Best/Coolest car for $6-7k

[KenC]

C Class is a good car to choose, and it's the cheapest Mercedes to maintain; ie, parts aren't as expensive as other models. They also drive more modern than the older Mercedes do. I just happen to like the way old MBs drive.

You could easily find a '93-'98 C class in your range, especially if you stuck to the four cylinder Kompressor models. I found a '96 C280 in my area with 70,000 miles for $7500 in great condition.

Cool. I think I'll research the C-Class a bit more and see what I can find out. Were there any body styling changes during the 93-98 years?

[machined]

possibly one of the ugliest cars on the road

False.

Stay away from the W210 (96+ E class); they were relatively problematic until about '98, which puts it out of your price range.

Good call.

[325iCabrio]

1996 C-Class or E-Class MB?

C Class is a good car to choose, and it's the cheapest Mercedes to maintain; ie, parts aren't as expensive as other models. They also drive more modern than the older Mercedes do. I just happen to like the way old MBs drive.

You could easily find a '93-'98 C class in your range, especially if you stuck to the four cylinder Kompressor models. I found a '96 C280 in my area with 70,000 miles for $7500 in great condition.

Stay away from the W210 (96+ E class); they were relatively problematic until about '98, which puts it out of your price range.

[KenC]

1996 C-Class or E-Class MB?

[KenC]

e36

possibly one of the ugliest cars on the road

[ColdAccord]

e36

[KenC]

Subaru!!! well built, kinda sporty, economical, AWD, many with manual trannies

which models? all i see are outbacks and im not too keen on a wagon

[craig4ie]

Subaru!!! well built, kinda sporty, economical, AWD, many with manual trannies

[machined]

Like any other car/BMW. 1st year -possibly problematic. Sport package is a must but of course watch for subframe issues. I'm pretty sure decent ones haven't made it into the 6-7k range yet though.

[WlknGenius]

Something like a honda or hyundai would be the most economic route. Since they're cheaper cars to begin with, you're going to be able to get one with lower miles for 6-7k when compared to a european car.

You could also consider buying 6 lincoln towncars or crown vics for 1000 dollars each. Hell, you might even find one that used to be a patrol vehicle with the spotlight attached.

[KenC]

How is the 99 323i?

[KenC]

I'd stay away from any Audi's if you're looking for something that won't nickel and dime you to death.

If you want reliability, buy the newest/lowest mileage Civic you can find.

I was thinking about a civic/accord/camry, but I'd like something at least moderately cool.

[CarsSuck]

e39s are coming into that range too.

julien, your avatar is wierd as shit. wtf is up with it?

[Julien]

You are pretty close to late e36/e46 range there (99s can be had for under 8k, 97 328is around 7k)
I shopped around for over a month and just gave up on anything non BMW and bought myself an e46 (that i thoroughly love)

good luck
Julien

[ping65810]

Maybe a Volvo turbo, or you might be able to even find a 96+ MB E320 for around that if you look hard enough.