What would Oppo buy for 15k?

"6Cylinder" (nickestes) 01/11/2016 at 22:28 • Filed to: None

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So, I’m 21, looking to buy my first semi-nice car and wondering what you would pick if $15,000 (more or less) was your budget. I’ve really been into Subaru Legacy GT’s lately and that is the direction I’m leaning, but I feel like I’m not thinking of other options.

The prospective vehicle has a few requirements: Be a decent daily driver, do fine in PNW weather, be semi-reliable and it must above all be fun.

So what would Oppo do?

bob and john > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:31

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15k DD?

japanese: reliable
AWESOME DD if you keep it under 4k rpm
weather: it has ABS. thats all you really need
fun: if a miata is to fun what a cup-a-joe is to coffee, this is caffeine pills. in a 5X espresso shot made from redbull and monster

*NOT AS YOUR FIRST MOTORCYCLE

Patrick Nichols > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:34

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I'd probably go with a taco or a g37 awd

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:35

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hhhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg

-this space for rent- > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:36

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E46 with ZHP package, spend extra monies on snow tires. Spend rest of extra monies on hookers and/or blow.

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:37

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Daily driver? Maybe

Weather? Probably

Reliable? Likely

Fun? YES .

djmt1 > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:37

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R26 Megane F1 Edition for £5000.

Yes I hate the stickers but their sole purpose is to let you know that it comes with an LSD as standard.

Flavien Vidal > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:37

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Proably the cheapest C5 Z06 around

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

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:38

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I would buy a $2200 Acura Legend coupe and go out drinking with friends and then save the rest.

Amoore100 > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:39

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http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ctd/539479…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

S80 V8? Deathly boring car if you believe the reviews but you can’t ignore that Yamaha V8 howl . Since it’s a small engine I’ve heard mid-20s isn’t unheard of mileage, and as most Swede cars are it should be good in inclement weather. Still, they are rare and so I’m not sure how easy they are to find in your area.

Edit: Almost forgot to add, those Legacies are a good choice, IMO it’s always been the classiest Legacy generation and decently quick and reliable as well. I would go wagon myself, but I understand if those are rare/don’t float your boat.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:47

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Probably another W220 S600. Is it good in snow ? God no. Is it reliable ?lolno. But does it put a smile on your face every time you drive it ? Hell yes. Also, V12

dogisbadob > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:48

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Honestly, I wouldn’t spend that much, but I have options rqanging from your max to a lot less than that.

A Saturn Astra 4-door hatch with the awesome panoramic sunroof.

Perhaps a CPO Mazda 2 is a good idea, if you can get by without a sunroof.

I also like the Civic Si sedan 07-11. 8000 rpm, two-tier dash, lots of fun.

The 03-06 Matrix XRS/Vibe GT/Corolla XRS meets your requirements as well.

Even the Cobalt SS/HHR SS should be nice and fun for you. They only offered the turbo on the sedan for one year, 2009.

The first-gen xB and xA are good choices, too, but not available with a sunroof except for a small number of release series xA’s.

CPO Fits should also be within reach.

BeaterGT > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 01/11/2016 at 22:48

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I DD a Legacy GT and I approve this comment.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 01/11/2016 at 22:48

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My friends Mom had one, and the only complaint they ever had about it was that it was terrible in the rain. Awful, in fact. Since the PNW is known for it’s rain, I would say it’s not the best choice.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:49

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Honestly, I’d recommend an Infiniti G35 sedan.

Practical, quick, reliable, relatively inexpensive, and very fun. Four doors, five seats, and a proper trunk. It makes for a great all-rounder, and a car you can use as your daily and your toy.

BeaterGT > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:50

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Do it, chicks dig em. I love mine and it’s still stock.

Bytemite > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:57

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15,000 dollars in cash is a lot of money. You could buy some pretty amazingly reliable and fun cars. Why you are looking at some boring midsize, 4 door, family sedan when you’re 21 is beyond me.

Bmw Z4 3.0si

Honda S2000

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Subaru STi (04-05)

Miata (NA)

Nissan 350Z/Infiniti G35

Lexus IS350

Bmw e90 335i

Some of these have more room and comfort at the expense of fun while some are as fun as you can get.

Save the safe family sedan for when you’re old and boring. Now is the time for something actually fun.

XJDano > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:58

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Back in ‘01 I bought a 2 year old Cherokee for $15K. It was all of those things. It’s now somewhat of a monster.

