Next Car..., *dodges thrown items* Options

[Box]

So I've had my Celica for almost a year now, in two weeks it will be a year to be exact. In of itself I like the car, but it's time for something else. I'm wanting something with more power and a better ride. Doing swaps isn't an option and neither is reverting back to the stock suspension, for cost feasibility. So now I'm looking into the possibility of finding something else. Some of the cars I've been considering include: 1986.5-1992 Supra, 92-95 SC300, 91-93 240SX, 90-95 300ZX, 90-92 Camaro/Firebird, 90-95 Mustang. So I was wondering if anyone else have owned these vehicles and had an opinion of them. Or if you can think of others cars that I haven't thought of, I'd love to hear them. Pretty much anything RWD, 2 doors, and pre-OBDII I'd look into getting. I thought about the RX7 but I don't want to deal with rotary, and the Miata and MR2 are too small as I need space for carrying a synthesizer with me for when I got out and play. The Supra, SC300, and 300ZX are towards the bottom as they can be hard to work on, especially the 300ZX. Gas mileage isn't a concern to me anymore, but performance and comfort are. I'm not asking for it to ride like a Cadillac, but I do want something that'll ride better on these atrocities they call roads. So any help would be appreciated. I plan on trying to find an example of each of these cars and test driving them before completely committing to selling the Celica.

[block]

SC300/400 for comfort. My friend has one and its a nice car for sure. Id also consider the 240sx because its light and the KA is good for boost.

[Box]

Knew the SC300 would probably be good, it is a Lexus after all. I know the MKIII Supra is good, since that was my first car. I hear the 300ZX is supposed to be fairly comfortable too. Only ones that concerned me comfort wise were the 240SX and the domestics. I've been in the 4th gen Mustang before, and I remember it was decent. My dad had a 96 Z28 and it was ok too. Though I know that probably means nothing in regards to the third gen versions. Was kind of leaning towards something with a V8, purely for the exhaust sound. That and I know OHV engines like the back of my hand. Though obviously the others are still in consideration.

Found a 93 240SX locally, but it was rear ended and driven off the median.

[azian_advanced]

mr2 turbo

[Box]

mr2 turbo

Not enough room.

[SwissFerdi]

Bit tough to work on, but since you're an old man...older S4. 340bhp from a V8 in the B5.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Jan 30, 2013 - 10:32 PM

[Box]

Too many doors. And it's European. Had thought about the BMW 3 series, but just no. I just want something more comfortable and with more power, mainly the latter.

[95CelicaST]

mr2 turbo

Not enough room.

You clearly need to sort out your priorities. MR2 fits you... And that is all you need. Anything else will have useless back seats anyhow, why even try?

GS400 and be done with it. Four doors has its benefits.

[97lestyousay]

my son has a 98 z28 with the ls1, I really like the motor, hwy mpg is not as bad as one might think, the ride is pretty good too. I am not crazy about the
visability or the size, but it might just take some getting used to.

[pandakid]

FRS .no but i would say 240sx/sc300 from the list you gave

[Box]

My OCD won't let me own a sedan. Have never owned one, and never will. *shudders* I've tried to be somewhat normal, it just doesn't happen. Like I was saying earlier, I need the room for at least one synthesizer when I go out and play music. Even the backseat of the Celica is enough to accommodate that. My dad had a 96 Z28, was a nice car until you had to do work on the engine. If I ever find the guy who thought it was a good idea to tuck half the engine up into the firewall I'll slap him. Thought of another to add to the list perhaps. All-Trac Celica would be nice, though I've never seen one locally.

FRS .no but i would say 240sx/sc300 from the list you gave

If I had the money for one. Then again if I had the money for one I'd be in a C5 or C3 Vette and being totally content with a car for once.

[njccmd2002]

you disgust me

[azian_advanced]

IS300 maybe?

[Box]

you disgust me

Lol, was waiting for you to say something. I'm just hard to please, that's all.

We didn't get the good IS300 over here. Even if we did, too many doors. *shudders* I refuse to own a car that portrays any sense of family wholesomeness or responsibility.

[block]

IS300 is a pretty good car; sexy, quiet and smooth. Had one and loved it.

240sx is a decent car. A lot of aftermarket support. KA is a pretty easy motor to work on and reliable. I drove my friend's 240sx coupe and liked it a lot. I actually thought about finding a coupe w/ no sunroof but a lot of the ones I've found are rusty, beat up or just not what I am looking for.

