What Car Should I Get Next Options

[1994Celica]

Im starting to save some money for a new car, so I need help on wich one to choose. The price range is around 10 k, so far I found these 4 for around that price. Mazda RX-8, Nissan 300ZX, Subaru WRX, Toyota MR. What do you guys think about these cars?

[Tom_SS2]

where in the world are ya from? is that $10k? can't make out what ya reg plate says

This post has been edited by Tom_SS2: Oct 3, 2010 - 8:51 PM

[1994Celica]

where in the world are ya from? is that $10k? can't make out what ya reg plate says

Ya its 10,000 and USA.

[trebilihp]

Toyota mr, make it hard top and supercharge that! That'd be original.
Second choice would be the zx wich is a great machine.

This post has been edited by trebilihp: Oct 3, 2010 - 9:58 PM

[whatthe]

wrx

[EKAn]

wrx

x2
fou dows fo moe hoes

This post has been edited by EKAn: Oct 3, 2010 - 10:05 PM

[Ted95]

mk5 GTI .. idk wat they go for but they r nice if u ask me.. a few mods and rock the sh!t out of it, BA

[njccmd2002]

supercharged fjcruiser

[freddy121389]

depends on what year wrx, I'd personally get an mr2 just because I'm a toyota freak. The wrx's are nice though, the nissan is bleh and the rx-8 is alright but I personally don't like rotary because I'm oblivious as to how to work on them.

[trebilihp]

Wrx is so NOT original.

[Random_Stranger]

Lifted Supercharged Honda CRX! That's original. Oh how about a 3sgte Geo Metro... Dude, those are all different cars you listed. What are YOU looking for?

[HectortheRican]

Don't get an RX8 those are stupid. Just get a 91 RX7 turbo. That'll be faster and better looking.

As for WRX... eh. I see too many.

300ZX is a great car. Just get the TT model.

Toyota MR... is that the MKI, MKII, or MKIII? You needa be specific bro.

[richee3]

Rotary engines aren't known for stellar reliability. I looked into the RX8 myself for a while on the same budget you have, but I ruled the RX8 out simply because I never saw one for sale with more than 75,000 miles. Makes me question what happens to that rotary engine after 75,000 miles.

Nissan 300ZX- Great looking cars, fun. But they're aged. Reliability could be an issue with those. Not to mention that you're paying the same price for what is definitely an older car than the rest. Plus the 300ZX isn't the greatest platform for a decent build. They aren't bad, but you can get a better base.

WRX- Nice cars. Fun. Decent reliability if treated well in their past life. Practicality of 4 doors, a full back seat, and a usable trunk.

Toyota MR2- First gen- No.
Second gen- Older cars, reliability could once again be an issue. Fun though.
Third gen- If you can get over the flamboyant styling, they have nice interiors and they're a fun car.

My suggestions- Lexus IS 300- not the car most people think it is, but it's classy and reliability is proven. Aftermarket support is endless. Cons include intrusive stability control and high insurance premiums.

BMW 3 Series- Try to go for a 330. Anything under a 330 is a little underpowered. But they're a proper car with a BMW badge, so reliability isn't a question. Plenty of fun. Very classy. Cons might be repair expenses.

Honda S2000- Very fun car, insane reliability, decent gas mileage, and it's a roadster. Good marks for Honda there. Cons are that it's a roadster, so safety is an issue, and it wouldn't make a good winter car.

Nissan 350Z- Quick, plenty of fun, and they look great. Expensive insurance though.

Acura RSX- Don't get hung up on that whole "It's a Honda" thing. The RSX is a very fun car, great reliability, aftermarket support, and it looks good. Cons.. Well, I haven't driven enough RSX's to find any real cons. I'm sure it's flawed somehow.

If you've got $10,000 cash, you can buy a mkIV Supra. Older car, of course, so unknown reliability. But it's a mkIV Supra. Need I say more?

[dustin15brown]

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

[trebilihp]

Ha ha ha!

[95CelicaST]

Since I own a wrx and a MK2 MR2 I am a bit biased. WRX for practicality, MR2 for playing.

