If you had to buy a car tomorrow for $12k or less?

[mslbebiz]

So I've decided no GTI for me right now because I don't want car payments.

Just as the title of the thread says, if you had to - what car would you buy tomorrow for $12k or less? Must be sporty, fun to drive and reliable for a year-round daily driver. RWD, FWD, AWD, whatever. Looking for ideas and thought this might be an interesting conversation.

Thinking possibly an IS300 if I can find a manual car, Acura RSX Type S (but only really like the 05+ cars) or 2006 Honda Civic Si.

Need help, as I need a car soon - just sold both of mine and have no wheels! Any interesting ideas?

[SR240SX]

G35 coupe

[Benny]

Probably a slightly older WRX with a stick shift. Pretty fun to drive, good all year. I do way too much highway driving to rock a RWD car all year, and I've never really enjoyed driving a FWD car. That's why I have a RWD summer car and a 4x4 winter shitbox truck.

Actually, for that money I don't really think I'd ever find an all year drivable car that I find fun enough so I'd just buy a pickup. That's not the answer you're looking for though.

[max_boost]

Subaru impreza

Awd
Low/cheap maintenance
87 octane
Super reliable

If times got tough and I had to sell off everything it would be between that and a Honda civic

[btimbit]

+1 for WRX

[max_boost]

Oh shit reading on my phone.

Well I'd just up it from an impreza to wrx and civic to si or type s RSX lol

[sillysod]

Used GTI???

Modded GTI (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-Volkswagen-GTI-With-Garrett-GT25R-Upgrade-W0QQAdIdZ390251495)

Stock GTI (http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2004-Volkswagen-GTI-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ388940086)

[Shlade]

could get a 05+ GT Mustang for that price now a days...

[AudiPWR]

My mom just bought a new car and is selling her 2004 Audi A4 3.0 quattro. Fully loaded with upgraded bose sound, sports package, moonroof, tip-tronic automatic trans, and more.
Only 93,000km on it, one owner and thats her. She has almost all service records up to 80,000km.
Water pump and battery were just replaced less that 400km ago.

[DeeK]

GTI or WRX. If you're smart about it and the car is not a complete lemon, they can be fairly cheap to maintain. All year round cars, and they still have the fun factor.

[ddduke]

Originally posted by AudiPWR
My mom just bought a new car and is selling her 2004 Audi A4 3.0 quattro. Fully loaded with upgraded bose sound, sports package, moonroof, tip-tronic automatic trans, and more.
Only 93,000km on it, one owner and thats her. She has almost all service records up to 80,000km.
Water pump and battery were just replaced less that 400km ago.

Did you come up with you name because of your mom's car?

I'd save a few more k and get a 06+ 3 series. they can be had for as low as 14k now and pretty decent ones for 16. If it had to be 12 then I'd get a g35.

[TE4MFaint]

I have an 02 WRX that would fit the bill nicely!

[NRGie]

My buddy has an 07 si with 4000km for 11000. It should be on kijiji. Red si

And yes 4000km not 40000

If you don't mind rhd, I'd look into a sti

[AudiPWR]

Nah, dad has R8 I had a S4.

[trieuth]

bmw e46. 330xi.

[project240]

I just bought an 05 GLI a couple weeks back and it has been a very fun car so far. I think it's a sporty sedan with enough pep for a DD.

[jsn]

There's a 2001 integra type R on sale on beyond right now. Harder and harder to find unmolested, good condition examples nowadays. Integras were super reliable too. Not sure if that would be my first choice, but I've always loved the integra type R.

[mslbebiz]

Wow, thanks for the suggestions! Keep 'em coming.

G35 coupe would be nice, hard to find for $12k or less though in decent shape - especially in a 6MT car.

WRX wouldn't be bad if I can get over the looks.


Originally posted by NRGie
My buddy has an 07 si with 4000km for 11000. It should be on kijiji. Red si

And yes 4000km not 40000

If you don't mind rhd, I'd look into a sti

I haven't seen the ad or I probably would have already contacted him haha. Can you send me details or a link?

BMW E46 wouldn't be bad.

Whatever it is, MUST be a stick. Definitely no autos, save a DSG.

I would LOVE to own that Type R, but it's over my budget and not sure I'd want to winter drive that thing - I'd probably feel like I needed to pamper it/save it too much.

