Best used performance oriented Car <10k

Smac355 · 11-09-2010, 08:37 AM

Hey guys, I've been thinking of getting a used car to save some miles and learn to drive manual on. Not looking to spend alot and prefer not a lot of problems since im sure the mileage will be up there. Any suggestions?

THanks

ragingclue · 11-09-2010, 09:22 AM

A non-abused, well-maintained E36 ///M3 would be a good choice. I miss mine, and all of the problems with my N54 are making me think quite a bit about going that route (maybe with a little Sniz-like flare)....

Like all cars that get older, it will have its issues, but inspect it closely for RSM damage, shock tower cracks, bushing wear, subframe cracks near the reinforcement plates, and check to see if the water pump has been replaced (even the metal impeller water pumps should be replaced before 100k). Make sure the headliner isn't starting to sag anywhere and that the sunroof operates properly, as well as the climate control module, and ensure the OBC is fully functional.

The "issues" I had with that car paled in comparison to the problems I face on a regular basis in my 335.

wakeboarder109 · 11-09-2010, 09:53 AM

I second the E36 M3. One just sold down here in Richmond for $5500. Black, 5spd, vader seats, 107k miles with no mechanical issues. He said the body needed a little tlc but it looked decent from the pictures.

MisterSkiMask · 11-09-2010, 10:13 AM

What do you want from the car?
Do you want something that goes around corners, trackable?
Do you want a straight line car?
Do you want something you can enjoy cruising?
Do you want something you can work on and modify?

SilverII · 11-09-2010, 10:25 AM

S2K

Red Bread · 11-09-2010, 10:27 AM

My 130k mile S52 M Coupe?

Year's_End · 11-09-2010, 11:47 AM

S2k
Miata
Civic Si

KingOfJericho · 11-09-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bread

My 130k mile S52 M Coupe?

This. One of my all time favorite car designs and a great performer. Scarcity value is there as well.

MarkR171 · 11-09-2010, 12:47 PM

S2000
E36 M3
Miata
MR-S

Since you're keeping your 135, I'd say get something impractical like an S2000, MR-S or Miata. Learn to drive it, then autocross it!

Kcyrusm · 11-09-2010, 01:09 PM

S2000 hands down. Best bang for your buck. Owned one for 3 years and NEVER got tired of driving it. Still got my heart racing and put a smile on my face when i'd rev her up.

TK-421 · 11-09-2010, 01:16 PM

I'd have to go with an E36 M3 as well

Shereef_Osman · 11-09-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bread

My 130k mile S52 M Coupe?

PM me if you serious, I been dying to find a Z3 M Coupe although preferably with an S54.

epbrown · 11-09-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

What do you want from the car?
Do you want something that goes around corners, trackable?
Do you want a straight line car?
Do you want something you can enjoy cruising?
Do you want something you can work on and modify?

^This. If you want something to learn handling and track skills, there are lots of good options in that price range. The E36 M3 was, in 1997, the "Best Handling Car in America" according to Car & Driver. A cheap Miata would be easy to find, mod, and track. I can think of no better shifter to learn on than a Honda manual, so the S2000. My personal pick would be a Porsche 944 or 968.

Smac355 · 11-09-2010, 09:03 PM

thanks for all the advice... my original thoughts were a honda maybe 99/00 Si or a S2000 just b/c they are so reliable even with tons of miles. however si's are hard to find. I def want something more handling that i can really learn to drive, my 135i has more than enough straight line power to feed my speed cravings. I don't really want to do to much(i say that now) simply since i've already put a lot of $$ into the 135i. I kinda like the S2000 idea. Although these things gotta be worse in the snow than a 135. I live in PA/NJ area.

Sniz · 11-09-2010, 09:08 PM

yeah I like e36 M3's

MisterSkiMask · 11-10-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smac355

thanks for all the advice... my original thoughts were a honda maybe 99/00 Si or a S2000 just b/c they are so reliable even with tons of miles. however si's are hard to find. I def want something more handling that i can really learn to drive, my 135i has more than enough straight line power to feed my speed cravings. I don't really want to do to much(i say that now) simply since i've already put a lot of $$ into the 135i. I kinda like the S2000 idea. Although these things gotta be worse in the snow than a 135. I live in PA/NJ area.

