You have $50k to Spend

"getFuckedHerb" (goongetfuckedherb) 04/04/2014 at 10:02 • Filed to: None

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And you got it through good fortune: lets say you sold a company, part went into retirement, part to crap your wife wants (Er I mean WE WANT HONEY LOVE YOU!), and this is your "FUN CAR" chunk. Point is, you're not going to run into 50k stray cash again any time soon. You'll probably start having babies soon, in fact, so you need to buy a car that is

1.) Fun to Drive

2.) Self Maintainable for a reasonably handy guy with a lift at his disposal

3.) will hold up well for the next 10-18 years (when your kids move out and it's finally time to get a new one!)

4.) Trackable (I want to go play on HPDE days)

What do you get and why? Please note, despite the belief, Miata isn't the answer here.

I'm partial to the idea of a C6 Corvette, or a late-ish model Viper. Having owned and worked on Corvettes myself I know I can do most tasks there, so that's a plus. The viper seems just as mechanically simple.

Ninja Edit: This does not need to be DD Worthy. I work from home and have a worthy DD if I need to go somewhere in the winter.

Tom McParland > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:05

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Go with the Vette, they are easy to find pre-owned that haven't been hooned to death. Parts are easy to come by, like you said labor isn't too bad. They are great on the track and on the street. They can take the abuse.

Brian Silvestro > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:06

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C6 Z06? Can you get those for under $50k nowadays?

Party-vi > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:07

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NSX. I can get a noice example for $35,000 and because it's a Honda I can probably service everything my self. It'll pull daily driver duties and track duties with ease.

505Turbeaux > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:07

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I would just build this for somewhere around 50K...

6cyl > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:08

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NSX. Honda reliability and you can keep $10-15k tucked away for a rainy day track day fund.

crowmolly > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:09

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C6 Z06 all day long.

Tom McParland > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 10:10

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Ooooh I forgot about the NSX, good choice

offroadkarter > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:10

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WAY under 50k. C6 Z06's depending on miles are in the mid to high 30k range.

yamahog > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:10

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For what it's worth, a friend of mine just picked up this bad boy for waaaay less than $50k:

His previous ride was a 2000something Trans Am and I think he makes less than I do...

Frank Grimes > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:11

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I would buy some tools and replicate one of these. Might be possible.

Brian Silvestro > yamahog 04/04/2014 at 10:11

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Dayum that's a NP.

yamahog > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:12

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Viper. Viper. Viper. You'll be the cool dad!

getFuckedHerb > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:12

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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-corvettes-f… $40k and the valve issue has been solved already for you :)

Frosted > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:12

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2015 WRX STI

Brian Silvestro > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:13

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WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE GO BUY THAT

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:15

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$50K ought to buy you one about like this with a little left over for spares and tires... a super-original or ultra-clean example will be over budget though.

These little things are surprisingly reliable, surprisingly comfortable, a blast to drive, and will probably appreciate in value.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 505Turbeaux 04/04/2014 at 10:16

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That is amazingly appropriate.

yamahog > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:16

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I know he's an idiot and all, but I can't even see him having enough credit to pick something up for $50k. Come to think of it, I have no idea how he acquired this vehicle. I don't even think he has a soul left to sell. I'll have to pry a little.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:17

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Semi-dull answer, because it uses cheap parts and is simple:

More advanced answer, because Twin H-Power 7x:

Alternately, because Firedome Hemi:

Either of the two have enough power to - while not compete with anything non-classic - at least be fun to drive *and* track. Both are also decent handlers for their day, in the case of the Hudson, exceptional.

British answer:

With upgraded power, because suicide.

French answer:

Because Gordini.

DeltawingGothamDeserves > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:17

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I'd probably shop around the classic car mart, buy a few to make or buy a great restored one. There are so many choices too, bu I'd go with 914, a good 944 for racing. HEck, the new Polestar wagons are under 50, right?

Party-vi > Frank Grimes 04/04/2014 at 10:18

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You can get a kit for around $20k .

Brian Silvestro > yamahog 04/04/2014 at 10:20

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"HOW DID YOU GET THIS CAR"

-you, right after this conversation.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:20

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I'm with Brian, gtfo and go buy that!

yamahog > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:23

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Especially since he just left his job.... *raises eyebrow*

Brian Silvestro > yamahog 04/04/2014 at 10:24

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He fucking stole that car.

