My Top 5 "next car"s

"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo) 03/29/2016 at 15:29 • Filed to: None

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I do vastly too much daydreaming, and it usually involves cars. On top of fixing My Galant, I really want to get into the world of RWD. It’s seemed like this untouchable stratosphere of automotive awesome. I don’t know why I convinced myself of that, but I held onto it for a long time. a year ago when I sold my Civic I did to go get a RWD car, but ended up finding something awesome that was AWD, and I love it. But I still feel the need to own, drive and probably crash a RWD performance car.

So my next car will probably be between 4-7500 dollars, RWD, and awesome here they are in no particualr order

Number 1

4th gen Z28, I can’t believe I’m saying this. But hey 280hp LT1, with a 6 speed manual, and it handles better than Mustang.

Number 2

300zx Convertable, a bit heavy, but a decent V6, and I love the looks.

Number 3

ZZW30, peppy 4cylinder, light wieght, The looks have grown on my a lot in the last year or two. kinda hard to find in the price range but I’ve seen a few.

Then obviously an 944, or Miata.

slipperysallylikespenguins > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:39

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I’ve had 2 4th Gen Camaros, they are a lot of fun and great value, but can be a real pain in the ass to work on as they are basically front-mid engined

yitznewton > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:41

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300ZX convertible... I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one of those. At least not since I was oblivious in the 90s

(looks at photos)

That styling really looks awkward IMO. It’s one of the few ever that is nicely redeemed by a wing:

Gone > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:43

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$7500 gets you the LS1/T56 and arguably the better looking dash in a Camaro.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:44

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If you are keeping the Galant, definitely try a convertible. I’m very surprised at how much I like mine - almost zen-like on a nice sunny day.

PorkchoPlissken > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:45

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You should have lots of rwd options in your price range, especially if you’re willing to do a little work. And yes, the Camaros can be difficult to work on due to engine position.

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:46

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If you can fit in an MR2 comfortably, that’d be my vote.

Wobbles the Mind > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:46

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Just remember that all the ideas you have in your mind about RWD likely involve a Limited Slip Differential. Just putting that out there because it’s a common oversight.

BeaterGT > Gone 03/29/2016 at 15:47

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But a worse looking front/rear end.

Bytemite > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:47

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At that price, you can get an NC Miata ot the MR2. Im surprised youve never owned a Rwd? What have you been doing?!

Nibbles > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:49

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Save the pain of trying to maintain an engine that sits behind the windshield:

Needmoargarage > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:50

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If you are leaning towards the #1 route, might I suggest considering a Mustang and adding a panhard rod. I promise they will handle comparably with that modification and the Mustang is generally cheaper/easier to work on.

Source: I’ve owned multiples of both cars.

BeaterGT > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/29/2016 at 15:50

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Pretty much echoing what slippersally said...

You have to be comfortable working in tight spaces if you do decide to pick up the Z28. It also has a considerably larger amount of power hitting the rear wheels than the other options you listed so beware of that and your first snap-oversteer oh shit moment that is inevitably on its way. Let me know if you have any other questions and no, the Optispark isn’t as bad as the internet makes it out to be.

interstate366, now In The Industry > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:51

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My top 5 RWDs I’m thinking about getting: Skyline GTS-T, S2000, Boxster/Cayman, 944, non-convertible Z32. Not imminent, though.

Sam > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:52

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My top 5 next cars are... slightly different than yours.

I’vedecided my next car will be sew fawnsy. But I also like the 124 Abarth.

slipperysallylikespenguins > BeaterGT 03/29/2016 at 15:56

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I don’t get the bad reputation that Optispark has. I’ve owned three cars with it and have never once had a problem, and I am the type that hits every puddle I see.

Peter Monshizadeh > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 15:57

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I owned a ‘93 300zx convertible and daily drove it for 2 years. It only had 70k miles and was in great shape. They are lookers, especially with the top down. The roll bar is a neat touch.

Mine rattled like crazy, the window seals leaked terribly and I had the hardest of times trying to find parts for that convertible top. I had to replace a few fuel injectors which was the priciest repair during my ownership. I still want another 300zx today, but it will have to the TT this time around.

crowmolly > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/29/2016 at 16:00

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Blame the aftermarket parts industry.

crowmolly > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:01

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That LT1 can also be bumped to 300whp/~350fly for not that much money.

Gone > BeaterGT 03/29/2016 at 16:02

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I got used to the catfish nose, but the LT1 SS front end looks better IMO. From some angles it’s alright. Especially super low cars like mine was:

All the camber.

On the Camaro, the only difference I know of is the tail lights. Which is fine, because I don’t like the LT1 lights and thought the LS1 amber turn signal lights look better.

Firebird is a whole different story...

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:12

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Of those, my vote is for the MR2.

