What's the most awesome car you can buy for $35k, or, Help me spend money hooray!!

"Formula4speed" (Formula4speed) 09/02/2013 at 17:50 • Filed to: None

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So long story short, I got rear ended in my C5Z last week because humans are awful. Not my fault, I'm ok, but the vette may have paid the ultimate price. SO I need you nutjobs to help me brainstorm what should be next, as I'm gonna need to have a plan in place in case the car is totaled and I need to find a replacement quickly. Here's the criteria:

-sub $35k
-sub 75k miles
-must be totally awesome
-must be relatively reliable, enough that you'd be comfortable DD'ing it
-must seat at least 1 person
-must be driveable in the rain and light snow/ice.
-must augment and compliment the rest of the fleet (and, therefore, should not be any direct relative of the following): 993, cts-v wagon, miata, g35, 78 firebird.

I've been looking at e39 m5s and caymans a lot. What else you guys got?

Edit: My .gif broke. So I changed it.

Sectorgraphics > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 17:57

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Golf R

TurboSloth > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 17:58

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Evo X?

PS9 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:00

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I've seen them for ~$35k. As far as the 'most awesome' requirement, it's hard to beat, and the truck sourced cam-in-block will run til judgement day.

Edit: It is a 95' but they can be had at this price with relatively low miles.

Sparf > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:01

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-post-2000

Booo! Hiss!

dieselwagon > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:03

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Mercedes-Benz CL500/550
Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Range Rover

Formula4speed > Sparf 09/02/2013 at 18:05

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You know, you're right. Post-2000 rule rescinded as its arbitrary and unfair.

Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:06

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Acura NSX.

Okay, so that'll end up breaking the post-2000 rule, and possibly the sub-75k mile rule, but who cares. You aren't going to find something more reliable as awesome as the NSX.

Leadbull > Sparf 09/02/2013 at 18:06

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Formula4speed > PS9 09/02/2013 at 18:06

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I decided the post 2000 rule was obviously unfair, because viper. This is a marvelous idea.

Formula4speed > Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise 09/02/2013 at 18:08

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Oooooohhh good call. Fuck the 2000 rule.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:08

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You've got an enviable fleet at home.

How about an NSX? There are 11 on autotrader under $35k
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

I've also always been a big fan of the clownshoe BMW M-Coupe
Since they sold so poorly they hold their value better than any other BMW other than e30 M3 (which you could also get in this budget)
This guy has an awesome site where he catalogs every M-Coupe for sale in the United States. it's awesome.
http://www.mcoupebuyersguide.com/
You could get a really nice s54 (the more desirable) M Coupe for 35k.

You also might be able to find a Boss 302 for $35k. I've seen plenty with less than 10,000 miles for like $38k

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:08

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Z3M coupe with an upgraded S54, Z4 M coupe, FD RX-7 (do you really need to stand by the post 2000's rule?), B5 or B6 S4, Mustang Cobra (R, if you can deal with it), new C5 Z06 , S2000, e42 M3, 135i 1 series, R32 Golf, current gen Mustang GT, Viper GTS (again, really hardcore).

The World of Vee > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:09

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As an E39M owner, you can't go wrong with one, unless the owner was an idiot.

but I think it nips at the heels of both your g35 and cts.

My pick? go crazy japan and look for an unmodified, or lightly modified Supra.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 09/02/2013 at 18:10

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God, so sexy. I love me some shooting brake.

Formula4speed > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 09/02/2013 at 18:10

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C5Z was the car that was wrecked, may be totaled :( but these suggestions are excellent suggestions.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Sparf 09/02/2013 at 18:12

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There's so much awesome I can't put on this list because of that!

Bandit > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:12

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Good god man, you have an awesome collection. What about a UR-Quattro (can you find those for that much?) or an NSX. You could also go and buy a '71 challenger or another muscle car.

DasWauto > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:12

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I'm going to go with one of the road ralliers, an Evo or a WRX STI. You should be able to find low mileage examples of the Evo IX and X and STI from 04-present (I'm partial to the 04-05 'Blobeye'). The older you go the more you've got left out of that budget to modify or spend otherwise.

