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  • maroon92

    Aug. 11, 2009 10:30 p.m. maroon92 SuperDork

    I got a job, and it has gotten me thinking...

    The Aspire is still reliable as hell, but for some reason it EATS through tires, and I want something a little more pretty, and more emissions test passable.

    I am looking to buy something within the next few months. I might be able to go as high as 6-7000, maybe higher with financing, but I would prefer to pay CASH...

    I need something that has a manual trans, and is quirky enough to be different, but not so much as to make parts unobtanium. I prefer RWD, but it is not a dealbreaker.

    the 635CSi posted in the 200X classifieds would be perfect, but I fear it will not be there by the time I am settled enough to pay for it.

    the only Miata I would be interested in is an R package...

    I have traditionally been a ford guy, but currently the only thing that interests me is a mustang...with some suspension work done to it.

    what says the peanut gallery?

  • ReverendDexter

    Aug. 11, 2009 10:41 p.m. ReverendDexter HalfDork

    maroon92 wrote: a mustang...with some suspension work done to it.

    I agree completely.

    6-7k budget translates to 2k for suspension, 1k for incidentals, and 3-4k for purchase of the car. That's not enough to get into a PI 2v ('99-'04), and I highly suggest against the NPI 4.6 ('96-'98), putting you right in the price range of a 5.0 SN95.

    A notchback Foxbody would probably fit that price, too, and be a few hundred pounds lighter, though the fox chassis is a less desireable starting point for a handling car.

  • mad_machine

    Aug. 11, 2009 10:44 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

    6 to 7grand will get you into a VERY nice E36

  • maroon92

    Aug. 11, 2009 10:49 p.m. maroon92 SuperDork

    ReverendDexter said:

    putting you right in the price range of a 5.0 SN95

    That is precisely the model range I was looking at. I have some experience with making Fox's handle though...

    Being in GA, I was thinking a 'vert 5.0 SN95 with Alot of stiffening mods (weld in subframe connector, K-member brace, and shock tower braces on both ends.) would be kinda fun.

  • ReverendDexter

    Aug. 11, 2009 10:51 p.m. ReverendDexter HalfDork

    Rather than a rear shock tower brace, I'd put in a rollbar - double especially on a 'vert.

  • maroon92

    Aug. 11, 2009 11:01 p.m. maroon92 SuperDork

    ReverendDexter said:

    Rather than a rear shock tower brace, I'd put in a rollbar - double especially on a 'vert.

    Quoted for truth...

  • aussiesmg

    Aug. 12, 2009 12:07 a.m. aussiesmg Dork

    Triumph TR6

    240SX with an RB20DET

    2nd gen RX7 TII

    2nd gen RX7 with V8

    98+ Firebird/Camaro LS1

    E36 M3 (the car)

    Porsche 944 Turbo

    Alfa GTV 3.0

    and so on

  • Ryan9118

    Aug. 12, 2009 1:07 a.m. Ryan9118 HalfDork

    If you're not dead set on the suspension mods, why not a 4.6 SN95 Cobra? With gas being cheaper now, they're starting to come back up in price a little, but I've seen plenty for $6-$7k, atleast in my neck of the woods. I'd think the sacrifice of aftermarket suspension would be worth it for the boost in power. Plus, who doesn't think a V8 at 6500+ RPM sounds good?

    I saw one in Portland with aftermarket exhaust, suspension, new tires, different seats (better), roll bar, nice stereo, and only 40-some-thousand miles on it for $7k. Mind you that was the exception of the bunch, but I've also seen ones in really good shape stock for that price range.

    Or, just ignore everything I said, because I don't know car prices around your area. I think if you're going to go for a $3-$4k mustang though, go for the Foxbody 5.0 instead of an SN95. Use this as inspiration.

    http://www.griggsracing.com/images/40car062808.jpg

  • friedgreencorrado

    Aug. 12, 2009 3:39 a.m. friedgreencorrado HalfDork

    If you've already discovered how to tame a Fox chassis, I'd go Fox Mustang. I'm a native Southerner..and I can tell ya..the Camaro vs. Mustang battles weren't just on the race track down here. People out in the sticks (here in the cities, we bought imports) took that E36 M3 seriously.

    There are tons of Fox chassis Mustangs here, especially 5ltr GTs, since that's what the Ford fans went out to buy when their Bowtie-driving "enemies" started bringing home 3rd-gen GM F-bodies.

    A lot of them are good ol' fashioned "..rust free Southern cars.."

  • JmfnB

    Aug. 12, 2009 6:38 a.m. JmfnB SuperDork

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1313406284.html

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1305693563.html

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1300948815.html

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1291442799.html

    http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1317345104.html

    Personally, I say buy a Miata and swap a 1999^ 3.8L Ford V6 and 5 speed into it.

  • 2002maniac

    Aug. 12, 2009 10:16 a.m. 2002maniac Reader

    E36M3!

  • Autolex

    Aug. 12, 2009 10:41 a.m. Autolex Reader

    1st gen m5?

  • MadScientistMatt

    Aug. 12, 2009 11:05 a.m. MadScientistMatt Dork

    I was thinking either Mustang, E36 BMW, or a Nissan 240SX when I saw that list of requirements.

  • 4cylndrfury

    Aug. 12, 2009 11:13 a.m. 4cylndrfury Dork

    mid to late 90s soobie 2.5rs
    Lexus SCs
    mazdaspeed turbo protege
    most any stock E30s or some E36s
    Mitsu Evos (but most will probably be pretty beat up)
    Saturn Ion Redlines (not as much aftermarket tho)

 
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