For $5k, Anything Better Than an MR-S?

That Civic is nutty and i like it.

That Turbo Miata sucks.

The AllTrac is a good deal on a pile of cool parts.

alltrac is suspiciously cheap

kanaric wrote: alltrac is suspiciously cheap

Needs a motor and is running an ill-supported EMS. Sounds about right to me.

lol i missed that part in my gloss over.

If you could find a nice Alltrac or 323 GTX that could be a lot of fun. What about a bug eye WRX?

$5000 will just get you into a Porsche 914. At this price, you're looking at carburetor conversions, or an engine swap, or modest rust, or some similar story. They're every bit as direct, in my opinion, but the MR-2 is the better car. I've not seen a Boxster under $6500 in "viable driver" condition. That'd probably be the next step above the Toyota.

323GTXs are slow. There are no redeeming qualities about them besides small, light, and nimble. Even then though, I'd rather have a 2.5RS.

And alltracs are blah IMO. Remember the MK3 Supra thread we just had? Well, the Alltrac is the same thing. At the time, it was something else like a turbo mk3 supra was, now, its just another car. Once again, I'd rather a WRX.

NONACK wrote: I'm OK with trading "feel" for other types of fun, like excessive horsepower.

NONACK wrote: I'd rather have an F-Body, to be honest, and only because I have an irrational thing for the 3rd gens.

NONACK wrote: ...what else is "compelling"?

Will wrote: I see more and more $5k LS1 4th-gens, and I think you'd be really, really disappointed if you bought an SN95 over an LS1 Camaro. That said, I'm not sure it sounds as if the OP would be into either car.

Yeah, I would consdier one of the later LS1 4th Gen F-bodies "compelling" and (depending on what you are coming from) most likely qualify as having "excessive horsepower."

Swank Force One wrote: That Civic is nutty and i like it. That Turbo Miata sucks. The AllTrac is a good deal on a pile of cool parts.

I was just doing a random search and post. I didn't even read any of the descriptions, lol...

HiTempguy wrote: 323GTXs are slow. There are no redeeming qualities about them besides small, light, and nimble. Even then though, I'd rather have a 2.5RS. And alltracs are blah IMO. Remember the MK3 Supra thread we just had? Well, the Alltrac is the same thing. At the time, it was something else like a turbo mk3 supra was, now, its just another car. Once again, I'd rather a WRX.

You had me with the 323 sentiments. They can be made quick VERY easily, but by that time, they're munching transmissions and diffs.

We'll fight to the death about the AllTrac/GT4, though. Those things are the original true bad boy AWD Turbo beasts from Nippon-land. I'd rather a WRX as well. If it didn't come with the E36 M3ty motor, the glass transmission, the ugly tarted-up econobox looks, and the low-rent interior.

Mike wrote: $5000 will just get you into a Porsche 914. At this price, you're looking at carburetor conversions, or an engine swap, or modest rust, or some similar story.

914 will try to outrust the X1/9 mentioned earlier in the thread, though.

Now I'm looking at MR-S'.... $5k is really high mileage it seems.

How about this, Chris? More fun than an e30 ;)

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/4616204730.html

BoxheadTim wrote:

Mike wrote: $5000 will just get you into a Porsche 914. At this price, you're looking at carburetor conversions, or an engine swap, or modest rust, or some similar story.

914 will try to outrust the X1/9 mentioned earlier in the thread, though.

Good point. BMW E9 then.

I'd go 1rst or 2nd gen MR2 first, never liked the styling of the 3rd. But there's one that's usually at our autocross that looks pretty nice. Maybe I just want that giant carbon fiber wing.

irish44j wrote: How about this, Chris? More fun than an e30 ;) http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/4616204730.html

What was it, the ad has been pulled.

Jerry wrote: I'd go 1rst or 2nd gen MR2 first, never liked the styling of the 3rd. But there's one that's usually at our autocross that looks pretty nice. Maybe I just want that giant carbon fiber wing.

But if it were me Convertible wins 10 times out of 10 so the MRS would have it. YMMV

I've owned both 1st and 2nd gen MR2s, they're both excellent cars. A 1st gen SC is probably going to be the answer...

DaveEstey wrote: Now I'm looking at MR-S'.... $5k is really high mileage it seems.

You can find decent ones out there for 5k. Mine was in alright (driver quality) shape when I sold it. Chassis was at 130k miles but the motor was at 70k. I really liked that car but needed funds.

For those that don't like the looks, you tend to forget about it when you drive it. It is probably the best driving car I have spend any amount of time in even though mine was a little behind on maintenance.

What about an rx-8?

In reply to mrhappy:

Not as fun, IMO, to drive as an MR2 and for 5k you are looking at one that will need a motor shortly.

singleslammer wrote:

DaveEstey wrote: Now I'm looking at MR-S'.... $5k is really high mileage it seems.

You can find decent ones out there for 5k. Mine was in alright (driver quality) shape when I sold it. Chassis was at 130k miles but the motor was at 70k. I really liked that car but needed funds. For those that don't like the looks, you tend to forget about it when you drive it. It is probably the best driving car I have spend any amount of time in even though mine was a little behind on maintenance.

At least around here, most of the nice ones I've seen are selling for $6-$8k, so they're getting close to $5k, but not there yet. A $5k example would have some sort of significant issue. I'm keeping my eye out for a good bargain on one. The MR-S is on my short list to replace my Miata. Guess I'll need to update my avatar...

You will also be able to find the occasional C4 Corvette, especially a mid 80's one. I don't know if they are better than a MR-S, however.

Swank Force One wrote: We'll fight to the death about the AllTrac/GT4, though. Those things are the original true bad boy AWD Turbo beasts from Nippon-land. I'd rather a WRX as well. If it didn't come with the E36 M3ty motor, the glass transmission, the ugly tarted-up econobox looks, and the low-rent interior.

You should tell that to every single person that rallies a Subaru in North America. For some reason, I think they would disagree with you on any of the (false) points you have made :P

And a guy who is in love with whatever weird Mazda's you are has no right to call the Impreza an econobox. For the price, its traits were infinitely better at the time than any domestic available at the time, which IMO is relatively high praise.

What's odd is we can readily get JDM-land Celica's up here... and nobody gives a E36 M3 about them. Because they suck lol.

How about an SC300? They're a bit hard to find with a stick, but they're easy to work on, look great, and have plenty of aftermarket. Should fall under your $5k budget.

how about a 240 and a 5.0 explorer? (stir)

3 DSMs and try your hand at making one reliable one between them