The $10,000 Car Thread

[!RocknE30!]

I'm sure there have been threads like this in the past, but I don't have the time to sit here and search because I ate something funky and my stomach is not agreeing with it. And I just tried a search and it's not working right now so whatever.

Anyways, it's pretty simple: I am really thinking about selling my 318is this summer to go for something that is faster. The 318is is a fun car to drive, but I bought the car so I didn't end up in something that I could easily get in over my head with and now I think it's time to move up a bit. It needs to be $10,000 and under, RWD or AWD, and most importantly not wrong/front wheel drive. I don't want to here the "It's your car pick it out yourself, blah blah blah" answers, because I've already got a few solid contenders in my head. Had I sold my quad about a month ago and had extra money in my pocket at that time, I could have possibly been driving that particular car right now. I just want to see what other E30 guys are interested in and maybe a car I'm not thinking of will be brought. And don't suggest the E36 M3, most of them (in Arizona) that are under 10K have been molested and I could possibly be buying my parents E36 M3/4 if they decide to sell it; now that they've had it around 5 years and are looking for something newer.

Thanks guys!
-John

[Firestorm]

m
o
d
i
f
y
.

You'll regret selling your e30 for something else. Get some grunt into that thing.

[silversleeper]

spend $10k on a nice 325is or a E30 M3.

[wagonizzle]

$10k is a nice budget, but you need to clarify a little more what you are looking for. There are a lot of cool cars out there that I would buy if I had that kind of money, but I'd probably pick something around $7-8k that would need some maintenance/upgrades. Or two cars... a beater and a nicer one. What is most important? How many doors/how much room? How many miles? Can you do your own work, or will you have to pay someone? Anything from an early 90's S4 (looks like an A6), A4, any other BMW, MR2 Turbo, 300ZX, FC3S RX-7, MKIII Supra, 95+ 240SX, Porsche 951, Lexus SC300, Miata, Mercedes 190E 2.3-16, Celica Alltrac, etc. could all give you a nice driving experience for under $10k. But they are all different. So stop asking us and pick your own car! :grin:

[JasonC]

Get a Grand National

[Jscotty]

Get a Grand National

I was about to suggest the same thing. If you can't get a GN then get the next best thing- A Buick Regal T-Type. Essentially its the same car without the trim and badging.

[wagonizzle]

The GN didn't make my list along with a mustang or anything else because if he enjoys handling, those cars have a long way to go. Oh, and the GN is probably going to be a tremendous headache. Makes cool sounds and is hella fast though.

[Jonathan M3]

1. upgrade your 318 with an S50 and suspension/brakes/all other maintenance
2. find a clean E36 328is
3. S14 240sx(stock motor is still slow though)
4. LS1 f-body - with the right mods, they are excellent track cars

thats all I can think of off the top of my head

[Jscotty]

Headaches of GM cars is part of the fun. I've owned fords and GM's and even though the an 80's ford has fewer components, keeping my 80's GM cars on the road have been more exciting. Granted both of my chevys were 91 and 92 models but essentially it was still 80's technology.

[B0ND]

Pretty much what Wagonizzle said, and I'll add: 328is, Camaro/Firebird/Mustang, ...there are some other fun cars in that price range, but you've ruled out FWD, so no go with those.

[JasonC]

My GN handles pretty good for what it is. And if he's looking for handling, 4th gen f-bodys, the LT1's are going for low prices now and with a few mods they can hold their own aginst an LS1. And sometimes you'll find a deal on a LT1/LT4 corvette too for under $10,000. Or how about a GMC Syclone/Typhoon?

[silversleeper]

Or how about a GMC Syclone/Typhoon?

those things are so badass, but so hard to find!

[backtrail69]

I will take my turbo car...

[Apex381]

Corvette C4! The 85's would pull over 1g on the skidpad stock with the sport suspension. I would go with a 90's C4 to get the 6 speed.

[whiltebeitel]

My GN handles pretty good for what it is. And if he's looking for handling, 4th gen f-bodys, the LT1's are going for low prices now and with a few mods they can hold their own aginst an LS1. And sometimes you'll find a deal on a LT1/LT4 corvette too for under $10,000. Or how about a GMC Syclone/Typhoon?

I guy here at A&M is making a budget track car out of an LT4 Vette. OptiSpark FTL!!!

http://www.mowhineracing.com/

That's his buildup page. some language.


Go with the LS1 4th Gen. Koni's, Big swaybars, and V710's.