[SwissFerdi]

Rotary engines aren't known for stellar reliability. I looked into the RX8 myself for a while on the same budget you have, but I ruled the RX8 out simply because I never saw one for sale with more than 75,000 miles. Makes me question what happens to that rotary engine after 75,000 miles.

Nissan 300ZX- Great looking cars, fun. But they're aged. Reliability could be an issue with those. Not to mention that you're paying the same price for what is definitely an older car than the rest. Plus the 300ZX isn't the greatest platform for a decent build. They aren't bad, but you can get a better base.

WRX- Nice cars. Fun. Decent reliability if treated well in their past life. Practicality of 4 doors, a full back seat, and a usable trunk.

Toyota MR2- First gen- No.
Second gen- Older cars, reliability could once again be an issue. Fun though.
Third gen- If you can get over the flamboyant styling, they have nice interiors and they're a fun car.

My suggestions- Lexus IS 300- not the car most people think it is, but it's classy and reliability is proven. Aftermarket support is endless. Cons include intrusive stability control and high insurance premiums.

BMW 3 Series- Try to go for a 330. Anything under a 330 is a little underpowered. But they're a proper car with a BMW badge, so reliability isn't a question. Plenty of fun. Very classy. Cons might be repair expenses.

Honda S2000- Very fun car, insane reliability, decent gas mileage, and it's a roadster. Good marks for Honda there. Cons are that it's a roadster, so safety is an issue, and it wouldn't make a good winter car.

Nissan 350Z- Quick, plenty of fun, and they look great. Expensive insurance though.

Acura RSX- Don't get hung up on that whole "It's a Honda" thing. The RSX is a very fun car, great reliability, aftermarket support, and it looks good. Cons.. Well, I haven't driven enough RSX's to find any real cons. I'm sure it's flawed somehow.

If you've got $10,000 cash, you can buy a mkIV Supra. Older car, of course, so unknown reliability. But it's a mkIV Supra. Need I say more?

I'll support what this guy said, with the added statement of I'm disappoint that he didn't mention a Miata. Try to look for a 2nd gen Mazdaspeed model, they are beasts.

[HectortheRican]

We all forgot SR20 swapped 240s. Those are fun as hell.

[EKAn]

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

can I haz noose?

[HectortheRican]

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

can I haz noose?

LMFAO you made it your sig. ^5

[dustin15brown]

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

can I haz noose?

When you act like an idiot, you will be treated as such. And sorry, I'm fresh outta rope

[CELL_PROTOTYPE_X]

I would go with the wrx if you're looking for a nice everyday driver. All wheel drive and turbocharged...perfect I hope to get a wrx sti to replace my everyday driver but we'll see. I have to finish my project car first.

[HectortheRican]

I would go with the wrx if you're looking for a nice everyday driver. All wheel drive and turbocharged...perfect I hope to get a wrx sti to replace my everyday driver but we'll see. I have to finish my project car first.

Change every WRX to Evo VII, VIII, or IX and that's my opinion.

[EKAn]

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

can I haz noose?

LMFAO you made it your sig. ^5

haha it was too funny!

fou dows fo moe hoes

Hang yourself.

can I haz noose?

When you act like an idiot, you will be treated as such. And sorry, I'm fresh outta rope

wow man chill it was clearly a joke, taking it too serious or what?

[95CelicaST]

Ooh ooh!! An internet fight that I didn't instigate!


But I agree with Dustin.

[1994Celica]

Rotary engines aren't known for stellar reliability. I looked into the RX8 myself for a while on the same budget you have, but I ruled the RX8 out simply because I never saw one for sale with more than 75,000 miles. Makes me question what happens to that rotary engine after 75,000 miles.

Nissan 300ZX- Great looking cars, fun. But they're aged. Reliability could be an issue with those. Not to mention that you're paying the same price for what is definitely an older car than the rest. Plus the 300ZX isn't the greatest platform for a decent build. They aren't bad, but you can get a better base.

WRX- Nice cars. Fun. Decent reliability if treated well in their past life. Practicality of 4 doors, a full back seat, and a usable trunk.

Toyota MR2- First gen- No.
Second gen- Older cars, reliability could once again be an issue. Fun though.
Third gen- If you can get over the flamboyant styling, they have nice interiors and they're a fun car.