Aside from one of those, I'll support Ravey Mavey's suggestion of an NSX.

Formula4speed > DasWauto 09/02/2013 at 18:16

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I've actually been throwing around the idea of a saabaru, just to dodge the boy racer stigma, because otherwise I love WRXs

Jayhawk Jake > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:20

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I think the NSX is your best bet to replace a vette, especially since the value will probably go up pretty quick

SonorousSpeedJoe > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:24

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The "totally awesome" requirement might rule this one out depending on your tastes, and I don't know if it's competent enough in rain/light snow with good all-seasons on it, but 2011-2013 5.0 Mustangs are easily within that price range with 15k-40k miles on them.

I also saw a couple of BOSS 302 'Stangs between $35k-$40k when I searched AutoTrader, though that means they're out of your budget.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:29

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I think a MkIV supra turbo 6 speed would be a great car to fill the corvettes shoes. (Of course, I'm not biased at all).

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:30

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mr. idk > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:30

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Im sure you could find a base LS2 Corvette for under $35k. Its certainly the fastest car in your price range.

cbell04 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 18:41

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A little light snow you say?.. Didn't do my homework on it but would imagine you could score a Raptor for 35 and under.

Formula4speed > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 09/02/2013 at 18:49

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I definitely don't disagree. Love the mkIVs, wish it wasn't so hard to find an unmolested one.

Formula4speed > cbell04 09/02/2013 at 18:51

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Haha too much snow, I meant way lighter than that. I do love the raptor though, it's literally the only truck I'd consider.

Formula4speed > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 09/02/2013 at 18:54

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S54 M coupe is the perfect high performance commuter and just hit the near-top of the short list. God I love those ugly bastards. Thanks for the tip on the buyer's guide!

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > PS9 09/02/2013 at 19:04

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You can even get a gts for that price. This gets my vote.

DasWauto > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 19:10

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Yeah, that less mature image was the only thing I held against them. If I ever buy one it won't be the classic world rally blue with gold wheels. Silver, back or white with silver or gunmetal wheels and in the case of the sedan, I'd seriously consider removing the giant spoiler.

PS9 > cbell04 09/02/2013 at 19:11

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I have no idea who made that truck. Can you tell me who made it? Damnit, why o why couldn't the folks who made this thing put some indication of who they are? Like a massive grill spanning ornament of some kind. Yeah, that would do the trick!

I actually like the Raptor, just ribbing it a bit.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 19:12

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Since the viper has already been mentioned might I recommend a lotus Elise? I'm pretty sure you could score one for around that and it's dam sexy.
Otherwise I might suggest a dedicated track car: maybe a seven or a little formula car.

wkiernan > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 19:13

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You've got some wonderful performance cars there, how about something completely different?

cbell04 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 19:36

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And yet people do this..

That last one made me throw up a little..

cbell04 > PS9 09/02/2013 at 19:39

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Looks like I responded to wrong comment (was mobile). see above.. or below.. Damn it kinja

PS9 > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 19:42

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It's getting to the point where you have to just do a 2jz swap on a non-2jz supra and make your own...

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 20:32

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You can never have too many miatas... So add another!

Then turbocharge it or 302/ls swap it

Formula4speed > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 09/02/2013 at 21:01

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.....shit. Actually if I do this it'd be an FD RX7 with an LS. So basically, a corvette but better. hrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 21:04

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This is more your taste?

MILK > SonorousSpeedJoe 09/02/2013 at 21:50

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Count another vote for the Boss, I prefer the styling of the '13

Not sure if you'll find a 13 in your range because they seem to be holding value better. Which brings up a good point this is a car where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Sure you could probably build a quicker stang by starting with a GT but it will never be a Boss, it won't grab the attention that the boss will and when you go to sell it it will only be a GT. I'm thinking the Boss might hold its value some.

STREPITUS > Formula4speed 09/02/2013 at 22:15

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$35k can buy you a brand new Mustang GT with the track pack.

I drove mine all last winter on the factory Pirelli allseasons and it wasn't terrible. I don't have the track pack (those come with summers) so I'd recommend snows. I'm definitely going to get snows next winter.

