Here's one to ponder

"190e30-Now with COSWORTH" (190e30) 08/08/2013 at 19:17 • Filed to: None

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100

You don't want to beat on your DD too hard, so you don't want to use it for autocross, trackdays, or rallycross. As a solution, you buy a cheap beater solely for fun. What would you pick? (Must be Under $5k.)

To prove that your car is under $5k, you must provide an example (If you can't find one, I guess I'll take your word for it)

I've thought about this for a long time and have multiple answers myself, but !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! probably makes the most sense. Durable, easy to get parts for, and great for autocross, the track, or even rallying completely all whilst completely stock.

I look forward to interesting responses in typical Oppo fashion.

Klaus Schmoll > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:19

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What if my DD was under $ 5K?

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Klaus Schmoll 08/08/2013 at 19:20

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Mine was too...but I still wouldn't want to beat on something I'm driving all the time. Plus everyone needs some room for whatever weird tuning ideas they'll have.

Saracen > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:21

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S13 that's already had a SR20DET swap (I'd just tow it to the track)

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/398784…

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Saracen 08/08/2013 at 19:23

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I could be wrong, but I have a feeling this is going to be the sure answer to this question. Not sure how ideal it would be in the twisties, but a ton of fun for sure.

Anon > Saracen 08/08/2013 at 19:24

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What happened to the steering wheel! I've never seen a wuick release wheel that just disconnects the outer wheel.

Hoccy > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:24

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Easy

Sparf > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:25

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If you use an ST165 as a beater fun car, you're gonna have a bad time (lots of stuff that can break and next to no aftermarket or spare parts).

And might possibly also be a bad person, because many have died rally deaths and therefore nice examples are a bit uncommon.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:25

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2001 Mercedes Benz S600

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Because power and V12.

Saracen > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:26

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The sure answer is going to be Miata, as usual. But I'm a bit too big for those.

S13's are damn good in the twisties.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Hoccy 08/08/2013 at 19:26

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I would love to rally a 240. It may be a bit underpowered for it, but it has to be a ton of fun.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 08/08/2013 at 19:27

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I think this might win. Probably the answer for most fun, but probably not the most reliable...

Decay buys too many beaters > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:28

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I beat on my daily driver pretty hard, but that is mostly because I have two other vehicles and a bicycle that could pick up the slack if needed.

If I were buying a beater just for tracking/beating up, it wold have to be a 240SX. There are tons of parts available cheaply, and enough variety that you can turn it in to whatever you require. Check your local CL for numerous examples well within the 5K budget.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Sparf 08/08/2013 at 19:29

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Yeah that was just what I chose for a picture, since I've been facinated with them ever since I found one for $4k near me with 60k miles (needed paint BAD). In the article, the example I actually chose was a 2.5rs

m2m, apex detective > Klaus Schmoll 08/08/2013 at 19:29

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http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/t…

How about a Celica ST 182 that's already been built for rally, rebuilt in 2009 and TÜV-inspected (caged etc.) for €2,000?

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 08/08/2013 at 19:30

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Blargh.

Hoccy > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:30

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Oh they're still rallying 240's over here, old RWD's have their own class. Parts and possibilities are infinite, but then you're soon above the 5000$ mark.

Stock Volvos are very hoonable as well, despite not being that fast.

Chech > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:31

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This.

Having said that, I have the choice of Falcon/Commodore utes too, which would also be very fun to track.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Decay buys too many beaters 08/08/2013 at 19:32

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And what would be this one that you beat on?

Another good answer, and probably likely to show up again on the list.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Hoccy 08/08/2013 at 19:34

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IMO this wins, solely because of my love for the 240. All other answers still welcome for judging by others.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Chech 08/08/2013 at 19:35

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Probably the best autocross car so far, I'd say.

Klaus Schmoll > m2m, apex detective 08/08/2013 at 19:37

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Needs new gaskets (which come with the car) and the engine has been already disassembled to do so. So it doesn't even has a running engine. Raises a lot of red flags if you ask me. But for somebody willing to do the work and take the rist the parts alone might be worth it. Dunno what "has to run in H14 category" means though! Do all events have that category?

