What would you buy for around $20k USD?

"magman007" (magman007)
05/09/2014 at 15:13 • Filed to: None

Dear Oppo,

I come to you seeking advise, A month ago someone asked me what I would sell my 06 sti for and I responded 21k. I am not actively selling it, so 21k is my "number" thats the number I wouldn't turn down and I would entertain the idea of selling the car.

Well, today the person says they're in the market, and might be interested in the car. So, if I sell my car, I clearly need to buy another, but nothing seems to be ticking my fancy.

I have owned an e46 m3, an e36 m3, and currently an 06 sti. The only thing I can really think of as a good buy would be a used 5.0 mustang with track pack, e39 m5 (not the most reliable) or another e46 m3.

Brz/frs is too slow, Must be rwd or awd, preferably used with lower miles, 4 door or a coupe with a useable back seat for a 9 yearold.

Also open to the idea of car+mod cash but again, nothing really tickling my fancy. My dad owns an rx8, and while its a fantastic car, I cannot stretch its legs here in florida, no curves to be had.

SO whats out there that I am forgetting to consider?

DISCUSSION (41)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:14

128i?

Arben72 > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:15

My choices would be a e46 m3, e39 m5, sti, Evo, and a c5 z06. Seeing you had most of these, and a z06 won't work for you, maybe an Evo? Also you could get a bmw 135i for that price...

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:16

2013 Abarth. It is wrong and right for you in every way.

Merkin Muffley > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:16

I'd buy a 2cv and a CUCV, but I'm weird.

Merkin Muffley > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:18

seriously though, the bargains right now seem to be in luxury cars. You can get a lot of xj8, 7 series, or s class for 20 grand these days.

PheeNoIVI > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:20

Id probably buy that Porsche 968 someone posted a couple days ago. 17k I believe and like 60k miles.

Nothing > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:26

Either ST. Drive in reverse if it must be rwd.

magman007 > Arben72
05/09/2014 at 15:29

No rear diff=no go!

I know i could find one with an aftermarket diff, and practically have a 1M, but its the principal, thanks for the suggestion though, I always found them a bit girly outside of M guise.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:29

Kinja'd!!!

or if you prefer 4 doors and edges:

Kinja'd!!!

Manuél Ferrari > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:30

If I was buying a car for around $20K I would get a Mondial. But I'm crazy. And it wouldn't be my DD so it wouldn't matter how often it didn't run.

magman007 > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
05/09/2014 at 15:30

Should mention I am currently 6ft 280. Lost 25 lbs since the beginning of the year, but I don't want to wear my car.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:33

My buddy is 6'5 and fits in the car just fine, but that pretty much kills any backseat riders you may have hopes of taking with you.

ptak appreciates old racecars > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:47

This isn't what I would buy... but have you considered a Mk4 Supra? (I presume they can be had for 20K)

magman007 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/09/2014 at 15:56

It was on my radar as well, however I hear they are a bit piggish, and I have never seen an aftermarket wheel look good on them.

magman007 > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
05/09/2014 at 15:56

They do sound absolutely fantastic.

magman007 > ptak appreciates old racecars
05/09/2014 at 15:58

I never knew much about them to be honest, they appeal to me, but I think I would go insane trying to find a well cared for non molested version. I don't think they exist.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > magman007
05/09/2014 at 15:59

Which are you referring to, and are you implying they aren't fast? My friend has one with the manual and the 6.0L. He put exhaust and a tune on it and it hauls ass.

hard to see in bad pics but this black with black wheels, they look good to me!

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/445293…

(despite it being a salvage title car)

TheCraigy > magman007
05/09/2014 at 16:06

Do you actually want to sell it?

I would vote M3. Was going to suggest Z4M or Z06 but you said you need a backseat.

Can you put together a little more money? Get a loan for a few grand more? Perhaps a newer STi or EVO would be the way to go so you can have four doors.

TheCraigy > ptak appreciates old racecars
05/09/2014 at 16:09

Nobody wants a nonturbo. Turbo will cost significantly more than the budget.

