I got a job, and it has gotten me thinking...
The Aspire is still reliable as hell, but for some reason it EATS through tires, and I want something a little more pretty, and more emissions test passable.
I am looking to buy something within the next few months. I might be able to go as high as 6-7000, maybe higher with financing, but I would prefer to pay CASH...
I need something that has a manual trans, and is quirky enough to be different, but not so much as to make parts unobtanium. I prefer RWD, but it is not a dealbreaker.
the 635CSi posted in the 200X classifieds would be perfect, but I fear it will not be there by the time I am settled enough to pay for it.
the only Miata I would be interested in is an R package...
I have traditionally been a ford guy, but currently the only thing that interests me is a mustang...with some suspension work done to it.
what says the peanut gallery?
maroon92 wrote:
a mustang...with some suspension work done to it.
I agree completely. 
6-7k budget translates to 2k for suspension, 1k for incidentals, and 3-4k for purchase of the car. That's not enough to get into a PI 2v ('99-'04), and I highly suggest against the NPI 4.6 ('96-'98), putting you right in the price range of a 5.0 SN95.
A notchback Foxbody would probably fit that price, too, and be a few hundred pounds lighter, though the fox chassis is a less desireable starting point for a handling car.
6 to 7grand will get you into a VERY nice E36
ReverendDexter said:
putting you right in the price range of a 5.0 SN95
That is precisely the model range I was looking at. I have some experience with making Fox's handle though...
Being in GA, I was thinking a 'vert 5.0 SN95 with Alot of stiffening mods (weld in subframe connector, K-member brace, and shock tower braces on both ends.) would be kinda fun.
Rather than a rear shock tower brace, I'd put in a rollbar - double especially on a 'vert.
If you're not dead set on the suspension mods, why not a 4.6 SN95 Cobra? With gas being cheaper now, they're starting to come back up in price a little, but I've seen plenty for $6-$7k, atleast in my neck of the woods. I'd think the sacrifice of aftermarket suspension would be worth it for the boost in power. Plus, who doesn't think a V8 at 6500+ RPM sounds good?
I saw one in Portland with aftermarket exhaust, suspension, new tires, different seats (better), roll bar, nice stereo, and only 40-some-thousand miles on it for $7k. Mind you that was the exception of the bunch, but I've also seen ones in really good shape stock for that price range.
Or, just ignore everything I said, because I don't know car prices around your area. I think if you're going to go for a $3-$4k mustang though, go for the Foxbody 5.0 instead of an SN95. Use this as inspiration.
http://www.griggsracing.com/images/40car062808.jpg
If you've already discovered how to tame a Fox chassis, I'd go Fox Mustang. I'm a native Southerner..and I can tell ya..the Camaro vs. Mustang battles weren't just on the race track down here. People out in the sticks (here in the cities, we bought imports) took that E36 M3 seriously.
There are tons of Fox chassis Mustangs here, especially 5ltr GTs, since that's what the Ford fans went out to buy when their Bowtie-driving "enemies" started bringing home 3rd-gen GM F-bodies.
A lot of them are good ol' fashioned "..rust free Southern cars.."
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1313406284.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1305693563.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1300948815.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cto/1291442799.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/1317345104.html
Personally, I say buy a Miata and swap a 1999^ 3.8L Ford V6 and 5 speed into it.
I was thinking either Mustang, E36 BMW, or a Nissan 240SX when I saw that list of requirements.
mid to late 90s soobie 2.5rs
Lexus SCs
mazdaspeed turbo protege
most any stock E30s or some E36s
Mitsu Evos (but most will probably be pretty beat up)
Saturn Ion Redlines (not as much aftermarket tho
)
