What's your attainable dream car?

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno) 03/31/2014 at 19:06 • Filed to: None

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We all have our dream cars. You know the ones, hilariously impracticable, ungodly expensive car you'd be scared to take out of the garage. But, what about the ones you could easily attain if you wanted to? What would it be?

Mine would be a blue E36 M3. People always say that this generation of M3 was never a real M car because we didn't get the good engine Europe did. We only got the 3.2 making 240 horsepower. I've had a lot of wheel time behind a '97 328i with sport package and it's an absolute gem of a car. Which means this has to be even better. These go for cheap, too. A good one goes for about $5,000, which is pretty attainable.

EL_ULY > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:07

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aww, I miss my 3 liter heater ('95 U.S. M3)

:'(

Coty > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:10

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With a stick. At least for now.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:10

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acura nsx if that is attainable

GhostZ > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/31/2014 at 19:11

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If Cheaper than a New Camry, then it is definitely attainable.

wbizarre - OEM fetishist > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:11

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M635CSI. But really, even a regular ol' 635CSI will do.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Coty 03/31/2014 at 19:11

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The eyeliner around the headlights always bothered me on those.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:12

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Logansteno: Bought a VW? > wbizarre - OEM fetishist 03/31/2014 at 19:12

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Those old 6's are rolling art

Coty > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:12

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I call them semen spectacles. It looks better in person. These make 260hp stock. My buddy did very little work and makes 300.

Collin > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:13

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Honestly, I own mine right now. E39 540i with 6MT and M-sport suspension is about as dreamy as it gets, and mine was also right around $5,000. It's no M5, but it has 340 ft./lbs of torque, which make for lots of easily accessible fun.

Bandit > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:14

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I already have my Trans Am... my next car will be a Porsche 944. I guess I could dream about a 944 S2.

CPT Speedbump > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:14

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If I worked for it hard enough, a Lotus Elise or Exige might be attainable?

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:15

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FC RX-7. Granted purely with the money I have on me right now I'm not sure the one I'll be able to buy will run past 5 miles.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:15

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I saw one the other day at home depot stared at it for ten minutes

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Collin 03/31/2014 at 19:15

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At first I was thinking 540, but I have a weakness for the howl of a straight 6

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > GhostZ 03/31/2014 at 19:16

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yay NSX here I come when I get a job that gets me good money

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 03/31/2014 at 19:17

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Playing the will it make it home game is half the fun of buying a used car!

PheeNoIVI > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:17

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Porsche cayman

Brian Silvestro > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 03/31/2014 at 19:18

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The real question is how long you were in your car in the parking lot TOUCHING YOURSELF

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Bandit 03/31/2014 at 19:19

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Well, once the Trans Am is done, you're gonna need another project. Plenty of 944s around.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:20

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They're. So. Attractive.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:20

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5 minutes then people started to stare

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > EL_ULY 03/31/2014 at 19:21

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Guess you'll just have to invest in another one!

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:21

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Probably a Wr blue Bugeye Wrx.

Or any kind of S4.

Boxer_4 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:21

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A 1992 Subaru SVX LS with the Touring Package. It's the perfect balance between performance and luxury, and all I really want in a fun car.

I'd throw in a JDM GC WRX STi 5-speed swap with DCCD; with either a 4.11 or 4.44 final drive ratio.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680 03/31/2014 at 19:22

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ANY kind of S4?

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:23

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So much sexier than the equivalent E46 M3.

I Like Corollas > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:23

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Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Boxer_4 03/31/2014 at 19:24

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There's a black SVX around here that I see every morning. It has aftermarket wheels on it, but they look really good. It's a really attractive car in person.

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:24

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Gahhhh, anything but that .

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:24

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Now with deprived rotaries!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:25

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They are pretty much the same thing underneath. It's just wrapped in a 102x sexier body.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:26

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;-(

No Prius Needed > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:26

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Hoosiers bro.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > jkm7680 03/31/2014 at 19:26

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It's been trashed. What a waste of a perfectly good wagon!

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 03/31/2014 at 19:26

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oil*

VballHerk > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:26

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Lots Esprit

samssun > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:27

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The E36 was the last "light" M3, and is a perfect car for the E46's 333hp I6. This is consistent with the Universal Law of M3s, which states that every M3 deserves the next gen's engine:

E30 + S52

E36 + S54

E46 + S65

(E92 is actually a 5 series and doesn't count. Substitute 1- or 2-series with F80's TT I6.)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > VballHerk 03/31/2014 at 19:27

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Well what a perfect picture.

Brian Silvestro > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:27

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EXACTLY

jkm7680 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:28

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Agreed. That's wagon abuse.

