First real job, looking for my first self purchased car. Any suggestions?

[phillgt2002]

I'm looking for a car or truck around $2,500-$3,000-$3,500-$4,000 around the Bay Area.

Anyone mind giving reasonable suggestions? In particular, I'm looking for something that is NA because I don't want to deal with anything turbo-charged at the price that I'm aiming at.

Nearly any car or truck is a go, but I prefer something that can be brought up to be viable in auto-cross, track-days, or off-road later on.

RWD preferred.
LSD (Limited Slip Differential, not the drug) preferred.
V6 preferred, though I'll go for if I must I6 or I4.
Nothing older than 1987.

I obviously don't have all of the money quite yet, but I'm mainly looking for something that's worth working towards. Depending on my situation, I may go a bit higher somewhere around the $5,500 mark.

Any help would be appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[huskeR32]

I'm not sure there's too many cars that fit that bill. Anything in that price range is going to have to be on the older side, so let's look at pre-2000.

On the American side of things, you'd be looking at Camaros and Mustangs. And I'm pretty sure you had to go for the V8-powered versions to get an LSD in those.

As far as Japanese cars, the only V6 RWD model I can think of is the 300ZX, which would probably be almost double your price range, unless it was in really rough shape.

Miatas, of course, could be had with LSDs, but you don't sound thrilled at the thought of a four-cylinder, and that's probably not a terribly practical first car anyways.

Let's not even go down the European route, buying an older BMW or Merc at that price is just asking for a money pit.

---

You don't say why you're looking at V6s in particular. Why not a V8? A mid-90s Camaro Z28 or Mustang GT could almost certainly be found in your price range. LSD RWD goodness, fairly affordable to maintain, good rumbly noises.. What's not to like?

 

[phillgt2002]

Well, I guess I'd be able to look at some American muscle, though I find many of them to be ugly. Apart from the I-ROC-Z, I don't think I'll like that many Camaros and Mustangs as a first car. I honestly just find them to be generic.

The 300ZX is likely, though I don't think they'll be as high as you say. I think they'll be from around $3,000 to $9,000 max. $3,000 can get you a NA version, while I think around $5,000 will start to get you into the forced induction side of things.

A Miata isn't something I'd want at the moment, though not because it's a bad car. I'm not saying that I4 is bad also.

I think that an older European car would be too bad. When I say older, I'm speaking of an older 3-Series somewhere around the time where the E36 or the E30 were in the prime. After helping my father with his E30 for some time, I found that his car was fairly simple to repair and has a really nice following, though I don't think a 1987 325is would be right. Maybe a mid 90's E36 325i would be okay?

 

[huskeR32]

Well, I guess I'd be able to look at some American muscle, though I find many of them to be ugly. Apart from the I-ROC-Z, I don't think I'll like that many Camaros and Mustangs as a first car. I honestly just find them to be generic.

They weren't the pinnacle of car design, that's true

The 300ZX is likely, though I don't think they'll be as high as you say. I think they'll be from around $3,000 to $9,000 max. $3,000 can get you a NA version, while I think around $5,000 will start to get you into the forced induction side of things.

I'm not sure where you're seeing that, but on Auto Trader, most of the 300ZXs I'm seeing are $8,000 and up, unless they're pre-1987 (your cutoff year), or high-mileage, or have some mechanical issues. For a car that doesn't have a sterling reputation for reliability, and was infamous for being hard to work on, I'd be pretty hesitant to buy one on the cheap.

A Miata isn't something I'd want at the moment, though not because it's a bad car. I'm not saying that I4 is bad also.

Fair enough.

I think that an older European car would be too bad. When I say older, I'm speaking of an older 3-Series somewhere around the time where the E36 or the E30 were in the prime. After helping my father with his E30 for some time, I found that his car was fairly simple to repair and has a really nice following, though I don't think a 1987 325is would be right. Maybe a mid 90's E36 325i would be okay?

I've never owned a BMW myself, so if you have family history with them, and like them, then I say go for it. It'd certainly be a very fun car!

Personally, I can only speak from owning a VW, but it's been my experience that German cars in general aren't very cheap to maintain. Parts were often 3-4 times more expensive compared to the American/Japanese cars I've owned.

 

[Slash]

Cheap as a whole, reliable, both engines offered can be made to have stupid power for cheap, stupid aftermarket support, stupidly easy to work on, can be made in one nasty corner carver and can be bought used with stupid amounts of power (we are talking 400+) for as low as $4,000 if you keep and eye open. If you can get past the looks, it's a very good option and great entry into the car world. There's a reason why it consistently makes top 10 lists.

