Fun, cheap cars - ideas?

[Cameronswmp9]

What about a silverado from the early 2000s? Can be had cheap and still in decent shape (or ragged out clapped out contractors trucks, if you prefer) with a good engine and a transmission that will need some attention with any power. Lots of guys dropping turbos on them and suspension and driving the hell out of them.

Look at performancetrucks.net to check those out.

 

[HMP]

What about a silverado from the early 2000s? Can be had cheap and still in decent shape (or ragged out clapped out contractors trucks, if you prefer) with a good engine and a transmission that will need some attention with any power. Lots of guys dropping turbos on them and suspension and driving the hell out of them.

Look at performancetrucks.net to check those out.

car.
While I still look around at SUVs during my search, and having one again would allow me to haul my motorcycles again = getting back into racing, I am more of a car guy. Im a sporty/fun car guy. Full sized trucks just dont do anything for me for my daily life.

 

[Daleo8803]

 

[mig1nc]

Also, going back to last night's post - the IS300 is not a 'fast' car by any means, with 217 hp stock (not at wheel lol)
BUT, its a solid engine that with a few bolt on pieces can hit 200whp easily, and then, of course, turbo options are out there since it's got a turbo variant of the engine from the factory.

All the modders with their Alteza light mods kind of ruined the IS for me. Still though, I occasionally think about it.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[HMP]

All the modders with their Alteza light mods kind of ruined the IS for me. Still though, I occasionally think about it.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I agree on the taillights for civics etc, but they are good looking cars, fairly nice interior, and some power.

 

[HMP]

that was awesome!

 

[papa_smurf]

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...eCode1=FORD&modelCode1=MUST&clickType=listing

 

[wvsig]

Audi S4 2008-2009 would check all the boxes. V8 AWD with a manual transmission. 340 HP and 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds.

If you got lucky you might be able to find a 2010 which had a 6 cylinder turbo with less HP but more torque and faster 0-60 time.

Great practical rocket that was one of the best in class in its day.

 

[HMP]

May have found something...but won't really know until tomorrow.

There's a 2007 bmw 3 series wagon on the CPO BMW site...but it's not showing on the actual dealer site, which makes me wonder if it's already gone.
But it says it's a manual rwd model, not an X model which is awd.
under 7k

 

[SPST]

Audi S4 2008-2009 would check all the boxes. V8 AWD with a manual transmission. 340 HP and 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds.

If you got lucky you might be able to find a 2010 which had a 6 cylinder turbo with less HP but more torque and faster 0-60 time.

Great practical rocket that was one of the best in class in its day.

But you would still be stuck with an Audi!

 

[HMP]

But you would still be stuck with an Audi!

What's your beef with Audi?

I love the little A3, but I dont think they came AWD, only FWD as an upgraded version of it's VW Golf cousin

 

[SPST]

What's your beef with Audi?

I love the little A3, but I dont think they came AWD, only FWD as an upgraded version of it's VW Golf cousin

I'm just not an Audi or Volkswagen guy. Although I''d die for a Porsche 911.

 

[HMP]

I'm just not an Audi or Volkswagen guy. Although I''d die for a Porsche 911.

Brother, Id give up a testicle for one easily. Maybe both!

 

[dmarbell]

I have a 2003 VW Jetta Wagon 1.8 Turbo 5-speed. Even with 175k miles it's a hoot to drive, and a big break from my Chevy 2500HD, especially trying to park!

Any ideas on how pathetic it would be to pimp this thing out? It's probably time for a second timing belt change, so I could do something to the engine while they are in there. Maybe just that, plus some new pipes and a paint job to make folks wonder just how deep the crisis goes? LOL

Note: Stock photo, but my body is about this good, except for the front bumper lower part.

I'm just not an Audi or Volkswagen guy. Although I''d die for a Porsche 911.

I had one, like a 1986 model 1911. Bought it from a guy I worked with, had it checked out beforehand, and was told it needed a good tune-up. After a couple thousand $ on diagnostics and tune-ups, was told it needed an $8k overhaul. I asked what it would be worth after the overhaul, and the mechanic (not the check-out guy, BTW) said about $6k.

 

[wvsig]

What's your beef with Audi?

I love the little A3, but I dont think they came AWD, only FWD as an upgraded version of it's VW Golf cousin

A3s come in AWD but at one time used a slightly different system than the standard Quattro IIRC.

A buddy of mine is getting a RS3.

 

[wvsig]

I'm just not an Audi or Volkswagen guy. Although I''d die for a Porsche 911.

Audi VW have been good to me. Ran a 1998 A8L for many years until 2012. It was still running when I sold it.

Currently run a 2008 A8L which should last me 3-4 more years and then I am looking to get a A8L Sport Plus.

Wife drove a 2006 GTI for 11 years. She just upgraded to M3 and if I had to bet in 5-8 she will get a Porsche.

If I was going to get a Porsche 911 I would get s CPO and run it until the warranty is up and then move on. I don’t see them as long term owners unless you can do your own work. Even then parts alone can kill you.

