Looking for a relatively cheap/fun dd

So first off, a quick hello to everyone since I'm new around here, though I have been known to lurk here on occasion previously....

Here's my situation. I have a 1997 328is with 206k on the clock needing new cats, a complete suspension overhaul (to include shocks/struts and every damn bushing in the rear multi-link), and now some moderately serious colision damage repair in the rear as a result of an unfortunate meeting with an iced over snow bank last week. And those are just the big $$$ highlights that dont include all of the niggling little imperfections that need to be addressed as well. Until last weeks incident, the plan was to just suck it up and pay out the bucks to keep her on the road, but at this point I just cant justify it anymore.

So I'm in the market for a cheap and fun car to dd as well as do a bit of occasional auto x in (For the record, being hyper competitive isnt a huge concern, as my experience is limited to a few events I ran in the e36 with the auto club at my college.) A manual trans is a must, rwd highly prefered, reliability/ease of maintenance a major factor, and I would prefer something cheaper to buy parts for than the bimmer. Budget is about $5k.

So here are the likely candidates: Miata (the front runner at this point, though I have yet to see how well my 6'3 frame fits in one), 1st or 2nd gen MR2, fox body 'stang, 3rd gen Supra, 300ZX, fc RX7....

Thoughts, opinions, experience?

94/95 Mustang GT. Just because that is what I would buy with 5 grand.

Why not a 3rd gen mr2?

You can get WRX down there...

3rd gen MR2s seem tough to find at that price in my area (south central pa). Ditto WRXs, every single one I see is priced close to $10k, tastelessly modified, and probably beat to all hell. I hear about these mythical, clean sub $5k bugeyes but have yet to see one.

http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/4276054309.html 30 seconds

maybe thats no where near you. I'm unfamiliar with that area.

carbon wrote: http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/4276054309.html 30 seconds maybe thats no where near you. I'm unfamiliar with that area.

Couple hours, definitely within reach. Ill admit I've stuck mostly on the local Craigslist sites, reason being I would rather not travel too far until I narrow my focus a bit more. If I get my heart set on one particular car I have no problem traveling a few hours to find a clean example.

Stang or RX8 would be my choices

Hard to beat a mustang at your price point and stature. They have social baggage, but they didn't sell a billion of them because they suck. Also see 4th gen Camarobird.

mazdeuce wrote: Hard to beat a mustang at your price point and stature. They have social baggage, but they didn't sell a billion of them because they suck. Also see 4th gen Camarobird.

F-bodies do have a total mullet/redneck reputation, but sometimes, that stuff is fun. Never seen a person not smile during a smoky burnout. Plus LS1.

mazdeuce wrote: Hard to beat a mustang at your price point and stature. They have social baggage, but they didn't sell a billion of them because they suck. Also see 4th gen Camarobird.

Forgot to mention the "camarobird" lol. I hear the rear-most plugs are impossible to reach. True?

Im going to take a look at this bad boy tomorrow after work. The mustang image is no problem for me, in fact I may even decide to grow a mullet if I buy one....jk http://york.craigslist.org/cto/4341487050.html

In reply to mndsm:

I spent most of my life looking down on Camaros, but as I've gotten older I realize that big smokey burnouts are more important than what others think of you.

amg_rx7 wrote: Stang or RX8 would be my choices

The RX8 is tempting, but I understand their reputation for reliability leaves something to be desired. Deserved? I cant afford to replace an engine 6 months down the road.

The LT1 cars (93-97) are much tougher to work on than the 98-02 LS1 cars as far as the engine is concerned. The 3.8 is easier from 2000-2002 vs 95-99. (The exhaust was revised and DBW added in 2000).

mazdeuce wrote: In reply to mndsm: I spent most of my life looking down on Camaros, but as I've gotten older I realize that big smokey burnouts are more important than what others think of you.

Yep, because everyone can appreciate a good burnout. And if they can't they're commies.

SVT Focus?

You're in college and you have 5 grand?

RoughandReady wrote: You're in college and you have 5 grand?

Haha, nope graduated last year. I barely had 5 bucks in my pocket the whole time in school...

In reply to RoughandReady:

Student loans and a job to supliment probably. My fiance is in pharmacy school, her account statements are totally baller until the start of the semester.

mndsm wrote:

mazdeuce wrote: In reply to mndsm: I spent most of my life looking down on Camaros, but as I've gotten older I realize that big smokey burnouts are more important than what others think of you.

Yep, because everyone can appreciate a good burnout. And if they can't they're commies.

Bout time somebody said it out loud.

In reply to carbon:

Burnouts are rad, public endangerment is not.

I'm not advocating a lack of car control.

2.3L Mazda3

I have to agree with sn95 mustang as well. You may even be able to score a new edge (99-04) gt for that price. Parts are cheap and it will be the easiest car to work on. These are important budget concerns. You might be able to score an e46 or a maxima with a stick as well. Ford probe gt and mazda mx6 would be good too.

I would also look at a Honda Prelude and a 240SX.