TheCraigy > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/09/2014 at 16:10

+1 you should be able to find a really nice example of one of these. 400 horsepower, what's not to like?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TheCraigy
05/09/2014 at 16:14

400 horsepower (and more easily releasable) available manual and really subtle on the highway if you get the right color. this all adds together into awesomeness in my book

RacecaR > magman007
05/09/2014 at 16:27

I know of a 5th gen Mitsubishi Mirage fully converted to an Evo VI TME for about that price if interested. And I am talking full conversion. Drivetrain, exterior/interior (OEM parts).

magman007 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/09/2014 at 16:40

Handling wise, I know they're quick! they're just not very precise.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > magman007
05/09/2014 at 16:46

Didn't you JUST say up in the original post that there's not curves to worry about anyhow?

newton > magman007
05/09/2014 at 16:53

To a seasoned BMW owner, E39 M5s are decently reliable IMO.

TheCraigy > magman007
05/09/2014 at 16:59

If you want precision you need to stick with the M3, or perhaps a 911. I had no idea what I was missing out on until I drove one.

magman007 > TheCraigy
05/09/2014 at 17:09

STI hatch is being considered, should be able to get into an 08 for about the same price as my 06. I don't necessisarilly want to sell it, but everyone has that one number that "if the opportunity knocks" deal and if he is willing to pay my asking price, then I have no problem letting it go for what I sold it for, thats like 12k free driving miles and smiles. I'm always up for the opportunity to own something new.

Zo6, z4m or z3 m coupe with s54 would be on the top of my list if I didn't need the additional rear space.

magman007 > newton
05/09/2014 at 17:10

I do have access to a lift,and a buddy familiar with rebuilding and swapping vanos units. I hear they eat through them like junk food.

magman007 > TheCraigy
05/09/2014 at 17:12

I would 911 in a heart beat, but the 996 carrera's are just barely tickling my price range, and don't do all that much for me. If I went 996 it would have to be turbo to put up with the looks, and I don't see them dipping down to 20k even for the ugly duckling from the family.

Its the e36 of 911's.

wiffleballtony > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/09/2014 at 20:41

What killed me from the GTO was the gas mileage. I know thats not the point of the car, but its pretty poor.

wiffleballtony > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/09/2014 at 20:44

Honestly, I'd keep your current car.

chuck07 > magman007
05/09/2014 at 21:07

add some cash and upgrade. http://m.ebay.com/itm/3311908292…

Skif6996 > magman007
05/10/2014 at 10:34

Have you considered an '11 and up Charger R/T? Not the best handling, but 370hp Hemi, RWD, and spacious for you and the offspring.

BrianNutter > magman007
05/10/2014 at 22:37

Ive already got a c5z, so perhaps someones perfect evo 9 with a bunch of goodies.

meatatarian > magman007
05/11/2014 at 18:57

54,666 miles. $21k Not local to you, but this seems to be the going rate.

Kinja'd!!!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/deta…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > wiffleballtony
05/12/2014 at 09:21

It's DEFINITELY not the point of this car, but the G8 can't be that bad.

wiffleballtony > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/12/2014 at 13:05

The G8 is great, I bought one.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > wiffleballtony
05/12/2014 at 13:28

I do love a G8.

Glad you like it, I recommend them to people all the time!

magman007 > Arben72
05/13/2014 at 16:37

No diff no care! thats been my problem with the non M cars since the e46, I did bounce it off of the wife, and she actually said should I feel compelled, I could purchase a crap can 4 door thats reliable, and a 2 seater of my choice. C5zo6 might just be in the cards!

Tony Dickson > magman007
05/14/2014 at 11:08

Good going! Keep it up! I used to weigh 380 and I'm down to 240. Funny thing is, when I was 380, I sat in an NC2 Miata and I almost fit.

magman007 > Tony Dickson
05/15/2014 at 10:45

THanks man! Hit 278 this morning, a bit of a birthday present to my self apparently!

My parents had an NA miata growing up, so I know big things can fit in small packages! Its quite "roomy" if you know how to be in the car. The 500 isn't terrible to be in, but my STi or my e36 are about as small as I want to go. e46 m3 was pretty perfect dimentionally.