I would always suggest a beater for a first car.

Or get a mazdaspeed3, caprice-impalaSS, GTO, any Mustang, pick up, suburban, motorcycle, classic car.

Bytemite > Amoore100 01/11/2016 at 22:58

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Did you seriously suggest a full size semi luxury 4 door sedan to a 21 year old when he asked for a fun car? I get that you have brand loyalty but come on. It’s a volvo. A company that prides itself on bloated safety above all else. Color me enthused.

JR1 > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 22:58

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STS-V/CTS-V. It you want a manual I think a CTS-V would be a damn good pick. Also GTO

Bytemite > -this space for rent- 01/11/2016 at 23:00

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While making everyone at the local autocross your bitch.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:00

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It would wear this badge.

Amoore100 > Bytemite 01/11/2016 at 23:05

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Oh haha I misread. I read ‘above all must be fun’ as ‘above all must be reliable’ and semi-fun, in which case I would characterize the V8 in the S80 as ‘semi-fun’. To be honest, nothing from Sweden is particularly ‘fun’ as normal people see fun, so I’m at a loss otherwise, just go get a Leggy wagon with a stick. Fun, AWD, and fast. Otherwise if you want a Swedish suggestion get a Viggen and torque steer for days ;)

Wobbles the Mind > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:08

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I still think for simple daily the G37 Sedan is the best thing around. No one ever considers the sedans since the coupe has all the bro’ness and mods. In that way, you end up with a newer vehicle with AWD, +300hp, legitimate 3-series rival at the time. There was a 2013 G37 xAWD with 32,000 miles for $16,995 I just saw listed. Those will probably be rental spec, an ‘09 will give you move options with the manual or even a late model year G35 can be had in great shape.

xmanguy > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:08

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You’re in the PNW as well? Nice to see another Opponaut up here. I wish I had $15000 when I bought my car. My mom picked up a 2006 Mini Cooper w/ a 5 speed for $11000. It seems to hit all your points, even when it starts to snow.

thatsmr > Bytemite 01/11/2016 at 23:09

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The Genesis might be a good choice if you can find a clean unmodded for 15k. A lexus is350 for 15k would have to be trashed to be so cheap. I do love the infiniti, they dont hold value so 15k can get you a pretty nice one. Just watch out for cats, tranny problems, and shot front suspensions.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/11/2016 at 23:10

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Just one more drink ? (Luda’ reference ?)

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:11

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How important is 4 doors/practicality for you? My personal choice would be a used Mini Cooper S because go kart, but I also have a friend in a similar situation ($15k for a first car) who is looking at E46 ZHPs.

EL_ULY > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:15

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I bought these 2 for just under $15k

Chasaboo > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:17

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Honda Fit. It just does everything right. And I love saving money.

Dusty Ventures > Bytemite 01/11/2016 at 23:23

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The Legacy GT is basically a WRX in disguise. It runs 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, 5.2 seconds if it’s the Spec-B version. It ain’t boring.

Dusty Ventures > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:27

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I’d say go with the Legacy. They’re a hoot!

PS: Get the Nameless exhaust bits

Bytemite > Dusty Ventures 01/11/2016 at 23:28

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It is heavier, longer, wider, and has family sedan suspension...

It is a WRX only to those who couldn’t afford a WRX.

hike > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:31

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I'd buy my Infiniti G35x. 06 with 87k miles (so worth less than 15k). Awd, powerful engine, pretty good handling, attractive (in my opinion), leather, heated seats, Bluetooth, satellite, hid headlamps, keyless entry and start. And this is a 9 year old car. Only downside is the 22mpg from a sedan. Oh yeah, it's pretty good in the snow too.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:31

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For that cash I would be looking into:

s2000

RSX Type-S

WRX wagon

e36 M3 (the general rule of thumb for this generation M3 is $10k all in to be up and running in peak condition so that leaves you 6 for long term preventative maintenance and consumables)

e9x 335i

IS 250 (maybe VIP it if you’re into that sort of thing)

G37

Genesis Coupe

DanZman > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:39

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You could get a C5 corvette. It will be fine in everything but a blizzard. They are surprisingly practical. I can fit tons of stuff in my c6 and the C5 is even bigger. Also they are really reliable and have a huge aftermarket for all budgets.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:42

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maybe something like this.

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

911e46z06 > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:45

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I’d get a super cherry e39 540 and pocket a few grand. Might be rough in the slush though.

