In reply to EvanB:
I had that one up in my browser for while. They can be found, but a lot of them are getting very rough around the edges. What's the advantage of an IS300 over an E36/46 or a G35? The IS300 is a bit lighter, but only by a hundred pounds or so over the BMW's and maybe 3-400 lbs over the G35 (which is lot) Reliability?
The IS300 can pretty much be thought of as a Japanese E46, IMO. They're definitely reliable, but so is an E36/46 if you take care of them.
ls400
http://buildraceparty.com/sale-lexus-off-road-sedan/
In reply to BlueInGreen44:
No, I don't believe so. But he said "strong leaning towards manual" not "Manual-only". Also, I wasn't suggesting it myself, just marveling at the lack of Q45 suggestion
In reply to Fueled by Caffeine:
I need a moment...
In reply to NickD:
I was hoping I was wrong and there might be a manual first gen. Q45 floating around somewhere 
Audi. Have B5 A4's gotten into your price range yet? The 2.8 V6 came in Quattro and a stick. Unsure how the 1.8T's have fared though.
Everyone I've ever sat in has been a leather lined luxury experience.
The problem is with finding a small enough luxury car. Most luxobarges are barges, not bass boats.
E36 M3 is kinda big IMO but they seem to work. Not very luxury car anymore.
I would not ever consider a 924/944 to be a luxury car in 2016. Even the most POS new car is more luxo than one of those, time marches on.
I'd suggest the awesomeness that is an S40 but while mine seems to go okay, if the ground is wet it is more statue than stellar.
DanyloS wrote: Audi. Have B5 A4's gotten into your price range yet?
Yes, if my local (Metro Detroit) CL is any indication.
If it wasn't clear, I absolutely was thinking e46 wagon or 740/940 volvo wagons. 
In a week and a half, I'm rallyxing the $1k '93 volvo 960 wagon I picked up back in January. It'll be stock other than another set of junkyard 15" volvo wheels w/ real rally tires (wheels were off an xc something). The six cylinder power is nice, but it's auto only. I'll let you know how it goes
bluej wrote: If it wasn't clear, I absolutely was thinking e46 wagon or 740/940 volvo wagons.
Auto for rallycross is actually kinda nice. The torque converter can save a lot of "oops, I should have downshifted there" moments. If it's got a tall enough first gear to stay off the rev limiter, you can probably just keep it in first, otherwise you might need to let it use second.
BlueInGreen44 wrote: In reply to NickD: I was hoping I was wrong and there might be a manual first gen. Q45 floating around somewhere
It's feasible to build. Guys put the VH45 into 240SXs ahead of a Z32 300ZX Twin Turbo gearbox with a Mazworx kit. So, if one was creative enough, you could put that gearbox into a Q45, although pedals and mounts would be up to you. but 300hp V8, stick shift, RWD sedan sounds worth the effort
Actually, a 740 Wagon sounds about perfect. Finding a manual from non rust country might be tough.
Time to search!
EvanB wrote: For FWD, luxury Sentra SE-R:
I did this. It was good. Recommended.
rslifkin wrote:bluej wrote: If it wasn't clear, I absolutely was thinking e46 wagon or 740/940 volvo wagons.Auto for rallycross is actually kinda nice. The torque converter can save a lot of "oops, I should have downshifted there" moments. If it's got a tall enough first gear to stay off the rev limiter, you can probably just keep it in first, otherwise you might need to let it use second.
It's the toyo a340e, and only goes as low as using 1-2 in "low", but does let you engine brake. I think it'll work out ok. Some of the reinforcing and shift mods for those autos is in the future at some point.
Seth, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist adding another wagon
mazdeuce wrote: Actually, a 740 Wagon sounds about perfect. Finding a manual from non rust country might be tough. Time to search!
They aren't that great to rallycross but some fun can be had.
(Note: Professional driver on a closed course, do not try this at home.)
In reply to mazdeuce:
Yes to reliability and the IS300, they're as reliable as rain.
Infiniti G20s are NOT Sentras, they are simply a similar size and share the SR20 powerplant. Different chassis.
In reply to mazdeuce:
So, it doesn't need to be fast?
W123
Run_Away wrote: Infiniti G20s are NOT Sentras, they are simply a similar size and share the SR20 powerplant. Different chassis.
Technically different chassis, but I'm fairly certain you can remove the weirdball front suspension and bolt in an B13 strut and knuckle.
rslifkin wrote: Auto for rallycross is actually kinda nice.
Yup. Especially if you have a turbo engine and the torque converter is well matched to the turbo. Insta-BOOOOST.
How about an early/mid-2000s Legacy GT when you could get them with a stick? Not "luxury" but probably as nice as anything else that's been mentioned here. Plus AWD. Plus decent aftermarket and interchange with other subies in a lot of ways.
Mike wrote: In reply to mazdeuce: So, it doesn't need to be fast? W123
This is what Deucekid#2 has been taking fun runs in. He's getting better and if it weren't for grid I'd put him behind the wheel at the next event. Risk is too high until he gets more seat time. I do like them, but holy crap they're slow with an auto and diesel.
Why go only semi luxury? Increase the budget. If your going to be a bear, be a GRIZZLY!
No need to increase the budget...
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5536490521.html
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