- 2,112
- xNEVER-ONEx
You can get a lot of car for 17k. S2000, Mustang GT, 350Z, RX-8, MX-5 to name a few.
2003 SVT Focus: The read headed step-child does it again.
- Thread starter JCE
- 128 comments
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- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
The Mustang GT\Mach 1, 350Z, G35 coupe, M45, GTO, S2000, Trans-Am or a Camaro SS are among the RWD candidates.
The Mazda's are definitely NOT on my list. The only Mazda I will consider is a Mazdaspeed6.
I like the Si but I want to move up from the compact category to coupe or mid-size sport saloon. 👍
- 2,112
- xNEVER-ONEx
Not sure if they will fall into your price range, but I would love to own a Pontiac G8. 
- 1,391
- Chicago
- Silberc
- Silberc
Good looking car, but I dont think I could bring myself to drive a FWD car..
- 14,410
- Wellington
Wow, I didn't know that Focui (at least SVT Focui) were that much of a nightmare.
How about this Firebird?
How about this Firebird?
- 11,831
- Marin County
Mach 1's are a steal these days. They are damn good cars. Fantastic engine and a well sorted suspension/chassis. Just kind of a low-rent interior. Ours has 140k on the clock and still will step sideways shifting to 2nd gear at 50mph (automatic). Engine and drivetrain appear to be totally fine still. Returns around 20mpg city and 25mpg highway. Not too bad for 305hp.
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,305
- United States
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
That's good to hear about the Mach 1's reliability. I was hoping the 4V was a good solid engine. I would also consider a 2001 Cobra with low miles as well but doubt I'd find one in good shape that is unmolested at the time I need to get the car. Unfortunately for me right now I cannot get it, otherwise there's a good convertible 2001 Cobra locally for a great price if I convinced myself that I want another manual. But, I'd prefer a Mach 1 or regular Mustang GT because I'd like an automatic transmission in the end. This is so the wife can drive the car as well.
I would prefer a Mach 1 as my first choice followed by a Mustang GT then a GTO. 2004 GTO's are cheap and they can be had with lower mileage and the first owners were most than likely people over 40 so they were probably well taken care of.
C5's are expensive and hold their value around here. I could get a C5 for $17k and 50-75k miles yes, but, it will be a 97-00 model and I doubt I'd get financing on that. If I could get financing on one I'd definitely get one with an automatic as C5's are my second favorite Vette generation. I have no problem getting a C5, the wife would love one too. I would just have to make a judgement call on which to choose. Ironically the C5 has some of the cheapest insurance rates in the sports coupe class. Followed by the GTO. Believe it or not the C5 has the about same premium as my SVT Focus (slightly less actually).
A Mazdaspeed6 is definitely a great car for the money, just need to find a low mileage Grand Sport with a sunroof if I decide in it's favor. But this also falls into the manual transmission category which is not my number one preference. I'd rather have a Cobra/Mach 1 vs the Mazdaspeed6 if I choose to go with another manual.
Definitely. Finding a C5 Z06 in my criteria is next to impossible assuming it is undamaged and unmodified.
I'd like to avoid a FWD car if I can help it. Right now the only FWD car that I'd consider is a Maxima. I'm not a fan of the US Honda Accord's styling and interior layout/appearance. The '05-07 6spd models are quick and make a good noise but I just don't prefer them over a Maxima.
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CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,305
- United States
I actually like the '04-05 Accord V6 Coupes with the 6-speed. Particularly the ones that had the special wheels that only came on that specific car.
- 11,831
- Marin County
You could get a fairly nice XK8 (perhaps even an XKR) for under 17k. Also XJ8 and XJR.
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
If you mean these then yes, I like those wheels:
Just don't want a FWD car again.
Too expensive to maintain and less likely for me to find a low mileage variant in my year and price range. I'd also have to make sure it is eligible for a 5yr/100,000mi warranty that some dealerships are offering on pre-owned vehicles from the date of purchase. I doubt I'd get that on a Jag.
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,305
- United States
I think it may have been a different wheel. Those do look familiar though. I used to work for a dealership that had a Honda section and I used to drool over them all the time. Funny I can't remember the wheels now, but I know they were pretty nice.
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
THE CANDIDATES (so far):
Year - Model - Comments/Criteria
That's pretty much it in a nutshell of everything I've driven and like that I can remember (minus the Mazdaspeed6--never driven it). I prefer an automatic but some of these have manuals and for the right mileage and price I could go for it. I don't like MX-5's so lets do me a favor and not even mention it. I'd rather have herpes and chlamydia. Thank you.
*edit*
Making new topic!
When I worked at David McDavid Honda in 2006 those where the wheels that were on the coupe and saloon with the V6/6spd manual. They were a good drive for sure, but, I just don't want another FWD car no matter how fast it is...
What's your age? The Vette was $100 per month cheaper vs the Camaro SS/Trans-Am WS6 for me in 2008 (was 29) when I checked last. But you are in Canada so maybe that matters?
Year - Model - Comments/Criteria
- 2001-2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 / SS - Would only get one if the mileage was less than 60k and the price was right. Would consider a convertible, but only with an automatic tranmission.
- 2001-2004 Chevrolet Corvette - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 80k. Would consider a convertible, but only with an automatic tranmission.
- 2006-2007 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 60k and it wasn't lime green.
- 2006-2008 Ford F150 FX2 - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 80k (not going to happen!)