My suggestions- Lexus IS 300- not the car most people think it is, but it's classy and reliability is proven. Aftermarket support is endless. Cons include intrusive stability control and high insurance premiums.

BMW 3 Series- Try to go for a 330. Anything under a 330 is a little underpowered. But they're a proper car with a BMW badge, so reliability isn't a question. Plenty of fun. Very classy. Cons might be repair expenses.

Honda S2000- Very fun car, insane reliability, decent gas mileage, and it's a roadster. Good marks for Honda there. Cons are that it's a roadster, so safety is an issue, and it wouldn't make a good winter car.

Nissan 350Z- Quick, plenty of fun, and they look great. Expensive insurance though.

Acura RSX- Don't get hung up on that whole "It's a Honda" thing. The RSX is a very fun car, great reliability, aftermarket support, and it looks good. Cons.. Well, I haven't driven enough RSX's to find any real cons. I'm sure it's flawed somehow.

If you've got $10,000 cash, you can buy a mkIV Supra. Older car, of course, so unknown reliability. But it's a mkIV Supra. Need I say more?

I like most of those. I really dont like 350z they are just a little bit boring to me. I was rreally leaing more towards the RX-8 I got to drive one for a week and I enjoyed it alot. Also I need to add I really dont plan on doing many mods on this car. All the money after I get this will be for a GT-4 build.

This post has been edited by 1994Celica: Oct 4, 2010 - 6:03 PM

[1994Celica]

This is basically what I want in an RX-8 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-Mazda-...=item19bfca6e14
WRX http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-Subaru...=item255dd05e0b
300zx http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/300zx-Twin-...=item2a0ad32a34

This post has been edited by 1994Celica: Oct 4, 2010 - 7:25 PM

[SwissFerdi]

^ Those chrome wheels actually look pretty good under that thing.

[HectortheRican]

LOL that RX8 is in Kokomo!

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya. Bermuda, Bahama, c'mon pretty mama.

[samir0189]

LOL that RX8 is in Kokomo!

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya. Bermuda, Bahama, c'mon pretty mama.

i didnt even read the thread. I have a 300zx f/s if you are interested, pm me.

This post has been edited by samir0189: Oct 4, 2010 - 7:21 PM

[cjh4l22]

I'm sorry but 300zx's are a nightmare to work on. love them but its true. 0000 room under the hood. same feelings about everything else as richee3

or look for a subaru legacy 2.5 rs
those are badass but hard as hell to find.
or go NEW ass audi (not old) or some american muscle, GTO.

[spolski07]

how is a 350z boring to you?

[1994Celica]

how is a 350z boring to you?

I just dont like the way the look theyre just plain to me except fot the nismos.

[spolski07]

how is a 350z boring to you?

I just dont like the way the look theyre just plain to me except fot the nismos.

have you driven one? I understand that looks are an "in the eye of the beholder" subject but after owning one for a short few weeks it has honestly changed my mind on every car i have owned before it (including the 2 6gc's ive owned). Also the first car i have not felt the need to change anything about the car, i am very happy with the stock performance and have no want or need to change anything.

[1994Celica]

how is a 350z boring to you?

I just dont like the way the look theyre just plain to me except fot the nismos.

have you driven one? I understand that looks are an "in the eye of the beholder" subject but after owning one for a short few weeks it has honestly changed my mind on every car i have owned before it (including the 2 6gc's ive owned). Also the first car i have not felt the need to change anything about the car, i am very happy with the stock performance and have no want or need to change anything.

Havent driven one but if it was like the RX-8 disliked them at first then drove one changed my mind so mabey Ill drive one.

[Random_Stranger]

Dude... Get the Z32...

[dustin15brown]

Personally, I LOVE my 350z. And I feel like it's nothing boring at all to look at or drive.

The 300's are really nice, but working on them is a pain. RX-8's get bashed on a lot, but truth be told, it's still fun to drive, and still an upgrade from the 6gc. If you're actually interested in that RX-8, I live an hour maybe an hour and a half from Kokomo if you need someone to test drive it or w/e. WRX is a great car, I mean AWD and a turbo, but you need to find one that wasn't beat on too terribly bad. I have never been a big fan of any MR, but again, everything is in the eye of the beholder. You really need to just make a priorities list and start checking cars off. If carrying stuff is a big deal, the 350z is done. No back seat and virtually no trunk.

