Be realistic: What IS a car that is a good replacement for a E30?

[varg]

A few deals still out there to be had but even these cars are starting to climb.

The recent video about them isn't going to help...

[e30_vt]

I personally would go completely 180 and get some so different that it's a completely new experience. For example I would get a Jeep Wrangler JK. I used to own a 2013 Wrx and that car was a blast to drive. Tons of power straight from the factory, excellent in the corners, and a blast in the winter. I ended up trading it in for a 2014 Wrangler and have yet to regret the decision. Doors and top off in the summer is one of the best driving experiences.


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[Javier h]

well documented 99 m3 5 speed

A few deals still out there to be had but even these cars are starting to climb.

[lemansguy]

If I were going to pay M coupe money for something, I would probably jump to some sort of N54 car (and eventually pay dearly for some issue lol)

the extra money for the m-coupe is worth it to not have n54 issues lol.

[Vincent Brick]

^agreed. SRT4's are white trash hot rods.

Just like BMWs are for arrogant yuppies that don't know how to use turn signals.

I grew up around Mopars, the SRT4 was an aspirational car for me for a long time, can just now finally afford one. Always wanted something with power like that.

Guess I'm white trash....


No forced induction E30 for me with CA smog and commuting 80 miles a day in it.



I would never consider a Volvo 240 or similar unless I was going to put an LS1 in it, which I can't do legally where I live. My buddy had a Volvo 240 turbo DD and it was an absolute nightmare, always broke and hard to get parts for.

[Northern]

If I were going to pay M coupe money for something, I would probably jump to some sort of N54 car (and eventually pay dearly for some issue lol)

[lemansguy]

i like e36 M3s, but if i was going for a newer car than the e30, i would pick up an M-coupe over the e36M. i cant get into the brz/frs. every freakin boy band wanna be ricer with mom and dads money has one in northern virginia. its like the sti crowd jumped ship. every time i think about one, some guy with stupid camber and a fart can is driving one around here.

[Northern]

I've been thinking again about this recently with E30 prices rising and all.

The obvious choice for an E30 successor is an E36 M3, but for some reason it doesn't feel right. On the other hand, I find myself scouting JDM auction sites for FD RX7's for no particular reason, and I'm starting to think it could be it.

It's got enough quirkiness and differences to not feel like "More of the same" but is still light, RWD, LSD, manual, quick, and sexy in its own way (also, boost).

Alternatively (cost aside): BRZ/FRS... But the more of them I see around, the less I like them. They also apparently haven't depreciated much (around here at least, I see people asking new prices for used cars...) and the more expensive the car is, the less inclined I am to tinker with it.

I could consider a miata, if I didn't think convertibles were stupid.

Considering the only real issue I have with e30's is price, I can't exactly suggest more expensive cars, so that helps me rule out a lot of other potential options.

[fight4life28]

+2^ They are alright cars, Just don't want one my self. The fun wouldn't last long compared to how much you could enjoy your e30

[ahrensNW]

^agreed. SRT4's are white trash hot rods.

[nando]

I'm sorry but the SRT4 is absolutely terrible. I'd rather drive a pink Miata. :p

[Stanley Rockafella]

only way to do that is supercharge your e30!!!

[Vincent Brick]

nobody wants a FWD car to replace an E30 with.... :hitler:

I have seriously considered replacing my E30 with an SRT4. I have wanted something halfway fast for a very long time. I need to get it out of my system.

[BECKSTER]

Have to agree with these guys ^

The Volvo 240/740/940 turbo's are blasts to drive and super cheap to maintain .

[marshallnoise]

I would love a 240gl.