Ever since I moved back to TN, I have been planning on buying myself a car. The last couple weeks, this thought has served as a much needed distraction for me as well.
I don;t have an urgency for a car, as I have a company car, which is a 08 Hyundai Accent. We call it the bubble car. I call it hell. I also have my (the wife's) 99 Volvo S70 T5. But I want something for ME.

I have about 20k put back to buy this new (to me) car with. So I should be able to get something I will enjoy driving. I have been test driving just about everything I could get my hands on. I took a viper out for a day last month. LOVED IT!!! But it is NOT a daily driver kinda car... And a bit outta my price range.

What I want is something that is good in the curves, quick/fast, leather seats, convertable and killer stereo, like Bose or something. I would LIKE to have a auto-stick and maybe even paddle shifters. But the big things are Convertable, good handling and quick The rest is icing on the cake.

My Volvo is a very fast car, with the turbo. It has to be at least as much fun as that car is. I have considered a v8 Miata as they are JUST in my price range, but what else is out there?

Give me some ideas and suggestions.

For 20k and something fun, I would look for an Acura NSX, older Ferrari 308/328, Lotus Esprit, Toyota Supra, or Honda S2000. Though mos tof those are stick, you can find an NSX in an auto if you look hard enough. If you want paddle shifting, maybe a Toyota MR-S. Could always go with something like a BMW M3 or M5, possibly an AMG Benz as well. Corvette would be good as insurance is relatively cheap for the kind of car it is and fairly reliable, and C5 prices are way down right now. I just don't know if it is daily driver comfort like a BMW or Mercedes. Could always find another Volvo... I'm currently looking for a C70 turbo I miss my old S80.

quote Originally posted by 8Ball: Ever since I moved back to TN, I have been planning on buying myself a car. The last couple weeks, this thought has served as a much needed distraction for me as well. I don;t have an urgency for a car, as I have a company car, which is a 08 Hyundai Accent. We call it the bubble car. I call it hell. I also have my (the wife's) 99 Volvo S70 T5. But I want something for ME. I have about 20k put back to buy this new (to me) car with. So I should be able to get something I will enjoy driving. I have been test driving just about everything I could get my hands on. I took a viper out for a day last month. LOVED IT!!! But it is NOT a daily driver kinda car... And a bit outta my price range. What I want is something that is good in the curves, quick/fast, leather seats, convertable and killer stereo, like Bose or something. I would LIKE to have a auto-stick and maybe even paddle shifters. But the big things are Convertable, good handling and quick The rest is icing on the cake. My Volvo is a very fast car, with the turbo. It has to be at least as much fun as that car is. I have considered a v8 Miata as they are JUST in my price range, but what else is out there? Give me some ideas and suggestions.

You basically described a Pontiac Solstice GXP (minus the paddle shifter part).

Low 13s in the quarter, a sports car, handles amazing, looks great, and is a convertible.





This was mine (GXP didn't exist yet):




I miss it...


You can get them all day long on eBay for $16,000.

quote Originally posted by topher_time: Could always find another Volvo... I'm currently looking for a C70 turbo I miss my old S80.

Quick note about this... the 4-Speed automatic in the Volvo S80s from 1998-2003 was the 4T65E GM automatic transmission.

I've done the measurements, a 5.3 LS V8 and GM 4T65E drops RIGHT in... all you need is to hook up the wiring and fuel, and fabricate a front motor mount.

Even the exhaust cross-over from an Impala SS ines up almost perfectly with the factory S80 exhaust...
------------------
Todd,
2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x2
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x2
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 12-04-2009).]

$20 grand will buy you a heck of a nice 'Vette. Not a new one, of course, but a nice used one. It's not much of a DD either though. If I were buying one for ME, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I'd be looking at a '04 or thereabouts Mustang Cobra, if I could find one. Should be able to find one for under $20K and have some $$$ left over for wheels or a few spiff up items.

If I wanted to stay GM, then I'd probably be looking at a late model GTO or maybe the last few years Trans Am/Camaro.

Personally, I'd probably get something a little older and fix it the way I wanted, but you won't get your money back that way, you'll have to drive it out of it.