[flyinglizard]

I just bought a 2005 whitewater pearl rx-8 6 speed manual a couple months ago and I'm in love. Don't forget they all have an extended 8 year 100k mile engine warranty now, and getting a rebuild if the engine fails thereafter is actually really quite cheap since rotaries are so simple, only 3 moving parts in the entire engine. Check out rx8club.com and read up on all the details. I was on the fence for a while between the G35, 350z and RX-8 and after driving all 3 I fell in love with the 8. As long as you don't care about gas mileage (or torque ) it's an awesome car. So far my best tank to date is 21.7 mpg and my worst is 9.5 mpg
Here's a pic of my baby:


Car and Driver just ranked the 2010 RX-8 as the 3rd best handling car under $100k, behind the porsche boxster and lotus elise. It's really a blast to drive. But stay away from the automatic, it's a dog.

edit: I thought I would chime in a bit more. The 8's have pretty weak and finicky ignition systems. The spark plugs and ignition coils on the renesis NEED to be replaced every 30k miles or so. If your rotary starts to misfire then kiss it goodbye, as misfiring nukes the apex seals on the rotors (lowers compression). The car also consumes oil, as it is injected into the combustion chamber via an OMP to lubricate the apex seals. Expect to add a quart every 1,000 miles or so. On the 2004-2008 models there wasn't enough oil being injected on the original factory flash, so engine life suffered as a result, thus mazda introduced the extended engine warranty last year.

The reason I was confident that my RX-8 would be reliable and last a long time is that the previous owner was a huge gearhead, bought it new and took amazing care of it, always performing proper maintenance and adding fuel lube every tank of gas for apex seal longevity.

If you decide to get an 8, try to find a single owner one or at least one with complete maintenance history. That might be difficult in the price range you are looking for though. Expect to spend about 14-20k on a properly maintained 8 with low miles 2005 or newer.

I chose to avoid 2004 models when shopping for an 8 since that was the first year it came out and the most popular, so people bought the car who actually weren't interested in cars at all and didn't properly take care of them. Often letting the cars starve for oil and neglecting the ignition system, reducing engine longevity.

Pretty much the only reason the RX-8 has a bad name for reliability is because idiots don't know how to properly maintain it.

I guess you could say it's a PITA to maintain, but I think it's completely worth it for one of the best handling, most fun-to-drive cars money can buy. Plus it shoots flames!

/end rant


This post has been edited by flyinglizard: Oct 9, 2010 - 3:31 AM

[richee3]

The only thing I have to add to flyinglizard's post is how the RX8 doesn't like to be driven, shut off for 5 minutes, then start right back up. I've always heard bad things for the rotary in that department, and I experienced it firsthand when I was test driving cars. We took the RX8 out for a 10 minute drive, got it back to the dealership, I shut it off, looked over the car for a few minutes, and when I left, the salesman could barely get it started again. The car was in great condition. It really turned me off from buying it.

I'm not saying don't buy an RX8. There are moments when I wish I had one instead of my IS 300. But be prepared to take care of it if you do buy one.

[flyinglizard]

The only thing I have to add to flyinglizard's post is how the RX8 doesn't like to be driven, shut off for 5 minutes, then start right back up. I've always heard bad things for the rotary in that department, and I experienced it firsthand when I was test driving cars. We took the RX8 out for a 10 minute drive, got it back to the dealership, I shut it off, looked over the car for a few minutes, and when I left, the salesman could barely get it started again. The car was in great condition. It really turned me off from buying it.

I'm not saying don't buy an RX8. There are moments when I wish I had one instead of my IS 300. But be prepared to take care of it if you do buy one.

The engine probably wasn't completely warmed up then if he had trouble starting it up again, or the battery was dying. You have it a bit backwards. The issue is with starting the car and turning it off before it's fully warmed up. If you do that you flood the engine and soak your spark plugs due to the vast amount of fuel being injected while the engine is cold, and might have trouble starting it again. You just have to make sure the car is warmed up before you shut it off, which in the scheme of things isn't really a big deal. As far as shutting the car off for a few minutes and turning it back on again, mine always fires up immediately when I'm sitting in traffic or waiting in line and turn the car off.