 

[HMP]

I have a 2003 VW Jetta Wagon 1.8 Turbo 5-speed. Even with 175k miles it's a hoot to drive, and a big break from my Chevy 2500HD, especially trying to park!



I had one, like a 1986 model 1911. Bought it from a guy I worked with, had it checked out beforehand, and was told it needed a good tune-up. After a couple thousand $ on diagnostics and tune-ups, was told it needed an $8k overhaul. I asked what it would be worth after the overhaul, and the mechanic (not the check-out guy, BTW) said about $6k.

a) it's a turbo, for under 500 bucks you can make a TON of power over stock
b) oh how times have changed. A mid-80s ROLLER (ie: no engine. Didnt have seats, headlights, have the targa. Didnt have the gauges or, really, ANYTHING) recently sold for almost 15k...
Mid 80s Pcars are easily in the 20+ range now in any condition. Sucks. lol

 

[wvsig]

a) it's a turbo, for under 500 bucks you can make a TON of power over stock
b) oh how times have changed. A mid-80s ROLLER (ie: no engine. Didnt have seats, headlights, have the targa. Didnt have the gauges or, really, ANYTHING) recently sold for almost 15k...
Mid 80s Pcars are easily in the 20+ range now in any condition. Sucks. lol

Another friend of mine has an older
911 he use to track but he says its worth too much these days to risk it. Prices have gone insane on those cars. Anything with a low price is a money pit.

 

[SPST]

Audi VW have been good to me. Ran a 1998 A8L for many years until 2012. It was still running when I sold it.

Currently run a 2008 A8L which should last me 3-4 more years and then I am looking to get a A8L Sport Plus.

Wife drove a 2006 GTI for 11 years. She just upgraded to M3 and if I had to bet in 5-8 she will get a Porsche.

If I was going to get a Porsche 911 I would get s CPO and run it until the warranty is up and then move on. I don’t see them as long term owners unless you can do your own work. Even then parts alone can kill you.

Well, I would hope an A8 would still be running after 14 years for what they cost. My '99 Accord, which I still drive daily, has 235k and still runs like a top.

 

[wvsig]

Well, I would hope an A8 would still be running after 14 years for what they cost. My '99 Accord, which I still drive daily, has 235k and still runs like a top.

I only mentioned it was still running to point out I replaced it because I wanted to not because I had to. When I bought the 1998 A8L it cost me less than a new Accord would have. I did not buy it new. I bought it after it had come off a lease and a CPO buy back by the same owner. Over my time of ownership with tires, brakes, repairs and maintenance I put another $6,000 into it.

I did the same thing with my current 2008 A8. I have had it for almost 6 years and I paid under $40,000 for it. Maintenance and repairs have been a little higher per year on this one but nothing outrageous. I almost always buy used. I am glad you like your accord. I personally can't stand them. They are the definition of a soul less car for me. They are like a Glock. They run and can do what you need to them to do on a fundamental level but they bring zero joy to the endeavor. I like to enjoy the drive.

 

[SPST]

Yep. I bought the Accord new in '99 for cheap reliable transportation. Hell, it still has the original clutch with 235k miles! I have a motorcycle for spirited high speed driving.

 

[wvsig]

Yep. I bought the Accord new in '99 for cheap reliable transportation. Hell, it still has the original clutch with 235k miles! I have a motorcycle for spirited high speed driving.

Yeah I can totally understand that. I have had Civics back in the day to strictly get me from one place to another. I would love to do the bike thing but I do not trust other drivers in cars and the wife works in a hospital and wont let me do it.

 

[SPST]

I would have a hard time with the "won't let me" part.

 

[wvsig]

I would have a hard time with the "won't let me" part.

I don't it comes from a place of knowledge. She sees what happens to people riding motorcycles when they interact with cars. The margin for error is very small and the results are too often catastrophic.

 

[SPST]

I don't it comes from a place of knowledge. She sees what happens to people riding motorcycles when they interact with cars. The margin for error is very small and the results are too often catastrophic.

People get shot, drown, have heart attacks from eating junk food. Life is short, do what makes you happy.

 

[wvsig]

People get shot, drown, have heart attacks from eating junk food. Life is short, do what makes you happy.

Right that is why I don't drive an Accord.... LMAO For me there are better safer ways to go fast.

 

[amnesia]

Chevy Cobalt SS/turbo or supercharged. Around 5k

 

[HMP]

Chevy Cobalt SS/turbo or supercharged. Around 5k

I dont want a FWD car.

 

[amnesia]

I dont want a FWD car.

Honda s2000, Subaru WRX, c5 Corvette, ws6 Trans-am, 05-06 gto, golf r.

 

[HMP]

Ive been looking around casually since this post back in early November.
I test drove a 2010 BMW 328i Touring (wagon) on Sunday. Was an automatic and wanted to see how they shifted (how quickly after input) - I liked it! But THAT car, the one I drove, was ugly and needed a lot of work. Exterior color was a soft blue, interior was an oyster white leather...
Plus it was going to need some interior bits replaced because they were broken or tore up (headliner, for example). Outside - BIG scratch down the drivers side along with little things that I can handle (but the long key mark - no).