[Box]

From what I've seen of the 240SX they look to be easy to work on, so that's always a plus. Really it's between the 240SX, Mustang, and Camaro/Firebird most likely. All of those are easy to work on with good aftermarket. I like the Supra, SC300, and 300ZX but they're hard to work on. Think it was the Supra you had to remove half of the intake manifold just to replace the spark plugs.

[Smaay]

you know the SC300 is a non turbo Supra. its the exact same car. just looks a little different. its like comparing a Camry and Solara. same frame, same engine, same suspension, same everything but looks. Im actually in the market for a clean SC300. of course ill turbo it.

[Box]

you know the SC300 is a non turbo Supra. its the exact same car. just looks a little different. its like comparing a Camry and Solara. same frame, same engine, same suspension, same everything but looks. Im actually in the market for a clean SC300. of course ill turbo it.

Of course. I always call it the fat Supra.

[soulshadow]

S2000 or 350Z there both roughly around the 7-10K ball park.

[Box]

S2000 or 350Z there both roughly around the 7-10K ball park.

I'm more in the 5K ballpark. According to the people at KBB an early LS1 F-body should be in reach. Supposedly they're a little easier to work with versus the LT1.

This post has been edited by Box: Jan 31, 2013 - 10:53 PM

[richee3]

Just out of curiosity, why only OBDI? The only downside of the SC 300 is the fact that the N/A 2JZ isn't exactly a powerhouse. 240SX's are fun cars, but probably too similar to Celicas for you to be content. The turbo 4 cylinder Fox body Mustang is an especially fun car.

[Box]

OBDI is less of a pain in the ass. So much emissions crap on OBDII. My brother went from an OBDI Maxima to an OBDII Maxima(same generation mind you), and my God all the added crap. Though if I go with a LS1 F-body will just live with it. Deep down I'm thinking I just need to get something with a V8, since that's the only way I'll really be happy. It'd seem there're equal odds of me being content with a fuel efficient car as there is a 400 pound man being content with salad.

[chucho]

I have to say I love the roar and getting pushed back into my seat in my SRT8. Next purchase is family based though (already have my toy).

[block]

I just need to get something with a V8

Hello SC400

[njccmd2002]

I just need to get something with a V8

Hello SC400

[Box]

I just need to get something with a V8

Hello SC400

But it's automatic and I can't cam it. I've already decided it'll be a 93-02 Formula/Trans Am. Maybe a 90-92 if I find a good one, just because they're a lot easier to work on. The 98-02 Trans Am is on my top 3 cars of the modern era that I really want(realistically). Gave it a lot of thought over the weekend, and it'd make me happiest out of all the cars I mentioned.

[njccmd2002]

why has no one closed this treacherous thread....


yu a can haz car found

[Box]

Says the one that bought something aside from a Celica too?

Meh, more like:


This post has been edited by Box: Feb 4, 2013 - 12:35 AM

[njccmd2002]

i can has celica till.....

[Box]

It's all for the best. I'll stick around if that's what you're afraid of.

[richee3]

I hate the "nostril" look of those cars. The earlier model Trans Am (93-97, I think?) looks a little better, but that's just my opinion.

[Box]

I hate the "nostril" look of those cars. The earlier model Trans Am (93-97, I think?) looks a little better, but that's just my opinion.

Odd, I like that version more. But I like the 93-97 body as well.



Mainly was wanting the 98-02 for the LS1 though. Though I suppose the LT1 would be ok too.

[chucho]

They can be some very bad cars. Definite tire burner. Used to have one run consistent low 10s at the strip on the gulfcoast over here

[Box]

Indeed. Though I'm just wanting mine for the looks and sound. The only time I'll use its power is for passing idiots and getting onto the interstate. That's ok though, just means it'll live longer along with myself.

[richee3]

Close, I actually meant the more wedge-like Trans Am.



The nostrils really annoy me, like I really want to put a bull ring in the nose. However, I agree, LS1 > LT1.

[Box]

Same years, just different hood and nose piece. I like the hood scoops though, more power. Yay power.

[richee3]

Looking for a WS6?

[Box]

Looking for a WS6?

Preferably. But it's not like I can't turn a regular Trans Am or even Formula into one.