The S2K is a cool car, but for your stated purposes I don't think you can beat a Miata.

You can get into and out of a Miata without getting hurt (financially), parts are cheap and there is a ton of aftermarket support for them. If you end up getting on a track with it and there is a minor incident the Miata will be way cheaper to fix then the S2K (aluminum body panels, vs Miata stuff that is almost free, not to mention suspension parts).

I have not checked specifically, but the it has to be way cheaper to replace a Miata clutch then an S2K, or just about anything else for that matter. Brakes will be cheap on the Miata....

One issue with getting on the track with a Miata is that some groups/clubs are cracking down on open topped cars, a roll bar will solve this problem, and in some groups only the advanced run groups are required to roll bars.

Smac355 · 11-10-2010, 11:09 AM

so what are some of the typical problems i should be looking out for w/ these type of used cars and expected fixes... E36, s2000, miata

ZZZZ · 11-10-2010, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smac355

so what are some of the typical problems i should be looking out for w/ these type of used cars and expected fixes... E36, s2000, miata

e36 m3 were listed near the beginning of the thread. I had an e36 for 10+ yrs without any major issues. Original engine, clutch, tranny, diff, subframe, etc. etc.. reliable workhorse.

I think the OP should go the miata route simply because they're so cheap to repair. Stay away from the Rx7s though, they were non-stop headaches for me. e36 m3 is a fun daily, cheap to maintain if it hasn't been abused... but most under $10k have been abused or are high mileage unfortunately. Z3 M is another good option for you if you're not a huge person. I haven't seen any good condition S2000's under $10k around, but it's an option for sure.

And, even though it's Domestic... a Mustang. Cheap parts, cheap insurance, cheap to buy, and could find low MI relatively easily. RWD, manual... it'll serve your purpose.

DASHOCKER · 11-10-2010, 01:07 PM

Honda S2000. I would love to have one of those..

bigslick82 · 11-10-2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smac355

thanks for all the advice... my original thoughts were a honda maybe 99/00 Si or a S2000 just b/c they are so reliable even with tons of miles. however si's are hard to find. I def want something more handling that i can really learn to drive, my 135i has more than enough straight line power to feed my speed cravings. I don't really want to do to much(i say that now) simply since i've already put a lot of $$ into the 135i. I kinda like the S2000 idea. Although these things gotta be worse in the snow than a 135. I live in PA/NJ area.

Go the miata route. I love the s2k (One of my favorite all-time cars, I would've got one instead of the z4 but my gf can't drive a stick), but if you want something to learn on, possibly abuse, maybe track and save a bit of money doing all of this, the miata is taylor-made for you. Think about it -- a s2k for around 10k, or a miata for 5k and money left over for parts. It's a win-win.

mtla4 · 11-10-2010, 03:40 PM

Lets say he breaks the clutch by learning how to drive on it or tranny getting one from a junkyard wont be cheap. Honestly I would go with an RSX-S cheap to fix,pretty fast good on gas and good resale value.

bigslick82 · 11-10-2010, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtla4

Lets say he breaks the clutch by learning how to drive on it or tranny getting one from a junkyard wont be cheap. Honestly I would go with an RSX-S cheap to fix,pretty fast good on gas and good resale value.

I thought that's why the miata is a good choice. You can pick up one in good shape for far less than 10k. It's been around while so it should have decent affordable prices on parts.

Shouldn't replacing a clutch on a mazda vs honda/acura be similar in price points?

