New car for 2005 suggestions

[BSTD510]

Now I've decided I would like to park my arse into a newer car.
Not really sure what I'd like to drive yet.
budgeting $17000 max.
I DONT want an import has to be aus delivered, silvia's dont do it for me, skylines aren't my scene and i've owned turbo rotors before so I doubt I will bother going down that path again.
The VT supercharged v6 S pac I had was reasonably nice, I know theyre not the ducks guts but I want a car that has reasonable power ( i dont want a car that runs 10s ...been there done that and the car spends more time eating my money than driving). At the moment the short list would be
v8 commode (boring)
s14 200sx ( id be lookin at a 94 model which might be getting too old)
wrx ( again too old).
ford xr6 (el maybe)
now i await some suggestions. Would prefer larger car as i play guitar and the cab just doesnt fit in smaller cars, but if i get the 200sx or wrx then of course i'll keep my shit run around to cart the gear in.
Thanks guys and i know how much we all hate these threads

[THE ASH]

Series 2 VT with a manual Gen III, less boring than the XR6 & a shiteload faster

[XRman]

I may be a little biased, but I'd recommend an EL XR6 or perhaps a series 2 (more powerful) XR8....you could find a decent one for around that money.

My EL XR6 I got for around that price and it was well 'optioned', being factory manual, cardinal red/copper metallic (or whatever the colour is called), only had ~60,000kms, rims etc. It's quick enough for me (although a soon to come 1521a Wade cam will help ), handles well around city streets, can carry 4 mates in comfort and I can fit just about anything I'll ever want to move in a car.

I wouldn't say no to a WRX or an S14 either, however for $17k I assume your looking at 1995-1997 WRX, or a 1994-5 S14. I've always been partial to VT Gen 3 6spds execs as a good reasonably priced sleeper/cruiser....but I dont know what they're like price wise...but in WA I would assume $19-22k still for a good example.

[Lon]

Im thinking of an E8/9 (whichever is available when im ready to buy), Mazda 6 MPS or a Liberty GT. But then I just maybe dreaming

[BSTD510]

yeah id be lookin at an older s14, but i really prefer the look of a clean s14 on 17s rather than a s14a aggressive front...just dont like those lights. The wrx might be the go for now ....but ill check out the fords...best example i can find will get my money i guess.

[walkie]

I much prefer the aggressive look of the S14a

[DRIFTIN]

You'll be able to pick up an MY98/99 WRX for $17K. Dealers are offering that sort of money for a trade on an '00 at the moment.

I believe I even saw an '00 on wrx.net.au in the last few days for $19K.

Adam

[BSTD510]

Yeah a rex does appeal, just not sure about build quality of the cars produced 95-96 but if i could get a 98 model ill probably consider it very strongly

[DRIFTIN]

Yeah a rex does appeal, just not sure about build quality of the cars produced 95-96 but if i could get a 98 model ill probably consider it very strongly

You'll get a '98 easily. Just be sensible when buying -- look for private sales, stick to your limit, and know that people aren't falling all over themselves to buy '98 model rexes, so buyers will no doubt be waiting quite a while to sell a rex at the moment. I paid $38k before onroads for my brand new MY05 and I'd be very happy to get $17k for it in 6-7 years!

Adam

[skankyjoe]

Lancer Gsr

[Sturmovik]

Series 2 VT with a manual Gen III, less boring than the XR6 & a shiteload faster

Youd be lucky to get an SS for that price. Maybe an Exec with high kms.

[Tripper]

what about the good old F40

[DrNick]

I traded my MY00 WRX with 90,000kms for ~$18k... So hunt around, you should be able to find a MY99 if you really want one.

S

[coyote]

.. i play guitar and the cab just doesnt fit in smaller cars, but if i get the 200sx or wrx then of course i'll keep my shit run around to cart the gear in.

Not necessarilly, one of those you can get as a wagon.

[BSTD510]

Hadn't considered the wrx hatch....i like the shape, but I dont think many west aussies bought them as i hardly ever see them on the road. But a reasonably new rex would be pretty attractive so maybe i will hunt around and whilst i clear up the cash to purchase.