Best "Fun Car" <$20k

[davidI]

If you were to pick up something completely impractical just for summer fun, what would it be?

$20k is the price limit.

I'm thinking C5 Z06, though for <$20k they're higher mileage.

[Kardon]

I'd look into Honda S2000?

[Ukyo8]

Yeah an S2000 is an wicked fun car and it handles great, however I found it to be pretty gutless when it comes to straight line performance.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Man I have the same question as you. Originally I was convinced I was going to get a S2000, and now i'm deeply in love with the C5 Z06s.

[Cos]

Even a base C5 is going to be fun. Seems like 18k can get you a nice one.

[davidI]

I want something with a bit more muscle than an S2000. I do think they're wicked cars, and would handle well, but I want something with a bit more of grumble to it. As impressive as the HP to displacement is in an S2000, I want cubic inches!!! :D

Cadillac CTS V is another option, but they still seem somewhat practica.

[Kardon]

G35 coupe is abit bigger :dunno:

[Neil4Speed]

C32 AMG?

SRT10 Ram?

Subaru STI?

[Shlade]

03/04 Cobra from the states. Modded to the tits

[94boosted]

C5 Vette for sure you really can`t beat the HP per $ ratio on those. I`ve been thinking about picking one up for a summer car as well. There are definitely some nice ones to be had for $20k.

[ddduke]

Originally posted by davidI
I'm thinking C5 Z06, though for &lt;$20k they're higher mileage.

Definitely C5, I've been window shopping for them for about a year and have found ones for as low as $12000. Ive found ones that are mynt for $18000. The only thing that I have a hard time getting passed is how cheap the interiors are, my mom used to have a 98 Venture and the interior is soooo similar that it grosses me out.

I've also concidered the 350z, drove my friend's one a while ago and had a blast.

Test drove the s2000 too, but it's too gutless. Wouldn't ever want to drive a sports car that my truck can smoke.

[Errol.]

Originally posted by Shlade
03/04 Cobra from the states. Modded to the tits

^^THIS! i have a s2 right now and its fun around the road course but the lack of power sucks.
My next car i think will be a 03/04 cobra but theyre still over 20grand now.

[spacerz]

E46 M3?

[clem24]

My buddies E46 ZHP 6MT is a very nicely balanced fun and practical car.

[GOnSHO]

where are you guys seeing C5 Z06 for less then 20,000

[ddduke]

Originally posted by GOnSHO
where are you guys seeing C5 Z06 for less then 20,000

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-Lowest-Priced-Z06-in-Canada-W0QQAdIdZ240556366

[shakalaka]

^ I spoke to that guy, he said it's almost sold. It also has like 185K km's on it.

Other than that car, I can't see many for under 20K, definitely not for 12K. Perhaps I am looking at wrong places! Hmm

Another member Kloubek is selling his C5 for around 18K I think, not sure. Look for the thread in the marketplace.

[Jlude]

Where are you guys seeing an E46 M3 (That's not beat to shit) for under 20k?

[GOnSHO]

yea, i was looking on the craigslist for the states and couldnt even find anything under 20K..

im looking to pick up a vette before i turn 25, which is almost 2 years..

[ddduke]

Originally posted by shakalaka
^ I spoke to that guy, he said it's almost sold. It also has like 185K km's on it.

Other than that car, I can't see many for under 20K, definitely not for 12K. Perhaps I am looking at wrong places! Hmm

Another member Kloubek is selling his C5 for around 18K I think, not sure. Look for the thread in the marketplace.

This one's kind of a shitty example, but if it's in great shape then i don't really care about the km. The one I saw for 12 was parked on the side of the read on Mckenzie Blvd with a for sale sign but it was rough around the edges.

You just have to keep your eyes posted on kijiji. I check every week or 2 and have come across tons.

[shakalaka]

That's pretty much what I've been doing. Been looking to trade my Z33 for a M3, anything 2001 or above. So I've been scoping kijiji like crazy, hopefully come across something soon. I am able to get a C5 Vette in trade but I need to be able to drive in winter as well and corvette would be a complete no in that department.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by Errol.
theyre still over 20grand now.

Yah in Canada. US people are actually smart and know how much their cars are worth. They dont bother asking more than its worth like the people here..

You can get a 600hp Cobra down there for under 25grand easy. \

HELL theres 05+ Mustangs MODDED going for 20grand with Fully built stroker engines with either a turbo or a supercharger down there for cheap!

