old minimum luxury car as a DD. Yes, they were well made two decades ago, known for their good reliability, were luxurious and a hoot to drive, but they were not cheap cars when they were new. Here's the reality, when any car gets that old, even well-made ones, things have a tendency to start needing stuff replaceed more so than cars half that age. So unless you are not only capable of doing much of the wrenching yourself, but will actually do it, or are planning to keep the car for only a short time, then I would think twice before buying 20 yr old German luxury sedan as a DD without a spare car in reserve.

[Looneybomber]

Looney: I saw a few m3 sedans in the 5-6k range, but I know nothing of their reliability, so I'll hold off.

M3's have a pretty decent following, so they command a little higher price than other 3 series cars when it comes to resale. Normally, expect to pay >$12k for one that won't be bad. That said, if you find one <$5k, it's either been beat on and will be problematic (hence the reason they're selling it), or quite old with a lot of miles and will soon be problematic (hence the reason they're selling it), or both.

Doing a quick autotrader search within 500mi of my zip code, I came up with these...and that's it for <$6k.

$4k

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... s=500&mmt=[BMW[M3[]][]]&listingId=334967284&listingIndex=15&Log=0

$6k, '95 w/118k miles
To quote the ad, "one of the headlight HIDs does not work, there is no power steering, dash lights, and the car will NOT pass emissions in Boulder County. "

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... s=500&mmt=[BMW[M3[]][]]&listingId=353681255&listingIndex=23&Log=0

[elwesso]

r

Time to put my dad hat on for a moment. The newest 540i was made in what, 1995? 1996? They are cheap to acquire now, but it also means you're talking about an 18 yr old minimum luxury car as a DD. Yes, they were well made two decades ago, known for their good reliability, were luxurious and a hoot td o drive, but they were not cheap cars when they were new. Here's the reality, when any car gets that old, even well-made ones, things have a tendency to start needing stuff replacement more so than cars half that age. So unless you are not only capable of doing much of the wrenching yourself, but will actually do it, or are planning to keep the car for only a short time, then I would think twice before buying 20 yr old German luxury sedan as a DD without a spare car in reserve.



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That's in the E34 chassis, E39 was available from 1995-2003. I believe after 1996 the nikasil blocks were no longer an issue. It appears E39 can be had within the price range.

That said, i'd probably still trust a G35 more.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The E39 is one of my very, very favorite cars.

Brian sure loves his. And I love my British/American imitation.

At that age, 540i or bust. Hell, at that age, M5 or bust.

[Kompresshun]

You know, in surprised MoD didn't suggest the Lincoln LS. They're getting cheap and even though they don't offer a third pedal they can be a lot of fun.

[dre1507]

I do like the looks of the LS, but that third pedal is a necessity for my next purchase, though. Also, I got used to not having to move seats to let people into my car, so sedans have priority, but I'll easily settle for a coupe. A non drift-taxed 5 speed s13 coupe or s14 would easily satisfy my need for engaged driving. Plus I'd be much under budget. But I'm not holding my breath for that.

[Looneybomber]

@dre, this might make me look dumb, but is drifting still a "thing" that's popular with the young kids like it was 10yrs ago? I don't hear many people talk about it any more and those folks I see buying cars are looking at Mustang GT, Camaro SS, Challenger SRT, or Suv/crossover/minivan/sedan because of kids. I don't know the last time I overheard someone or talked to someone about drift cars.

[krash]

I can say its alive and well in MD and in TN. The drifting scene is definitely thriving with my age group. Its getting more and more technical like a motorsport and less like "lets just go tool around on this track"

dre, are you in the DMV area? I thought you were but I forgot. Theres a sc300 with a 1jz for sale in that area. Needs a few things, he's asking $6500 (I'm sure theres room).

[dre1507]

Looney, as Krash says, drifting is alive and well in my age group (18-24). Krash, I'm in Florida. Most of the drifting here takes place from central to north florida. However, that stil doesn't prevent people in the south here from trying to sell theirs with the drift tax added on.

An SC with a 1jz would be very sweet. Problem is that one's a million miles away. Found a supposedly original factory 5 speed manual in the Orlando area, but my budget isn't complete until the Lexus sells. So no triggers can be pulled yet.

[krash]

ahh man, for some reason I thought you were from DC

[dre1507]

Nope. Haven't traveled that far north yet. I've accidentally ended up in Tennessee before, though.

[wariodude]

Six speed 97 TA.... http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4134329441.html

[wariodude]

sweet BMW 330xi AWD 5 speed $5800.... http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4121430165.html

[MinisterofDOOM]

I do like the looks of the LS, but that third pedal is a necessity for my next purchase, though.

I know what you mean. If it's any help at all, the manumatic in my LS is pretty stunningly good for a slushbox. Does what you tell it. Shifts are slower than a real manual, of course, but it still does what it's told.

[krash]

For me its really irrelevant weather the slushbox is good or not. Physically pushing in the clutch and shifting gears makes the car feel like an extension of my body. Thats just me though.

[dre1507]

That's exactly my train of thought, Krash. I've had the privilege to drive manuals from porsche, bmw, infiniti, honda, toyota, etc, with the hondas and toyotas usually being older. In all those cars, obviously, there are some that are great, some that are ok, and some that are sloppy. However, I'd still take the sloppy ones over an automatic any day, because most manuals are usually fixed by a new clutch, removing the CDD (clutch dampening device), an aftermarket shifter, or any combination of these.

A manual transmission is the main criterion for my next car. The rwd is only because I'm seeking a proper rwd experience. I had an excellent fwd experience with the RSX Type S, so I'm giving rwd a shot now. I need backseats to haul mostly people shorter than 5'9".

[Looneybomber]

Too bad you don't have a few more $$$ available. The s2000 isn't the best drift car (free from drift tax?) but its transmission is soo nice. Everything is laid out well. It's a little sluggish around town compared to driving a TA, but still nice overall. I had an old GF with a TA and the torque from the 5.7 was nice!..and that was about my only compliment I can give that car. Oh wait. I like the looks of TA's, ok so 2 compliments.

[frapjap]

You should take a peek at this MX-3. Amazing condition.
http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/4143207578.html

Small displacement V6, they're quick to boot!

[dre1507]

As fun as that looks, I'm not really interested in FWD right now, Ray.