JGrabowMSt > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:48

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$15k is a lot. I still haven’t bought a car that costs that much.

I 100% agree with getting a midsize four door sedan, primarily due to insurance.

Legacy Wagon I guess, the sedans don’t do it for me.

I would honestly get something inexpensive and (I’m going to say it), keep 2-4k for mods or repairs, and invest the rest of it. Roth IRA, put a couple grand into it a year (limited to 5k a year contributions), and just let that percolate until you hit retirement. You can thank me then, and make sure I’m not living in a cardboard box or the back of the HEMIWagon.

I’m about to re-invest my money again, but if you’ve got that kind of money right now, buy a cheap fun car that’s easy to work on and something you can enjoy every day, and let the rest of that money help you out later on in life.

Just me though....

Nick Has an Exocet > 6Cylinder 01/11/2016 at 23:50

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If you look hard enough, you can find a used Fiesta ST for $15k. That’s about as much fun as an adult can have in a car.

6Cylinder > Bytemite 01/11/2016 at 23:59

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WRX of that same vintage are cheaper and people who don't earn their own money get their hands on them and do terrible things. If I can find a clean enough WRX then I will consider it.

Dusty Ventures > Bytemite 01/12/2016 at 00:00

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Actually they gave the GT’s a sport suspension, not the same suspension as the standard Legacy. And despite being heavier it (the Spec B version) was faster to 60 than the same year’s WRX and held better on the skid pad. It also lapped Wakefield a second off the WRX and was a second faster around Winton Park. It was also more expensive than the WRX, so it definitely wasn’t for those who couldn’t afford one.

6Cylinder > Dusty Ventures 01/12/2016 at 00:03

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I have been looking hard for a Spec B!

6Cylinder > bob and john 01/12/2016 at 00:03

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I should have expected this from you.

6Cylinder > Dusty Ventures 01/12/2016 at 00:11

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I love that so much.

Tapas > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 00:11

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E39 M5 in Blue.

Dusty Ventures > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 00:12

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The Spec B’s are hard to come by because they made so few. But even if you can’t find one you could get a standard LGT and swap in a Spec B suspension for $1-2 grand.

6Cylinder > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 01/12/2016 at 00:12

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I looked at the ZHP after someone else suggested it and I like it a lot.

Bytemite > Dusty Ventures 01/12/2016 at 00:15

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Okay. I guess you made your point. I’m surprised Legacy GTs are more expensive than WRX in the used market. Do they come with bro-tax too?

If he wants to get a Legacy then it will be a great choice. I still think there are many sports cars and GTs out there that he can get for that money. If not for speed, then for driving engagement.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 00:25

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considering I live in the PNW and regularly go skiing at Snoqualmie in a FWD car with all seasons on it, I will go on a limb and recommend an Mk6 GTI/GLI.

Also, Leggy GT if you can find it. same goes for other XT subies.

if you want really nice, get an E90 335ix. be wary of maintenance though

Dusty Ventures > Bytemite 01/12/2016 at 00:30

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I’m actually not sure which costs more used, I was talking new prices. When they were new the LGT was $4,000 more. A lot of that is because they’re better equipped. Leather, power seats, dual zone climate control, and a sunroof are all standard. I agree that there are a ton of great sports/GT cars that can be had in the price range, and if he’s looking for something for pure sportiness then the LGT isn’t the way to go. But if he wants a car that’s a combination of speed, track day/autocross, great highway cruiser, well equipped, affordable to maintain, and cheap to insure (insurance companies see it as an ordinary Legacy), the LGT’s a damn good option.

6Cylinder > Bytemite 01/12/2016 at 00:32

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I get to avoid the bro tax with the Legacy. People want 15k for a clapped out, modded to hell Wrx with 150k+ miles. It's crazy out here.

6Cylinder > Tapas 01/12/2016 at 00:34

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I would buy something like that if I didn’t have to drive a construction workers commute.

6Cylinder > Amoore100 01/12/2016 at 00:38

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The issue is this would be my only car. So it needs to be everything in one package.

If had the means to own multiple cars somehow, this would be sweet.

6Cylinder > Wobbles the Mind 01/12/2016 at 00:41

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I knew someone who had a facelift G37S with a 6spd. Beautiful car, but a bit out of my reach right now.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 00:45

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10k to finish my ls swap rx7

4k for my diesel truck in maintenance and upgrades

1k for another winter beater

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 00:47

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I have a lot of fun with my G35x. Powerful, makes a great sound, AWD. Nissan = Japanese reliability. Large enthusiast community and there are a bunch of mods you can spend your hard-earned dollars on. Depending on where you are from, the G may or may not be a “bro” car but don’t let peoples’ shitty opinions prevent you from considering this car. When I was shopping for my first car the G was not on my radar AT ALL but I am very glad to have ran into it.

