Fastest car for under 30k... new(er)

In reply to STM317 :

If that's true, things have changed quite a bit from when I was shopping C6Zs, but that was a few years ago.  And yes, $10k was shop prices.  It was still $5k easy for a DiYer.  And 'Vettes are not easy to work on... for example, in a C6, the steering rack has to come out to remove the balancer.

What happens if the same criteria has changed only to 15k? 

_ said:

What happens if the same criteria has changed only to 15k? 

C5?

This one was in the top 10 at OneLap this year...

but, I don’t know if they’re down under $15k?

C5 Z06s are nearing 15k.

It’s mullet mobile or nothing though for the OP.  You want fast and cheap you go pony car.

Evos and STIs are pretty good at the fast for cheap stuff too. There are several EVO IXs and Xs on autotrader under 15k but they're not going to be 2015+. If it has to be pretty new, Focus STs are in the 15k range. Maybe the V6 pony cars at that price too.

In reply to Rodan :

Those are crazy prices. Looking on some forums, most people budget about $2k for DIY and I'm seeing shop quotes for under $3k parts and labor. But that's just R&R for the heads, and a lot of guys will start adding "while you're in there" stuff like cam swaps, headers and tunes which will increase the cost.

AnthonyGS said:

C5 Z06s are nearing 15k.

It’s mullet mobile or nothing though for the OP.  You want fast and cheap you go pony car.

 

C5Z's can be had for low teens.... You gotta be on the lookout.. But they're out there.. 

I saw one pop up for $10k. My buddy sold a C5 base for $7k. It had some history with a fence and all the body panels were wrapped... but this is GRM. that's the cars we look for!!! Ran fine and I wanted it baaaaad. 

STM317 is right about the new cars. Focus ST, GTi will be your bread and butter at the $15k mark for a couple year old ones with a bit more miles will fall right there. 

STM317 said:

In reply to Rodan :

Those are crazy prices. Looking on some forums, most people budget about $2k for DIY and I'm seeing shop quotes for under $3k parts and labor. But that's just R&R for the heads, and a lot of guys will start adding "while you're in there" stuff like cam swaps, headers and tunes which will increase the cost.

No question.  But that was for the "fix it forever" solution several years ago.  Sounds like the market has responded and more options exist now.

I loved the GT I drove. Stupid how fast and luxurious they can be for the price. That being said buy an STI or 335/435 and tune it, both will pull your head off. Reliability was not in the criteria :)

_ said:

Let’s say.... 2015 or newer. Go! And fastest can mean whatever. Straight line, autocross, track car, etc. 

Motorcycle.  That's what you need if you are on a budget and want speed in a new vehicle.

STM317 said:

Evos and STIs are pretty good at the fast for cheap stuff too. There are several EVO IXs and Xs on autotrader under 15k but they're not going to be 2015+. If it has to be pretty new, Focus STs are in the 15k range. Maybe the V6 pony cars at that price too.

Where you at?  Evo IX for $15k range is right up my alley...

2016 ATS-V’s are quickly approaching that $30k threshold. Seeing quite a few in the $33k-$35k range right now.

Knurled. said:

STM317 said:

Evos and STIs are pretty good at the fast for cheap stuff too. There are several EVO IXs and Xs on autotrader under 15k but they're not going to be 2015+. If it has to be pretty new, Focus STs are in the 15k range. Maybe the V6 pony cars at that price too.

Where you at?  Evo IX for $15k range is right up my alley...

 

Autotrader.com, search for Lancer Evolution, sort from lowest price to highest. I was searching nationwide by default, but you might find one close enough to your location to be tempting as long as you don't mind some miles.

In reply to STM317 :

Miles are okay, modifications are not.