This post has been edited by flyinglizard: Oct 9, 2010 - 2:52 PM

[njccmd2002]

Buy a toyota sienna, modern, reliable, practical (you can fit a whole soccer team), V6 options, AWD like the ST205, wow anybody hear a 3sgte swap.

JK,

go test drive cars before you make choices, Thats why i bought the FJ, I test drove it. Now im itching to offroad it.

dont make your mind before you kick some tires.

[JuMPiiN]

We all forgot SR20 swapped 240s. Those are fun as hell.

This guy.... Ha just get one amd do the swap yourself so you know it hasn't been beat to hell and back by someones who thinks there a drifter and hits walls.

Im doing it.

[HectortheRican]

This guy.... Ha just get one amd do the swap yourself so you know it hasn't been beat to hell and back by someones who thinks there a drifter and hits walls.

Im doing it.

VERY TRUE, touché good sir.

Correction: RB26 swapped 240s. Only responsible people do those because it take so much money lol

[JuMPiiN]

If you ever went RB25, I hope your prepared to drop atleast 10K in mods. Minimum, my friend has over 15K and it hasnt even been put in the car yet.

The SR will give you more bang for the buck. So if you did choose a 240, try and find a 5 speed, and you can get a SR for around 1500 or so, I know on 240sxmotorsports.com you can get a complete swap with everything needed, clutch, exhaust, water pump, oil pump, belts, pulleys, everything for 3K-4K.

[HectortheRican]

If you ever went RB25, I hope your prepared to drop atleast 10K in mods. Minimum, my friend has over 15K and it hasnt even been put in the car yet.

Think of the payoff though. You'd be so damn proud. "Yeah, I have an RB series motor, no biggie. Yeah I can take on your Corvette and leave it in the dust." LOLV8

[Random_Stranger]

If you ever went RB25, I hope your prepared to drop atleast 10K in mods. Minimum, my friend has over 15K and it hasnt even been put in the car yet.

Think of the payoff though. You'd be so damn proud. "Yeah, I have an RB series motor, no biggie. Yeah I can take on your Corvette and leave it in the dust." LOLV8

Ok, but who is going to do the rebuild, and have you priced the parts for the pistons and such? Surely you don't want to pay a lot for one and just drop it in, only for it to leave you on the side of the road. Stock, I can tell you right now it isn't going to be a new corvette. Sure the engine will allow one to compete against muscles (personally, I think most muscles max vs most imports max is no comparison, the muscles simply outclass).

[HectortheRican]

Ok, but who is going to do the rebuild, and have you priced the parts for the pistons and such? Surely you don't want to pay a lot for one and just drop it in, only for it to leave you on the side of the road. Stock, I can tell you right now it isn't going to be a new corvette. Sure the engine will allow one to compete against muscles (personally, I think most muscles max vs most imports max is no comparison, the muscles simply outclass).

Maybe... but think about this. 1,200hp gutted Supra and 1,200hp gutted Camaro, Challenger, Charger, Nova, etc. Who'll win? Supra. Because it's much, MUCH lighter. 3.0L engine vs like 8.0 or 9.0L? No brainer man. But of course once you get into funny car and NHRA top fuel... then yeah, 8,000hp is hands down haha.

[JuMPiiN]

Parts for a RB are ridiculous compared to a SR. You better have deep pockets if you wanted a RB. And besides, I know countless people have the SR in there cars now and its been done plenty of times. The SR just screams for more and more HP with minor bolt ons. Just my intake mani put me up almost 30hp. Then the other supporting upgrades as well. If you went with a 240, S13, S14, S13.5, S14.5. I promise the SR would not sadden you. Ill post pics of all my stuff this afternoon in my O/T thread of everything I have.