Cloud81918 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:39

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Miata: Hardy and cheap to keep in tires. Competitive in stock form.

(Do I really need and example of course they are around for under 5k)
http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/3987689769…

E36 or E30 6 cylinder BMW : The E36 is pretty good for a "larger" car, tires (for E36), replacement parts and what not will be more expensive, but it will keep up with a lot more powerful stuff on track days. Both the E30 and E36 are pretty well supported.

http://showlow.craigslist.org/cto/3877701716…

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Cloud81918 08/08/2013 at 19:42

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I like this response the most so far (no offense to anyone else). Taking the tires and parts and such into account is supposed to be crucial, without them any cheap car makes sense.

All three are perfect for basically any roll. Autocross, track days, or even rallying.

Decay buys too many beaters > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:42

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Right now a VW Jetta, it handles a lot better than most people would assume. It will never beat anything in a drag race, but that gives me a lot of practice keeping the engine in the power band and using everything the wheezy 2L has on tap.

It also gets subjected to the worst kind of beating... teaching my lady how to drive a manual.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Decay buys too many beaters 08/08/2013 at 19:46

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I've actually always really liked the Jettas, and spent a lot of time looking at W8s with 4motion. I've heard that those aren't as reliable though...

I'm in a bit of a rock and a hard place. None of my friends know how to drive stick and they all know I swear by it. So obviously they want me to teach them, and I'd love to get more of the younger generation driving stick, but hell naw, not in my poor car.

daender > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:54

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I already have a Miata so having a F-body or Mustang as a fun car would be next. They're also durable, easy to find parts for (basically any GM or Ford), and they can be used as anything from track rat to drift missile to rally car to drag machine.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3989097384… $2500 for a 6-speed Z/28. And this is the LT stuff, search hard enough and you can find the occasional LS-powered cars for under 5k$.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > daender 08/08/2013 at 19:55

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I never thought of how much fun it would be to rally one.

daender > daender 08/08/2013 at 19:56

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Or if you prefer something more vintage, there's a '84 Z/28 hardtop that's ready for a t-56 and possibly a ls swap. http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3988245378…

Decay buys too many beaters > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 19:59

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Through quite a bit of abuse mine has held up really well (aside from the occasional rear wheel bearing failures for some reason). The clutch currently has around 100K of city driving anyway so I expect to need a replacement soon. I figure why not teach her how to drive it before I decide to sink in some money for a new clutch.

I'm not sure how well VW clutches hold up to abuse (guess I'll find out soon), but I learned how to drive on my mother's Toyota 4 Runner. I was really hard on it and it took me quite a while to get the hang of driving a manual, but she was able to get an additional 150K miles out of the same clutch afterwards (making around 250K miles total)

I guess it could be the case that all the burning smell, bucking, and stalling does not really do as much damage as one would assume.

daender > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 20:03

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By the looks of this, epic fun.

Cloud81918 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 20:23

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Consumables are a huge thing when running a car. If you are saying $5K you aren't playing with Noble Track car money. You probably aren't look to get something you'll have to throw a bunch of money into to get it competitive. There are other fun inexpensive to run competitive cars out there. I'd suggest looking a tire size as a first round knockout. If the tire size is big the car will either drain your wallet when you re-tire it. Or it will make you buy sub-par tires, which will drain your fun.

For Drivers having fun and living in the real world, the difference between a Miata and a C4 Corvette is tire size. For the price of decent street on a C4, you can buy 2 sets of great autocross tires for a Miata.

Civics, SE-R Sentras, first gen RX-7s, and old Z-cars are also great cars to run on a budget. Parts are cheap and available. Remember that if you have 5K as the target, you probably mean, set right for $5K. I'm sure there is a busted 350Z out there for $5K that will need 3K of work and $1200 in tires. I say shoot for $3K and have some money to make it right. Only a perfect car should have you rise to 4K or more. My friend sold a nationally competitive ST '89 Civic CI for $4200; That is a good deal on a sorted car.