[jsn]

^^Yea if that type R on beyond is 100% stock and everything checks out, I'd feel bad for winter driving it too. Good condition and stock type R's with lower kms are hard to come by.

[amear]

5th gen (97-01) Prelude!!!

[Team_Mclaren]

06 Civic SI

[hamkered]

My vote is for the IS300. I found mine to be pretty good in the winter, and it was even lowered too. You have to buy the stick shift for it to be fun though...

Of course, you could always buy an auto and boost it :poosie:

[brucebanner]

Civic Si, Wrx, Maxima.

[4doorj]

SI or type S or wrx if you can find a good one for that price.

[Kanto_Terrors]

Get the integra type r or the rsx type s!

[clem24]

Originally posted by trieuth
bmw e46. 330xi.

Yikes.. Do not buy an xi. It ruins everything. But I would definitely get a 330i especially with M-Tech or ZHP. Easily at the top of my list. Would also definitely consider an IS300 as well. Subaru Legacy GT if you want something bigger and for year round (and quicker and cheaper than the first 2 options).

[mslbebiz]

How reliable are those 330i's? Very costly repairs and maintenance? I'm quite liking the ZHP cars actually, but concerned about reliability/running costs.

[Mitsu3000gt]

B5 Audi S4 or 330i would be my choices without question. Find one that hasn't had the shit beat out of it and it'll last a LONG time. There is no better balance of performance/luxury/build quality in the price range IMHO.

Non-dealer mechanics for BMW and AUDI are cheaper and just as good, so maintenance isn't too bad.

If you want guaranteed zero problems, look for something like a Civic, but it won't be any fun either.

[clem24]

Originally posted by mslbebiz
How reliable are those 330i's? Very costly repairs and maintenance? I'm quite liking the ZHP cars actually, but concerned about reliability/running costs.

The E46s have proven to be quite reliable, mechanically. You'll probably get the typical BMW stuff breaking like mirrors don't adjust or a button or 2 stops working but otherwise these cars seem to go a long time.

Beware that many people who advertise their cars as ZHP are actually NOT ZHP but rather a regular 330i with the M-Tech package. Also, technically Canadian ZHPs are actually designated ZAM:

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/content.php?30-Frequently-Asked-Questions-%28FAQ%29-About-the-BMW-E46-330-ZHP-Performance-Package-Option

Another funny fact: Canada DID get the extra 500 RPM in the rev range (i.e. the 'extra' 10HP), but it just doesn't show on the tach. Just rev it past redline and you'll see LOL.

[Neil4Speed]

I know they are auto, but I would suggest a GS430 - fantastic driver.

[Euro_Trash]

Definitely a B5 S4 or E36 M3

[mslbebiz]

So thanks to you guys I'm reeling with possibilities now haha.

Got a few nice cars picked out I want to see if they're still here after the long weekend when I'm ready to pull the trigger next Tuesday. Specifically:

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2005-BMW-3-Series-330i-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ388390037

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2003-infiniti-g35-coupe-6mt-W0QQAdIdZ389901069

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2001-Audi-S4-2-7L-Twin-Turbo-6-Speed-Manual-Pearl-White-W0QQAdIdZ391883380

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2005-Acura-TSX-Cleanest-In-Calgary-TONS-of-Extras-PRICE-DROP-W0QQAdIdZ387515984

Opinions? I really quite like the 330i, and the B5 S4 (especially the lower price on this one). Still weary of running costs over something like that G35 or TSX though.

[msommers]

If you can do the maintenance yourself you'll save a lot. Personally I'd get the 330 and S4 inspected and go from there.

From face value, I'd go S4 because it's AWD and a lot less in case something needs to be fixed. However, it has 142,000KM / 88,580 Miles

[gyu]

Originally posted by NRGie
My buddy has an 07 si with 4000km for 11000. It should be on kijiji. Red si

And yes 4000km not 40000

If you don't mind rhd, I'd look into a sti
4000kms only for a 5 year old car?! What does your friend do with it?

Mind posting a link to it? I couldn't find it

[mslbebiz]

Yeah I can definitely do a lot of the maintenance myself. For repairs I would take the car to an independent shop for savings, and possibly better techs.

[Ukyo8]

Mini Cooper Type S!

