Best used standard FR for under 5k?

[UltArc]

Love the feedback!

At the gym and looking forward to co tinuing the brain storming when I get a moment.

[darcane]

How firm is your price range?

I've seen '04 GTOs in the $6000-$7000 range with a few minor problems. Most are still $9000-$11000. Add $4000 to those ranges for the '05-'06. For just a Pontiac, they have a really nice interior. This will likely be my next car... (and maybe not too far in the future if the Civic keeps pissing me off).

[bestclimb]

BMW 318, Miata,

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by darcane

How firm is your price range?

I've seen '04 GTOs in the $6000-$7000 range with a few minor problems. Most are still $9000-$11000. Add $4000 to those ranges for the '05-'06. For just a Pontiac, they have a really nice interior. This will likely be my next car... (and maybe not too far in the future if the Civic keeps pissing me off).

That was my initial choice then decided on something newer. Still an awesome car, fyi, 2004 was the only year for the 5.7 and no hood scoops.

[UltArc]

So the C4 is a new thought- but I didn't see any in my mass auto trader search. The majority were BMWs, with a few CTSs in there. I did a unlimited mile search for Rear wheel drive standards under 5k.

I mean this in the most respectful way: chryslers should not apply. Including srt4s. I have never had a good experience with them, new or otherwise.

I like the innovative thinking on the Town Car/Crown Vic, but I really don't want to do a tranny swap. I am open to adjusting or messing with it in the future, but not getting started with a new to me vehicle, especially at that level. Also, I would skip out on it because of it's comfort orientation rather than sport orientation.

I fully agree on little things breaking. But to me, that is weight savings. Everything behind the drivers seat is getting removed, and this vehicle will be ruined to most people.

I heard a new suggestion, the Audi A4. I doubt I will find one for that price but still a thought. So far I have seen the most CTSs, BMW 3s and 5s. I have also seen a lot of Rangers and S10s, but I think that is too far away from my goal. It would be too easy to make the boattail with poorer gearing and more difficult to use the space.

My price range is pretty firm. I'm sure most GTOs would whoop on my Mustang, but I am not going for PERFORMANCE with the car, rather luxury that has more of a performance aspect. I think ideally I would go with the Mercedes options. It seems like a more reliable all around vehicle over the BMWs. The M series seems to run strong, but that is unlikely to find. I was reading about someone who found an M5 that someone wanted 7k or so for, and they begged for 4k. Person ended up selling it for 11 or so. BT this isn't a resell project, more of a Frankenstein project. I'm not against a MX, but I don't know if I could get over a soft top. A hard top surely won't be in my range. For some reason, I am really inclined to a sedan or estate. I would even consider a SAAB, but I think there is too much junk to filter through to find a FF or AWD car I want. I should probably look into some AWD systems that I can disable the front axle.

[darcane]

I rarely find much on Autotrader...

Here's a late C4 you could probably get for $5000:
1991 corvette

I was thinking GTO as much for the interior quality and comfort as much as the performance, but finding one in your price range is unlikely. Maybe worth a check though if you find CTSs. I wouldn't expect those either.

I would eliminate Audi from your list for the same reasons as Chrysler...

Seems like you keep falling back on BMWs and Mercedes. For RWD, manual, MoreDoor luxury cars, they will be the most prolific. I'd keep looking for an IS too. May be a needle in the haystack, but I'd prefer one over the European cars.
2002 LEXUS IS300 W/MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Haggle and sell off the wheels and maybe get it in your budget?

Oh, change your search to $5500 and under. You can almost always knock off 10%...

[sarguy01]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I mean this in the most respectful way: chryslers should not apply. Including srt4s. I have never had a good experience with them, new or otherwise.

I'm offended. Just kidding! There are car brands I am not fond of, and we are each entitled to our opinions.

My mom had a brand new 2004 (I think) A4. It was a great car to drive, but there was some wiring issue the dealer could not fix under warranty. The brakes lights would stop working randomly. That doesn't mean every Audi is that way, but like someone else said, the more expensive (when new) car brands aren't always better.

Plus, more expensive car brands means more expensive OEM parts. Rockauto however, has lots of cheap parts!

[UltArc]

Wow, that Lexus looks good. If they actually want to sell it and it is actually still up, I think they'll take much less than 6. I found a few ESs, but no ISs in my search. The reason I stuck with 5k and not 5.5 is that most of the cars are 200+ miles away, so I can't count on haggling too much.

I did find an Audi A4 Wagon an hour away from me for 7. But I agree, I should stay away from Audi. High miles and expensive electronics don't mix.Anyway, now I need to get my other cars sold- then start looking for the specific car I want. I appreciate the feedback and will update on progress, any new ideas or suggestions are appreciated

[jakobnev]

Porche 924.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I should probably look into some AWD systems that I can disable the front axle.

Basically any AWD can be turned into RWD, but it makes more sense to do so with a longitudinally-engined platform such as some previous generations of the Volkswagen Passat or any boxer-engined Subaru. I'm also aware of some Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution that were converted to RWD and had the engine mounting converted from transverse to longitudinal, but that sounds too much work-intensive...