That bring me to the last tip for buying a fun car. If you think you will be modifying it for a given class. Buy someone elses race car, rather than build your own. The '89 hatch my friend sold was about $6000 is car and parts. Do don't buy a modded wreak of course, but a well kept class built machine can be a great deal.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 20:57

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Pretty easy: Alfa Milano. Not coincidentally, that's my current DD (not the car pictured).

BREADwagon > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 20:59

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My vote is for 80's to early 00's Honda. Hondas and Acuras are out of fashion these days, so it's a definite buyer's market. There are some clean(ish) examples out there, you just need to keep your eyes open for them. Miatas, E30s, and Foxbodies are of course great choices too, but that would be too easy!!!

I would say it's nay impossible to find a fun Honda that's DD worthy right out of the box. However, it's easy to find many possibilities for under 5k, where you'd use the balance to refresh the car. Assuming you can put in some labor, here's some off craigslist:

CRX. Small, light, fun. A clean one with a proper exhaust would be a blast to putz around town in. They're great on fuel, can be fixed with practically just duct tape (many were...), and they're from the time Honda had SOUL . I'd look for a slightly rough one with minimal rust, then throw three grand at it to refresh the suspension, brakes, and misc. maintenance. Very much driving a slow car fast (while still actually being slow) scenario.

Then we have Mr. RSX . You can find a clean base model (K20A3 motor) for under 5k without much effort. Type S's are around for that sort of money too, but they'll be rougher. Fresh ones are crisp to drive, and still look almost up to date, albeit a bit plain. If you find one in silver or while and take off the rear wing, you'll have no trouble blending into traffic. It's probably the most modern "fun" Honda out there, so you'd have a bit of comfort too!

Moving back in the timeline, there's the DC Integra. Much cheaper than any nice RSX, and there are some out there worth saving . B18Cx motors are also a bit out of style, too. If you hunt a good one down to swap in, the Type-R clone would be an absolute blast. Again, with a clean body and proper exhaust, you'd be an OG.

Then there's the EG/EK Civics out there. It's pretty difficult to find one that isn't too far gone, but by god are they cheap. A riced out civic can be had for under a thousand bucks. A 4k additional budget could very well breathe new life into our little civic buddies!

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Cloud81918 08/08/2013 at 20:59

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Lots of very good tips and good points in this, I really appreciate it. I feel bad leaving such a small response to such a good comment, lol.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 08/08/2013 at 21:00

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Me gusta.

m2m, apex detective > Klaus Schmoll 08/08/2013 at 21:11

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No idea about the H14 bit. The fact that it went through a TÜV inspection is probably worth something, though, as it's already been rallied. There was also Land Cruiser rally cars, but they were mucho expensive. :/

racer-esq. > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:14

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Whatever you do don't pick an NA Miata or a Porsche 914, those would be horrible choices.

telkins > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:15

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1993 (ish) era MR2

No special reason for my choice other than I have always wanted to hoon the crap out of this car, even though I have never driven one.

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/3966431460…

TheDraker > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:18

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E30 325i no doubt!

Ooopsy > Decay buys too many beaters 08/08/2013 at 21:19

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I dearly loved the 182,000 miles I put on that 2.0L engine. We used to call it the 2.slow. No antilock, no ESP, taught me to drive for sure.

 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:20

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Easy. The Police Interceptor. V8, rear wheel drive, looks like a cop car because it was a cop car. Reliable, stands up to a beating. You can have lots of fun with it, from smokey burn outs to scaring pot heads in your neighborhood to messing with unsuspecting motorists on the highway.

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle…

drift240 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:20

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240sx obviously. Second choice would probably be a Miata...also obvious. Third would be...e36?

Zeeboid > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:21

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Dodge Neon, 1st Gen.

Haters, Please. This sucker cost me 5500 including the new interior with black/blue suede... go with a good drivers seat and axe the rest and you have an under $5k car.

2.4 turbo, stage 3 clutch, complete stand alone engine management system, injectors, 20psi, Koni adjustable suspension, lots of other stuff. 360whp for 2700lbs with my fat ass in it.

