Posted: 7/23/2017 9:49:58 AM EDT
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I'm currently in the market for a fun weekend car. Initially was dead set on an S2000, but have since gone off track and am looking at many things, and need some help getting back on the rails.
Came here to ask some opinions of GD. Must be somewhat reliable, I don't want to be taking it to the shop every 1000 miles, but as some of these are older, it's expected that there will be some upkeep and maintenance costs required. $20kish or under. The cost isn't a driving factor (as long as it's reasonable) so much as getting a good example of the car. I've never really been into the US muscle cars, so I'm not really looking at those. Also, I appreciate the Miata as a track car, but not for this. Supra would be nice - but the serviceable examples are way too expensive at this point. My list so far: - RX-7 3rd Gen (seems to be tough to find stockish examples) - 300ZX Twin Turbo (Z32) - used to have one - would love one again, the cost for maintenance was kind of a pain because of the tight engine bay - MR2 Turbo 2nd Gen - I know very little about this car, but love the body style and mid engine - does anyone have experience with these and would be willing to share the pitfalls and issues that may or may not exist? - S2000 - always loved this car since they came out - seem to be fairly reliable and available at a decent price - e36 M3 - these seem to be getting fairly pricey - but I love them - e46 M3 - love the body style and the last of the NA straight-6 engines - e92 M3 - love the V8 - these are a mixed bag price wise - 350Z - plenty of these around for cheap - Dad used to have one and I love the car - strong engine, but it's not as "classic" right now - S4 (B5-B7) - love these but reliability is a concern - WRX (any gen really) - I drive a 2017 WRX now so I'm already a fan of the cars in general - although some variety might be nice Seeing the general trend, any other suggestions? Comments on ones above (would really like the "don't get one of these because of....") Goal is a fun car that I may or may not modify, stick is very much preferred. What says the hive? |
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2004 VW R32. The VR6 has a similar raspy exhaust note as the BMW's on your list. I drove one with a VF Engineering supercharger years ago. That was a fun/peppy car. Manual transmission, comfortable seats, Haldex coupler (VW's version of AWD at the time), etc.
By far the most fun all around car that I've ever driven was a ~'06 WRX STI. Fast as hell, corners like it's on rails, and a huge aftermarket...if you decide to tinker with it. |
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Quoted:
2004 VW R32. The VR6 has a similar raspy exhaust note as the BMW's on your list. I drove one with a VF Engineering supercharger years ago. That was a fun/peppy car. Manual transmission, comfortable seats, Haldex coupler (VW's version of AWD at the time), etc. By far the most fun all around car that I've ever driven was a ~'06 WRX STI. Fast as hell, corners like it's on rails, and a huge aftermarket...if you decide to tinker with it. |
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C5 Corvette is still the best bang for the buck sports car on the market today. There are plenty of them out for under 20k with decent miles. Hell, for 20k you can get a decent Z06.
Ten seconds I found this on the corvette forum: 04' Z06 Mil Yel Bone Stock Pristine Condition inside, outside and under, never rolled on a damp road, 33k miles, perfect car fax, perfect in every way. $ 21,500 Firm Pic's are in my signature, email for additional picks please if interested Call or email only as I'm not on the forum too much. Doug xxxxxxxx, NY, 12421 xxxxxxxxxx evenings Em: xxxxxxxxxx https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-corvettes-for-sale/4018554-2003-corvette-z06.html this is where you will find the best deals on Corvettes |
| Is this going to just be a street car or do you plan on taking it to autocross, road course, drag strip? "Project car" is a pretty broad term. Are you wanting to modify it a lot with aftermarket parts or is the project just finding a worn out one for cheap and just restoring/refreshing it yourself? |
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Hate to say this, but stay away from 3rd Gen RX-7's (FD's).
The twin turbo system and vacuum system is a nightmare. If you can find one that's been converted to single turbo with appropriate cooling mods, then sure. Stock, they're kind of a nightmare. To give you a taste, here's the vacuum diagram: 
If you're thinking of a 350Z, definitely check out the NISMO versions. They actually sent the bodies in white out to get seam welded which is pretty amazing. Here's one Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/707080721/overview/ |
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S2000 great choice.