Luckily there is an Sti in the background to compensate, Haha.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 03/31/2014 at 19:29

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I knew you'd see this comment.
IT'S THE TRUTH!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > samssun 03/31/2014 at 19:29

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Eh, the 190 horsepower the 328i works well for the E36, the I think the 240 is the perfect amount.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:30

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98.5 out of 100 Opponauts would disagree!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:31

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But the coupe though!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 03/31/2014 at 19:31

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I'm gonna make a poll right now!

chilango > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:34

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1967 Galaxie 500. Yup

Collin > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:35

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I will admit, the 540i is too quiet. If I cut out the muffler that they put in front of the regular muffler, it would sound excellent.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > chilango 03/31/2014 at 19:36

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Dat 60s American barge.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Collin 03/31/2014 at 19:37

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The 328i I ride in screams, so I can only imagine what the M engine sounds like. But the amazing thing is, it becomes hybrid quiet once you're just moving around town.

chilango > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:37

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there was one for sale in my hometown, I became smitten.... one day.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > chilango 03/31/2014 at 19:38

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There was an M3 for sale in my price range, but I'd rather not pay 2x the value of the car each year in insurance.

Jayhawk Jake > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:43

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Depends on how you define attainable. I already own a new car that I'm making payments on, so that limits things. Down the road though?

Currently my dream is to buy a house next January, and then save some money to fill a second garage slot with one of these:

A C4 Corvette, preferably with the LT1 mated to the 6 speed. I'd settle for an L98 with the 6 speed I suppose. It's very attainable if I play my cards right, I've seen good examples going for about $8000. I'd keep my budget under $10,000, and at that price point I think I could manage it.

There are some alternatives/future possibilities. I really like the Cayman, and if the prices do what Boxster prices have done I can see one in my future when I get tired of the Corvette (or whatever second car I buy)

Again we're talking in the $10,000 to $20,000 price range.

Long term things get interesting. I'm fortunate enough to have a career that should open many car buying doors if all else remains constant (single, affordable hobbies, cheap city). With that in mind, my true dream car is hopefully within reach someday

These have held their value surprisingly well, but I'm hoping that given enough time they'll dip below $50,000 with relatively low miles. This has been my dream car for many years, and I feel like I'm the kind of person who will try to own my dream car even if it's massively out of date when I can afford it.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:44

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Well by the time that I realistically have the means to purchase one I'll be importing a Clio V6 Phase 2

PushToStart > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:45

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I'll answer your question with a question: Will Subaru ever build a 5-door version of the '15 STI? (I think so, hopefully/I hear quite possibly for '16).

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jayhawk Jake 03/31/2014 at 19:45

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The R8 V10 is my above all others dream car. But it'd be a spyder for me.

chilango > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:46

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preach brother preachmy insurance is through the roof because I am under 25.

and that's just with just liability

Jayhawk Jake > VballHerk 03/31/2014 at 19:47

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One has been for sale in town for $20,000. I went past the lot one Saturday and took a peek (they were closed)...

...it's a damn sexy car in person.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Trunk Impaired 318 03/31/2014 at 19:47

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Stupid 25 year import laws.

Collin > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:47

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Sadly, the 540i was designed to allow business men to swoosh along the Autobahn in comfort and quiet.

Jayhawk Jake > CPT Speedbump 03/31/2014 at 19:47

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An Elise is on my possible future car list, but thanks to the airbags I suspect their value will only go up in the US which would push them out of reach...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > chilango 03/31/2014 at 19:48

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Well, 16 year old male driving a car that's considered a high performance vehicle, I'd say at least $200 a month.

Jayhawk Jake > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:48

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I don't like the spyder at all. Obviously if someone gave me one I wouldn't say no, but I'll pass on buying one. The coupe is just so much better looking.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:49

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Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PushToStart 03/31/2014 at 19:49

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The current generation's hatchback is my favorite STI ever.

Sn210 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:50

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my bucket list is up to 82 cars! I think the car with the best dream car to attain ability ratio is an 850i

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jayhawk Jake 03/31/2014 at 19:50

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I just love the ability to hear the V10 with the top down.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 03/31/2014 at 19:52

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Make sure to make it between those two specific cars!

Actually it should be the Z4M Coupe versus the E46 M3 Coupe. Doesn't really make sense to use the roadster against the M3 Coupe. And doesn't make sense to use the E46 M3 Cabrio in any poll, lol

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Sn210 03/31/2014 at 19:52

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Such an attractive car. And pop up headlights add at least 20 horsepower.

chilango > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:52

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I pay 150 there is a month for my prelude

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 03/31/2014 at 19:53

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I did!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > chilango 03/31/2014 at 19:53

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Okay, so maybe more the like $300 a month for an M3

CAR_IS_MI > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:55

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Anything Alfa Romeo...

Also a 914 with a 3.6 6cyl swap.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > CAR_IS_MI 03/31/2014 at 19:57

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My favorite Alfa would have to be the 8C spider

A3R0 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 19:59

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9000 Aero!

Jayhawk Jake > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:02

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It's not like you can't hear it with the coupe

exizeo - still loving fourza > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:03

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E85/6 M Coupe, Sepang bronze on full sepang, 6mt, or E36 M3 Euro, sedan, technoviolet on mulberry

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:06

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15 in Canada!!!!! I think.....