 

[huskeR32]

Cheap as a whole, reliable, both engines offered can be made to have stupid power for cheap, stupid aftermarket support, stupidly easy to work on, can be made in one nasty corner carver and can be bought used with stupid amounts of power (we are talking 400+) for as low as $4,000 if you keep and eye open. If you can get past the looks, it's a very good option and great entry into the car world. There's a reason why it consistently makes top 10 lists.

Mmmmm, yes, quite.

 

[Tyger]

I know Mustangs are very reasonably priced in the US, would five grand stretch to a V6 fifth gen Retrostang? Some are 8 or 9 years old now, but perhaps a little worse for wear at that price.

 

[Leggy1]

You could get an early S2000 if you stretch to $5k or $5.5k, but that's with an I4, and not hugely practical. Are you really set on RWD? There are many good handling FWD hatchbacks out there.

Also, a muscle car would seem like a bad choice if you want to do track days or autocross. A 3 Series sounds perfect, generally great car as a whole.

It's a shame MK4 Golf R32 prices are crazy in the US, a seriously quick hatch with 4WD grip.

 

[phillgt2002]

Yeah, I'll save an S2000 for the $10,000 price tag. I want RWD fairly, but I do understand why you'd bring up FWD since it is another category of cars opened up.

Volkswagen prices in the US have generally been inflated for price for what they are. That and the fact that the R32s aren't exactly populating many of the streets and roads in the U.S. The VW Corrado VR6 is a car that I've always wanted, but due to the somewhat limited productions of them, they're really hard to find for a reasonable price.

 

[Doog]

From your criteria, it seems that an E30 would suit your preferences well, and you already know what they're like. I'd like to throw in a suggestion that doesn't quite conform to your criteria, but is quite suited to autocross or track days: DC2 Integra.

These things were regarded as some of the best-handling FWDs of all time. With you being in California, it shouldn't be hard to find at least a few examples in decent condition, though it's very likely they'll have 150,000 or more miles. I would recommend you invest in a good anti-theft system, though. The market for Hondas is big in California, and DC2 Integras get stolen all the time.

 

[MedigoFlame]

How about a Lexus SC300? Unless they're more expensive in your area... >_>

 

[Slash]

Also, a muscle car would seem like a bad choice if you want to do track days or autocross.

Do you know what this is? Serious question.

 

[SVX]

From your criteria, it seems that an E30 would suit your preferences well, and you already know what they're like. I'd like to throw in a suggestion that doesn't quite conform to your criteria, but is quite suited to autocross or track days: DC2 Integra.

These things were regarded as some of the best-handling FWDs of all time. With you being in California, it shouldn't be hard to find at least a few examples in decent condition, though it's very likely they'll have 150,000 or more miles. I would recommend you invest in a good anti-theft system, though. The market for Hondas is big in California, and DC2 Integras get stolen all the time.

E30 was the first thing that came to mind as soon as I saw the criteria. Good call on the Integra suggestion, but I might even go as far to suggest a CRX, though those are a bit older.

 

[phillgt2002]

How about a Lexus SC300? Unless they're more expensive in your area... >_>

An SC300 is around $3,000+ in the Bay Area. If I were to consider one, I'd probably get one around $5,500.. those things are busted up so bad.. I don't know why.

 

[Leggy1]

Do you know what this is? Serious question.

It's regarded as a muscle car here. Yes I know in America it's not a muscle car, but it doesn't handle like a sports car.

 

[20832]

How about an older gen MX-5?

 

[Slash]

It's regarded as a muscle car here. Yes I know in America it's not a muscle car, but it doesn't handle like a sports car.

Out of the box maybe. The car has massive potential for cheap.

 

[Leggy1]

Out of the box maybe. The car has massive potential for cheap.

Yes and that's great. But it's just more money to spend.

@phillkillv2 What about an MR2?

 

[Slash]

Yes and that's great. But it's just more money to spend.

@phillkillv2 What about an MR2?

For what you'd pay for some of these other cars the cost would even out and you'd arguably get a better product.

 

[Leggy1]

For what you'd pay for some of these other cars the cost would even out and you'd arguably get a better product.

If you ignore the interior, which is important to a lot of people. And V8 fuel economy will be terrible, yeah petrol is cheap but it'll cost more to run.

 

[Slash]

If you ignore the interior, which is important to a lot of people. And V8 fuel economy will be terrible, yeah petrol is cheap but it'll cost more to run.

There's compromises with anything. Who said anything about the V8? They came with 3 other engines.

 

[Downhill Dino]

Be honest, would you get anything other than the V8? I probably would as well.

 

[Leggy1]

There's compromises with anything.

Of course, but if it's a daily driver then I would want to sit in a nice place, many would.

Who said anything about the V8? They came with 3 other engines.