[Box]

Gah, found the pretty much perfect car for sale. I don't have the money yet, of course. That's ok, still need to remove my radio from the Celica and give it a wash and all first anyway.

[Zake]

idk, I really like the look of the 98-02 WS6... the LS1 is just an added bonus

[Box]

idk, I really like the look of the 98-02 WS6... the LS1 is just an added bonus

Indeed. Found a few LS1 cars, but they've been autotragics... Odds are it'll be a 95 Formula/Trans Am. Then can run long tubes and not worry about the cats.

[Special_Edy]

Just get an LT model and swap in a T-56 transmission and a Vortec 5300

all you have to swap is the intake to get it to fit under the hood, but you could throw LS1 heads and cams in there if you want a couple extra horsepower.

a 700r4 or a 4L60E would be perfect auto trannys depending on if you got an auto ECU or not, the 4L80E is definately overkill for a mostly stock LS engine in an F body

[Box]

No swapping. Basic bolt on parts, nothing else. I only do swaps on cars without ECU's.

[RabidTRD]

Close, I actually meant the more wedge-like Trans Am.



The nostrils really annoy me, like I really want to put a bull ring in the nose. However, I agree, LS1 > LT1.

I hate these cars... I always want to kick the front end in... it's too long and blah looking.




This is the only one I'd own.

[Smaay]

Just out of curiosity, why only OBDI? The only downside of the SC 300 is the fact that the N/A 2JZ isn't exactly a powerhouse.

um thats not true at all. its 90% the same as the 2JZ-GTE. same block, same crank, same rods, higher comp pistons, and slightly different (better) flowing head. the NA 2JZ is VERY boost friendly and you can make 500HP in stock trim all day long.

im in the market now for a 97 SC300 and yes i will boost it.

[richee3]

Just out of curiosity, why only OBDI? The only downside of the SC 300 is the fact that the N/A 2JZ isn't exactly a powerhouse.

um thats not true at all. its 90% the same as the 2JZ-GTE. same block, same crank, same rods, higher comp pistons, and slightly different (better) flowing head. the NA 2JZ is VERY boost friendly and you can make 500HP in stock trim all day long.

im in the market now for a 97 SC300 and yes i will boost it.

Not at all what I said. Read it again- N/A 2JZ isn't a powerhouse. Boosted, a 2JZ is a legendary engine. In naturally aspirated trim, it's not really any different than any other six cylinder. My IS 300 was a dog. Boosted it would've been extremely fun but it was outrun by my BEAMS running on a defunct ECU.

Edit: I will add that it was an auto IS 300 and had an SRI for a short period but was more or less stock.

This post has been edited by richee3: Feb 25, 2013 - 2:26 PM

[Wolfsting]

Toyota Supra ,BMW M3 2 door, ermm TVR! Lotus Elise?

[Box]

If reliability and draining the world's oil reserves wasn't a concern I'd just get one of my (realistic) dream cars:


OR



But seeing as reliability and remotely decent mpg is needed, that pretty much leaves it to the 4th gen Trans Am. Plus I always liked the look of the 4th gen, I'd say it's my third choice as far as looks go. Pretty much ruled any Euro cars out. Japanese cars I'd consider obviously, but I want a V8. Just for the sound above anything else. I could sit and listen to a cammed OHV V8 all day. 4 cylinders just sound like ****, 6 cylinders are in that halfway point. Most 6's sound good at idle, but in the higher rpms sound like ****. I hate high pitched raspy exhaust, I refuse to deal with it. Mainly in part why the Celica has its stock exhaust still. I've gone back and forth among the various options available, and keep coming back to the Trans Am. It's what I really want, and I've wanted one for a long time. So what if it's not the best handling sports car out there. I'm not using the car for racing, nor driving it at illegal speeds. It's more than capable for what I'll use it for. It's more about the image if you will. The car just seems to fit me better than the others. I'll be sure to update on whatever I end up doing.

[Box]

Well I've given it some more thought and here's where I am now, and in no particular order at the moment:

1977-1978 Datsun 280Z


1987-1992 Chevrolet IROC-Z/Z28


1987-1992 Pontiac Trans Am


1989-1992 Toyota Supra Turbo


1989-1995 Chevrolet Corvette


So I suppose any of the aforementioned cars will work. Of course gave thought to keeping the Celica as well. If I could do the 1MZ-FE swap for $1,500 or less I'd heavily consider it. Would just have to find the perfect donor car first though.

