Next car $5-7k .... advice?

[Jabba]

thanks for all the replies guys!

Not too sure i could deal with an MX-5, but the S13 sounds like an idea. i didn't know the were available that cheap. And i am sure tuning parts will be rather plentiful. I still like the MR2 though, they kinda remind me of an Elise.... little baby car with a little engine in the boot :D

thanks for the ideas guys, keep em coming while i check out nissans :D

P.S. AWD is ok too

[Jabba]

hmmm.....

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....e=STRK:MEWA:IT

[carazy]

I was in the same class of money and got an 85 BMW 323i.
Parts are reasonable on it and they are pretty reliable/economical.
The high comp engines put down some decent power if they are in good working order.
Non turbo though but they are fantastic through the twisties.

I would look hard for one though a shit one could cost you to much money to fix (same with any jap car I guess)
MX-5 would be awesome but I'd say you'd be looking at a total shitter for that money.

[tomic]

hmmm.....

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....e=STRK:MEWA:IT

The quality of english is a bit of a concern.

I pick reason for sale, other wise i would leave and keep.

[Puff_Datto]

I reckon you should get a XD falcon 5.8 V8 was a good motor

Get a wagon and make a nice beast

sorry im drunk

but do it!

[XAC15T]

rx-7 for teh win!

[SirGoat]

SirGoat - wouldn't they be pretty flogged out by now?

There are still some good examples around, engines and gearboxs are cheap from overseas so allot of owners just change the engine, turbo and gearboxs as they get old.

Mine has 260,000 on it when i sold it, had a import engine with about 120,000 all up same with its gearbox. Engine was very strong when i sold it, gearbox did get rebuilt a few weeks before even then it was only 1k to rebuild and slightly modify it.

[trent from punchy]

yup....
i got my mx5 for 5800.
looks quite different now
http://www.markpakula.com/5/


its got a few kays, but runs fine...
parts are cheap, and if u can fit, its an awesome car.

[Spammy]

Keep in mind that $5,000 to $7,000 will buy you a car that is advertised at $7,000 to $10,000 depending on how realistic the seller actually is.

If the seller tells you he can't lower his price, respond with "so you actually don't want to sell this car" and hang up.

[hostile]

rx-7 for teh win!

i was gonna suggest it until i read economical

[oosx]

Here a few cars you have a look at not yet listed:

* Toyota Soarer 1986-1988 turbo & non turbo
* Toyota Sprinter
* R31 skyline and drop in a RB20DET or a jap spec which is already turboed
* 1987-1991 Toyota Cressida and drop in a 7MGTE or 1JZGTE
* Datsun 120B,180B,200B, Blubird and drop in a CA18DET
* Holden VL turbo
* Mitsubishi VR4 - not sure if you want a 4WD turbo
* Mitsubishi Starion turbo
* Nissan 300zx 1985-1987 turbo and non turbo
* Ford TX3 Turbo FWD & 4WD
* Toyota Starlet Turbo
* Toyota Supra 1986-1990 Turbo and non turbo

Cars listed above eg MX5 and S13/180SX are good options.
Im sure there are many more options just depends on what you like and if your willing to build a car as listed above.

Good Luck

[Cal]

A lot of MX5's in that price range will be imports. I would steer clear and buy an Aussie car. They handle high kms well. There are bargains to be had. I paid $9K for my 95 model 1800 last month. It has 188000kms on it, came with 16" rims, GAB suspension, zorst, really good Sony stereo and a spare roof. The 1800 has bigger brakes and diff too.

Cal.

[itsnotagsr]

My old manager had an immaculate white Aussie '90 model with 130,000kms on it. It had a new canvas roof and a solid removable roof. He struggled six months trying to sell it, and in the end took $9k. I'm sure there would be many similar stories out there.