[HectortheRican]

Parts for a RB are ridiculous compared to a SR. You better have deep pockets if you wanted a RB. And besides, I know countless people have the SR in there cars now and its been done plenty of times. The SR just screams for more and more HP with minor bolt ons. Just my intake mani put me up almost 30hp. Then the other supporting upgrades as well. If you went with a 240, S13, S14, S13.5, S14.5. I promise the SR would not sadden you. Ill post pics of all my stuff this afternoon in my O/T thread of everything I have.

Just be wary of buying an already swapped SR like JuMPiiN said. Chances are it's already been beat to hell by a drifter.

[JuMPiiN]

Parts for a RB are ridiculous compared to a SR. You better have deep pockets if you wanted a RB. And besides, I know countless people have the SR in there cars now and its been done plenty of times. The SR just screams for more and more HP with minor bolt ons. Just my intake mani put me up almost 30hp. Then the other supporting upgrades as well. If you went with a 240, S13, S14, S13.5, S14.5. I promise the SR would not sadden you. Ill post pics of all my stuff this afternoon in my O/T thread of everything I have.

Just be wary of buying an already swapped SR like JuMPiiN said. Chances are it's already been beat to hell by a drifter.

Exactly, Almost EVERY car that has been swapped has been beat to hell and back. When I got mine, it still had the KA in it and came with the SR and tranny and everything. So the SR i snatched up came with receipts and everything, and with the cluster with 22K on it. So i found a super rare deal. If you decide to go with a 240, and with your budget, find one with the KA and buy the SR. I got extremely lucky.

[HectortheRican]

Exactly, Almost EVERY car that has been swapped has been beat to hell and back. When I got mine, it still had the KA in it and came with the SR and tranny and everything. So the SR i snatched up came with receipts and everything, and with the cluster with 22K on it. So i found a super rare deal. If you decide to go with a 240, and with your budget, find one with the KA and buy the SR. I got extremely lucky.

I love SR's, but you can build up a KA REALLY nicely as well. Thanks to my friends, I know this. They're super KA loyal and they give me sh!t for siding with SR's

[dustin15brown]

@ flyinglizard my 350z best tank mileage- 30.2 mpg worst- 16.4mpg

[mak5603]

Exactly, Almost EVERY car that has been swapped has been beat to hell and back. When I got mine, it still had the KA in it and came with the SR and tranny and everything. So the SR i snatched up came with receipts and everything, and with the cluster with 22K on it. So i found a super rare deal. If you decide to go with a 240, and with your budget, find one with the KA and buy the SR. I got extremely lucky.

I love SR's, but you can build up a KA REALLY nicely as well. Thanks to my friends, I know this. They're super KA loyal and they give me sh!t for siding with SR's

I know a dude with a built KA in an old celica boosting 20 pounds, and it rips even though its nowhere near my cup of tea. SRs an SR... If I had a 240, it would at least have an RB20 in it, I got a couple friends with RB20 240s and I guess they are pretty cool even though parts are expensive and hard to come by.

[HectortheRican]

I know a dude with a built KA in an old celica boosting 20 pounds, and it rips even though its nowhere near my cup of tea. SRs an SR... If I had a 240, it would at least have an RB20 in it, I got a couple friends with RB20 240s and I guess they are pretty cool even though parts are expensive and hard to come by.

I have a buddy with an S13 coupe in the process of an LS1 swap. I don't condone American motors in Japanese cars when his turbo KA did the trick perfectly. He's a drifter and you don't need mad power to drift. Plus that LS1 is heavy. Throw off the weight dist! But I digress.

[mak5603]

I know a dude with a built KA in an old celica boosting 20 pounds, and it rips even though its nowhere near my cup of tea. SRs an SR... If I had a 240, it would at least have an RB20 in it, I got a couple friends with RB20 240s and I guess they are pretty cool even though parts are expensive and hard to come by.

I have a buddy with an S13 coupe in the process of an LS1 swap. I don't condone American motors in Japanese cars when his turbo KA did the trick perfectly. He's a drifter and you don't need mad power to drift. Plus that LS1 is heavy. Throw off the weight dist! But I digress.

The LS1 weighs less than a KA. But has WAY more power than a KA, and thats stock, so more reliable than a boosted KA. I don't like the fact that its an American motor in a 240, but it is an ideal swap, haha.

This post has been edited by mak5603: Nov 3, 2010 - 3:51 PM