[JordanAndrew]

The new Mustangs have some pretty good power in them, I'd buy one of I didn't already have a mortgage to pay.

[spacerz]

Originally posted by Jlude
Where are you guys seeing an E46 M3 (That's not beat to shit) for under 20k?

I'm sure you could get this one for under 20k, the price is O.B.O.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-BMW-M3-convertible-Convertible-W0QQAdIdZ240296243

This one is just $300.00 over 20k, i'm sure you could negotiate as well.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-BMW-M3-Rare-SPORT-Package-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ230234437

Below 20k
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-BMW-M3-W0QQAdIdZ240035777
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2002-BMW-M3-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ237884556

There are also a couple others between 22-24k. I would suppose that those are O.B.O. as well. As for them being beat to shit....I can't really tell from pictures.

With that being said, I'm sure a C5 would be a very fun vehicle to own as well!

[davidI]

Please don't PM me trying to sell your cars. I'm currently overseas and am not looking to buy until next year.

[leftwing]

Originally posted by Shlade


Yah in Canada. US people are actually smart and know how much their cars are worth. They dont bother asking more than its worth like the people here..

You can get a 600hp Cobra down there for under 25grand easy. \

HELL theres 05+ Mustangs MODDED going for 20grand with Fully built stroker engines with either a turbo or a supercharger down there for cheap!

you know there are alot more factors why the cobra is higher priced in canada right? biggest one being supply vs demand. There are very few cobras in canada compared to the states.

on that note I suggest a cobra as well. but im biased....:)

[GOnSHO]

Originally posted by davidI
Please don't PM me trying to sell your cars. I'm currently overseas and am not looking to buy until next year.

hahah!! :facepalm:

[R-Audi]

Stage 3 B5 Audi S4.

Its a year round ass kicker.
If built and cared for properly, the maintenance isnt nearly as bad as most think either.

[Neil4Speed]

Another idea for you, I believe these are made on the C6 platform, should be within your budget when your ready to purchase.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-XLR-HARDTOP-CONV-05-XLR-ONE-OWNER-NEW-EVRY-OPT-NAVI-ADAPTIV-CRUZ-CHEAP-/160504513431?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item255ed08397#ht_61733wt_1165

Cool and unique.

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by davidI
If you were to pick up something completely impractical just for summer fun, what would it be?

$20k is the price limit.


You want something that's fun in stock form for $20g, then the option to mod it up? Or anything under $20g?

For instance a rust free fox-body Mustang in mint shape could easily be bought for <$10g, and $10g in mods would make it a monster. The exact same can be said for a MR2, or Supra, or various other early 90's cars.

[RecoilS14]

S2k or Rx7 get my vote. RWD fun on a wicked suspension.

[onibaku]

look into importing a tuned rx7 fd.
20K goes a long way.

the twin turbo with minor mods hauls ass.

fd imported low kms = 8-10k
rotary on 10k tuning = win

10k tuning budget. at that point anything else newer on this thread would be a grandma compared to this tuning budget.

[onibaku]

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/2050231442.html

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/2039613982.html

[Kardon]

I can't imagine a stock e46 is much more exhilarating than a stock S2000. :dunno:

[Jlude]

Originally posted by Kardon
I can't imagine a stock e46 is much more exhilarating than a stock S2000. :dunno:

No, but it's more well rounded. Still fun to drive if you throw it into some corners.

[davidI]

Originally posted by Neil4Speed
Another idea for you, I believe these are made on the C6 platform, should be within your budget when your ready to purchase.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cadillac-XLR-HARDTOP-CONV-05-XLR-ONE-OWNER-NEW-EVRY-OPT-NAVI-ADAPTIV-CRUZ-CHEAP-/160504513431?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item255ed08397#ht_61733wt_1165

Cool and unique.

XLRs are sweet, but still around $40k when I've looked. At that price I'd prefer a Viper! They are sweet cars though.


Originally posted by Tik-Tok


You want something that's fun in stock form for $20g, then the option to mod it up? Or anything under $20g?

For instance a rust free fox-body Mustang in mint shape could easily be bought for &lt;$10g, and $10g in mods would make it a monster. The exact same can be said for a MR2, or Supra, or various other early 90's cars.

I have thought about building up a 383 and dropping it into a Mustang or something. Then possibly building an FFR Cobra kit down the road. At the same time, I'd love to do a 1-year North American road trip in a few years so I need to consider reliability. There is something about Corvette and North American Road Trip that seems together. Route 66 style...