For 1987 and onwards, one of the requirements, there was the V8 or the 90-100hp I4. Who would want 100hp in a big car like that?

 

[Slash]

Of course, but if it's a daily driver then I would want to sit in a nice place, many would.

For 1987 and onwards, one of the requirements, there was the V8 or the 90-100hp I4. Who would want 100hp in a big car like that?

The 2.3L can be turboed to make over 400 reliable horsepower, but I have seen them over 550. I fail to see the issue.

You realize this car is tiny and weighs about 2,500 lbs (model depending) right?

 

[Leggy1]

And who would try to do that on a budget? I know I wouldn't.

The earliest model is just over 2500 apparently. But remember the the later ones were not light. The V8s over 3000 I'm reading. It's only tiny in America, where everything is big.

 

[Kent]

I'd immediately ignore anyone or any car that is talking about "potential."

That course of action could Potentially get you into a stinker POS that takes years of fiddling, fixing, modding, and money to get anywhere near your original goal (and by the end you'll have spent enough money to have bought something much better).

At 3 to 5 thousand there is one simple truth you'll have to deal with... You can't be very picky.

You'll have to be flexible if you want something sporty. You'll probably have to go with a japanese car if you want anything near reliable, and of course, you'll probably have to get a smaller engine as well.

Honestly, the only car that really fits the bill is a Miata (there is a reason they are so common at autoX events).

If you can flex on being RWD (which shouldn't be too much of an issue), I'd suggest something like what people mentioned above. Let me do some searching...

Cars.com... Bay area... 6k or less (just for some wiggle room)... Found a good number of options I'd like (though I admit every mustang was an automatic 6cyl. ).

5,999 2002 Civic Si
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627476993/overview/

3,600 2000 Celica GTS
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/625802920/overview/

4,000 '99 Prelude Type SH
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/627115879/overview/

4,999 '01 MR2
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/624525275/overview/

All of those cars are up for spirited driving and fit into your budget without needing to be a mechanic to ensure they will stay on the road.

I avoided German cars.
Given the options above I'd certainly hold out for a few extra hundred bucks and spring for the SI... That's going to have a great little engine, fuel economy, hatchback utility, great seats, and decent FWD handling. 👍

 

[Slash]

And who would try to do that on a budget? I know I wouldn't.

It's really not that hard.

The earliest model is just over 2500 apparently. But remember the the later ones were not light. The V8s over 3000 I'm reading. It's only tiny in America, where everything is big.

Look where he lives.

I'd immediately ignore anyone or any car that is talking about "potential."

Why? Because you're lazy? That line of thought rules out tons of badass cars, or potentially badass cars. Potential is a major reason why people flock to them, because they can be anything. That's just ignorant.

That course of action could Potentially get you into a stinker POS that takes years of fiddling, fixing, modding, and money to get anywhere near your original goal (and by the end you'll have spent enough money to have bought something much better).

It's not hard to do some research and know what to look for prior to Problem solved.

 

[Dagger311]

Well, you don't have many options that match your criteria...

It's the RWD that's limiting it. Plenty of FWD coupes with 6 cylinders.

Mind telling me a few more things?

How many seats do you need?

What do you plan to do with the car?

Is your commute long?

Any preferences as far as brands or countries go?

 

[Kent]

It's really not that hard.

Look where he lives.



Why? Because you're lazy? That line of thought rules out tons of badass cars, or potentially badass cars. Potential is a major reason why people flock to them, because they can be anything. That's just ignorant.


It's not hard to do some research and know what to look for prior to Problem solved.

You obviously just saw something you didn't like and started saying I'm ignorant.
Potential only means something more is possible, it doesn't mean anything for a guy who's just barely getting on his feet trying to buy a car for less than 5k hoping it can serve as a fun daily with possible autoX attempts down the road.
OP can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think he posted this looking for project car suggestions.
I'm pretty sure he gave a list of qualities he'd hope to get under 5k and left us with the job of making suggestions for daily drivers that can be fun or sporty and still get the DD job done.
Potential just doesn't matter much in that light.

Hell, if you want potential buy a ****** old mustang for 1k and spend 4k fixing it. There, happy?
Big help you were to this fella who's trying to get a realistic start to his DD motoring.

But hey, you might be right @Slash, this guy just might be looking for a project.

I was thinking practical.
Not potential.

Btw, how's your project coming along? I mean, with all the talk you do about how easily a person can have a beast fox body I'd imagine you've moved on from filling in the dodge lettering on your parents' mini-van's engine.

 

[Leggy1]

It's really not that hard.

It will be costly, there's no avoiding it. If you quadruple the power of an engine you cannot expect to spend a small amount of money and have trouble free motoring.

Look where he lives.

But compared to the alternative suggestions which aren't American? It's big.