- 2007-2007 Ford F150 Harley Davidson - Would only consider if in pristine shape and with mileage less than 80k (for collector purposes)
- 2001-2004 Ford F150 SVT Lightning - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2001-2005 Honda S2000 - Would not get white or yellow and it needs to have less than 80k miles. The top needs to be in immaculate shape!
- 2004-2006 Infiniti G35 coupe - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2003-2004 Infiniti M45 saloon - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 80k. PREFER GRAND TOURING!
- 2001-2006 Mustang GT - Would not get white or yellow and it needs to have less than 80k miles. Would consider a convertible, but only with an automatic tranmission.
- 2003-2004 Mustang Mach 1 - Would not get white or yellow and it needs to have less than 80k miles.
- 2001-2001 Mustang SVT Cobra - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2004-2007 Nissan 350Z coupe - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima SE - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 60k and it was an SE with navigation. PREFER WHITE, BLACK, MAROON OR BRONZE COLOR!
- 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO - No conditions other than mileage needs to be less than 80k.
- 2001-2002 Pontiac Trans-Am / Firebird V8 - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 80k. Would consider a convertible, but only with an automatic tranmission.
- 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX - Would only consider if the mileage was less than 80k. PREFER PRE-2005 MODELS!
That's pretty much it in a nutshell of everything I've driven and like that I can remember (minus the Mazdaspeed6--never driven it). I prefer an automatic but some of these have manuals and for the right mileage and price I could go for it. I don't like MX-5's so lets do me a favor and not even mention it. I'd rather have herpes and chlamydia. Thank you.
*edit*
Making new topic!
When I worked at David McDavid Honda in 2006 those where the wheels that were on the coupe and saloon with the V6/6spd manual. They were a good drive for sure, but, I just don't want another FWD car no matter how fast it is...
What's your age? The Vette was $100 per month cheaper vs the Camaro SS/Trans-Am WS6 for me in 2008 (was 29) when I checked last. But you are in Canada so maybe that matters?
- 11,343
- Chicago, iLL
- GTP_Nismo
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
Bad news just got worse. The oil leak? After 3, yes you read it, 3 oil pan gaskets they put the car back on the lift and dug deeper and found the oil seal on the block is leaking. Surprise! They have to drop/pull the engine to get to it. Normal people's retail cost $2,000, my employee discount which I would pay is $585. That's STILL $585 that I cannot afford. I'll just drive with the leak and put in oil every few days until I can afford to get that fixed. God I hate this car. I'm seriously debating wrecking it on purpose--what I mean is not to try to "avoid" accidents due to other people's stupidity but let them occur. I won't wreck it due to my own fault but if someone else is stupid enough to cause an accident then that's that. If someone pulls out or swerves in my lane I'm hittin' those ****** *******. This car be damned for all I care. Or, someone steal and total it PLEASE. In 20 years I'll regret seeing another dead collector's car but right now it's literally costing me my paychecks.
You all want to see the SVT Focus' natural habitat? Stupid piece of **** car.
I don't even have 75,000 miles on this ***** yet and it's giving me this much trouble. Car fax reports and basic amateur examinations are useless when used car shopping. People need to have a reputable shop actually put it on the lift and do a 100+ point inspection. It would of been worth the $100 it would of costed me at the time. I didn't do it. I'm dumb.
Discussed it with the wife and we both agree 100% on dumping this POS and getting in something new or certified with a FAT warranty. I've had enough of this SVT (and or European) car owner lifestyle. I would suck as a European car owner for sure if this is the kind of crap I would have to put up with.
You all want to see the SVT Focus' natural habitat? Stupid piece of **** car.
I don't even have 75,000 miles on this ***** yet and it's giving me this much trouble. Car fax reports and basic amateur examinations are useless when used car shopping. People need to have a reputable shop actually put it on the lift and do a 100+ point inspection. It would of been worth the $100 it would of costed me at the time. I didn't do it. I'm dumb.
Discussed it with the wife and we both agree 100% on dumping this POS and getting in something new or certified with a FAT warranty. I've had enough of this SVT (and or European) car owner lifestyle. I would suck as a European car owner for sure if this is the kind of crap I would have to put up with.
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,305
- United States
So what seal would this be? Upper pan seal or front/rear main seal? I honestly don't see why they need to pull the engine. Most FWD cars have plenty of access underneath as there is no subframe for them to sit on. (at least cars I have owned...)
- 6,769
- Little Elm, TX
- JCE3000GT
He didn't specify which seal in the voicemail, I just know it isn't the oil pan gasket. I should find out tomorrow which seal it is specifically but I do trust what the service writer says, especially since my dad has been a sales manager there for almost 15 years and is well respected. Plus, all the discounts I've got over the years from him with my auto repairs.
I guess I could ask the two Focus forums if that's needed to drop/pull the engine to replace the seal in question once I find out which one it is.
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,305
- United States
I mentioned "upper pan" because some cars (like my 2000 Sentra) have the main oil pan gasket, then they have what is known as an upper pan, which is more or less an extension on the bottom of the block.
Edit: Ok, assuming Google image search got me the correct photo, here's what I'm talking about. See the aluminum extension on the bottom between the oil pan and the block itself? That's what is knows as the "upper pan". (at least to Nissan) So yeah, looking at the picture unfortunately it looks like the motor would have to come out.
Edit: Ok, assuming Google image search got me the correct photo, here's what I'm talking about. See the aluminum extension on the bottom between the oil pan and the block itself? That's what is knows as the "upper pan". (at least to Nissan) So yeah, looking at the picture unfortunately it looks like the motor would have to come out.
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