Sports car under $20,000 - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

IKnowAllOfNothing · 08-16-2010, 12:29 AM

So I'm looking at getting a sports car and thought I'd ask what you guys would buy if you had 20,000 to spend.
Couple stipulations
No sedans, (I got one and it makes no sense to own 2 four door cars.)
No convertibles
Needs to be smog legal
Needs to be a reliable dd

Things I have been considering
Bmw e46 m3
Porsche 911 996
Acura NSX
Mazda Rx7 (ls1 swapped, yeah needs to be smog legal)

Your opinions?

boobs13 · 08-16-2010, 12:31 AM

07-08 HR 350z

raz0rbladez909 · 08-16-2010, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boobs13

07-08 HR 350z

If you want csc problems

lol its funny cuz i'm actually debating this same question with my next car

boobs13 · 08-19-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raz0rbladez909

If you want csc problems

lol its funny cuz i'm actually debating this same question with my next car

Your still gonna miss your Z after you sell it man lol?

raz0rbladez909 · 08-21-2010, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boobs13

Your still gonna miss your Z after you sell it man lol?

Hah i will miss everything except the stupid continuous problem with the clutch and that stupid giant strut bar in the back, otherwise i loved that damn hr

xpertsnowcarver · 08-16-2010, 12:36 AM

Damn, if you can find a NSX for $20k (without a ridiculous amount of miles or modified in some stupid way), please let me know.

The usual and cheapest I've seen is $30k. And that's only half way decent.

Honestly, your description sounds like an S2000, but with a hardtop.

Rogue · 08-16-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpertsnowcarver

Damn, if you can find a NSX for $20k (without a ridiculous amount of miles or modified in some stupid way), please let me know.

The usual and cheapest I've seen is $30k. And that's only half way decent.

Honestly, your description sounds like an S2000, but with a hardtop.

I just searched for some today on autotrader. Some of them were very cheap.

Silverbullet · 08-21-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpertsnowcarver

Damn, if you can find a NSX for $20k (without a ridiculous amount of miles or modified in some stupid way), please let me know.

The usual and cheapest I've seen is $30k. And that's only half way decent.

Honestly, your description sounds like an S2000, but with a hardtop.

20k NSX isn't common, but do come around. Condition will defently not be new, but NSX owners tend to not let their cars become shit boxes.

I had a friend who picked one up for 15k. Had its little quirks here and there, but was a good buy IMO.

TravisSW · 08-16-2010, 12:39 AM

Fork out another 5-6k and get a Genesis Coupe.

But since I'm now a Porsche/Euro guy. Get the 911/966.

What year btw?

IKnowAllOfNothing · 08-16-2010, 01:08 AM

The NSX I was looking at was a 1991 manual with 150k
Acura : NSX: eBay Motors (item 150467009549 end time Jul-19-10 20:27:10 PDT)
I kinda wish I bought it. NSX under 20,000 is slim pickings let me tell you.

The suggestion about the s2000 is a great one, but I'm 6'3 and 235lbs. I have tried very hard fit and there is no possible way. No tilt wheel and no head room.

The 911 I am looking is a 2000 911 with 50k at 20,000 exactly

I don't really want a 350z because well my friend at one and am looking for something different.

Good suggestions so far. Keep them coming.

IKnowAllOfNothing · 08-16-2010, 01:11 AM

Oh yeah if I could just get to 25,000 I'd own the Elise below
[ 2005 Lotus Elise ] Gray/Black w/Complete 3rd party inspection
its freaking sweetness!

xpertsnowcarver · 08-16-2010, 01:16 AM

Oh my gosh!! Nooo! What a great deal!

Damn you're tall... Hmm.... I would have suggested a used lotus elise next. Lol!

I agree with Travis' recommendations.

Lotus Esprit? Eh... probably in the $25-30k range too depending on the year.. Not sure about reliability.

Edit: You beat me to my response. Talk to guy down... Worst he'll say is no.

meteorite_flo · 08-16-2010, 02:01 AM

Could you really find a E46 M3 under 20k?

chris_240sx · 08-16-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meteorite_flo

Could you really find a E46 M3 under 20k?

My friend recently picked up a nice one for 19,000. I've ridden in it several times and driven it twice, it's a really nice car. I like it alot. I wouldn't call it "slow", but then I drive a na ka s14 haha.

240sx123$ · 08-16-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_240sx

My friend recently picked up a nice one for 19,000. I've ridden in it several times and driven it twice, it's a really nice car. I like it alot. I wouldn't call it "slow", but then I drive a na ka s14 haha.

Its not slow, but definitely not "fast." I consider it "quick." Perfect for a DD. Id daily the shit out of an M3. An all around well rounded car. Perfect balance of luxury and performance.

sw20>>s14 · 08-16-2010, 02:43 AM

2001 ZO6 hands down...although not the LS6, still a beast no doubt...

ayuaddict · 08-16-2010, 02:48 AM

You can easily find an E46 M3 for under $20,000, It's not hard to find one for under $15,000.