Originally posted by onibaku
look into importing a tuned rx7 fd.
20K goes a long way.

the twin turbo with minor mods hauls ass.

fd imported low kms = 8-10k
rotary on 10k tuning = win

10k tuning budget. at that point anything else newer on this thread would be a grandma compared to this tuning budget.

Would be sweet, but I know very little about rotaries and am not all that motivated to learn!

[Muji]

I knew I had read a Road and Track article addressing this very question:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q3/best_cars_for_20k-feature

Conclusion in no order:

2010 Mazda 3 and 2009 Mini Cooper
1999 - 2000 BMW M Coupe
2006 - 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
2004 - 2008 Mazda RX-8
2001 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL600
2003 - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
2004 - 2006 Pontiac GTO
1997 - 1999 Porsche Boxster

[D. Dub]

2004 - 2006 Pontiac GTO = 400 horsepowers that can actually handle.

[Graham_A_M]

^The GTO is ultra tunable... I've had my eye on one for years.
:hitit:

Or Just buy Kloubek's C5 Corvette. Thats probably the best pick out of this whole thread.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[davidI]

Originally posted by Graham_A_M

Or Just buy Kloubek's C5 Corvette. Thats probably the best pick out of this whole thread.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

If I was in Calgary right now I definitely would. I can't believe it hasn't sold yet at that price!

[Graham_A_M]

yeah, Im desperately trying to get my co-worker to buy it.

Im trying very hard to settle on a house now, otherwise I`d be on it like a starving fat kid on a donut. Fuck my life....
:cry:

[shakalaka]

^That's such a sick deal and I wish I didn't need my car to winter drivable as well or else I would have had that Vette a couple days ago!:(

[C4S]

~ $20K, can probably find a higher km/mile E46 M3, great car, lots of fun ...

However, about time to spend big money on them .. which is normal when we are talking 10 yr old/150K km plus car, other then routine BMW electric problem, probably time for clutch,bearing/rods etc ..

Or spend $ 12-15K, buy a E36 M3, or E46330ci .. so you have some spare money on fixing/maintain.

$20K can barely buy a 964 as well .. but then they are 3 times more expensive on everything compare to BMW .. but earlier 911, doesn't matter from the 70's or 80's are close to $20K too, but slightly lower service cost, and those 3.0/3.2 are reliable too.

If you can find a E30 M3/944 Turbo/S2, they are super fun car for under $20K to buy too!!

What else can I think of .. S2K, 350Z, Sti, RX8, RX7, 300ZTT ... etc.

[Ekliptix]

Try looking here: http://www.performance-shop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37

Low km Camaro SS (LS1 engine): http://www.performance-shop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37

[zipdoa]

S50B32 E36 M3... 316bhp

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-M3-M3-1998-BMW-E36-M3-euro-engine-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem41545df9f6QQitemZ280588319222QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

[needsawhip]

Computer F%^& up delete this post

[needsawhip]

I wouldnt trust an 18k z06 with 185kms, From what ive been looking at you can get into a minty c5 z06 with under 100k for 23-26,000. you get what you pay for. And stay away from 97-99 c5. and 01-02 z06. Even at 23-26k you will not beat a c5 z06 405hp 0-60 in sub 5. good for 300km/h and gets 32mph on the highway.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

The 405HP C5 Z06 is quoted at 3.9s 0-60.

[Onassis]

How much are E46 M3's to maintain annually if you were to drive them year round ?

[ragu]

^ a lot, I had one for 3 months and it managed to stay in shop more than with me.

[C4S]

This is not far...

well, $20k us, probably 25k cad, close enough.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/09q3/best_cars_for_20k-feature

[riander5]

2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
Get an ls1 for under 20 and and ls2 for around 20

[911fever]

E46 M3 for sure. You can get a decent one out of the US with 75-95k miles for under 20k imported or around there ... great car, while not fast, is pretty decent and fun to drive. Great resale here too!

[BoondockSaint]

Originally posted by needsawhip
And stay away from 97-99 c5. and 01-02 z06.
2001's are known to use oil, and have a less aggressive cam then 02-04's. Why do you suggest staying away from 02's?

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by riander5
2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
Get an ls1 for under 20 and and ls2 for around 20
Im not too familiar with the GTO's, which package came with what?

[D. Dub]

04 GTO's had less ponies than the 05-06

[Anomaly]

1st gen CTS-V!
04-05 LS6
06-07 LS2

They only come in 6 speed, and are faster than the GTO.