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Feb. 6, 2009 1:23 a.m. Nitroracer Dork

So currently I have three cars, a 91' miata DD, a 96' miata that runs but needs a little work, and one old school muscle car as a project. Three cars is more than I can handle at once, I don't know what I want to work on and don't have enough expendable income to make them all awesome. I want to keep my project car but I can't decide whether to part with the miatas or keep the nicer of the two. If I were to sell the mazdas both would be in full running order so I could probably get $6k out of them. What options do I have for that sort of cash? I want no more than six cylinders (27+mpg), a manual transmission, good parts availability, a little more room than a NA miata, and most importantly fun to drive.

I like the rsx, especially the interior but I think one in my price range will be a little worn down. A focus svt seems like a bargain, but it has a cheap interior and a weird dual mass clutch. What else is out there?
Feb. 6, 2009 1:51 a.m. thatsnowinnebago HalfDork

E30?
Feb. 6, 2009 6:37 a.m. JFX001 HalfDork

Contour SVT?

240SX?

SE-R?

Maxima?
Feb. 6, 2009 8:54 a.m. mtn Dork

Miata E30 P71.

Done.
Feb. 6, 2009 9:10 a.m. P71 Dork

6-cylinder, manual trans, more fun/room than a Miata? For $6K?

E36 might be up your alley. Or 300Z non-turbo if you want to stay sports car.

The only car I can think of that has a V6, manual trans, RWD, made this century, and in your price range is the Lincoln LS. It's a hoot to drive and actually gets really good mileage (it's only a 3.something V6). The manual trans ones are TOUGH to find though!

I'd suggest Grand Prix GTP but no manual trans was available. What are 2.5RS Impreza's going for these days?

This one's tough, I'll get back to you...
Feb. 6, 2009 9:19 a.m. 93celicaGT2 HalfDork

2000-2005 Celica GTS 6-speed.

Done. They can be had for $7k, and it's DEFINITELY worth stretching for. They run circles around the RSX, mainly because it's WAY lighter. Lighter = awesome.

$6k is also NICE Celica AllTrac territory. They're a different kind of fun, but they're still a blast.

SW20 MR2. You could probably score a Turbo in that price range, and they're a positively amazing car.

Others:

Contour SVT Integra GSR (any year) Civic Si Manual Lexus SC300 (price range might be a stretch, but i've seen them around there) MKii Supra E36
Feb. 6, 2009 11:43 a.m. Travis_K Reader

I dont think you can get a running 2.5 rs impreza for $6k. A beat up bug eye one maybe, the early ones not even a chance.
Feb. 6, 2009 11:49 a.m. 93celicaGT2 HalfDork

Travis_K wrote:

I dont think you can get a running 2.5 rs impreza for $6k. A beat up bug eye one maybe, the early ones not even a chance.

Depends on area. I've seen them round these here parts for $4500-$8k.
Feb. 6, 2009 11:52 a.m. Salanis SuperDork

If you're not afraid of salvage/rebuilt titles: E36 M3.
Feb. 7, 2009 10:57 p.m. Nitroracer Dork

E30, I like it but I'm weary of maintenance costs and parts availability. Do love the sound of its straight six though.

B15 SE-R, has some issues with catalytic converters and ingesting intake manifold screws. Passing there.

2.5 RS, are they decently quick or does the AWD system really slow them down? Hows the mileage?

I like the celica gt-s, good power to weight numbers. Don't care much for the dash design. Like that it runs a timing chain versus a belt too.

LS/Maxima/GTP, all are a little bit more than I need in the space dept but good deals none the less.
Feb. 7, 2009 11:42 p.m. noisycricket Reader

Travis_K wrote:

I dont think you can get a running 2.5 rs impreza for $6k. A beat up bug eye one maybe, the early ones not even a chance.

They seem to go about $5000 in the general 400-mi radius of here.

There is one on dirtyimpreza for about half that, all it needs is a head gasket, and learn to shift without synchronizers. It's a bugeye chassis and not a GC, but I am biased to like the bugeye. It's like the A3 vs. A2 Golf argument. Sure, the earlier model is lighter, but the later model just feels a lot more solid to drive.