Racing a Neon is like getting into a fight with a girl: You can't brag about winning and don't want anyone to know you lost. Either way, I win.

though haters out there, if it makes you feel any better, I sold it when I got my CTS-V Wagon.

that was a little more then 5k though, so it doens't count.

dataPOG > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:22

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http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ctd/3989865609…
I wonder what's wrong that it only $6g....besides an assload of miles.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3978297740…
That is also another ehhhh...choice.

Yes, I realize that I most likely selected CP.

JCAlan > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:22

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Tell me you wouldn't have a blast with one of these. Buy them anywhere for under 5k.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/200…

stuffman > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:23

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SAAB 9000 Aero.

Extremely comfortable (the seats are probably the best seats ever to grace a car), fast, and approximately one quadrillion cubic feet of storage with the rear seats down. Whoever said parts and upkeep are expensive and difficult are just lying to you so they can buy the car out from under you. Good examples are becoming more and more scarce but are worth it. One of my biggest regrets is selling my old 9000- the car was just so cool and useful.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Zeeboid 08/08/2013 at 21:23

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Aintnohate. I'm currently trying to sell my 1st car, an 02 ACR. Definitely a crazy good car, especially for the price. This one's mine

TotorosW124 > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 08/08/2013 at 21:23

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a too-cheap S600 on aftermarket 'rims'... terrifying.

TheCrudMan > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:24

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You're kidding right?

Miata. Miata. Miata. Miata.

Only problem is? I loved mine so much it became my DD because I didn't want to drive anything else!

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > JCAlan 08/08/2013 at 21:24

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Kinja'd?

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > TheCrudMan 08/08/2013 at 21:24

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Pshh. Miata is too easy

drift240 > Saracen 08/08/2013 at 21:25

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I am a little afraid of that car. sr20, interior that looks like something horrible was done to it, battleship wheels, and no coilovers? This car's owner does not have correct priorities

JCAlan > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:25

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Ya

Am_I_Right_Or_Am_I_Right > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:26

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I had a e30 for this reason. I paid $920 and in total I had $2100 when I daily'd it for a week it got smashed by someone turning left into me in a residential area when I was going 20 mph. The kid had no insurance and he cried because he smashed his moms neon. My uninsured paid $5700 for my car though. I ended up getting a 6mt allroad. One day i'll get another e30.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > stuffman 08/08/2013 at 21:27

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My little brother (He's 13 and a lurker on every single Oppo post, he'll be here soon enough) had decided he wanted an Aero as a first car at the age of 11. He searched every day, learning more and more about them, and eventually found the white Aero that my dad currently drives. I can confirm that the seats alone are worth the cost of the car. Also, dat boost.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > JCAlan 08/08/2013 at 21:28

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Lol. I saw a youtube video a while back of someone track-daying one. It was surprisingly fast. No Sr20 because I tried but can't find it.

drift240 > Zeeboid 08/08/2013 at 21:28

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I would have said neon if the price limit was $300

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Am_I_Right_Or_Am_I_Right 08/08/2013 at 21:28

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E30 seems to be a sure bet. There's really nothing it can't do.

OffKilterBob > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:29

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Alfa Romeo Milano no doubt. I don't even need to provide an example. You know it won't cost more than $5k.

A second choice would be a 944. I do have an example of that one. I just bought one for $2800.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > dataPOG 08/08/2013 at 21:30

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Not sure about tracking a convertible, but the Lexus could definitely be fun.

veblenesque > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 08/08/2013 at 21:30

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Well, I suppose that means I don't have to post that I just bought a Milano for this very purpose. Rear wheel drive, amazing engine, sort-of durable, more fun than a E30 and it's an Alfa. What more could you ask for?

Someone Else's Projects > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:30

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http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/397432…

In terms of lightness-to-price ratio, this is probably one of the best deals you can get for a chew toy car. Miatas are cheaper but none are lighter (not even the NAs).

cluelessk > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:31

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NX2000. My brother owned one. So much fun. Not too much power but still enough to be fun. Fun handling. Kicks out the rear pretty easily.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > telkins 08/08/2013 at 21:31

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Who wouldn't wanna hoon the crap out of one? They must be a ton of fun

Lambo_Rambo > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:33

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I figured I should give a different example.

