Provide pros/cons for this sub-$4k RWD daily-driver shootout (please)

My Mustang just keeps throwing problem after problem at me, and I got to get out of it. Got be mid-90s at the earliest, late-00s at the latest (mainly due to budget lol). Trying to go for a balanced ride/cornering car with a stick option and decent geometry. Gotta be dependable, of course:

• C4 Corvette
• Z32 300ZX
• '94-'95 GT or another New Edge GT with the TR-3650
• S197 4.0 model
• 4th-gen Camaro, either an LT1 or a '01-'02 3.8 model (don't really have the time, money, or patience to fix up a cheap LS1)
• E36 328i
• '05-'06 G35
• C230 Kompressor (yeah, this one's a wildcard)
• '97-'01 XJ Cherokee

The only non-RWD alternatives I wouldn't would be the '02-'03 WRX and '05-'09 Legacy GT

Why the e36 over the e46? Just curious

From what I've read, it's more mechanically-simple whereas the E46 has more potential electrical issues (and the subframe issue is more of a factor than with the E36)

I agree having driven both e36 and e46, however with only owning an e36. I've owned mine from 98k to 147k and I've replaced a window regulator(known problem) and cooling system(known problem). I quite like that little car.

I also love my XJ. Odd year range you chose. 97 is new body but with a dizzy. 98 is a weird transition year of parts. Mine's a 96 which makes it last year of the old body, first year of OBDII yet still dizzy. It's got it's issues but I've been across the country 4 times in two years with it. It's an amazingly comfy road trip car and nets me ~21mpg highway.

From your list and for your reasons though, 99-04 Mustang with the TR3650.

E36 is a good, cheap, affordable platform provided the interior trim falling apart won't bother you after you replace the entire cooling system. I agree it's easier to own and feels a bit more 'crisp' in the handling than the E46.

C4 Corvettes are cheap for a reason. They really aren't spectacular by today's standards, ultra-budget interior, weird ergonomics, expensive tires and most were saddled with a really bad manual transmission (that skip-shift thing).

New Edge Mustangs are cheap enough and have aftermarket aplenty but that Fox chassis is really antiquated.

I have a S197 4.0 as my daily driver. It is a fine car, handles really well and I don't feel it's a slug at all with 210hp and a manual transmission. They are a used car bargain but have a few quirks:

Timing chain tensioners can wear out, usually 150k+ miles. Engine needs to be pulled to replace them thanks to the dumb rear chain. Thermostat housing is a wear item and should be replaced every ten years if not sooner. The factory shifter has rather long throws and aftermarket replacements are rare and expensive. 112 mph speed limiter thanks to the weak driveshaft. No limited slip diff. If you choose wisely a 'true dual' exhaust actually sounds good and not ricey. I did track mine once and found the brakes adequate with proper pads, handling better than expected (bone stock) and power...not hateful. Drive one and decide for yourself. Vastly better chassis than the Fox.

I've owned several Subarus but awd is a different experience and I think more difficult to master. I prefer RWD for my fun cars.

Since you are open to MB in the Kompressor, maybe a Chrysler Crossfire in either hardtop or convertible.  They don't have a Kompressor, just 3.2L V6, rear drive, and Manu trans available. 

The nice thing about 3G Camaros is that they are really cheap and plentiful. Especially if you're considering a V6. And when you are ready, a SBC will fit without much effort. They also "feel" quick.

Honestly that list is kind of funny. C4 Corvette... or an XJ... or a V6 pony car... so what do you really want?

Needs more RWD Volvo options and 318ti

300ZX 

captdownshift said:

Needs more RWD Volvo options and 318ti

Why yes, 318ti is the best option. Especially when it becomes M/S5x powered

RX8, you can get one for 1k or less.  Get a rebuilt engine for a 2-3k and you have the best platform of those listed, 4 doors, and a new engine

In reply to ztnedman1 :

I have yet to see (myself) a sub-$1000 RX8, however people in my rotary groups have gotten them for less than $500. If emissions testing isn't an issue, you could put together a very decent daily drivable 8 for less than Challenge money.

