What (semi-realistic) cars excite you?

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k) 06/06/2014 at 18:28 • Filed to: None

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Lately I've been having some trouble getting my car boner up...anybody else have this problem?

Maybe I've grown old and become too much of a realist - but every time I get on craigslist to waste some time, I can't think of any cars I'd be interested in looking up. Trying to save money for a house and a wedding, want to get out of debt, so really can't/won't spend anything more than $20k when it's time to switch cars.

Here's what i usually end up searching:

- BMW E30 325i (I have one, just to see what else is out there and how much they're going for)

- 05 Subaru Legacy GT wagon (same reason as above)

- '14 Mazda3 hatch (would like one, but nothing on used market yet)

- Focus ST (would be fun, but i'm leaning towards something auto next since I'll keep the E30 and want something good for commute/roadtrips/the lady can drive)

- VW GTI (newish with DSG sounds like exactly what I need)

- Miata (it's always the answer! and a potential fun, cheap replacement for the E30)

- E46 ZHP (cheapish, funish, no M3 bank breaking costs, I can dream a little)

- BMW M Coupe (Z3) - the want is always strong with this one. Maybe if I find one, for one last hoorah before a sterilized DD

- Porsches (Caymans, early 997s, classics....all nice, but not realistic at the end of the day, and don't want the financial risk).

And that, ladies and gents, is all I've got. Here I am, sitting at work on a Friday afternoon, just waiting for the weekend with all of Criagslist in front of me, and I've got nothing to search.

What's on your radar/wish list?

Brian Silvestro > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:32

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THESE

Nibby > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:32

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If I needed a new car, I'd look at either Fusion 2.0 Ecoboost or Audi A4.

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:32

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DATSUNS. I've been literally scouring the country looking for a Datsun for myself. I plan to have one by the end of the year and by that time I'll have enough in my budget to get a pretty clean example.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Brian Silvestro 06/06/2014 at 18:34

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Haha, you sir, have strange desires!

I had a neighbour at my last apartment who had two of those little old civics sitting in his drive way...always made me wonder what he was planning on doing with them.

jkm7680 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:35

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S60R, Volvo P1800ES, B5 S4 Avant, Nsx (Bank account= No Bueno. But still) Maserati Coupe/Cambiocorsa. Countless motorcycles.

None of them are impossible within the next several years. Several is the key word.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 06/06/2014 at 18:36

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Ah yes, I used to have a standard 240z search in my list too - but then got tired of all the rotted/rusted heaps of junk that pop up on craigslist...either those, or chevy v8 swaps. I'd just like a clean, driven Z car with a few light mods (wheels, suspension, maybe 5 speed, etc.) that's not a junker nor a garage queen. Why can't I have what I want!

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:37

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What's the OPPO version of Viagra?

Brian Silvestro > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:38

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UGH I WANT ONE

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:39

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I know that feel all too well. They're either rusted pieces of shit, v8 swapped or too expensive. There's no middle ground and that's why I've decided to save more (a lot more) so I can pick up something that's right and tight.

After I pick one up, I'm gonna go buck wild with (tasteful) mods. I can't wait.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > jkm7680 06/06/2014 at 18:41

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ah yes, I went through that S60R phase (well, v70R)...that's how I ended up with the Subaru wagon (the volvo definitely is more cool and quirky...but I trust the subaru more).

B5 S4s are great cars but I'm deathly scared of buying one thanks to all the "mods" every single one of them has. I'd LOVE a B7 RS4 too...but again, just don't trust those to not break the bank within a week of buying (plus they're still way out of price range)

jkm7680 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:43

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That's why I've got a 2.8 B5 A4, Yes I could have afforded a B5 S4. Except the majority of them are beaten to hell, and are going to need turbo replacements at some point, or have enough mods to blow the shit out of the car if you tried hard enough. If a well maintained, bone stock example comes up. Chances are it'll be automatic.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 06/06/2014 at 18:43

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I'm adding that back on my list...it's a worthy car and definitely hits all the right spots. It'd be perfect to replace the E30 when I'm ready to do that as well....a more financially responsible alternative to a classic 911.

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:44

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DON'T STEAL ANY FROM ME.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 06/06/2014 at 18:50

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haha, how about we draw some territory lines, drug lord style?

Don't worry, the fiancee will castrate me if I even think of making a car purchase anytime soon. This is intriguing...not a fan of the color scheme or the price, but seems clean and workable - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/450326…

Blondude > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 18:52

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VW Beetle. Preferably of the Cal Look variety.