I saw this on Daily Turismo today, and while it's 800 bucks too much, this 2002 Neon ACR is already prepped for the track and even has been in some SCCA races, and it's street-legal too. Going the way of ACR doesn't seem like a bad idea.

I did manage to find one for only 3,000 bucks , albeit the ad doesn't have much in the way of pictures or details.

M > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:33

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http://www.saab99turbo.com/classifieds/fo…

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > M 08/08/2013 at 21:34

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Saabs=Win. They can take a beating.

croaqse > telkins 08/08/2013 at 21:35

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great choice, provided it's turbo :)

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Lambo_Rambo 08/08/2013 at 21:35

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Dude, are you messing with me? That's my car! It was my first car, I'm trying to sell it now. Never would've known it was there otherwise. Thanks so much.

tobythesandwich > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:36

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Really underrated car. But I'd have to go with what I already own. Z31 300zx. You can get it in Turbo or non-turbo flavors. They don't handle too shabby. They show their grand tourer design. And parts can be a bit of a crapshoot as if you want coilovers you have to go to a one-off and customize some. Same with rear suspension. But you can fit in an S13 rear subframe with a little bit of elbow grease.
Truthfully though, they don't handle bad when equipped with GOOD struts and bushings. I can't tell you how many times I see people talk shit on the Z31 after driving cars that have bad shocks, struts, and bushings.

On top of that the engine is pretty well bulletproof. Keep up on your timing belt and oil changes, and you'll be pretty well perfect. Only downside is when changing oil you need to remove the starter, unless you want to soak it in dirty oil. Engines are pretty stout and can be built pretty well. And a lot less problems than the VG30DETT in the Z32. Most came with an open diff but later models (87+ iirc) can be found with an LSD. Or you can swap in your own.
But plenty of pretty clean examples can be found for well under $5k.

Currently at about $1500.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nis…

GrimRyan > Saracen 08/08/2013 at 21:37

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If only these cars didnt demand such a steep price on the east coast.

shark249 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:41

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Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS

smokeycretin9 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:41

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http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/class/ci.p…

Even an old Saab still handles like it's on rails with good tires and decent shocks.

yellowdatsun > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:41

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Personally I'd buy the Scoobie 2.5 RS you posted. I've always loved those 2drs. I'm a Datsun 510 nut, and own 3, and would have loved to say I'd do that........but finding a trackable one for under $5k isn't easy anymore.

smackela--extra-wagonated > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:42

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There are plenty of good choices out there. Being an inveterate cheapskate, all of my cars, DD or "toys", are well under $5K. I just picked up this '94 Saab 9000 Aero recently for $2500:

I'm also partial to RWD Volvos (especially turbos and especially especially turbo wagons). I've got a $900 '88 760 Turbo wagon which will be getting a 3rd-pedal transplant soon and a $1500 '88 740 Turbo wagon that came from the factory with the proper number of pedals. I also used to be the proud owner of a $1000 '92 325i 5-speed and a $1000 '94 MR2 5-speed. The MR2 was N/A, but still a reasonably fun car to flog. Then there was the '82 Alfa GTV6 I got for free, though there's nothing more expensive than a free Alfa!

Naija > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:43

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This , this , or this .

Shawn > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:44

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I was going to say WRX, and then I saw your impreza link.

I did not find any in California for less than $5k, but there are 7 in the US at that price. I remember seeing them going for cheap a few years back. I guess the prices went back up.

rent > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:44

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Mk1 Focus. Much like the Neon, but less emasculating. Depending on the state of repair, you can actually get a SVT for around 5k, though immediate maintenance might be needed.

Because MYCAR :P

tek_nic > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:44

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I dont have the room for two cars right now... so my DD is my toy. Yes, I have to think about it twice before I go drifting around a corner, and I always have a nagging worry in the back of my mind... but - because it is my only car, I can focus my money on it. This means I can afford more parts like bushings, suspension, and brake components. My hope is to build the car tough enough to handle a track day, and then drive to work the next morning without many concerns. Yes, there's always the possibility that I could wad the car up into a little ball... but that's life.

PardonMyFlemish16 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:44

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4th gen Prelude.