This post has been edited by Box: Apr 7, 2013 - 10:46 PM

[richee3]

With a little (or a lot) of work, the 280Z is my favorite car out if the group. But they look best with small tasteful body accents and an RB engine never hurts anything. The Corvette would be the most bang for the buck, although I don't know how hard they are to work on. I don't know if its just local to where I live, but the Camaros and Trans Ams are all ragged out in comparison to the Corvettes, I'm assuming due to the lower price tag and easier access. You've already had a mkIII Supra, so I'd say just pass on those head gasket issues.

[SwissFerdi]

That 911 is the best option yet.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Apr 8, 2013 - 8:17 AM

[Box]

With a little (or a lot) of work, the 280Z is my favorite car out if the group. But they look best with small tasteful body accents and an RB engine never hurts anything. The Corvette would be the most bang for the buck, although I don't know how hard they are to work on. I don't know if its just local to where I live, but the Camaros and Trans Ams are all ragged out in comparison to the Corvettes, I'm assuming due to the lower price tag and easier access. You've already had a mkIII Supra, so I'd say just pass on those head gasket issues.

I do indeed like the look of the 280Z, so much in fact I've decided to hold out for it instead of the ZX. Shave those terrible bumpers, weld in some metal and smooth it out and you're golden. Throw in your V8 of choice and it's all good. Yeah, the Corvettes do seem to be in better shape usually. I guess price difference has a lot to do with it. From the looks of it I'd say the C4 Vette isn't too bad.

I like the MKIII Supra though. The head gasket is only a problem if when you redo it, you torque to the "original" specs. The head was erroneously torqued to 56 ft lb, when it's supposed to be 75 ft lb. If you're lucky you can just re-torque the head bolts before it becomes a problem. The one advantage to owning the Supra is that it's a Toyota, my uncle is an ASE Toyota Master Technician. So if anything goes wrong I can just ask him for help. Plus I still have lots of Supra parts for whatever reason from the last one. That and out of the group is probably the most comfortable. I don't know, still thinking about it. It'll most likely be one of the aforementioned though. I had considered the Z32, but being a pain to work on and having an interference engine is a turn off.

That 911 is the best option yet.

Meh... I had thought about getting a 944, but then I checked out the parts prices. High maintenance is an understatement. The cheapest clutch kit I could find for it was over $600... That and everything else for it costs a fortune. The 944 is the cheap one too, I'd hate to see 911 parts prices...

[jcbass7]

C4 vette's are a steal right now. Just like the c3's were ten years ago. I bought my C3 not only because I always wanted one, but I know that at the price I got it, it would be a (semi) reasonable investment as opposed to buying a brand new one.

You know my vote is for the vette

[Box]

Oh I'd love to have a C3 Vette. Though that'd mean getting a project car or selling my organs on the black market for money. They're all good cars in their own way, just doing lots of research on all of them at the moment. Though I am leaning more towards the Vette, Supra, and 280Z at the moment.

[Malek]

You don't really want a 7mgte, do you? haha

My friend's old supra gave him sooo many stupid problems. Or maybe his was just a dud

edit: nevermind..your uncle can fix it everytime!

This post has been edited by Malek: Apr 8, 2013 - 5:39 PM

[Box]

Sure I do. The only problems with them are the head gasket issue, which is easily remedied. That and I'd keep mine mostly stock. Start to run crazy levels of boost on stock internals, that's when you start to have problems.

[Box]

My mind and circumstances have yet again changed. Seeing as my knee doesn't like the clutch of the Celica, odds are very much so it won't like the clutch in the F-body or Corvette. So that leaves the option of either of some kind of Honda/Acura since they have light clutches, or just get an automatic. I don't trust the automatic used in the F-body and Corvette, my dad went through 3 of them in his 96 Z28. So as far as automatics go I'm now thinking about the 92-95/98-00 Lexus SC400.


That or a 93-95 Acura Legend Coupe if the clutch is light enough.