First gen Bronco

NA Miata

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 19:15

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Are you in California? Cause Cali is too far for me. That's pretty much the only state I'm not looking in even though the best ones are out there.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 06/06/2014 at 19:17

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Yup, I am. SF Bay Area. If you're looking everywhere else, might as well just look here too, just in case you find the absolute perfect car you've been looking for?

That particular car is pretty far from me, but if you find a car in the actual SF/Silicon Valley area I'd be happy to take a look and give some first-hand impressions for a fellow jalop.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 19:19

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E36 BMW M3/328i

F-bodies of any year

Mk V GTI

Legacy GT 2003-2009

Tahoes/Suburbans/Yukon/Yukon XL 1995-2006

Grand Prix GTP/GXP

Mazdaspeed6

RX-8

2008-2010 Vue Redline

Sky Redline/Solstice GXP

OLD GM TRUCKS

1999-2006 Chevy Silverado

RSX w/ 6-speed

2003-2007 Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon

Yeah, I have a strange list.

Lonestarsharker > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 19:22

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this would be my pick, which is why the z31 pictured is mine. She needs minor work, but she works just fine. I always lusted over these cars as a kid, thought they were Ferraris, so (in my head), I own a Ferrari.

mcseanerson > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 19:25

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I've been doing the same lately. Super cars and new stuff just bore me these days, unless it's something like a cheap Ferrari, you know for the gated shifter.

My search list looks pretty similar.

- I love the new Mazda 3 and would want the cheapest hatch with a stick. Wouldn't buy one for at least 2-3 years.

-Mazda 2. just waiting for them to be found regularly a little more under 10k. Like once there are a bunch for 5k-8k I will start planning my b-spec daydreams.

- E30 318is. If I'm getting an interference motor I want a timing chain, not a belt. Also I love little motors you have to drive balls out to have fun. Because I never want to be not balls out.

-Porsches. If you buy and 911 under 20k you're not going to lose much money no matter what. Caymans and Boxsters, shop carefully. Personally I want what everyone wants: A 964 carrera 2 coupe with a stick. I wouldn't snub my nose at a nice Cayman either.

- any fast b-spec car like Fiat 500 abarth, Mini Cooper S, and Fiesta ST. I like the Focus ST alright but I'd rather have something smaller because I'm a glutton for punishment and like I said before I love driving balls out.

- E36 325. I never used to like them but there is a guy who has one at the autocrosses I go to and he is wicked fast. Like faster than M3 fast.

Jayhawk Jake > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 19:53

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The new GTI has really piqued my interest. I can't really afford to trade my car in any time soon, but I'm hoping to con my way into a test drive. Probably this weekend actually.

Otherwise I can't stop dreaming about getting a Corvette at some point in the next few years. C5s are very affordable, and C6s are getting there. Given another 2 years hopefully I'll be in a position to swap my Sonic for a C6

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 20:12

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Golf R (I think it's realistic)

E90 335i (realistic besides maintenance)

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 20:14

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That's exactly the problem I'm having. I'd like to move on from the XJR to something newer, lower maintenance, and more... um... practical, and I'm even ready to trade off some of the performance and comfort to do so. But I'm looking at 3 year old semi-affordable cars and coming up with nothing that interests me.

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 20:41

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I appreciate that! I'm in St. Louis so ideally I'd fly to get the car and drive it back. I have weird requirements in cars I'm looking at so Cali is a bit too far of a drive unfortunately. If it comes down to it and it's in the budget then I will look in California, so I'll let you know! Thanks!

alexotics > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 21:02

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Your list is my list, leave for the Z3 since I don't quite fit, and swap WRX STIs for the legacy. What about Audi Wagons (reliability issue?) or maybe a not so popular muscle car like a '66 Charger or a Mercury Cougar?

Two Drink Minimum > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/06/2014 at 21:06

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Abarth. You can get one new, with leather interior, for under $20K.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Two Drink Minimum 06/09/2014 at 13:24

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Very good point - I'm curious about these too...good city car, plus would imagine gas mileage is decent? I'm curious how the 500 Turbo compares to the Abarth? The Abarth does sound like sex, but not sure I'd want that everyday, all the time.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > alexotics 06/09/2014 at 13:27

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The Legacy is a whole lot cheaper than the STi (obviously), and even compared to the regular WRX it just doesn't have the same fanboi following so prices tend to be lower. It's a much more civilized car and interior quality is miles above the WRX. Very tunable and can be a beast - especially if you want space, it's a great car to consider.