[Mitsu3000gt]

Assuming it checks out I'd definitely go with that S4. With that chip it will have 307HP/366ft/lb torque which will utterly demolish pretty much everything else on your list. The only factory options were BOSE sound, Sunroof, and Alcantara interior I believe, so all of them are pretty well loaded.

Go buy a silicon throttle body boot and some BOSCH 710N diverter valves, and you will have eliminated the most common weak points in the car for very cheap.

Anything happens to it, take it to Tune Dub for the best AUDI/VW work in town, and his prices are reasonable. Very honest guy.

I miss mine :( . So fast, practical, and reliable if you don't abuse it (just like any other car). Doesn't matter what gear you're in, with that chip it just pulls so nicely. Bonus AWD as well.

I bet if you actually go drive all these cars, the chipped S4 will be a no-brainer :D

[btimbit]

+1 for the S4, I'd be all over that if I hadn't just bought something a week ago

[mslbebiz]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Assuming it checks out I'd definitely go with that S4. With that chip it will have 307HP/366ft/lb torque which will utterly demolish pretty much everything else on your list. The only factory options were BOSE sound, Sunroof, and Alcantara interior I believe, so all of them are pretty well loaded.

Go buy a silicon throttle body boot and some BOSCH 710N diverter valves, and you will have eliminated the most common weak points in the car for very cheap.

Anything happens to it, take it to Tune Dub for the best AUDI/VW work in town, and his prices are reasonable. Very honest guy.

I miss mine :( . So fast, practical, and reliable if you don't abuse it (just like any other car). Doesn't matter what gear you're in, with that chip it just pulls so nicely. Bonus AWD as well.

I bet if you actually go drive all these cars, the chipped S4 will be a no-brainer :D

That car is definitely very appealing. Moved to the top of my list I think. Best color too, other than the Imola Blue I think it's called.

Who would you recommend for an indy service shop in E-town?

[btimbit]

Originally posted by mslbebiz


That car is definitely very appealing. Moved to the top of my list I think. Best color too, other than the Imola Blue I think it's called.

Who would you recommend for an indy service shop in E-town?

Heard good things about Dubsport

4821 118 Ave
Edmonton, AB
(780) 477-5000

[gyu]

I'd personally go with the TSX. Not a fan of that generation of the Audi's styling.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by mslbebiz


That car is definitely very appealing. Moved to the top of my list I think. Best color too, other than the Imola Blue I think it's called.

Who would you recommend for an indy service shop in E-town?

It's Nogaro Blue and Imola Yellow :D Not sure what the white is called, but my B7 S4 was "arctic" white.

Sorry I am not familiar with any Edmonton shops! George @ Tune Dub in Calgary though would be worth the drive if it was something major.

After you drive it I think you will be hooked. It also makes all that ridiculous torque from about 1800-5500 RPM, so basically everywhere in the normal driving range and beyond. You can drive that car in any gear just by curling your toes - almost zero turbo lag and off you go.

Plus since it has turbos, you don't lose the usual 20% power from Calgary's elevation :burnout:

[gpomp]

for best reliability and most fun to drive: civic si.

[btimbit]

Originally posted by gpomp
for best reliability and most fun to drive: civic si.

Reliability hell yeah, but when I test drove the new si I almost fell asleep. The cavalier z24 I had in high school provided more excitement

[clem24]

Man that S4 is going to be a money pit. I'd easily pick the ZHP as #1, the TSX #2, G35 #4, and S4 a distant 4th. TSX will definitely has the lowest ownership cost. Your buddy's Civic sounds pretty rad too for $11k actually but no where NEAR in the class as any of your kijiji links.

BTW my buddy and I checked out the ZHP ad before this thread went up. It might not be a genuine ZHP as it doesn't have the Alcantara wheel (but apparently they stopped offering it in the later years as it wasn't holding up or something). You'd have to check out the exhaust tips to make sure it's a genuine ZHP. As a bonus, 2005 ZHP is very rare.

And to be perfectly honest a STOCK S4 of that gen is actually not much faster than.. A Subaru Legacy GT.

[btimbit]

Originally posted by clem24
And to be perfectly honest a STOCK S4 of that gen is actually not much faster than.. A Subaru Legacy GT.