DO IT

Formula4speed > STREPITUS 09/02/2013 at 22:22

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You know, that's honestly really an exceptionally good point. Damn.

STREPITUS > Formula4speed 09/03/2013 at 09:12

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Also, throw in the Recaros for a total of $35,980.

Or add Recaros and remove Tech for $34,785.

Either way, Recaros are a must.

Meatcoma > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 14:40

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http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_…

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 14:52

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MINI COUNTRYMAN JCW.

Formula4speed > Meatcoma 09/04/2013 at 15:18

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oooooooohhhh this is a fun idea. Wish I had the time to build one from scratch, the only downside would be that I'd be invariably buying somebody else's project.

Meatcoma > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 15:24

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I agree about buying someone else's project. But even given the information about your envious car corral, I wasn't sure you had the time. So, I opted for the prebuilt.

Formula4speed > Meatcoma 09/04/2013 at 15:32

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Haha you nailed it, between keeping every other car running and work I don't even remember what free time feels like. I've had a brand new front clip and rear suspension sitting in the garage for my firebird for a YEAR. I'm so ashamed.

Meatcoma > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 15:38

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Eh, if I didn't have to work and had plenty of money to sustain me, I would probably live in my garage just tinkering and fixing either my cars or the cars of relatives who seem to have even less time to fix their cars with only time for golf when everything was working.

willkinton247 > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 16:05

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I want to know what your garage itself looks like. If you can, make it look spectacular in every way with every tool/toy you can think of.

JJJenningsIII > In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you 09/04/2013 at 17:27

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Are you serious? This guy obviously has GOOD taste in cars

Formula4speed > willkinton247 09/04/2013 at 17:55

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Jus' kiddin', I wish it was that awesome.

Sadly it's nowhere near as exciting as the cars. Here's the best shots I've got on hand. Bird, 911 and V sleep inside, G, Miata and Vette are stuck outdoors. Stupid guy who owns the lot next door is threatening to build if we don't buy his property, if he forces the issue that's where the guest house/man cave/6 bay shop will go.

Formula4speed > Meatcoma 09/04/2013 at 17:59

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That's my dream too. If I ever hit the jackpot I'm disowning my family and building a giant garage with a bed and a microwave in the corner and never coming out except to drive again.

Formula4speed > JJJenningsIII 09/04/2013 at 18:08

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yeah....not quite my style, haha

Formula4speed > wkiernan 09/04/2013 at 18:11

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I've considered something along those lines, maybe a little closer to this for all of the modern conveniences, but I really, really love sports cars. A lot.

Formula4speed > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 09/04/2013 at 18:12

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YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU GIMME DAT.

Formula4speed > mr. idk 09/04/2013 at 18:13

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BUT

is it...the most AWESOME?

Because at the end of the day we're still probably playing second fiddle to the V wagon and the firebird (which has a built LS3 in it), so pure speed isn't necessarily the goal this time.

Formula4speed > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter 09/04/2013 at 18:15

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I was thinking this way too, but I'm also 6'4 which makes small car life tough. Plus it needs to be DDable. Which, okay, I'd love to DD a seven or an elise, but man would they suck in any kind of weather at all haha

Formula4speed > Bandit 09/04/2013 at 18:16

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Haha, thanks man! I like the ur-quattro idea, no idea how much those are running these days...

More muscle means more pontiac for me though; next project is to take all of the parts that I'm about to pull off of the bird and stuff them under a cheapass, very late 2nd gen shell, bolt a kirkey in and hit the track.

Bandit > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 18:26

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Within your budget it seems. http://www.carscoops.com/2013/06/have-1…

Formula4speed > Bandit 09/04/2013 at 18:57

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

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Formula4speed 09/04/2013 at 20:31

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Requires haggling skills and balls the size of cantaloupes.

Formula4speed > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 09/04/2013 at 21:06

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That was actually my very first thought, to the point that I thought about calling the US distributor and asking what the wait was. I think it's the most perfect solution of all, but doesn't fit my timeframe.

Tempted to just get a beater and get on the waiting list, haha

willkinton247 > Formula4speed 09/05/2013 at 08:30

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That is most definitely a nicely equipped garage.

Buy a BRZ, because this.