Bubs > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:45

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Another B13 SE-R to give my current DD / weekend racer a break!

tek_nic > tek_nic 08/08/2013 at 21:45

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Oh yeah, and I bought it in running condition, with a clear title for $1400... so there.
All it really needed was wheel bearings and tires. And then I started dumping money into things it didn't necessarily need, but that I wanted... like a twin barrel weber :D

ausSEA > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:46

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Hmmmm. What's lightweight, rwd, got a 3rd pedal, and rhymes with Riata...

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > yellowdatsun 08/08/2013 at 21:47

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After the 2.5rs, the 510 was actually the next one I was going to post. We must have similar taste

Tyler Estes > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 08/08/2013 at 21:47

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Only reason I chose an E30 over a Milano is rust and parts availability.

Tyler Estes > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:50

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An E30. Here's mine.

Oh hey, what a coincidence. It happens to be for sale. http://columbiamo.craigslist.org/cto/3959817942…

Breukdance > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:50

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76 Datsun 280Z turbo...looks like fun

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/3899940129…

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:55

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I only have one car right now, hopefully that changes soon. Due to the, uh, "fragile" state of my E28, I don't do anything stupid in it. But I do drive it hard sometimes. It feel good to do that. I want an E60 M5 or a W220 S65 to DD, but I can't say they'd have an easy life in terms of driving. I mean, with proper maintenance, most cars should be able to handle spirited driving. Obviously having drift battles and doing endless wheel stands is a different story...

MowtownMuscle1996 > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:56

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The answer to every car question is the Mx-5 miata for obvious reasons. Reliability, performance, and the sheer amount on the road.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 08/08/2013 at 21:56

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I'm in the same boat. I've got an Audi Coupe that I'd just feel too bad beating on

Axial > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:57

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C4 Corvette! Yeah, I know you all saw it coming.

240 HP, 345 ft. lbs. of torque. Cheap enough to throw away, uses common GM parts, runs happily on 87 octane, and you can shred cheap tires on it ( here are some for $105 each ). Can also carry a surprising amount of stuff in a pinch, or pull a trailer.

My alternative is a Pontiac Fiero GT. I need to get one...

Vedavyasa > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:57

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A 1/4 ton pick up.

Chunk in a small block, hand the hell on. Wouldn't be fast, but it'd be a hoot!

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Hoccy 08/08/2013 at 21:58

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The first car I ever hooned through a field was a stock wagon. It wasn't fast, but in dirt it didn't take much to get it sideways!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 21:59

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under 5k? Wow... well.. How 'bout a MkII Golf 16v GTi with brand new suspension? That should do rather nicely I'd think..

Example 16v, less than 1k £

Should leave you with PLENTY of dollars for a suspension upgrade and other upgrades as well...

KW suspension, 1650$ http://www.usrallyteam.com/index.php?main…

New 276 Schrick camshafts should be somewhere about 300 euro...

Vedavyasa > JCAlan 08/08/2013 at 22:00

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Oh god are they ever a hoot. I drive a Grand Marquis, and it aint fast, but as soon as your start trying to throw the old boat about the corners it's a great mix of "Oh shit!" and "WHEEEEEEEEE", all while being predictable and simple to drive.

Vedavyasa > Zeeboid 08/08/2013 at 22:02

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No hate man. No hate. Those things are surprisingly capable.

1973Porsche > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 22:02

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Mk1 Toyota MR2 like this one. Light, nimble, simple fun.

GrauGeist > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 22:02

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2002/2003 Subaru Impreza WRX

The classic bugeyes are $4k to $5k with 100-200k miles on the clock.

That said with LeMons at $500, $5k is a bit on the pricey side for a "cheap beater". Maybe $2-3k limit?

rollingdoughnut > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 08/08/2013 at 22:02

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1991-1994 Mercury Capri Xr2. It's way under-rated as far as it's turbo power and handling on an autocross track. Buy a cheap turbo valve and you've got a bunch more power. I've surprised plenty of WRX's, Miata's, etc with mine.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > veblenesque 08/08/2013 at 22:03

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Absolutely nothing. Welcome to the club. It's a roller coaster, but it's great.