CalzoneGolem > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:24

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I'd get a brand new v6 'Stang and drop the rest into track focused upgrades (cooling, wheels and tires, trailer).

It should easily last 10-18 years and be fun and economical.

getFuckedHerb > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/04/2014 at 10:25

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That's already been sold, but there are similar ones 35->50k for nice stuff.

getFuckedHerb > CalzoneGolem 04/04/2014 at 10:26

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Yeeeaaaahhhh.... About that. No Mustangs. Just not my thing.

yamahog > Brian Silvestro 04/04/2014 at 10:28

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MY GOD.

"No one will ever know I stole it if I post it all over facebook and talk about test driving it! It's the perfect crime!!"

Brian Silvestro > yamahog 04/04/2014 at 10:30

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Muwahahahaha!

*gets arrested*

Frank Grimes > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 10:32

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Sweeet. I thought there might be people building the bodies but assumed I would be building a chassis. I would want a very close clone of the original. I want a very similar motor because I assume an original motor would be very expensive and might have to make a compromise there.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:33

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ok. well go buy one of them! I think the Z06 is a wiser choice than any Viper you could encounter btw.

Party-vi > Frank Grimes 04/04/2014 at 10:34

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They purchased the jigs and tooling from Ford to make these chassis/bodies. Power comes form a Cosworth engine, but I'd probably try to find a GDI engine from a wrecked Focus ST.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/04/2014 at 10:40

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"Wise choice" tends to not equate with "fun car". The C6Z is certainly a fine car, but if I could get a Viper for that price I'd get the latter. Build quality is even worse and I'd die young, but well...

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:40

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I'm actually considering something like this all original 1994 Corvette C4 6spd Manual. This fine example has 40,926kms(25578 miles) with the ultra reliable 300HP LT1 for $17000.

you can get a decent C4 for less but for something in this condition $17000 looks like a steal.

Link to Ad

Frank Grimes > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 10:41

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Oh really. Well then I would have about 30k to find a nutso motor a senquential trans and diffs and craps. I just realized how much that crap is gonna cost...

CalzoneGolem > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:41

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So what you want me to tell you is whether you should by a Corvette or a Viper?

Jagvar > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:43

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Probably an NSX .

BarryDanger > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:46

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Any one of these will do. Build one from the ground up and make sure it's still street legal.

Sn210 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 10:47

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why just one?! Then the possibilities are endless

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 04/04/2014 at 10:52

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I've never been a huge viper guy. I like them and they are cool, but i've always LOVED corvettes.

getFuckedHerb > CalzoneGolem 04/04/2014 at 10:59

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Not really actually. Those are my go to's. I've owned two corvettes, yes I might get another. Always had a morbid curiosity about a viper. But you, the informed Jalop may have some batshit crazy idea that is WAY better than those. A v6 mustang is not that for me is all.

getFuckedHerb > Sn210 04/04/2014 at 11:01

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Just one because I am still married and my days of multiple toys are over until post children.

Justino6969 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:08

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I've seen several extreme low mile (Like, less than 2000 miles) C5 Z06's for around $25-30k online. Get one of those (2002-2004) for a bulletproof LS6 and spend $20k on whatever you want, like a supercharger and huge cam and sets of tires to burn.

highmodulus > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:08

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How about a mint low mile 911 993? Last of the air cooled 911's, iconic looks, but modern features and drive train. Great manual transmission, tons of aftermarket and indy shop support. DD and HPDE friendly. Looks great, sounds great and quite possibly will not devalue a single penny when you go to sell it in 8-10 years given its short 3 year production run and strong regard among Porsche enthusiasts.

Sn210 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:09

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understandable!

How about:

Or...

bob and john > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:10

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motorcycles. you can NOT get more fun/$ then motorcycles, end of discussion.

what would I get?

Honda VFR800 for the sports tourer, Triumph 675R for the sportsbike, and a yamaha WR250R for the offroad stuff. done deal.

and its cheap to maintian and easy to store!

PardonMyFlemish16 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:13

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Stripped out 996 C2S with a rebuilt engine and a big bore kit. Get it down to ~2500lbs, throw on some big meats, let magic happen.