Both are about evenly equipped and offer similar levels of performance. Only downside is the economy of the 4 speed auto SC400 leaves something to be desired, but the 5 speed auto in the 98-00 years remedies that. The 4 speed is OBDI and has the non-interference engine though. The 5 speed gains 40hp and some fuel economy, but has an interference engine due to the VVT-i and is OBDII. Honestly kind of leaning towards the 98-00 for the extra power and economy despite my hatred of OBDII. Though both being luxury cars it'd seem the backseat is still useless, not like I care anyway. Mainly it boils down to sound vs control. Sound of a V8 with an auto, or have control granted by a 6 speed and the sound of a V6. Though from what I've found the 3.2 V6 doesn't sound too bad, but still is nothing compared to even the relatively small 4.0 V8 of the Lexus. Then again if my knee doesn't get better and/or can't even handle the clutch of a Honda it won't matter anyway. Sad thing is I had started to come back to liking the Celica.

[1994Celica]

Don't get a Camaro with an LT1. They're fun but maintenance is a bitch especially the spark plugs.

[Box]

Yeah, I've already moved away from that due to health reasons. I've decided I'll be getting a Lexus SC400, preferably a 98-00 model.

[1994Celica]

Yeah, I've already moved away from that due to health reasons. I've decided I'll be getting a Lexus SC400, preferably a 98-00 model.

Nice I've always have had a soft spot for those.

[Box]

Yup. Since I have to get an auto, might as well do it in style and comfort. Just going through the whole car selling/buying process I hate...

[Box]

As the wind changes so does my mind. So now that my knee seems ok, thankfully, I am looking at getting another manual. Now I'm thinking about the 94-95 Mustang GT, or the 89-95 Corvette again. At least I have established a few requirements though: It has to be a V8, equipped with a manual transmission, and still easy enough to work on. So that leaves the Corvette and Mustang. Perhaps the 90-92 F-body, but finding one of those with a V8 and 5-speed is like finding a woman that doesn't turn into a demon once a month.

This post has been edited by Box: Jun 5, 2013 - 2:04 AM

[rentaspace]

As the wind changes so does my mind. So now that my knee seems ok, thankfully, I am looking at getting another manual. Now I'm thinking about the 94-95 Mustang GT, or the 89-95 Corvette again. At least I have established a few requirements though: It has to be a V8, equipped with a manual transmission, and still easy enough to work on. So that leaves the Corvette and Mustang. Perhaps the 90-92 F-body, but finding one of those with a V8 and 5-speed is like finding a woman that doesn't turn into a demon once a month.

Why don't you get one of these? They don't lack power, are manual and can also turn corners

They will only set you back AUD$500000 - AUD$1Mil depending on if you get the Ford, Holden, Mercedes or Nissan


Serious now, I like the Vette. Always have, and always will

[Box]

If I had the extra cash I'd just get a C5, but I don't. So that leaves the C4.

[rentaspace]

If I had the extra cash I'd just get a C5, but I don't. So that leaves the C4.

They're both really nice looking cars...

They are ridiculously expensive here in Australia

[Box]

I love the C5. I want a black on black liftback. Mmmm....

[rentaspace]

I love the C5. I want a black on black liftback. Mmmm....

Wish I could afford one:
$30-$80000 here...

This post has been edited by rentaspace: Jun 6, 2013 - 6:37 PM

[Box]

On a good day you can find the earlier C5's for around $12,000. Halfway there. I refuse to have a car with payments, so it can wait.

[rentaspace]

On a good day you can find the earlier C5's for around $12,000. Halfway there. I refuse to have a car with payments, so it can wait.

Still a massive difference between $12000 and $80000, not to mention that these are also LHD so we can only get them registered as a 'Show Car' meaning limited days to use them

[Box]

Just move to America, all of your problems are solved.

Sooo.... I've thought about it and I must be one of few people that wants to sell their car because of the colour and how the exhaust sounds.

Anyhow I suppose in the next week or two will put the car up for sale. I just despise the whole car selling and buying process. So much disdain.

[rentaspace]

Just move to America, all of your problems are solved.

Sooo.... I've thought about it and I must be one of few people that wants to sell their car because of the colour and how the exhaust sounds.

Anyhow I suppose in the next week or two will put the car up for sale. I just despise the whole car selling and buying process. So much disdain.

If I moved to America, it would solve my 'expensive crap' problem, but then I would also gain a bunch more problems such as:
I don't want to sell or LHD convert my Celica

I can always just have a holiday and import a 'vette while I am over there since I have friends that live there so free accommodation

[Box]

Just buy a new and improved manually equipped Celica. That's ok, having to scratch plans for buying another manual car anyhow. Knees have been acting up again.

