If you had $10k to spend on a car what would you get?

"SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread" (SCR)
01/26/2014 at 18:42 • Filed to: None

So whenever income tax comes in, I'll probably have about $10k to spend on a new ride. The only pre-requisites I have for it are it has to be not boring, preferably has a backseat (even if it isn't 4 doors), preferably has a manual (I would look at an auto if it was on par with everything else), has to be from this millennium, has to be daily drive-able, has to be reliable/not too expensive to fix, and it has to be quick/fast/sporty/whatever. None of these are negotiable, so no unfortunately I will not be able to daily drive a 1973 Cadillac El Dorado. This makes me sad, but so it goes.

At the moment I'm looking at Mazda Speed3s, RX-8s, G35s, Mustang GTs, GTOs (if I can find one for cheap enough), and, well that's really about it. Anything else I should consider?

DISCUSSION (84)

daender > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:45

Kinja'd!!!

LS1-powered F-bodies are starting to dip into the 10's for a decent clean Camaro or 'Bird. The backseat is semi-usable I rode in the back of one at a track day, fun times. Lots of mods, pretty reliable car if it's been taken care of, and if something breaks they're GM small blocks and thus easy to source parts for. Only issue with them is that changing the spark plugs or doing any engine will be a b*tch and a half and might require dropping the trans and engine.

Brian Silvestro > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:45

S2000 or are those still too expensive?

SVT Focus

NA Miata

WRX Wagon

E46 anything

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Brian Silvestro
01/26/2014 at 18:50

S2ks are glorious and would be at the top of the list, but I rarely ever see them, let alone in my price range.

SVT Focus is a good call, as is the WRX. Miatas have never really done it for me for some reason. They're nice but ehh. Plus I'm not all that big on convertibles. And I forgot to mention it, but I'm not planning on buying anything European. Maintenance costs too much, and it's not like I can smack it with a hammer to fix things like I could a Mustang.

AthomSfere > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:51

Given your criteria, all that is really left is the Mazda3 Speed and G35 then.

The RX8 at 10k seem to be abused, high mileage and oil leak machines. The good examples are still higher priced last I looked.

Mustang GTs - Ford reliability != reliable. If you can get a 07 or newer with 70k miles, go for it...

GTOs seem to be collectors cars already. Good luck finding a decent mileage one for 10k.

Other things to think about though...

Civic Si, you might be able to find an 8th gen w/ highish miles (100k+)

Acura TL V6 Type S

I have seen some BMW 3 series w/ manual (2008 ish) for 10k, but maintenance will be more than most cars.

Thats all I can think of right now...

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > daender
01/26/2014 at 18:51

The late WS6 Trans-Ams have always resonated with me... Consider them added to the list.

Brian Silvestro > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:52

At least I've narrowed it down! Also Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0L straight 6

thedevilinside > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:52

I would say don't get a $10k GTO.

daender > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:53

Try shooting for a Formula hardtop if you don't mind not having all the flashiness of the Trans Am!

Kinja'd!!!

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Brian Silvestro
01/26/2014 at 18:55

I would love love love another truck, but I got a bit of a commute between school and home and work. So I need at least mediocre fuel economy.

Brian Silvestro > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 18:59

Oh then ignore that last one, it gets like 3 miles/gallon. I like those other two suggestions.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > AthomSfere
01/26/2014 at 19:02

You can find Sis, but for whatever reason I've never really been drawn to how the last gen looked. GTOs are probably (almost definitely) out of the question, but goddamn I love them so much. 2004-2008 TLs (the only ones I really like) still run a touch too high. And yeah all European cars are out due to maintenance reasons.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > daender
01/26/2014 at 19:03

Typically I am a fan of the more subdued look, but if I'm buying American muscle, I want it to look as obnoxious as possible. And the Trans-Ams with the hood scoops are pretty obnoxious.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:04

Acura Cl-type S. Hard to find them with the manual, but they are out there. Great cars to cruise around in and hustle back roads pretty well. Not a great track car but a great daily driver.

Kinja'd!!!

DAMG0014 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:04

Just $10k!? Are you willing to finance, or is that with financing? I think you'd be looking at a lot of mileage for that budget. I just bought a car with similar parameters. I think $15k is a more reasonable budget. Out of that bunch, you can maybe get a V6 Mustang, maybe an RX-8. I think a GTO would be cool, but first you'd have to find one, and with just $10k, you're probably not going to like your choices. I've seen modern Miatas and Soltices/Skies with reasonable pricing; they're not the most practical though. This may be jerky, but just keep checking websites like Cars.com, Carsoup, Craigs with your budget preferences.