AMC/Renauledge > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:17

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Aston Martin DB7 Vantage MT . Possibly a Volante, though I wouldn't kick the coupe out of bed, either.

getFuckedHerb > highmodulus 04/04/2014 at 11:17

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Ooh, +1 for a great suggestion.

getFuckedHerb > Sn210 04/04/2014 at 11:18

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+1 for Morgan 3 Wheeler option. Wonder what tire options for the front look like for track day stuff.

getFuckedHerb > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:19

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jkm7680 > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 11:19

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You can get a used Vantage or an older model for under $50,000. Probably salvage titles I'm guessing. For the newer counterpart at least.

Sn210 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:21

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I'd imagine there's some sort of motorcycle tire you can throw on

Party-vi > jkm7680 04/04/2014 at 11:24

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If I could find a high-mileage Vantage V8 (V8 Vantage?) I could snag it for $50k, but I'd be worried about maintenance on a British V8.

jkm7680 > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 11:27

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That would be tricky. The early 90's Zr1 Corvettes with Lotus engines were near impossible to maintain, making te Vantage look easy.

Party-vi > jkm7680 04/04/2014 at 11:31

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As I understand it, Lotus designed the heads and timing/valvetrain for the LT5 which probably lead to complications. Plus, how many mechanics had ever seen a DOHC LT1 before?

CalzoneGolem > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:31

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Mopar or no car.

Your boy, BJR > AMC/Renauledge 04/04/2014 at 11:33

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I was literally there yesterday hahahaha They have nice cars, but the owner of the place rubs me the wrong way.

Your boy, BJR > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:37

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So it's eight grand over budget…….for a Testarossa, I'd find a way.

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:38

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'64 Corvair Spyder convertible.

AMC/Renauledge > Your boy, BJR 04/04/2014 at 11:45

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LOL. Just the slogan on the windows rubs me the wrong way. "Ask the person that bought one" is quite the inelegant update of Packard's old "Ask the man who owns one" line.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 11:50

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Depending on the condition you want, you can pick up a Pantera for anything from $25 to $50+k. The Cleveland V8 should be easy to work on and was mass produced so parts shouldn't be hard to get.

Your boy, BJR > AMC/Renauledge 04/04/2014 at 12:18

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Don't get me wrong though, they have some serious metal there, including a caddy v16, 54 Vette, plymouth woody, and a brad new never titled or registered 1990 ZR1 6-speed, and there's a couple of older gents who work there that I'm friendly with (when I walked in yesterday the one guy was like "Ben! You here to finally make an offer on Brian's testarossa?",referring the owner's '86 testarosa with 12 miles on it) it's just the owner strikes me as a bit of a schyster.

getFuckedHerb > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 12:34

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No one tossed this in?

Kailand09 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 12:37

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Yeah I'm supporting the C6Z answer. Best you can get for the money hands down.

Also, as others have said, they rnge $35k-$50k for nice examples.

I had a post earlier this week about one that was for sale through carmax, and you could get the warrantee then. They will deliver the car to you as well if you're not near it. Might be a good option to go.

mycarneverruns87 > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 12:40

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Ok, so I know this car is over the 50k mark but I figure in a couple years it will be within reach of that budget. A C6Z Carbon edition in orange. If I can't find or afford the carbon edition it will be my inspiration. I won't complain a bit about a "regular" C6Z!

meatatarian > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 13:06

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996 turbo!!!

you can get a decent one for around 40k, which leaves you 10k to go through it properly, put in a roll cage, and buy track wheels and tires and brake components.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-91…

meatatarian > highmodulus 04/04/2014 at 13:08

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964s are cheaper and 80% mechanically shared, though i do love 993s!

highmodulus > meatatarian 04/04/2014 at 13:30

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Yeah, the 964 is nice as well. The updates the 993 are worth it IMHO. And from a value standpoint I think the 993's will do better. The Turbo's are already untouchable.

meatatarian > highmodulus 04/04/2014 at 13:37

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993s are also really timeless, gorgeous cars, which helps! They are a legitimate investment at this point, they will only go up in value. I think 964s will be next to start appreciating though

McLarry > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 13:50

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Definitely wouldn't buy a 'new' car... of the used options, I could see an older Viper GTS...Maybe Aston Vantage...Porsche Cayman or 911...Lotus Exige....

But I think I would have to get one of these:

highmodulus > meatatarian 04/04/2014 at 13:56

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I think you are right- collector's buy the cars they wanted as teenagers. That puts 80's and 90's cars as good values for the future. It also explains my absurd love of Lotus Turbo Espirits and Porsche 959s.