For $15k you can probably get an ‘09 G37x and have a bit left over for a few simple modifications to make that engine sing. Only issue is lack of manual on the AWD sedan model. Non-AWD sedans and the coupes both come in manual.

Slant6 > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 01:00

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Compact 4x4 truck? Don’t know if you can get a used Tacoma for that but maybe a Domestic or a Nissan. They’re fun to drive slow.

6Cylinder > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 01/12/2016 at 01:06

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Ah shit I just looked at a g37s with a six speed and I really like it.

Damn you. I now have a new option.

6Cylinder > Slant6 01/12/2016 at 01:09

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I used to own a lifted 98 taco with the v6 and 5spd, it was a blast. I loved it.

I now own a 96 civic that I bought when I moved back here from Cali. I guess I just want to see what having a fun car is like.

Amoore100 > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 01:11

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Yeah, now I understand. For me the ideal has always been to have a fleet for any occasion so the idea of having a nice cruiser, an off-roader, and a track car is usually what I'm aiming for. I have trouble condensing everything into one vehicle since everything has strengths and weaknesses. Therefore I go for the esoteric which more often than not create solutions to problems no one asked with even more drawbacks than before. No one needs a transverse V8 sedan that drives like a Crown Vic and comes from Gothenburg, but I'll have one anyway thank you very much ;)

Amoore100 > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 01:15

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Also, what about a first gen IS? Elegant little things that drive well and can be had with stick. They are pretty pricey for a 10+ year old car but are bulletproof reliable. As long as you avoid the melting dash, should be a nice little machine. Sport crosses are even awesomer but they came in auto only unfortunately.

Amoore100 > djmt1 01/12/2016 at 01:17

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Thanks for rubbing that in. Stupid 25 year import law ;)

6Cylinder > Amoore100 01/12/2016 at 01:19

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I like them but I kept reading that the manual transmission left a lot to be desired.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 01:26

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A few months back I went to look at a ‘14 STi just cuz. I get in the driver’s seat and... I’m almost appalled by how bad the interior is compared to my 9-year-old G. And “luxury” items such as keyless entry cannot be found on that STi. Although it’s not the end of the world, it really is nice to be coddled by your car just a bit, especially if it’s your DD and you plan to spend quite a bit of time in there.

Best of luck with shopping!

Amoore100 > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 02:23

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Mm, that’s too bad...how about an E39? 15k should net you a decent one and they can be had in either/both wagon and stick as you fancy.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 02:40

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I’m going to be traveling a thousand miles for an ‘01 E55 AMG in the exact trim I want. I’ll be paying a bit under 10k for it. Reliable, fun, comfortable but I wouldn’t drive it in snow unless I have to. That being said the PNW is also my home, so we have an R-class for the mountain and snow.

Slant6 > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 08:51

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I can understand that. I sold my Taco for an e34. Then took a huge depreciation hit on it (paid too much) and now I’m in a ranger 2wd (although it has 4x4 suspension so it’s essentially a Prerunner). I like the ranger alright but my 95 Tacoma will always have a special spot in my heart.

Nibby > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 08:55

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Buy a dozen Ford Tempos.

-this space for rent- > Bytemite 01/12/2016 at 09:52

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Maybe, if all the corvettes and miatas stay home.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > 6Cylinder 01/12/2016 at 11:10

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Easy, 1969 Corvette Stingray. Why rock a Subaru that looks like an Avalon when you can have one of the sexiest Detroit cars ever built? “But fuel economy, rain and seating for 5!!” Pish posh. Practicality is for cowards. be a legend. http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars…

Brian Silvestro > Nibby 01/13/2016 at 23:41

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^^^^^^^^

Brian Silvestro > 6Cylinder 01/13/2016 at 23:44

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If you don’t buy one of these cars, you are a bad decision maker:

IS300

SC300

240sx

240z

280z

E30 (wagon)

E36 M3

Miata

Land Cruiser

ML55

Defender

Suzuki Cappuccino (yes you can import them!)

Toyota Crown

Skyline GTS-T

E34 M5

E46 M3

500E

996

‘07 STi

Evo