With $15k, you could easily find things within that. I saw a $12k '06 Nissan 350Z with 65k miles in my area, but I live in Fargo, and it's the dead of winter; I can see why it's not selling. With $10k, I don't think you'd be able to get much of anything with performance AND reliability.

Milky > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:05

Bought mine for 9k a year ago … still love the thing.

Kinja'd!!!

daender > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:07

Oh, give it a set of long-tube headers and a Corsa exhaust and it'll be noticeable!

dogisbadob > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:07

Saturn Astra XR. You should still able to get a low-mileage one for under 10k. They were sold here in 2008-2009, so it should be new enough to qualify.

Acura RSX Type-S, or if you can find one in your budget, an 07+ Civic Si sedan.

Matrix XRS/Vibe GT

I think the CTS was also available with a stick, too, and probably deserves consideration if you're also looking at the G35/7. You might even be able to get a CTS-V if you're lucky.

The Mazdaspeed 6 is another option if you can find one. Something like 270 hp turbo 4, AWD, and even a little luxury, including a sunroof that is unfortunately unavailable on any MS3. Also, DO NOT get a Mazda 6 wagon. Unfortunately, Ford was being childish at the time and decided not to even offer us a 4-cylinder 6 wagon; thus, US-market 6 wagons were only available with the V6 which is not reliable.

Quite a few SRT Chryslers might be in your budget.

Honda made a V6 Accord sedan with a 6-speed manual for a couple years (I think 06-07, but I could be off by a bit). Of course the V6 manual coupe is more widely available and for many more years than its 4-door counterpart.

The V6 Altima and Maxima seem worth looking at with those powerful V6's and manual transmissions.

AthomSfere > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:07

You don't like 8th gen Space ship look?

Kinja'd!!!

Either way, that would be the only generation that is both modern and in your price range.

TLs are out there though, for your price range. They are just rare (with the manual at least).

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

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Milky
01/26/2014 at 19:09

If I can find one with a 6-speed I'd be intrigued. How's maintenance/general reliability on these?

William Byrd > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:09

This

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/about-to-buy-a…

Nibby > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:10

Kinja'd!!!

awe46m3zcp > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:11

3rd gen Acura TL.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Brian Silvestro
01/26/2014 at 19:11

Haha! My last daily driver was a V8 ZJ. It got 15mpg on a good day. It made my bank account angry with me, and that was before everything started going on it.

Brian Silvestro > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:14

Oh that was probably fun.

Milky > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:14

I actually just did a oppo review for it. But I'm VERY happy with its reliability, the only thing that broke on me was the ashtray. Oil changes are expensive though, 8 quarts of mobil 1 will do that.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

And my understanding is there are a good amount of manuals around.

Singhjr96 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:15

Nissan 350z, or 370z, or a g35 and 37. You might be able to find a 2003 g35 or 350z with enough to make a few upgrades, or at least enough for a tank of gas.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > DAMG0014
01/26/2014 at 19:15

$10k is the very upper limit. I'd like to spend less but if I find the right car I'll splurge a bit. And it'd be a cash deal.

Further, Solstices/Skys are far too impractical. They are kinda cool, but it couldn't be only car.

twinturbobmw > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:16

I would either choose an 9-5 Aero , 9-3 Aero

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > dogisbadob
01/26/2014 at 19:18

How is the Astra's parts availability? I do like how unusual they are...

For whatever reason, I've never been too keen on RSXs. Probably due to how much more I like Integras. Speaking of, an Integra would be on the list, but I like having my car not stolen.

I have heard too many horror stories about MS6s to buy one.

If I stumbled across a not totally beat to shit SRT-4 I'd give it a look.

Accords are just a bit too bland looking for me.

Altima SE-R is a maybe.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
01/26/2014 at 19:19

I don't hate these..

puddler > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:19

i'd buy my truck and 9 more like it.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > twinturbobmw
01/26/2014 at 19:20

Future parts availability scares me too much. I know they shared a lot with GM, but there were plenty of SAAB only pieces that will fail.

lone_liberal > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:21

If I could give one bit of advice it would be to hang on until after tax season. This is when the price of used cars skyrockets because off all of the people doing what you want to do. If you can wait until May you may be able to save some cash. Of course if the car you want shows up at a good price then go for it.