[momentai99]

Buy my 82 z28 I ripped the engine out of an early nova, no electronics except the msd ignition. The way a car was intended to be. Doesn't do too bad gas mileage wise either. Just a hair under 400 horses now

[Box]

If it was a 79-81 Trans Am I'd be all over it. That's ok, thinking a 94-95 Miata now.

[sr666]

Does it come with hair clippers

[momentai99]

Does it come with hair clippers

Hahaha!! love the pun

[Box]

I like hair, no need clippers.

[sr666]

No doubt you'll be needing the polish more than the car then,

They don't have vanity mirrors though buddy

[SwissFerdi]

^ Have you driven one?

[sr666]

^ Have you driven one?

Yes thanks

That's what got me into the RWD scene

As you may or may not have been able to tell I'm joking about the hair clippers etc ..

[SwissFerdi]

may or may not

My humor meter must be broken. Cheers.

[momentai99]

If it was a 79-81 Trans Am I'd be all over it. That's ok, thinking a 94-95 Miata now.

was offered a 79 with a 461 olds in a trade for my camaro, before I even got to it the stupid kid managed to blow it up and sold it for 1500 bucks. Too many morons with cars they don't deserve

[Box]

^Indeed. That's a shame... The more I think about it the Miata would be the way to go. It handles really well, which is something I've come to expect. I realize that's important to me especially after having to drive my grandfather's Lexus ES300 for a few days, I couldn't deal with anything that handled like that or worse. For a sedan it was ok, but still... The slowness of the Miata is easily fixed, the handling of a Mustang probably not so much. Of course if someone wants to give me about $8,000 I'll just get a C5 Vette.

[sr666]

You'd enjoy the Miata buddy they're very quirky things easy to throw around which is handy just be a tad careful else you'll end up facing the way you came (happened to me when I gave it a bootful)

They're very free revving too (the JDM one my friend has would eat my 2 alive)

They're good cars I'm only pulling your leg about the stigma they come with

[JoshuaM]

Hey Box... So at the start of next year I will be heading overseas for a 6month overseas exchange (for university studies) to either the UK or San Jose in California. If I go to Brittain I obviously already know exactly what to get But if I end up in the states I was thinking I would have to go with a stereotypically American V8 coupe... Especially with gas prices so low (<- See what I did there... I said 'gas' instead of 'petrol'.... I'll fit right in now ).

Since I will be using holiday spending money to buy and run it I was thinking something around $5k USD. HAS to be a manual, and needs to be reliable enough to clock up the kilometers (wait... Miles ) when I'm over there without too many hassles (so no old Trans Ams or the likes ). Since it is Cali in summer maybe a 2003 V8 Mustang Manual Convertible..... Any other suggestions?

[momentai99]

^Indeed. That's a shame... The more I think about it the Miata would be the way to go. It handles really well, which is something I've come to expect. I realize that's important to me especially after having to drive my grandfather's Lexus ES300 for a few days, I couldn't deal with anything that handled like that or worse. For a sedan it was ok, but still... The slowness of the Miata is easily fixed, the handling of a Mustang probably not so much. Of course if someone wants to give me about $8,000 I'll just get a C5 Vette.

Eh a friend of mine has a miata and I think you feel the road way too much. They tend to be very uncomfortable for long periods of time, but the slow problem does definitely need fixed from the beginning haha. my old 92 civic was more comfortable to drive than his car but he was obsessed with it. A lot of miata guys tend to take their cars too seriously i've noticed so I wonder how the community is for them.

Hey Box... So at the start of next year I will be heading overseas for a 6month overseas exchange (for university studies) to either the UK or San Jose in California. If I go to Brittain I obviously already know exactly what to get But if I end up in the states I was thinking I would have to go with a stereotypically American V8 coupe... Especially with gas prices so low (<- See what I did there... I said 'gas' instead of 'petrol'.... I'll fit right in now ).

Since I will be using holiday spending money to buy and run it I was thinking something around $5k USD. HAS to be a manual, and needs to be reliable enough to clock up the kilometers (wait... Miles ) when I'm over there without too many hassles (so no old Trans Ams or the likes ). Since it is Cali in summer maybe a 2003 V8 Mustang Manual Convertible..... Any other suggestions?

