Looking for something fast & fun to drive and under 5K used, any suggestions?

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:22 pm

My Kid is driving and I often find myself without access to a car on occasion so I think I will treat myself to a 3rd car but want something used and under 5K. Can anyone suggest any cars in my range? I will hardly drive it (1X or 2x) per week so mpg is of no concern to me!

Thanks!

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:52 pm

dave get a pickup it come in handy now that you own a home !

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:11 am

What about a 2005/2006 SAAB 92x aero(aka subaru WRX)...5 spd?

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:36 am

Buy a used C4 Corvette. Here is one with a asking price of 5900 obo:

More pics here:
http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b398/ ... 3%20vette/

INFO:

1993 corvette LT1 6 speed. 107k Car is in decent shape. Not thrashed on. It has been repainted black. Tires are in good shape. Interior is in good shape could use rear cargo carpet however, and a headliner. Solid car. New U joints, New opti, icm and coil. New hoses. New water pump. New gearbox oil. New brake pads, Ice Cold AC Always ran on synthetic oil Stock 3.45 gears. 6000 obo make me an offer. Will post pictures tommorrow or can email them.

Got it from a Corvette forum that I visit daily:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4s-for ... speed.html

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:58 am

That's a thought as well, off to Craigslist I go.

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 1:15 am

may have a lead for you dave !

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 1:19 am

renovation wrote:
may have a lead for you dave !

Cool, thanks Mike!

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:06 pm

$5K will buy all sorts of decent used cars if you can do minor repairs yourself. I gather you like Saabs?

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:28 pm

I never had one before, i just like the look of that model. I am sorta handy. i do my own oil changes, brakes & struts. I am open to anything really. I really just want something fun to drive.

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 7:05 pm

Get a sand rail. You can find a GOOD one for around 5k and a decent one for around half.

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:33 pm

OK, what's a Sand Rail Pugsley? Pics?

As for Swedish cars, both Saab and Volvo make decent turbo cars and getting a used mid 90s Volvo 850 or S/V 70 turbo under $5K should be easy to find. Stay away from any AWD Volvo however as they couldn't make a durable AWD system. I'd look for those with lower mileage, like under 150K and where you know that it's been maintained otherwise either will cost a few bucks to fix all the typical issues that eventually go wrong with them.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Sun Jan 08, 2012 11:12 pm

What do you all think about the 1995- 2000 Lexus SC400? I never knew it was a V8, albeit it is a Front wheel drive.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:05 am

My experience with most of these types of cars is that since they are used & in the higher end of their mileage, you can expect to be replacing most of the stuff that most people try to avoid. Either the parts are expensive or the labor is long & difficult. But that's just me. I'd rather a vehicle that is known for being easily serviced & has reasonably priced parts (thus, mostly avoiding anything made in Europe & luxury type cars from any brand). But that's my opinion.

EvilHorace · Post by **EvilHorace** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:02 am

Having been a Lexus dealer tech for the last 5 yrs, I've worked on many a SC400 or LS400 and they're both RWD, not FWD.
Their V8s are flawless, like rarely leak any oil or have any problems. Parts can be costly but for older cars like that, you can find good used parts now in salvage yards or online vs new dealer parts prices. I wouldn't get any of those that are of '95 Vintage, now pretty old for a Japanese car IMO and no, they aren't as long lifed as old Volvos.
Look for one with lower mileage, even if you have to get on a plane and fly somewhere to pick it up. Done that twice so far.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Mon Jan 09, 2012 9:05 am

normalicy wrote:My experience with most of these types of cars is that since they are used & in the higher end of their mileage, you can expect to be replacing most of the stuff that most people try to avoid. Either the parts are expensive or the labor is long & difficult. But that's just me. I'd rather a vehicle that is known for being easily serviced & has reasonably priced parts (thus, mostly avoiding anything made in Europe & luxury type cars from any brand). But that's my opinion.

Thanks Mike. The voice of reason. So are you suggesting going with a newer car with low miles?