CPT Speedbump > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:21

The answer is always Miata

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Nibby
01/26/2014 at 19:22

I would be keen on a Bronco or a crew cab PowerStroke F-350, but for MPG reasons they are kinda out.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > lone_liberal
01/26/2014 at 19:24

Ahh trust me I know. I wish I could. Unfortunately, my Jeep is no longer serviceable for DD duty, and my GEO is just a toy, so I've been borrowing my mom's car until I could afford something new. I kinda can't wait that long.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > twinturbobmw
01/26/2014 at 19:26

gosh if that 9-5 aero was a stick it would be amazing. Still good finds

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Milky
01/26/2014 at 19:26

Yeah Mercedes loooves to make oil changes absurdly expensive. My old 300CE was 7 quarts I think. It was awful.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > William Byrd
01/26/2014 at 19:27

There's a reason I said Mustang GT. I'd probably go for a coupe, but these last fox-body Mustangs are fucking awesome.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:27

I have a 9-3 Aero, and now a Turbo X, and they are amazing fun. I will say parts haven't been a problem at all and the v6 in the 9-3 aero is a tank of an engine. Extremely reliable mechanics, only issues are interior electronics but the bugs usually work themselves out.

DAMG0014 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:30

Well, a cash deal would be smart for sure, done and done.

If that's the case, American muscle springs to mind. One guy suggested pre-retro Camaros and Firebirds; I think you'd be able to find one of those with decent mileage. I've seen 05-08 V6 Mustangs in that range; I'm sure you could get early 2000 Mustang GTs for that price too.

You could also probably get an almost new Mazda 2, hehe.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > CPT Speedbump
01/26/2014 at 19:30

Except when it isn't. I'm not too big on convertibles.

dogisbadob > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:30

Well all the shit you need should reasonable to obtain, plus there are Koni yellow and Bilstein HD shocks available for it. As one of the top cars in Europe, there is decent aftermarket support. Someone else here owns an Astra and should be able to tell you more about parts availability. Since some of them had lingered on lots for quite awhile before being sold, you might even be able to find one that's still under warranty, even if only for a few months (GM's 5yr/100k warranty starts from when they first sell the car)

The RSX is easier to not be stolen since you know, Honda actually added security features. Plus, you could always put Integra badges on it haha (a lot of people actually do this since it still wore that name elsewhere). And the RSX is definitely worthy of the Integra name and of course, still has VTEC :)

The Neon SRT4 isn't your only choice. There is the PT Cruiser GT which has the same mechanical shit, except it has a muffler so you won't get pulled over all the time, and they are MUCH easier to find unmolested than the equivalent Neon and much less expensive to buy as well. In fact, there's even a convertible version that Nissan tried to copy but didn't quite pull off. If the HHR SS is one of your choices, you should also consider the PT GT. The Caliber SRT4 might also be found in your price range, but I haven't looked those up.

Do you like the 2ZZ wagons? :p

nlzmo400r > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:30

If we're including SVT Focus, lets not leave out SE-R Sentra, Mazdaspeed Protege and Civic Si. I think we also need to throw in the obligatory s13/s14 chassis cars that can be had with clean, well done SR swaps (read: shop performed) for far less than 10k and make 200+ reliable hp at the wheels.

If you're looking to roll like a boss, 2002-ish Jaaaaggggg...XJR - Yea the supercharged one and maybe even able to squeak in a W210 AMG E55.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
01/26/2014 at 19:31

Noted.

That 9-3 is gorgeous.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:32

Yeah I looked at the pics and it's flawless. Plus my auto gets 30 mpg highway, you could easily beat that with a manual.

CPT Speedbump > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:37

Then save up for a fast back hard top conversion ;)

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > dogisbadob
01/26/2014 at 19:37

Just can't bring myself to do a PT Cruiser of any sort. Also haven't looked them up, but a Caliber SRT-4, while downright bananas, is far too hideous.

The 2ZZ wagons are cool, and I'm very happy they exist, but they just don't do it for me. Wasn't there a Corolla that came with the 2ZZ and a 6-speed?

AMC/Renauledge > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:37

Jaguar X-Type 2.5 MT in perfect shape in BRG with a sunroof and an extra $2k or so for repairs.

Nibby > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:41

Good luck finding a decent condition Bronco or Powerstroke for less than $10k

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Nibby
01/26/2014 at 19:43

Powerstroke I probably couldn't, but you can get a decent Bronco (not necessarily perfect) for around $5k in my area.

Nibby > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:44

WHERE LINK ME

Nintondo-San > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:45

E36 M3 + Maintenance $$.