Anyway, the search continues.
BUT
I may have found a 91 Turbo MR2, same body as I had before, for a decent price. But needs a little work too - biggest being a respray as most clearcoat is gone. Repaint, reupholster seats, little things after that. But its cheap enough (under 3k) that I have plenty of budget for that.
And it's close, near Charlotte NC

We'll see what happens

 

[Crazy Carl]

anyone ever mess with IS300 before?
RWD
Some came with a 5-speed
Same engine as the 4th gen supra, 2JZ, but no turbos.

Older, early 00s, so they are quite cheap to get these days

One of my kid cousins built this-

This is supposed to be putting down over 600hp & know he played hell finding, then waiting on a trans & clutch that would stay together behind that motor. Total tear down & rebuild, to include the black leather interior from a wrecked donor he bought for parts.

His younger brother drives a '85 Monte Carlo SS with a 468BBC & his older brother runs their very successful mobile mechanic business in the KC area. Great kids & serious gearheads.

 

[HMP]

If it's "JUST" 600 hp then finding a good tranny shouldnt have been hard - Supra.
The IS is a great looking car with lots of potential

 

[hp468]

If it's "JUST" 600 hp then finding a good tranny shouldnt have been hard - Supra.
The IS is a great looking car with lots of potential

No kidding 600hp is nothing for a Supra.

944/951 P cars are a blast to drive but the older they get the more aggravating they are to keep up. Maintenance is a bit tedious, electrical system can be finicky, and a lot of the plastic parts start to degrade. Not to mention they wont hold a candle to the power modern cars put out.

 

[Crazy Carl]

If it's "JUST" 600 hp then finding a good tranny shouldnt have been hard - Supra.
The IS is a great looking car with lots of potential

I don't remember the exact issue & think it may have had more to do with the clutch. Tinkerin' with late model metrics with their electronics & forced induction is well beyond my level of understanding. Harleys, pushrod V8s & the odd inline 4 bike engine are my limit.

I do regret no bringing my '86 520i home from Germany. Old enough to be exempt from conversion & perfect body & interior. A coworker had a '86 M5 that'd stay sideways deep into 3rd gear, but body & interior falling apart. I would love to have swapped that drivetrain into the 520.

 

[HMP]

Im really thinking about this MR2 a lot...

 

[HMP]

Going to look at it next Saturday.
Talking with owner a lot, this might be my reentry into the MR2 and Turbo world
It'll be cheap to buy, but then I'll be seeking a painter to get her looking good again, as well as cleaning cleaning cleaning and getting it back to stock, great condition.

 

[Les White]

I'm still a fan of the Miata platform with it's 50/50 weight distribution and endless suspension mods. The cheap ecotech engine swap (~$3k) puts the power output inline with the turbo mods without the headache associated with adding a turbo and only adds 10lbs. I just wish it wasn't so gay - that's why I was looking at the Exocet kit.



Exocet and ecotek would be a rocket.

 

[HMP]

As Ive stated, I like the miata but I do want a little bit of space.
Hell, with a miata - if you have a passenger you cant even stop for bread and milk on the way home lol
The trunk is just so small, I got to have more than that

 

[longfuse]

If you can find a Subaru, there is a HUGE lot of ECU tuning information available for the DIY'er.
New Edge Mustangs are trash ,the 4.6 is a nightmare, and can't handle much power, and barely put anything more down at the rear wheels than a Fox Body 5.0.
You can get a Barbie Vette for that kind of money all day long.
The F-Bodies were putting down acceptable power in 94-02 and plenty of leg room, and definitely plenty of room to make more power.
Honda S2000 maybe?
If you want LOTS of room, grab an old Mopar C-Body, like a Fury, Monaco, Polara, or Newport coupe with a 383 or 440 big block for under $5k and if it doesn't already have a manual trans, swap it. They can get pretty mean with very little work.
There's a 67 Charger with a 383 out towards the beach on Facebook that was $8500 I saw recently, albeit a 727 Automatic.

I just sold one of my toys recently for $6600

 

[HMP]

test drove this morning
spent about an hour with the guy going over the car + the test drive

I think it's the one
He applied for new title in SC a month ago (he says) and hasnt gotten it back yet.
As soon as he has title in hand I'll head that way - told him I'd buy

Seemed like a really good guy. He's been around the MR2 boards for a long time, so not just some random guy trying to flip a MR2 right quick

When I get it (assuming nothing crazy comes up) I'll start a build thread documenting the car - good and bad
There are many little projects I'll have to do, most are one hour fixes (bolting up the stock strut braces etc) or ones that I can fix for almost no money (ie, fixing the mirrors with C clips, Ive got hundreds here at home)
There's a few janky things that I'll take care of in no time
And then there's some bigger things that'll be weekend projects