Of course, there's the ever popular FIERO.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by 8Ball: Ever since I moved back to TN, I have been planning on buying myself a car. The last couple weeks, this thought has served as a much needed distraction for me as well. I don;t have an urgency for a car, as I have a company car, which is a 08 Hyundai Accent. We call it the bubble car. I call it hell. I also have my (the wife's) 99 Volvo S70 T5. But I want something for ME. I have about 20k put back to buy this new (to me) car with. So I should be able to get something I will enjoy driving. I have been test driving just about everything I could get my hands on. I took a viper out for a day last month. LOVED IT!!! But it is NOT a daily driver kinda car... And a bit outta my price range. What I want is something that is good in the curves, quick/fast, leather seats, convertable and killer stereo, like Bose or something. I would LIKE to have a auto-stick and maybe even paddle shifters. But the big things are Convertable, good handling and quick The rest is icing on the cake. My Volvo is a very fast car, with the turbo. It has to be at least as much fun as that car is. I have considered a v8 Miata as they are JUST in my price range, but what else is out there? Give me some ideas and suggestions.

If you want a V8 Miata, check this one out.
http://www.swaptastic.net/for_sale.html

Look around on his page. Looks like the car is done right. Lots of great vids, too.

I met the owner and have seen this car in person while it was under construction. It looks to be quite well done.

------------------
Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe -soon to be something other than red

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

quote Originally posted by jstricker: If I were buying one for ME, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I'd be looking at a '04 or thereabouts Mustang Cobra, if I could find one. Should be able to find one for under $20K and have some $$$ left over for wheels or a few spiff up items. John Stricker

You DO know that this is going to come back and bite you in the @ss, don't you? I'm sure you never thought I'd be reading this thread.

Sorry to hijack your thread, Randy...I'd have to agree with John, although most people know that, primarily, I'm a Ford guy, so it doesn't carry the same shock value as when Stricker says it.

If I could get an Automada Conv. Fiero with a V8 and leather int. in good shape for 20k or less... I likely would. I will ALWAYS love Fieros. But......

I have strongly considered a vette and I have considered a Cobra stang too. I like the newer models. I REALLY like the European offerings and I had a good time in a new Miata MX-5 the other month. But it needed a supercharger or a V8. The Solstice, I do not really like. I test drove one and found the ride to be unusually rough compaired to similar cars I have driven. I also found it hard for me to see out of. I am jsut BARELY 5' 6".

I would however, for the car to be a ture daily driver.. It needs to have enough cargo space for my toolbox and at least 1 mid-tower. Plus me and my backpack of coarse. But... for the RIGHT car, I can get pretty creative for storage.

Hey, I told you a long time ago that Ford got the last generation of Mustang right. I'm a died in the wool GM guy, but when something's done right, it's done right.

I like the idea of a Solstice as well BUT it doesn't have a back seat and even less of a trunk than a Fiero so if you're looking for a practical DD I just don't think it qualifies, but it definitely qualifies as a fun personal car.

The Mustang IS a fun, practical car. You can add suspension goodies and make it handle great. You can get lots of go-fast goodies from Roush and others that make them animals and keep them reliable. It's a good choice.

BTW-I got your card and you're an azzhole. You do know THAT will come back to bite you someday as well, right? RIGHT??

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by litespd: You DO know that this is going to come back and bite you in the @ss, don't you? I'm sure you never thought I'd be reading this thread. Sorry to hijack your thread, Randy...I'd have to agree with John, although most people know that, primarily, I'm a Ford guy, so it doesn't carry the same shock value as when Stricker says it.

I second the Acura NSX. The Doctor I'm working for has one tucked away in his garage. He also had a Lotus Elise, it went bye-bye, the NSX is still there. One of these days I'll ask him to pop the rear hatch so I can check out the motor up close... Maybe take me for a ride in it, LOL.

I second the Lotus Esprit V8.

You sir are speeking of a 98+ Trans Am or Camaro

quote Originally posted by topher_time: For 20k and something fun, I would look for an Acura NSX, older Ferrari 308/328, Lotus Esprit, Toyota Supra, or Honda S2000. Though mos tof those are stick, you can find an NSX in an auto if you look hard enough. If you want paddle shifting, maybe a Toyota MR-S. Could always go with something like a BMW M3 or M5, possibly an AMG Benz as well. Corvette would be good as insurance is relatively cheap for the kind of car it is and fairly reliable, and C5 prices are way down right now. I just don't know if it is daily driver comfort like a BMW or Mercedes. Could always find another Volvo... I'm currently looking for a C70 turbo I miss my old S80.

Even if you found anything here in your price range, there all high maintanence. ie/ Ferrari brake job can cost $5000. Of these the only choices for a fun driver relatively cheap to run is the Honday 2000 and the older C4 vettes. (or your Volvo). There are extremely nice 94-96 vettes in that price range with less than 25K miles. Ive had many cars with leather seats and even with the extreme care I give my cars, I find they will always crack and split with age. Even the seats in my Magnum with 20K were starting to deteriorate. The fabric seats to me are much more comfortable to sit on and can last much longer. Original Brocaid cloth seats in my 70 New Yorker are nearly like brand new. $50 worth of repair would make them perfect.