Unless I'm mistaken, the S4 has about 100hp more than any Legacy GT in that price range.
What you said about reliability is true, the 2.7T can really go either way, and to either extreme. It'll either be the best car you've ever owned, or the worst. There's never really a middle ground with S4's

Get the S4 inspected before buying and if it all checks out, then doo eeet. Like I mentioned earlier, if you're up in Edmonton swing by dubsport. I posted the address and # earlier

[mslbebiz]

So I did some more research into the S4's issues last night, and it appears they're much more likely to be a huge money pit than not. Don't think that's something I want to deal with/worry about after coming from owning mostly Hondas.

I'm really liking the ZHP 330i's though, and they should have much better driving dynamics than the Audi.

Right now I think it's between a ZHP car, a nice example TSX or if I can find one in my price range an '05+ RSX Type S. I've previously owned an '08 Civic Si and not sure I want to go the Civic Si route again, but I definitely loved the car -- would probably want a sedan version this time if I did.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by btimbit


Unless I'm mistaken, the S4 has about 100hp more than any Legacy GT in that price range.
What you said about reliability is true, the 2.7T can really go either way, and to either extreme. It'll either be the best car you've ever owned, or the worst. There's never really a middle ground with S4's

Get the S4 inspected before buying and if it all checks out, then doo eeet. Like I mentioned earlier, if you're up in Edmonton swing by dubsport. I posted the address and # earlier

Legacy GTs have 250HP and 250LB/FT of torque.

[clem24]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Legacy GTs have 250HP and 250LB/FT of torque.

Exactly. Let's compare this to the 2001 S4: 250HP and 258lb/ft of TQ. Again we're talking stock here. Great thing is, both are very modifiable. So between the 2, I'd easily pick the LGT for reliability. Plus the fact that it'll be at least 4 years newer.

Try the ZHP man. It's a great drive, and it's a great looking car too. The M-Tech front bumper and the 18" M wheels does wonders to the E46. But again, you just have to make sure it's an actual ZHP/ZAM.

[Mitsu3000gt]

You can't compare a B5 S4 to a LGT just because they make the same HP haha.

In stock form, the S4 makes a 250hp/258 TQ, the LGT makes 250/250.

What nobody bothers to mention is how that power is made - Twin turbo V6 vs a single turbo 4 banger. HUGE difference in power delivery, usable power, and upgradability.

S4 has ZERO turbo lag (2 small turbos), and makes maximum torque at 1850(!) RPM, continuing with an essentially flat torque curve out to around 5500 RPM.

A LGT Makes peak torque at 3600 RPM, has turbo lag, and you need to drive it harder to keep the turbo spooled. Nice car, don't get me wrong, but the power delivery is nothing like an S4. Drive them both and the difference is night and day.

I've owned a B5 S4 and driven a LGT countless times, there is absolutely no comparison, even though in stock form they have the same HP/TQ figures. If you chip the S4 (don't know why you wouldn't) you keep that same torque curve and get 366 TQ which is awesome.

I sold my B5 S4 with I think 135,000 KM on it, and it has zero issues other than routine maintenance. It was also chipped for at least 100,000 of those KM (probably more like 120,000). There are also guys with 260k on stock (chipped) turbos still. You just need to take care of it. Any car on your list could end up being a money pit if you get a lemon.

[sillysod]

^^ This

I have more HP than an S4 in my A4, but nothing happens for a loooooong time in my car, horsepower really doesn't matter in the city - low end torque does. The S4's (esp the 2.7TT's) are super snappy.

Love that motor. That being said honestly the OP sounds like he would be better with some sort of Honda or something IMO.

Having owned all sorts of German cars I can say you can never be 100% sure what is going to happen. Maintenance is key and I've had fantastic results with mine, but I realise that a steering rack is 2x to 3x more $$ on my wifes 5 than a civic.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I would take the E46 having had one in our family for 7 years, and owning plenty of other BMWs.

[btimbit]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Legacy GTs have 250HP and 250LB/FT of torque.

Newer ones do, but in his price range he's looking at maybe an '02. They're about 165HP and 166LB/FT, aren't they?

I don 't know my subies too well, I could be totally off the mark here

[mslbebiz]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

I bought a car yesterday... after finding a mint 2006 Acura RSX Type S in the right color for a great price... I bought the BMW 330i ZHP! Easily the best car I've driven in my price range. Love the car! :D