Nintondo-San > Brian Silvestro
01/26/2014 at 19:46

For $10k on an NA Miata, you have two choices: One with less than 15k miles, or a 5.0 Miata.

Brian Silvestro > Nintondo-San
01/26/2014 at 19:47

So, a really good Miata.

dogisbadob > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:51

Yes, the 05-06 Corolla XRS had the 2ZZ 6-speed, but the back seat doesn't fold down and is less cool/practical/insane than the 2ZZ wagons

Milky > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:52

Yea, they are about that life. But thats my only gripe with the car, overall I'm a very happy owner.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Nibby
01/26/2014 at 19:54

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4300992448…

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4298530127…

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4293693222…

http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4239232957…

http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/4296089828…

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Nintondo-San
01/26/2014 at 19:56

1) Not of this millennium

2) I'm not buying a European car until I can afford one with a warranty.

Nibby > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 19:57

DAT 96

Holy smokes I've been looking all over NY state... thanks. Though at this point I guess I already have a 4WD truck ...

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Nibby
01/26/2014 at 20:00

Yeah that 96 is incredible. Perfect color combo too...

A shame I don't have the extra money/space/time for it.

6shelBfan6 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 20:26

Don't forget to include depreciation, resale-ability either and insurance costs if you are under 25. You will be amazed at how much $ those can eat up.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 20:30

TL Type S of that year is also really nice. Four door for the lower insurance.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 20:57

You could get two NA miatas or a very nice NB miata.

You really don't nee the back seat. Trust me.

lxarlo > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 21:07

If you are going for a Mustang, I would go 99-04 GT, Bullitt, or Mach 1 or Cobra. Stay away from any V6 Mustang within this vintage. I would shy away from V6 Mustangs up until 2011.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > 6shelBfan6
01/26/2014 at 21:19

At under $10k, depreciation really doesn't matter that much especially since I intend on keeping whatever I eventually get for a while. And yeah I'm 20 so insurance is always super fun. I think I'm paying around $3k per year for a 19 year old piece of shit Jeep.

Conan > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 21:20

Tires are different sizes and expensive too. Other than that, I'm quite happy with my manual and I paid similar to what he did.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
01/26/2014 at 21:20

Aye. But seeing that gen TL in my driveway would only make me wish I got the 2004-2008.

revrseat70 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/26/2014 at 22:36

Buy what you want! The Speed3. It's why you posted the picture of it. There are faster cars you mentioned, but not by much. But the Mazda would be the most practical, and the most smiles-per-gallon.

revrseat70 > revrseat70
01/26/2014 at 22:39

Alternately, could you find a clean Integra Type R for that?

Orange Exige > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
01/27/2014 at 01:08

That's why you get TWO Miatas!!

$10k will get you a whole lotta Miata. A super minty fresh NA with super low miles for sure. Even a solidly track equipped NA.

And I'd even say you could prolly find a minty fresh NB too - prolly a solid road/track car as well.

Of course, like you said, having two Miatas would be pretty enticing as well XD
Trackable NA (1.8 of course) + cruisable NB :D

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/27/2014 at 02:02

Black 2006 Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi. The looks aren't everybody's cup of tea, but it is so undeniably excellent and amazing. Just don't get a grey one. Yuk. Or a sedan version. Ew. Or a grey sedan. Blerrgh.

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars
01/27/2014 at 13:40

Hah! I'm not really looking at SAABs, but the only ones even on my radar are 9-3 Aeros. Preferably blue or green.

xx45xx > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/27/2014 at 16:36

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

1969, 1981....at this point what difference does it make?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Orange Exige
01/27/2014 at 18:40

I like the way you think sir

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/28/2014 at 01:01

/Off topic

I read the headline and all I could think of was: PARTS!!

Benzed92 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/28/2014 at 13:30

I recently purchased an '02 Wrangler for 10,500 and couldn't be happier. You should be able to find one with little or no rust and 80-120k miles for that price no problem. And if it has the 4.0L I6 you are even more golden. It will also fit all your criteria, with a catback it will grumble and make glass rattle as well.

Kinja'd!!!

SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread > Benzed92
01/28/2014 at 19:58

While I'm a fan of Wrangler's, that is one of the furthest possible things from my "sporty/quick/fast/whatever" criteria.

Benzed92 > SCR - The Soup Of The Day is Bread
01/28/2014 at 23:43

This is true. Unless you consider off-roading "sporty". But in that case I would look for a Speed3, keep it mostly stock and you won't have any problems. Too much power and you'll run into more trouble than its worth (i.e. built block)