Id go for a vette, Solstice or Mustang. I have several friends with Mustangs and they all love them and build quality is very good. Vette and Mustang pretty much both have well proven drivetrains.

I agree with Roger and the others here that are backing a Corvette, Solstice/Sky, or Mustang. Although, based on your storage requirements, the Solstice might be out. It's trunk is not conducive to tool boxes (depending on how big of one you have).

I think the Mustang would actually be your best bet for a daily driver. Nothing against Corvettes, they can serve as DD's, but the Mustang being a 2+2 can be a little more flexible. You can haul a little more stuff or people in it, in a pinch. Also, they are certainly plenty fun to drive. I'd probably have one myself for a DD if I didn't have to handle Buffalo winters. For $20K, you can probably get a 2005+ V8 droptop (newer style and platform) in good shape with reasonably low mileage.

Or, if you really like that Volvo your wife has, what about a Volvo C70 hardtop convertible? I have a C30 sport coupe, and love it too. I've never driven the C70, but I believe it's running gear and platform are closely related to the C30/S40/V50.

People seem to either love or hate Miata--doesn't seem to be an in between.
I like the GXP Solstice idea myself, but I hate to see someone spend $xx,000 on a GM product.
I did and regret every penny spent on my 08 truck.

.................................
Boycott GM
Buy anything else.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Id go for a vette, Solstice or Mustang. I have several friends with Mustangs and they all love them and build quality is very good. Vette and Mustang pretty much both have well proven drivetrains.

For DD use, I wouldn't do the solstice, as it has negligible trunk space. Vettes, mustangs, and F-bodies do well in that department. As you may have figured out, I'm partial to the first option

quote Originally posted by maryjane: People seem to either love or hate Miata--doesn't seem to be an in between. I like the GXP Solstice idea myself, but I hate to see someone spend $xx,000 on a GM product. I did and regret every penny spent on my 08 truck. ................................. Boycott GM Buy anything else.

O/T: I guess that means my $400 LeSabre is cool then, right?

[This message has been edited by hklvette (edited 12-05-2009).]

quote Originally posted by topher_time: For 20k and something fun, I would look for an Acura NSX, older Ferrari 308/328, Lotus Esprit, Toyota Supra, or Honda S2000. Though mos tof those are stick, you can find an NSX in an auto if you look hard enough. If you want paddle shifting, maybe a Toyota MR-S. Could always go with something like a BMW M3 or M5, possibly an AMG Benz as well. Corvette would be good as insurance is relatively cheap for the kind of car it is and fairly reliable, and C5 prices are way down right now. I just don't know if it is daily driver comfort like a BMW or Mercedes. Could always find another Volvo... I'm currently looking for a C70 turbo I miss my old S80.

Well, I LOVE the NSX's but have never seen one with less than 150k miles under 20k. The S2000 I have been itching to test drive to see if I like it. They LOOK sexy and fast! The M3 a great idea, but I have yet to find one not ragged out to even test drive. Round here they see some serious lead footing I do LOOOVE my volvo, but the C70 is just not a nimble car. It is quick if you get a t5, but not good in the corners. At least not as good as a worn out BMW or a new Miata is. The Vette is a strong possibility... always kinda wanted one, but in the same breath, they are so common here. Which is good for finding one to buy, but not so much for standing out in a crowd. The C5's actually are not a bad ride.. much smoother than the soltice's ride.

What do you guys think about the Mercedes SLK roadsters? Like the 230 kompressor? My neighbor across the street has one and it sure LOOKS nice. He says it would give my Volvo a run for it's money.

quote Originally posted by pontiackid86: You sir are speeking of a 98+ Trans Am or Camaro

I am most certainly NOT talking about a mulletmobile.. err I mean a trans am/firebird/Camaro Notmy style at all. I have been in some fast ones, but I keep expecting to hear banjo music in them

I am not too worried about hauling people... So I can go with a 2 seater no problem. So long as the 2 seater has a descent trunk. We have the Volvo for carrying people in, I want something fun. But it also has to be classy and respectable.

I can't pull up in a rattle can grey camaro and hand you a bill for $95 - $200 bucks an hour.

[This message has been edited by 8Ball (edited 12-05-2009).]