5k for a convertible 2003 mustang manual? good luck buddy in cali haha. They go for more than that out here in PA and they're rusted here. But your totally fitting in now had no idea you weren't an american

[JoshuaM]

5k for a convertible 2003 mustang manual? good luck buddy in cali haha. They go for more than that out here in PA and they're rusted here. But your totally fitting in now had no idea you weren't an american

I just had another look and I don't know what I was looking at last time I was looking at V6 and V8's with coupes and Verts from '97-'03... Must have chosen the most expensive combination and remembered the cheapest price

And I don't mind traveling a bit to get it... After all traveling is what I'll be getting the car for

But anyway, suggestions are welcome since you guys probably have a rough idea of everything worth investigating off the top of your heads... Prices are very different over here (BTW Box, a mate just started looking at MX5's here... Like $8k for a decent '91 model )

[Box]

You'd enjoy the Miata buddy they're very quirky things easy to throw around which is handy just be a tad careful else you'll end up facing the way you came (happened to me when I gave it a bootful)

They're very free revving too (the JDM one my friend has would eat my 2 alive)

They're good cars I'm only pulling your leg about the stigma they come with

Careful is my middle name. I always start at the speed limit, then slowly increase it each time. That way the chance of something terrible happening is minimized significantly. I knew you were, I don't care what people think. EVERY car has some negative stereotype to it, so if that bothers you just walk.

[Box]

Hey Box... So at the start of next year I will be heading overseas for a 6month overseas exchange (for university studies) to either the UK or San Jose in California. If I go to Brittain I obviously already know exactly what to get But if I end up in the states I was thinking I would have to go with a stereotypically American V8 coupe... Especially with gas prices so low (<- See what I did there... I said 'gas' instead of 'petrol'.... I'll fit right in now ).

Since I will be using holiday spending money to buy and run it I was thinking something around $5k USD. HAS to be a manual, and needs to be reliable enough to clock up the kilometers (wait... Miles ) when I'm over there without too many hassles (so no old Trans Ams or the likes ). Since it is Cali in summer maybe a 2003 V8 Mustang Manual Convertible..... Any other suggestions?

That's ok, I say petrol anyhow. Along with many other non-American terms, too much BBC... Anyhow... I say go for a LS1 Camaro/Firebird and that'd be lots of fun. Later Mustangs are bleh, went to overhead cams and still made less power than the traditional overhead valves Chevrolet engines...

[Box]

Eh a friend of mine has a miata and I think you feel the road way too much. They tend to be very uncomfortable for long periods of time, but the slow problem does definitely need fixed from the beginning haha. my old 92 civic was more comfortable to drive than his car but he was obsessed with it. A lot of miata guys tend to take their cars too seriously i've noticed so I wonder how the community is for them.

The way my Celica is set up you feel everything anyhow, so I'm used to it. If anything the Miata will be more comfortable than what I have now, until I lower it anyhow. I joined Miata.net not too long ago to scope things out, seems like a lot of nice and knowledgeable people are there. Sort of reminds me of here, though not as close knitted since it does span three generations versus just one.

[SwissFerdi]

As far as clarity of content and breadth of information, that forum is the best I've yet come across.

[sr666]

Obviously I'm not sure on what the specs are for the US cars but my friend has had a 1.8 MK1 and a MK2 1.8 Eunos jap versions and has had Bilstein shocks on both, I'm certainly not too hot on the knowledge of them but they came on the higher spec imports so you maybe able to source them? They also came with slightly lower springs than the non performance ones and are a lot more grippy. They're great fun little things too

Another guy I used to know had a MK1 BBR Turbo and that was lovely looking too

Given the choice again and if I was around 6 inches shorter I'd take the Miata over the MR2 9 times out of 10

I'll try and find some pics of my friends one :-)

[Box]

The Miata R had Bilsteins on them. I'd just go with coil-overs if I were to bother with lowering it though. I'll just leave it as is for awhile before messing with things.

[rentaspace]

The slow problem is easily fixed:
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

They are a nice car and are great and fun to drive

[sr666]

The Miata R had Bilsteins on them. I'd just go with coil-overs if I were to bother with lowering it though. I'll just leave it as is for awhile before messing with things.