My vote is for the 4.0 s197. They’re way more fun than they’re specs indicate with my biggest gripe being that it’s not a v8.

I like new edges too but my ocd can’t get over the rear suspension. Plenty of fixes abound, but to do it right costs a fair amount of cash. Not a big deal if you’re looking for a project, less than ideal if you’re just looking to get out and drive. 

I’be never been super impressed with the v6 4th gens, though plenty of people swear by them. I think I just don’t fit right, my tolerance for cramped engine bays is minimal, and they don’t suit my driving style. LT1 versions are quite the bargain right now if you don’t mind the looks. 

When you are comparing it to those cars, the Z32 is a solid option actually.  It is very robust.  Its no rocket, but will make acceptable power, has good geometry, and a lot of space for tire.  Biggest downside is the packaging of the motor (which is borderline o.k. for non-turbos) and its insanely difficult to find one without T-Tops.

E36 and G35 would also be on my list.

My only concern with a G35 would be if $4k will leave you stuck with a basket case.  If you can find a good one, I would think its the fastest & most enjoyable car 'out of the box' on that list.

I think the 2 nissans and the C4 are the only double-wishbone cars on your list.

The XJ makes no sense here...

In reply to ProDarwin :

"Decent geometry" eliminates like half your list....

Of that list I'd go 5.0 SN95 or G35 if you're looking for a daily. C4 if not.

z31

I was really super impressed with the C230 sport coupe when it test drove one new. Was dailying a Miata at the time, and the C230 didn't feel heavy, numb, unwieldy, or insulated the way I feared it would. It felt really sporty. If one ever shows up near-perfect, and I have the space, I'd have a hard time not jumping. I test drove against RSX and WRX, and liked the C230 more, since it was a nicer place to be than the latter, but less numb than the former.

Downsides I noted at the time was the insane idea that a standard tape deck was a reasonable choice for a foray into the youth market. Not just that, but a tape deck behind a door, assuring there was no place to plug in a tape adapter for your iPod. There is an available glovebox changer, or super pricey full nav. Also, the parking brake is a fourth-pedal affair, rather than a handle.

I'd still consider one, honestly. It'd have to be the nicest on the planet, and hell yeah, I'd take Citron Green.

John Welsh said:

In reply to ProDarwin :

I didn't say it can't be quick.  But balanced ride/handling with 'decent geometry'?  Nope.

I'd go E36 or SN/New Edge. I'd trust the Mustang more as a daily. I like the S197 chassis more but think you'll have better luck getting a nicer 94-04 car in your budget.

Really, no one has suggested Miata? Can $4k get a decent NB?

Anything on that list is going to take some work to be “dependable.” If I were in the market for a rwd sporty something I’d be looking for another 318ti. The “cheaper” interior holds up way better than  the E36.

ddavidv said:

I have a S197 4.0 as my daily driver. It is a fine car, handles really well and I don't feel it's a slug at all with 210hp and a manual transmission. They are a used car bargain but have a few quirks:

[…] 112 mph speed limiter thanks to the weak driveshaft. No limited slip diff.  […]

Just curious, what are the best semi-budget ways to fix these two?  I read some about AL driveshafts for the V6.

for the rear, is ‘swap to an 8.8’ or nothing?

sleepyhead the buffalo said:

ddavidv said:

I have a S197 4.0 as my daily driver. It is a fine car, handles really well and I don't feel it's a slug at all with 210hp and a manual transmission. They are a used car bargain but have a few quirks:

[…] 112 mph speed limiter thanks to the weak driveshaft. No limited slip diff.  […]

Just curious, what are the best semi-budget ways to fix these two?  I read some about AL driveshafts for the V6.

for the rear, is ‘swap to an 8.8’ or nothing?

Aftermarket drive shaft and a complete 8.8 out of a v8 car, which at the same point you could have bought a v8 car.

If you go C4, I’d skip the LT1 and get the L98 motor.  Parts are plentiful, cheap and no stupid Optispark to deal with.  Chassis is decent, takes good tires and is a pretty competent track car if you want.  Trans is as good as any other 90’s car except for a Miata...

I would add the Lexus IS to your list.