For that price you could get a 2JZ powered supra. Easily make 400 rwhp with fuel injectors and a little more boost. And they will last 300k miles easily. And targa roof. And could fit 4 people as long as 2 of them are on the smaller side. And you could still get 28 mpg on the highway. And they are really nice to look at. And its a toyota. The dealers stock all kinds of parts for them and they are reasonable on price as well. And stock they handle great. Dont really need any mods to make them comfortable to ride in and sic around the curves. And another nice thing about them is you never see them. When you cruise you can take the roof off and have a good time. And even with the roof off the chassis is pretty stiff. Alot better than a true soft top. Right on par with a t-top car. But no bar in the middle of the roof. And if you really wanna play throw the roof on and its as stiff as a hard top. And nobody can use a knife to break into it by cutting a ragtop.

[This message has been edited by turboguy327 (edited 12-05-2009).]

Saab 9-3 Viggen.... 230hp Turbocharged engine...

------------------

I think that any S2000 that you find will have had the dogpiss run out of it.
Car and Driver even said that you had to drive it like you were mad at it in order to get decent 0 to 60 times with it.

I found a very slightly used (750 miles) '09 Challenger R/T for $28K.
Admittedly, more than you want to spend, but it's a really nice car.
Seems to be built like a fortress.
Has a trunk that you can land a plane in.
The 6 speeds get mid 20s on the highway. (Heck... even the way I drive, I get 17-18 around town.)
And it goes like greased stink!

Check 'em out.
http://www.challengertalk.com/forums/

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 12-05-2009).]

Oh I DOOOOO Want a Challenger. I drool over them every single time I see them. But I want a convertible even more. I have wanted a convertible ever since I moved to Canada. I SWORE that when I got back to a warm locale, I would buy myself a convertible. So dangit that is whatI intend to do It would take one heck of a deal on one heck of a car to get me to buy a coupe atm.

Now... Get me a convertible Challenger R/T Hemi and we will talk about financing the last 10-15k

Anyone here experienced with the Porsche Boxster S? May go look at one next week...

quote Originally posted by Fiero_Fan_88: Saab 9-3 Viggen.... 230hp Turbocharged engine...

or-my choice:
(should give your neighbor's Kompressor a run for it's money)


Saab JA 37 Viggen...28,109 lb thrust RM8B Turbofan engine....

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 12-05-2009).]

But MJ, Neither of those is a convertible

quote Originally posted by 8Ball: But MJ, Neither of those is a convertible

I like the Merc SLK's, but think I would rather go with a Boxster or BMW Z4 myself in that price and class.

Probably too new to get one for $20K, but another car I really like in a more premium class are the BMW 1 series. Not everyone likes it's more pug-nosed style, but I think they are sharp.

I don;t think the wind noise from travelling mach 2 with the top off would be tollerable

quote Originally posted by Fformula88: I like the Merc SLK's, but think I would rather go with a Boxster or BMW Z4 myself in that price and class. Probably too new to get one for $20K, but another car I really like in a more premium class are the BMW 1 series. Not everyone likes it's more pug-nosed style, but I think they are sharp.

I have driven the Z4 lately.. I can honestlys ay I preferred the Miata MX-5 to the Z4. The comfort level in that car was horrid for the money. And the pick up while better than a miata, was still not MUCH better. Maybe I was in a bad one... dunno.

[This message has been edited by 8Ball (edited 12-05-2009).]

Mustang rear seats fold down and open thru the trunk. My buddy with a Bullet carries his cooler and 10' tent with him, and has even went to the lumber yard with it.

Isnt Sabb going down the toilet too with no one wanting to even make an offer on it.

I like Mercedes and even had a REAL AMG SL. The SLK is ugly to me and it just pretends to be an SL. Thats just my opinion though.

Miata is a girl/ gay guy car. Even the V8 conversions, while may be fast and nimble, are still a Miata. Again, just my opinion.

You CAN get a Challenger convertible (or Cuda convertible) for around $70,000 from a custom converter who builds them....a little higher than your price range (ill have to search for the name of the company)

quote Originally posted by pontiackid86: You sir are speeking of a 98+ Trans Am or Camaro

Why on earth would you think he was talking about an F-Body. They are loud and rattley pieces of crap. The doors are too heavy. The body and nose are excessively long. I don't understand why if someone like something they try to push it on to someone else when it clearly isn't what they are looking for.