Ah ok so the Miata R = the Eunos RS

JUst be careful as there's a fair few coilovers that'll actually wreck the handling of them, There's a company over here called Rokkor who create for the MX5 and the quality / ride comfort is shocking but it's 'scene' so people do it

A few piccies anyways of a local meet we went to

The black one with a cage is a MK2 as is my friends but it's packing 250bhp, It's a tarmac terrorist

[Box]

I was going to go through the suspension section of Miata.net before just running off and buying whatever coilover set. Research is my middle name. Partially why I never just go off and go with something, have to research the Hell out of it. As far as solving the slowness I'll either turbo it or do a LS1 swap, whichever seems more feasible at the time.

[sr666]

I was going to go through the suspension section of Miata.net before just running off and buying whatever coilover set. Research is my middle name. Partially why I never just go off and go with something, have to research the Hell out of it. As far as solving the slowness I'll either turbo it or do a LS1 swap, whichever seems more feasible at the time.

Not sure if you get them over in the US, I expect you can but I hear the Supercharger from the new Cooper S bolts up nicely

[Box]

There is a supercharger system made for them, my uncle has one on his 2000 NB Miata. Turbo setup would be cheaper though, since you can shop around and put something together. Was driving the Celica earlier today, I don't think I could stand to buy another car that slow. The Celica ST has a ratio of 21.82 pounds per hp where as the 94-95 Miata has a ratio of 17.7 pounds per hp. I'd think the straight line performance would be somewhat better, but still... At least with the Miata you can fix the slow.

[6strngs]

Hey Box... So at the start of next year I will be heading overseas for a 6month overseas exchange (for university studies) to either the UK or San Jose in California. If I go to Brittain I obviously already know exactly what to get But if I end up in the states I was thinking I would have to go with a stereotypically American V8 coupe... Especially with gas prices so low (<- See what I did there... I said 'gas' instead of 'petrol'.... I'll fit right in now ).

Since I will be using holiday spending money to buy and run it I was thinking something around $5k USD. HAS to be a manual, and needs to be reliable enough to clock up the kilometers (wait... Miles ) when I'm over there without too many hassles (so no old Trans Ams or the likes ). Since it is Cali in summer maybe a 2003 V8 Mustang Manual Convertible..... Any other suggestions?

Did I just see the words "reliable" and "mustang" in the same paragraph? No need for an american car in san jose, I see way more modded japanese cars there (I live about half an hour away). For $5k you could get an s14 240sx, an NB miata, a 7th gen celica, a clean integra, etc. Whatever you get, just make sure the A/C works! The convertible top won't help you when you're stuck in traffic everyday (and you will be...) from 3pm until 7pm.

And how come a miata discussion comes up and I no get invite? If you're worried about "killing" the handling of your miata then you obviously have been browsing miata.net for too long... That crowd is mostly the older guys and the serious racers who believe if you lower the car more than 1/2" you "kill" the handling of the car. They may be right if you were a serious competitive racer, but my car is lowered on coilovers and trust me, the car is still very, very nimble. I prefer the forums at clubroadster.net, a much younger crowd and more modification friendly. Don't get me started on the miataturbo.net forums though. It is impossible to get a question answered there, they just tell you to search... So you search and all you can find are threads that end in the person telling the OP to search (after a lot of flaming and name-calling)...

The miata is definitely not faster than a celica though, not by a long shot. The power bands are pretty opposite, where a celica falls on it's face after 4.5k rpms, the miata doesn't start moving until 4.5k rpms... The miata pretty much needs a turbo to be even remotely considered fast.

[Box]

The 5.0 Mustang is reliable enough, and parts are dirt cheap.

I just want to make sure that the car is improved, and not waste money in the process. I'm tossing around the idea of lowering springs or coil-overs. Though coil-overs aren't much more than springs and struts for the Miata. The Miata would be a tad faster, just by going off 0-60 times. It's just tiring having a car that doesn't have enough ass to make it around hilly areas without downshifting or speeding. The act of doing it isn't a problem, it's just like "Gah you anemic piece of ****, can't even make it up a hill past third." I know what I want, but I don't know at the same time. I don't have the money to fulfill all of my needs/wants, so I'm having to pick and choose. Therein lies the problem. I keep bouncing back and forth, I do know I'm not happy with the Celica though. Knowing minivans blow the doors off your sports car isn't exactly the greatest feeling in the world.

This post has been edited by Box: Jun 24, 2013 - 12:34 AM