Yeah, audi even the newer ones I keep hearing friends having problems with them, just kind of turned off in general. Their new cars (out of my budget) are really gorgeous though.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 06/09/2014 at 13:28

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Life ain't easy being a car enthusiast...if it were only just a matter of walking to a dealer and buying a Camry, I'd save days out of my life of craigslist searches! :P

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 06/09/2014 at 13:29

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Yeah, actually I'd add the 128/135i to the list...only problem with the #35 is I'd want the later model single turbos that are more reliable...which at least for now is too pricey for me to even look at.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Jayhawk Jake 06/09/2014 at 13:30

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It's like you're living in my mind. I have never cared much for vettes, but I've been looking at those randomly too - the price to performance ratio just can't be beat. even a c6 with the z51 package can be had for a pretty decent price...so definitely a few years down the road I'd consider one as a toy.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > mcseanerson 06/09/2014 at 13:33

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ehh...are you part of BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter? There's a guy who has one who fits the bill for the 325i you mentioned!

Mazda2 is a riot - my dad has one (not in the US) as a runaround car...i love that thing when I visit. Great little car, for sure.

What about the 318i entices you? Definitely a lot rarer than the 325i...I've actually never driven a 318, is it significantly lighter up front?

mcseanerson > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/09/2014 at 13:39

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I'm in Ohio. The guy I'm talking about runs in the southern SCCA regions and MVCC.

I like the 318is because the four cylinders can be had for a little less money in a little nicer condition and I like a motor that I really have to rev a lot. Lets me act a fool on public roads and not get in trouble.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 06/09/2014 at 13:43

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Strange, indeed...especially all the huge trucks mixed in with the japanese cars.

The E36 M3 vs 328i is a very good point...given how neutered the M3 was for the US market, i'd imagine a 328i is quite a bit cheaper and you can use savings for brand new suspension bits, rubber, even engine upgrades if you really wanted to.

Two Drink Minimum > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/09/2014 at 14:07

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Definitely a great city car. I'm still in the break-in period, so I can't really say where mileage will shake out. I think I'm around 24mpg right now, but that's spirited driving. A more reasonable driver might expect 30 mpg.

The exhaust may be an issue for folks. It's loud (and by loud, I mean awesome). The 500 Turbo does get you some horsepower (130 vs 160 for the Abarth), but not the screwed down suspension, better seats, etc. I think the 500 Turbo would make a competent city car, but the Abarth is the kind of car you will reminisce about 20 years from now. It just gives off a VW GTI Mark 1 kind of vibe.

Jayhawk Jake > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/09/2014 at 14:27

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The Corvette has a weird effect on people I think. I used to not like them, but I started looking at them a bit based on performance alone. The more I looked the more I liked, at first I fell for the C4 and thought the C5 was ugly, now I like the C5, I love the C6, the C7 is amazing...all of a sudden I'm a Corvette fanboy, and if you told me that I would be 2 years ago I would have laughed and walked away

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/09/2014 at 21:51

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But just think how much of your life you'd lose to driving a Camry....

CarBastard > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/16/2014 at 16:20

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Abarth 695 Biposto.

I lust for one of those things. I burn for one. It's a Fiat 500 on crack cocaine and steroids. Small, quirky, stylish...brutal, focused, badass. I love everything about it. The power is adequate, the weight is considerably low, the gearbox, OH GOD THE GEARBOX YES YES YES GIVE IT TO MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, the digital dash, the harness' bar...oh god, oh god.

I kid you not, I like that thing so much I'd rather have one of those than Catrinel Menghia, even if she actually had the Abarth tattoo.

JohnnyWasASchoolBoy > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/16/2014 at 18:15

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Old Broncos

Old Land Rovers

FJ40s

I'm looking for solid, climb up a wall, go through anything, 4x4s with a lack of creature comforts.

BigDog95325 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/16/2014 at 19:40

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You'd love the E90/92 335xi forever. It's a great every day driver to begin with. I got one and dropped in the Dinan Stage 2 chip and exhaust and it becomes a sleeper that is hard to beat. 400+ hp and lb-ft without voiding the extended warranty is amazing.

My wife just bought a 2014 Mazda3 hatchback like 4 or 5 days ago. It's actually a lot more fun than I anticipated. It's geared for mileage (she bought an auto) but you can manual shift it for some fun. Tons of room and good for accommodating kids and their stuff. Plus I think it's a good looking car. I like it more the more I see it.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Big Bubba Ray 06/18/2014 at 17:05

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Just saw this on my local CL. Asking way too much, I think but such a beauty!

- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/452303…

Big Bubba Ray > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/18/2014 at 17:38

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$25 grand??? Seems steep even though it checks all the right boxes! Definitely a beautiful car.