What car for $20k

[Jordan325iC]

My friend's 2005 volvo s40 got totalled, so he's on the search for a new car and he's looking for my advice. Most of the cars I look at for me to own are usually less than 5k and from the 80s (plus $15k in mods), so I'm not really familiar with that market. Just getting some ideas from you guys.

Criteria:
F.a.s.t.
Reliable
2000+ OR low milage+excellent maintinence

What would you get for under $20k?

[asubimmer]

nsx?

[ping65810]

e46s are getting pretty cheap. I just picked up my 2001 325Ci for $13k with 70k miles, loaded, etc. Volvo s60s are nice if your buddy likes FWD, but I like the e46 for cars in this price range.

[BimmerToad]

Aren't Honda S2ks around that range now?

[Kruzen]

You could pay for part of James Crivellone's eta with 20k

[StereoInstaller1]

I think needs are more important than price, personally.

My $500 Astro does great duty as a shop van. Is it something I want? Hell no! It does its job perfectly, but that is all.

If I were to spend $20K on a car it would be a toy, like a decent '68 Camaro, or a rucking focket like a built V8 E30.

Wait...nevermind. I won't ever buy a car for $20K.

I wish your buddy good luck.

Luke

[dirty30]

01-ish audi s4
new gti (base model with cloth seats and such)

[Gmas]

E36 M3
RSX Type-S
Integra Type-R
WRX

Not sure what the fast criteria is exactly; these cars are more fun and quick than outright fast, but just some suggestions

[dvs909]

my buddy just picked up a 2001 S4 today 99k for 16, it has everything on it, really nice car. since im a bimmer fan i say a e36 m3 or a e46. make sure he doesn't get a automatic of course.
________
Ferrari F50 Specifications

[Joey Link]

My 540i 6spd :P

With the money left over he'd have a nice down payment on a supercharger.

[nkell09]

01-ish audi s4

I've really got something for those S4s myself... I would be willing to get my hands dirty doing some of the maintenance it.

[Mastrcruse]

Get the nice blue M3 being sold on the board. Alittle more than 20K

Probably my fav. color combo for an M3

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=75479

[emi325i]

$20k? fast?... 6.0L GTO... hands down

[155///MPH]

For just a few grand more. . . . a 2007 MazdaSpeed 3.

267hp
280tq

and it comes stock with a LSD.

[Charlie]

Mazda 6. You can find 2 year old examples for 15k, New is close to 20

-Charlie