Could you find an MX-5 RF for 20 grand? They are really sweet rides.
Could you find an MX-5 RF for 20 grand? They are really sweet rides.
In reply to MTechnically :
I only brought those up because I have a secret desire to rallycross one. Im lucky to get one weekend a month off work so any motorsports fun will be extremely limited. But they don't really fit what im looking for right now anyway. Either way I'm not a convertible guy. Probably gonna be tin tops only.
Nick Comstock said:In reply to volvoclearinghouse :
I'd need to drive one but I have a feeling those are a little too on the harsh side for what I'm looking for. My sister had a Mazda 6 and it was too harsh and buzzy.
Depends on the year. Mine is a '18 and from what I've read they made big improvements to NVH from the outgoing generation. Mine's also only the 2.0. But I put 100 miles a day on it, no complaints. I know it's FWD and 2 too many doors, but I love the styling and driving dynamics. The long hood almost gives it a GT vibe.
Otherwise...I still kinda lust for a Chally. I was on Carvana the other day and 20k puts you in the driver's seat of a nice, low mile, 6 speed V8 car.
Infiniti G37. It fixed all of the issues with the G35 and should be a reliable, smooth, fun coupe.
Early Challengers liked to eat front end components IIRC.
GTOs do not have great parts availability.
In reply to KyAllroad (Jeremy) :
Probably could get one close... but for my expected use, which is mainly highway cruising, something that small would be less than ideal.
I like the Jaaag, G37 and Challenger suggestions.
In reply to Nick Comstock :
Any reason you are shying away from the C6 or 996? Both are a bit more on the GT side of the sports car scale in more base level trims.
Nick Comstock said:Speaking about the smaller side anyone with personal experience with the frisbee twins care to comment about the driving experience? Are they buzzy and harsh?
Kind of. They're definitely more sports car than GT. I DD mine year round and love it, but they're geared pretty short, have little sound insulation, a short wheelbase, and fairly firm suspension. I find it to be a great compromise for me, but based on your given criteria, I'm not sure it's the first car I'd suggest. But if you're interested I'd recommend you at least give one a test drive before writing them off.
In reply to MTechnically :
PM sent.
Wasn't there a hyundai genesis 5.0 model? dunno about manual or 2 door, but probably a pretty uncommon qship.
Just looked it up there is an 'r-spec', but it doesn't really beat a decade-older XJR in terms of specs.
In reply to jstein77 :
Holy small worlds Batman! I live three doors down from this guy.
Another thought, anyone know of a common unassuming car that punches above is weight class as far as refinement and/or driving enjoyment are concerned?
Hmm, really depends on what you consider to be a "common unassuming car". Things that immediately jump to mind are the MK7 GTI or probably a Mazda 3 with the 2.5. Though, my experience is the more refined a car gets the less fun you will have with it on an everyday basis.
Caprice CVPI?
In reply to frenchyd :
Jaguar XK coupe these are pretty cars with decent power.
If manual isn't a requirement and you don't need rear seats then sl55 could be a great option as well.
In reply to volvoclearinghouse :
There's absolutely zero chance a 2.5 Mazda3 gets to 60 in 6 seconds.
2010 and newer Mercedes. Generally good and reliable cars. 20k will get your a whole lot of car. Go for one with a complete service history. 2012 and newer is even better.
Lexus Is-f.
20k buys you a 50k mile example.
Dootz said:In reply to volvoclearinghouse :
There's absolutely zero chance a 2.5 Mazda3 gets to 60 in 6 seconds.
The one C&D tested did it in 6.3.
Nick Comstock said:Another thought, anyone know of a common unassuming car that punches above is weight class as far as refinement and/or driving enjoyment are concerned?
Not RWD, but the new turbo Buick Regals can be had with a completely unexpected stick shift and turbo.
For the more conventional GT approach, that budget should buy a pretty decent non-M BMW 3 series. I also like the idea of a Jaguar - I've been contemplating gettine one when it's time to replace my Buick, as I've found depreciated luxury cars often let you get a lot of car for your money.
In reply to MadScientistMatt :
I did notice there was a Regal GS at the Carmax yesterday... wasn't a stick though but for my use is really not a necessity.
In reply to dean1484 :
I generally love German cars. But man I just don't trust them to be reliable. Maybe that's something I need to get over.
MTechnically said:Hmm, really depends on what you consider to be a "common unassuming car". Things that immediately jump to mind are the MK7 GTI or probably a Mazda 3 with the 2.5. Though, my experience is the more refined a car gets the less fun you will have with it on an everyday basis.
I have to agree with '18 Mazda 3 w/2.5. That's what I have had now since the end of June. It's plenty quick for city duty, the interior is nice, pretty quiet. Wish I had been able to get a Grand Touring model with the BOSE and Sunroof.......and the auto trans is pretty good as well, thankfully it's not a CVT.
volvoclearinghouse said:Nick Comstock said:In reply to volvoclearinghouse :
I'd need to drive one but I have a feeling those are a little too on the harsh side for what I'm looking for. My sister had a Mazda 6 and it was too harsh and buzzy.
Depends on the year. Mine is a '18 and from what I've read they made big improvements to NVH from the outgoing generation. Mine's also only the 2.0. But I put 100 miles a day on it, no complaints. I know it's FWD and 2 too many doors, but I love the styling and driving dynamics. The long hood almost gives it a GT vibe.
Otherwise...I still kinda lust for a Chally. I was on Carvana the other day and 20k puts you in the driver's seat of a nice, low mile, 6 speed V8 car.
Is that the small V8 or the big V8?
In reply to z31maniac :
Appears to be standard R/T models. The SRT cars I saw were mostly in the 30's.
Although I was a bit surprised to see they are showing a Hellcat for under $50K.
Carvana currently lists 53 Challengers with manual transmissions, the cheapest in the low 20K range.
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