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) 03/31/2014 at 20:08

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Damn Canada, with your free healthcare and 15 year import laws.

therevengeofthesaab (really likes pre-2005 hondas right now) > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:10

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AthomSfere > Jayhawk Jake 03/31/2014 at 20:19

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8 kinds of head shaking here, Jake...

But mostly, a C4? Price constraints only? I prefer anything but the C4... I think they look so, meh.

On the R8, why not just shed the boring shell, and get the Gallardo?

Dunnik > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:23

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E24.

N/A POWAAAHH > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:24

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VIP LS430/400

samssun > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 20:28

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Tell that to the guys turboing E36s, and supercharging E46s. An E46-powered E36 still wouldn't be all that fast, with power:weight ratio somewhere between a pony car and Corvette...a good overall balance.

Jayhawk Jake > AthomSfere 03/31/2014 at 20:38

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Price constraints mostly. If C5 prices come down in the next year or so I'd have one, but they are about $5000 too much.

I love the R8. I prefer it to the Gallardo to be honest, although I have nothing against the Gallardo.

AthomSfere > Jayhawk Jake 03/31/2014 at 20:42

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OK, you get a pass on the C4...

But (And we chatted about this at the meet) I think the R8 looks just as bland as any other Audi. If you like Audis I can see why you would like the R8, it just doesn't look like a supercar to me. For the same $50k I would much rather a NSX + an early 90's Viper...

Jayhawk Jake > AthomSfere 03/31/2014 at 20:49

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I like Audi's a lot. Part of the appeal of the R8 to me is how subdued it is. It's not shouting LOOK AT ME I HAVE MONEY, but it's got performance to knock the pants off anything on the road.

With regards to the C4 I'm open to other options, but I've grown to like Corvettes so it appeals to me. I was planning on a Miata a month ago, so it'll likely change before I buy.

PushToStart > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 21:08

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Same, but the '15 STI is a way better car overall than the previous STI's after all the improvements they made, not to mention the styling is sexy as hell. All it needs is a hatchback!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 21:26

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Dream in the future:

308 or

61-64 continental or

65 Corvette

Unfortunately the prices of all three are climbing faster than my bank account can.

Right now I would say S2000 or 60's Buick Riviera.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 03/31/2014 at 21:28

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I hate appreciation. That's what nice about the E36, no collectors want a common, US spec M3 because it isn't the right engine. So prices just keep falling, which makes me a happy person.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 21:29

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A proper JDM 70-74 Celica GTV. I have always preferred the early coupes to the "looks like a Mustang, awesome bro" liftbacks. The "Bertone up a muscle car" styling is one of the best designs to ever come out of Japan, combined that with the 125hp Yamaha twincam revmonster dual-carb awesome that is the 2T-G engine and a curb weight of under a ton, the lightest curb weight of any Celica ever sold and a beefed up suspension, I am full of want. This is the car that routinely beat the 240Z on the track in Japan, and it's a great reminder of how, despite the beige reputation it now has, Toyota was the Japanese brand you'd go to if you wanted sportiness in your daily driver.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PanchoVilleneuve ST 03/31/2014 at 21:31

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It's a shame how hard Toyota fell from making wonderful enthusiast cars to this:

djmanila > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 22:02

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I have been blessed to be able to get the ones I wanted at the time. I've had an Integra, a Civic, 2 AE86s, a S2000, and an E39 540i (wanted an M5). Next one on the short list would be one of these two

djmanila > Collin 03/31/2014 at 22:03

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I have the same, I was going to say go with an aftermarket muffler and take out the scuba tank and it sounds awesome

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > djmanila 03/31/2014 at 22:04

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You've got a bunch a Japanese steeds, and then there's the German outcast.

Biodegradable Wiring Harness > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 22:26

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I wanted a Pantera so bad until I found out you're really not supposed to get them wet... at all. That's lame, so now I need something new to dream about. They're a little bit beyond "easily" attainable for me anyway. Maybe I'll go with an 850csi, or an older Viper, or an air cooled 911, or maybe just settle for a 996, probably the most attainable of the bunch, and very underrated IMO.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Biodegradable Wiring Harness 03/31/2014 at 22:29

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I never actually minded the looks of the melt-y lights on the 996.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 22:34

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I'm still hopeful, since Akio Toyoda is unquestionably one of us (look at his two pet projects: the Toyobaru and the LFA), and he has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to bring the fun back to Toyota. I really hope he can convince his company that boring is not the way forward.

chilango > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/31/2014 at 22:38

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but it IS attainable.

Tomas Hancar > Boxer_4 03/31/2014 at 22:56

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No swapping needed. Both Type R (coupé) and Type RA have DCCD as standard. I've had the pleasure of driving a 1998 Type R for about 100 miles and it's just about the closest thing to a relatively attainable dreamcar of mine that I've ever had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel. Speaking of swaps, however - SVX with the EZ30D + Spec.B 6MT tranny swap, ideally with the Raptor Supercharger for an additional punch would be a GT dream come true...