Regarding the SAAB. My uncle has an 03 Linear 9-3, he loves the car. It is the 4-door sedan. Having said that. More piddly crap has broken and fallen apart ont hat car than I can name. Buttons falling off, coil packs going out, window motors failing. Everytime he fixes something a ton of the plastic caps or retainers get broken, it has more small rattles than you can imagine. All this at under 70k miles. The Solstice and Sky are just GM vehicles, I don't think they are refined or nice at all. The Mustang is not something I enjoy, but does have tons of aftermarket support. If you aren't getting a higher end one, well then I don't think it has any of the refinement you seem to be looking for. G35s are nice, but I don't think come in a drop-top, also the 6-speed one I was looking at had a bit more road noise than I though it should. S2000 looks good, but really has to be drove to get the performance out of it. I have been looking the the 230 Komrpessor myself. I am trying to decide if I want to get another car payment or not. A nice V8 Fiero or hopped up V6 Fiero, is still just a Fiero. My money would be on trying to find a hard-top convertible Mercedes. I think you can probably get one in that price range. Good luck in your search.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: ... Miata is a girl/ gay guy car. Even the V8 conversions, while may be fast and nimble, are still a Miata. Again, just my opinion. ...

Roger's phobias aside, they're also very easy to drive really hard. You're very connected to the road.

I used to have an MG midget.
The first time I drove a Miata, I realized why Mazda had spent the many many millions of development dollars that it did, attempting to capture the essence of the British roadster.
They pretty much nailed it.

And the lights even work.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 12-05-2009).]

Heres the company I was talking about. Ive seen completed cars at Mopar Nats and they look fantastic. Apparently you can just buy the new parts and do it yourself to save big money.

http://hxcperformance.com/

http://www.challengerblog.c...ied-dodge-challenger

Heres one I personally took last summer

Oh yea, you what you need:



--Allen

------------------
Is this where I insert something witty?

That is pretty sweet looking Roger! Now if only I could find one for 20k

Allen, I have toiled and toiled over the Volvo's. I just can;t seem to get what I am looking for from there. The C70 T5 is the closest they have to what I am looking for, but it rolls in the corners like a bloated pig on a hill. And dammit I want a convertable.

Looking at local offerings, my best chances for something NICE in my price range are looking like, BMW, MB, Vette, Stang and Miata. However, I am willing to drive for the right car too

Well, I have been weighing ALL the pluses and minuses of each car listed here. And in the Trim levels I would want on each car, with insurance costs for me and fuel costs of a heavy foot.
The Mustang and Corvettes will destroy me in Ins. The BMW and MB actually won't be that bad. But the Miata is looking like it will wind up being my next car.

It is cheap enough I can drive it everyday for 300 miles a week and afford maint. and ins. on my $.55 a mile car allowance. Plus I can get a supercharger or a turbo model and still have some serious fun on the weekends. I am currently looking at an 05 Mazdaspeed Miata that is factory turboed, with beefed up brakes, suspensiona nd wheels.. as per the mazdaspeed package, and I am looking at a locally built supercharger 04 miata with aftermarket suspensiona nd brake upgrades and aftermarket SC from Jackson Racing.

I am going to try to test drive both of them this week. IF I happen to be around them on my travels. I figure if I go this route then by driving the car for work, it can make me a little money back. The Vette and Mustang would have eaten much of the car allowance in gas, let alone Ins.

Do your homework on the Mazdaspeed Miata if you get one. I know a guy who bought two. One turned out to be a lemon and had all kinds of running issues. He found out it was a fairly common issue. I would suspect checking the warranty history with a dealer would reveal if the car your looking at had trouble or not. Other than the trouble MS Miata, he loved it.

PS, he replaced it with a Solstice GXP and loves it more.

Yea the Solstice and I just don't fit. I am still going to look at that Boxster S soon too. Something HAS to be wrong with it for the price.. but I will take Rick with me. He knows his Porche's.

This is the supercharged Miata I am likely going to buy. I have been in conversations with the owner for a week or so now. And he has been upfront and honest with me about everything thus far. I am going to test drive it the first nice day after the new year. If it is HALF as nice as he says.. it is SOLD!!

http://www.roadster-chat.ne...umbnails.php?album=6

BMW Z4 or a BMW 3 series convertible.

J.

If you don't end up getting the Miata, you might also want to consider a Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 convertible. It's the same thing as the MB SLK, but cheaper.

------------------
'88 GT- 3800 Turbo Best E.T.- 11.654 Best MPH-120.65
gmtuners.com -Build info

My aunt has the crossfire convertable and my dad has the hardtop version.

They are nice cars, but my aunt has had a LOT of problems out of hers and my dad is starting to have the same issues.
Front end keeps wearing out on my aunts, they both have had to have the little pop up wing fixed, she has lost her entire braking system once and she recently developed a miss.

They look nice, they go like stink, but they worry me on the reliability.