11-09-2010, 08:37 AM	#1
Smac355 Lieutenant 40 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	Best used performance oriented Car <10k Hey guys, I've been thinking of getting a used car to save some miles and learn to drive manual on. Not looking to spend alot and prefer not a lot of problems since im sure the mileage will be up there. Any suggestions? THanks __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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11-09-2010, 09:22 AM	#2
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	A non-abused, well-maintained E36 ///M3 would be a good choice. I miss mine, and all of the problems with my N54 are making me think quite a bit about going that route (maybe with a little Sniz-like flare).... Like all cars that get older, it will have its issues, but inspect it closely for RSM damage, shock tower cracks, bushing wear, subframe cracks near the reinforcement plates, and check to see if the water pump has been replaced (even the metal impeller water pumps should be replaced before 100k). Make sure the headliner isn't starting to sag anywhere and that the sunroof operates properly, as well as the climate control module, and ensure the OBC is fully functional. The "issues" I had with that car paled in comparison to the problems I face on a regular basis in my 335.
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11-09-2010, 09:53 AM	#3
wakeboarder109 Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: in High Country Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: RVA iTrader: (3)	I second the E36 M3. One just sold down here in Richmond for $5500. Black, 5spd, vader seats, 107k miles with no mechanical issues. He said the body needed a little tlc but it looked decent from the pictures.
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11-09-2010, 10:13 AM	#4
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	What do you want from the car? Do you want something that goes around corners, trackable? Do you want a straight line car? Do you want something you can enjoy cruising? Do you want something you can work on and modify?
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11-09-2010, 10:25 AM	#5
SilverII Colonel 40 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: '11 335IS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335IS [9.66]	S2K
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11-09-2010, 10:27 AM	#6
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	My 130k mile S52 M Coupe?
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11-09-2010, 11:47 AM	#7
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	S2k Miata Civic Si __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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11-09-2010, 12:47 PM	#9
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	S2000 E36 M3 Miata MR-S Since you're keeping your 135, I'd say get something impractical like an S2000, MR-S or Miata. Learn to drive it, then autocross it! __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
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11-09-2010, 01:09 PM	#10
Kcyrusm Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 290 Posts Drives: 2012 335is DCT Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: N. VA iTrader: (1)	S2000 hands down. Best bang for your buck. Owned one for 3 years and NEVER got tired of driving it. Still got my heart racing and put a smile on my face when i'd rev her up. __________________ ________________ BMS DCI \| AR Catless DP's \| ETS FMIC \| E38 Map Cobb Protuned by Jake@PTF 2012 BMW 335is: 11.926 @ 117.710 MPH (stock runflats)
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11-09-2010, 01:16 PM	#11
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender 573 Rep 4,759 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| 1JZ S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	I'd have to go with an E36 M3 as well __________________ Stop putting stuff like painted reflectors and premium package in your signature. You're embarrassing.
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11-09-2010, 09:03 PM	#14
Smac355 Lieutenant 40 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	thanks for all the advice... my original thoughts were a honda maybe 99/00 Si or a S2000 just b/c they are so reliable even with tons of miles. however si's are hard to find. I def want something more handling that i can really learn to drive, my 135i has more than enough straight line power to feed my speed cravings. I don't really want to do to much(i say that now) simply since i've already put a lot of $$ into the 135i. I kinda like the S2000 idea. Although these things gotta be worse in the snow than a 135. I live in PA/NJ area. __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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11-09-2010, 09:08 PM	#15
Sniz Lieutenant General 654 Rep 10,587 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	yeah I like e36 M3's __________________
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11-10-2010, 11:09 AM	#17
Smac355 Lieutenant 40 Rep 400 Posts Drives: Join Date: Dec 2008 iTrader: (0)	so what are some of the typical problems i should be looking out for w/ these type of used cars and expected fixes... E36, s2000, miata __________________ Black Sapphire Metallic 135i/Coral Leather Interior/ Gloss Black Grills/20% tint/M door sills/Black 135i badge, smoked LED side marker, Dinan stage II , DINAN Exhaust, performance side skirts, performance shift boot/e-brake, pedals, carbon fiber wrapped interior
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11-10-2010, 01:07 PM	#19
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	Honda S2000. I would love to have one of those.. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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