E36 M was a great car for its time. Fantastic fun weekend whipper. Thats a car a skilled driver can drive at 100% and not get themselves in to much trouble. Engine was slightly underpowered for the chassis, but as were all cars for the time. E46 M was the E36 perfected. The E46 is hands down the best bang for your buck. If you go this route, ensure that the subframe has been attended to, VANOS inspected, and rod bearings changed, valves adjusted. The S54 is a fantastic engine but has a few necessary maintence points that if ignored will lead to complete engine failure. This is a drivers car. E90/92 M....honestly don't even bother. Fun car but doesnt have the same spirit as the 36/46. |
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Is this going to just be a street car or do you plan on taking it to autocross, road course, drag strip? "Project car" is a pretty broad term. Are you wanting to modify it a lot with aftermarket parts or is the project just finding a worn out one for cheap and just restoring/refreshing it yourself? Not looking for something to restore, but some fixing/refreshing is OK. Not looking to turn it into a monster either. Just something fun I can have in the garage that won't be a total money vacuum. If it holds or gains some value over time that would be nice but I'm not expecting that. |
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Street car, weekend driving, not a drag car, but may see the occasional open track day, nothing seriously competitive. Not looking for something to restore, but some fixing/refreshing is OK. Not looking to turn it into a monster either. Just something fun I can have in the garage that won't be a total money vacuum. If it holds or gains some value over time that would be nice but I'm not expecting that. I think the BMW M3 or a 335is would probably be the best bet for a really fun secondary car. Really solid aftermarket and lots of info on the forums and they are just amazing all around cars. If you work on them yourself it won't cost you a lot, especially if you look at the older pre E90 models that still have the inline-6. |
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Must be somewhat reliable, I don't want to be taking it to the shop every 1000 miles, but as some of these are older, it's expected that there will be some upkeep and maintenance costs required. If you are buying a "project car" but paying someone else to work on it 
C5 Z06. Fuck that Eurotrash |
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The S2000 is an amazing car, and I would jump on one in good condition that hasn't been rice burnt out.
Unless you want to travel the RX-7 will be tough to find in stock condition. I know where there is an MR2, but not sure what generation. I would stay away from it, though, because they make Mustangs blush. I am impartial about your other choices. I have a few friends with some snazzy weekend cars. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions are a boat load of fun, and I don't think I have ever been in a vehicle that can hug the road like those. Top Gear Lambo vs. Evo 3000GT vr4 Twin Turbo AWD - I linked the wrong one, but there are others. Toyota Supra I'll rack my brain a little bit more. This is making me want to pull out the PS3 and play some Grand Turismo today. ETA- Here is the 300GT vr4 I meant to link. 16k - 60.5k miles |
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I am in the same boat. I have 20k set aside for a weekend car. Our tastes are different I am only interested in American muscle. As others have said the z06 is a lot of car for the money. I would never own one but I do like the looks of the newer z cars |
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LOL, in the process of throwing a SBC in my wifes old 87 Nissan HB.
Its been sitting between the hog pen and manure pile for 15+ years, so its developed a bit of a patina. And a distinct olfactory presence. Digging out go fast parts I squirrelled away 30 years ago. Tecnology sure has changed... Something stupid to wheel around in and hit the track once in awhile for me and the kids. |
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You can get a real nice VW GTI for that money. My friend just bought a 2011 with 50k miles for $12500 that has numerous upgrades and makes around 260hp and 320tq AT THE WHEELS. ECU tunes and aftermarket parts are cheap and abundant. I'm not as familiar with Subarus but the factory five 818 certainly looks like a winner |
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If you are buying a "project car" but paying someone else to work on it
C5 Z06. Fuck that Eurotrash My old 300zx was tough because I could do a decent amount of work, but something major like the timing belts required dropping the engine. Once every 60k was manageable and I could pay a shop to Do that and be done with it. I can't have a stripped car in my garage. |
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Rx7 would probably be the best back for the buck, and can be worked on in the kitchen. (literally, my buddy used to rebuild his motor in the kitchen).
Supras are nice, Mk4's to go fast, Mk3's to go highway cruise in luxury, Mk2's and older for nice driving simple easy to work on speed. MR2's are cool, another frind just got done rebuilding one as a DD, a second gen, which is supposed to be better about the snap oversteer. (they have the same issue as porches, never lift in corners) |