I can't figure out what I want for $4k

LS swapping an E46 will cost far, far more than $4k.

RedGT said:

In reply to Robbie :

I approve.  I have shopped for those and XJR's (which seem to be stupid cheap at $3500-$5k) as well and i very well may grab one for a winter beater in the future.  But in this case I'm looking for a manual.

I gave serious thought to buying a jag to commute and building the truck to do track day things.  That's a horrible, horrible idea though.

Let me know when you're ready. I'll be letting mine go this summer. 

MINIzguy said:

Mercedes C300 with a 6sp?

https://annapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/annapolis-2010-mercedes-speed/6821627152.html

This is the cheapest one I found. Others are in the $6-7k range

I really want one of these! 

RedGT said:

In reply to G_Body_Man :

Thanks.  I actually posted in that thread when it was new :p  I've been eyeing the Infiniti's for a little while now.

The biggest upside to the Infinitis is that you can beat on them all day long and as long as you keep oil in them they won't break. My buddy has a 200k+ mile G35x sedan he got for $500 that receives zero mechanical sympathy and even after all the brakestands, donuts and high-rpm thrashing it still works great and hasn't required anything engine or transmission related. And when you treat them nice, they go forever. Mine has only required about $120 in parts for the year-and-a-half I've had it (wheel bearing, brake pads, lug nuts, license plate light bracket).

UPDATE:  Thanks everyone for the info and advice.  I ended up abandoning the luxury requirements and buying a built ESP/CAM 1997 Camaro.

It has 4 seats (once I reinstall them). Luxury features include 'power steering' and 'rear defrost' and 'air conditioning'.  In 1200 miles so far, it has gotten a best of 23 mpg.  It's so loud I cant hear myself think.  Competitive tires (3xx size RivalS or Hoosiers) would cost an absurd amount of money, but take-offs for track use are pretty readily available.  Love it so far.

Nice! Seems like a good deal for 4K. Congratulations

Seems to be a good answer!