I was interested in 4th gen Camaros awhile ago, but heard a lot of less than favorable reviews. Kinda turned me off of the idea of one as a project car. Not to mention, you can get a Corvette of the same generation in the same price range. haha

Other cars to consider: 350Z, E36 M3, Boxster, FB or FC RX7, RX8, IS300 or SC300/400 (can be hard to find manuals, but I just located two manual IS300 not far from me for $5-7.5k!), Mark III Supras, Z3, SW20 MR2, ‘80s Celicas, just to name a few.

(All of the above options I found on a quick craigslist search for manual rwd cars under $7.5k)

Basically, you’ve got a ton of options within your criteria and I probably didn’t make this any easier. lol

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Nibbles 03/29/2016 at 16:15

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This.

DoYouEvenShift > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:20

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I have both LS1 6 speed and LT1 speed Camaros. Looks wise, I like them both equally, thats subjective. Yes the Optispark has a bad rep, Ive never had an issue with mine. If you can find an LS1 car, go with that. More power, lighter, better aftermarket, easier to work on, etc etc.

lone_liberal > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:47

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Just remember that with the Camaro the money was spent everywhere but on the interior. It was going for most bang for the buck, not a refined driving experience. And that was before they aged. I say this as a second-gen Camaro owner which were even less refined and are even older.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:57

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My list is all over the place.

2006 H2 SUT Limited Edition because there is a great one for sale in my town with low miles for $20K

2016 Silverado 1500 2LT Z71 $47K ouch!

03-07 Viper SRT10 in red~$35K

Ram SRT-10 ~$22K

2001 JDM Twin Turbo Manual Subaru Legacy B4 Sedan Blitzen Edition for sale locally for $7K.

Mercedes Streeter > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 16:59

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Here are my next five...hopefully in order and in these exact colours

1. Obvious answer. :)

2. Because first gen grey market smart that’s also diesel and really cheap.

3. I’m a sucker for a Vette, and an older C6 is actually affordable.

4. I love the Sky, almost more than a Vette.

5. I still love the Roadster, but tbh, I’d totally take whatever the Model 3 will be.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Sam 03/29/2016 at 19:42

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Same idea more budget. IDK if I’d spend the money if I had it but if I did the Fiat would be reeeally tempting. The NSX is my favorite but I still can’t wrap my head around spending 40-50,000 dollars on one car

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 03/29/2016 at 19:45

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Yeah the 4-8k range can buy you a ton of awesome cars right now. I think when the time comes I’ll be test driving a lot of things. Specs and internet banter, is only worth so much, how you feel behind the wheel is really all that matters.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > yitznewton 03/29/2016 at 19:47

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I love the long flat trunk, not sure why. I actually think the vert is the only 300zx that loooks bad with that Stillen style wing.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > interstate366, now In The Industry 03/29/2016 at 19:49

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I have seen GTS-Ts fro 8-9 in not perfect condition. I’d love a four door.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Bytemite 03/29/2016 at 19:50

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Driving Hondas, and listing to the people that told me “you can’t drive a RWD sports car in the Wisconsin winter” which is bullcrap. Also I’ll be keeping my AWD Mitsubishi as a winter car.

Sam > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 19:51

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The V12 Vantages have held their value incredibly well. They’re still in the >$100k bracket.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge 03/29/2016 at 19:52

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it’s the most likely really. I’ve always love lightweigth cars, and both the Z32 and Camaro weight over 3200lbs.

interstate366, now In The Industry > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 20:41

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Either 2-door or 4-door would work for me. 4-doors seem to be slightly cheaper. I’d probably aim for one that isn’t perfect since Japanese Classics and the like tend to go for the more pristine ones. I’d either get one from Canada or use a broker like Pacific Coast Auto to get one at auction.

I’d like to see what R32 prices do once R33s become importable.

yitznewton > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/29/2016 at 20:56

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Hehe welp, if you get one, enjoy it!!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Needmoargarage 03/29/2016 at 22:31

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I’ve always been on the Mustang side of things, in the pony car debate.the only real plus is for the Z28 is the power, but at the same time it’s heavier than a fox, or an SN95.

gawdzillla > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/30/2016 at 10:25

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LT1 over LS1 ? whats wrong with u

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > gawdzillla 03/30/2016 at 11:45

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I didn’t know you could get an LS1 for a decent price. The Z28 I found in my price range was a 94 so LT1.

gawdzillla > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/30/2016 at 12:25

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what is “decent price” ?
the last one I bought was 99 6 speed AC working crank window under $4500

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > gawdzillla 03/30/2016 at 14:46

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The only Camaros I’ve seen for less than 5000 grand are either V6s or thrid gens. and the only manual LS1 I’ve seen was 8500 with 130,000 miles on it. Which is a good value but still more than I’m looking to spend.