JohnnyWasASchoolBoy > Party-vi 04/04/2014 at 14:58

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This. All day long. This is the choice.

Slighty_Less_Cooler_190e > getFuckedHerb 04/04/2014 at 16:54

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This or a any Lotus model 01-newer model used.

SpeedSix > getFuckedHerb 04/05/2014 at 01:40

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You can snag a decent example in Europe for the equivalent of just under $50k and import it to North America with the rest, though you might want to spend a bit more to rebuild the SPICA fuel pump among other parts. These cars are quite undervalued, especially when not through auctions. You'll end up with a low production, stylish Alfa grand tourer with a racing-derived V8.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > getFuckedHerb 04/05/2014 at 09:44

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Volvo V60 Polestar, Should be fun to drive, Volvo are quite reliable, 345 Hp

whitemare > getFuckedHerb 04/06/2014 at 12:03

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Mazda 3. Fast, powerful, fun, reliable, and it handles well.

With $50,000, I'd have enough cash to by two.

exizeo - still loving fourza > getFuckedHerb 04/06/2014 at 15:21

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993 C2S, widebody.

Grigore > getFuckedHerb 04/06/2014 at 17:06

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > bob and john 04/06/2014 at 20:23

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Or desTroy a Veyron in a drag race with a DUCATI PANIGALE R SUPERLEGGERA

P.S. it costs 45,000

Cielmer > getFuckedHerb 04/06/2014 at 21:44

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Id probably go for this or the Morgan. I had more or less the same question and narrowed it down to these two. The /Drive video for these two has me more or less convinces. The Morgan is as simple as it gets and would add a lot of driving joy even at low speeds, plus those looks are killer. The Caterham is all about driving performance and also pretty simple, if a bit less so than the Morgan. I was also looking at an older air cooled 911, but honestly part of me doesnt want to be having to deal with an aging cars little problems unless I commit to do a total overhaul. On the plus side, it has 4 seats which makes it more family friendly. Still, for an alternate fun car, you cant do much better than those two.

bob and john > In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you 04/07/2014 at 01:55

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hmmm. you know, for tht 45K, id also look at Eric Buells new bikes, The EBR 1190rx and 1190rs

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > bob and john 04/07/2014 at 09:34

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OR..... You could buy 2 Brammo Impulse R (ELECTRIC SUPERBIKES)

bob and john > In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you 04/07/2014 at 10:15

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ehhh. i'm not sold on an electric bike yet. it would definatly be a cool talking appoint, but I don't trust the range on those

teefen > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 04/07/2014 at 22:36

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CP

Andre Races a Formula Vee > getFuckedHerb 04/08/2014 at 19:12

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I might be late to this but the answer is clear - buy a REAL race car for under 20 grand, and spend the next 30 grand racing it over the next few years. Formula Ford or F2000, both faster than just about any street car you can get for 50 grand, easier to work on, and so much more fun.. Check the apexspeed classifieds and go to town ;)

Dsscats > getFuckedHerb 04/09/2014 at 00:19

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Imma make you a badass list:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/439020…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/439090…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/438785…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/437785…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/441317…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/441214…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/440709…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/440360…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/440991…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/438707…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/441258…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/440065…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/440461…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/437309…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/440332…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/439821…

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/440320… -My particular favorite.

Saracen > getFuckedHerb 04/10/2014 at 04:57

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This APR supercharged Audi RS4.

(I'm actually tempted right now...)

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4363897717…

Driverist > getFuckedHerb 04/11/2014 at 03:20

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I could get a new car (M235i or a leftover Hatchback STi) but4 $50k can get you some great used cars.

E63 BMW M6, E61 BMW M5 (touring, I could most likely import it into Canada with a few modifications), 2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R, 2013 Boss 302, Lancia Delta Integrale Evo2, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, etc. In other words, way too many cars to choose from.

Kerry > getFuckedHerb 04/11/2014 at 06:56

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1970's Alfa GTV and then use the rest to prep it for vintage SCCA racing and a couple seasons worth of tires. Keep it quasi street legal so you can drive it to the track/autocross/Dairy Queen/hooker motel and in a few years when you et bored and want something else it will pay you most of your money back. Heck if you look hard enough you can find one already track prepped and save $20k. And if you want to go blow $10k of that $50k in Vegas you can do the same thing but with a BMW 2002i.