My vote is definitely for the NSX.

simmode1 · 08-16-2010, 05:39 AM

RX8. The 06+ models are much more reliable than the 04/05's. For around $14k or so, you get a car lighter than a Z33, that performs on par with the S2000, but has a back seat. Plus, ppl are starting to do LSx swaps on these too...

I mean, just look at how happy these asians look!

aznpoopy · 08-16-2010, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmode1

RX8. The 06+ models are much more reliable than the 04/05's. For around $14k or so, you get a car lighter than a Z33, that performs on par with the S2000, but has a back seat. Plus, ppl are starting to do LSx swaps on these too...

i agree.

you can get a really mint rx8 with 14k. like 20k miles or less mint. they just do not hold their value well.

they are pretty damn reliable, contrary to popular opinion. and the engine warranty goes up to 8-year / 100k.

in other words, for 14k you'd have a almost 4 door FR car with another 3-4 years / 80,000 miles of warranty left on it.

really hard to beat if you're looking for something semi practical, used, sporty and not a project.

Mangudai · 09-24-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmode1

RX8. The 06+ models are much more reliable than the 04/05's. For around $14k or so, you get a car lighter than a Z33, that performs on par with the S2000, but has a back seat. Plus, ppl are starting to do LSx swaps on these too...

I mean, just look at how happy these asians look!

Are they reliable?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5pecialist

What the heck are you talking about? Ferrari kicks ass & do not need anywhere near the repairs you make it sound like they need.

He's referring to Maserati.

simmode1 · 08-16-2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayuaddict

You can easily find an E46 M3 for under $20,000, It's not hard to find one for under $15,000.

Ooh ooh! Can I change my vote to this?! At about the same price, it stomps all over the RX8. I bet maintenance costs will be similar though...

Walperstyle · 08-16-2010, 05:42 AM

I'd start with a crappier car, and put the money into the right places. I'd buy the porsche if the budget was $35000

lucky7 · 08-16-2010, 06:36 AM

i'd get an M3. but keep in mind they are not the cheapest car to keep on the road. the same goes for a carrera. i like the NSX, but it's too damn old, IMO. i'd rather have an early viper for the same price.

ayuaddict · 08-16-2010, 07:35 AM

OH SNAP.

Totally forgot about Vipers.

Can you get a '96 GTS for $20,000 now??????

TheWolf · 08-16-2010, 07:40 AM

The Z06 beats all above. Easy to mod. Easy to fix. Fast and corners well.

The m3 is so capped from the factory and the HP is anemic. It's slow. once you drive a v8 bmw. you'll realize all that inline 6 jibba jabber was BS.

The NSX is just to old. Man that car is creeping up on being 20 years old. Alot of shit goes wrong with a 20 year old car that you don't realize. Every bit of rubber on that car is aged. Hoses. Door seals etc.

The porsche is a good idea if you are good at maintenance. If you can't diagnose it don't buy it. you'll die under repair bills.

The RX7 ls1 meh. To each their own. Some people like it. Some don't. I don't. To me the FD is beyond played out. If you've ever worked on a mazda it's like everything is engineered backwards. It annoys me.

You should really give up on this sports car BS and just get a bike and live with the 4 door.. I've got my 540i with a 6spd for hauling people and my k1200gt for myself.

5pecialist · 08-16-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IKnowAllOfNothing

Your opinions?

Excellent NEWER daily drivers with affordable maintenance (& maybe still have a warranty):

Nissan 350Z
Infiniti G35 coupe

Do eeeeet!

GeneStarWindGSW · 08-16-2010, 08:06 AM

you can always try gettin a mkiv supra.
2jz-gte has proved reliable and its got its pluses.
lots of aftermarket & cheap parts compared to your euro counterparts.

if your lookin for class higher then that, you can always try those nice audis or 1 series bmw.

maybe an evo?

240sx123$ · 08-16-2010, 08:25 AM

SC300 2jzgte.

With 20k, you could potentially have 12k+ to spend on parts after buying a clean SC. Obeewon has one with like 55k on it for sale for 7,500.

But Im also partial to the e46.

What about an e39?

jonnybonds84 · 08-16-2010, 08:34 AM

Porsche 944 Turbo or Turbo S.

This is a car that I've been looking to get. If you like to keep it a lil' old school you'll like this. Very responsive to mods and it's a Porsche (panty dropper.)

Cars for Sale: 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo S in Arlington Hts., IL 60005: Coupe Details - 282621515 - AutoTrader.com

BustedS13 · 09-25-2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnybonds84

Porsche 944 Turbo or Turbo S.

This is a car that I've been looking to get. If you like to keep it a lil' old school you'll like this. Very responsive to mods and it's a Porsche (panty dropper.)

yeah, nothing gets 'em wet like a 30 year old non-911 Porsche hoopty.

08-16-2010, 12:29 AM	#1
IKnowAllOfNothing Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Norcal Age: 44 Posts: 200 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Sports car under $20,000 So I'm looking at getting a sports car and thought I'd ask what you guys would buy if you had 20,000 to spend. Couple stipulations No sedans, (I got one and it makes no sense to own 2 four door cars.) No convertibles Needs to be smog legal Needs to be a reliable dd Things I have been considering Bmw e46 m3 Porsche 911 996 Acura NSX Mazda Rx7 (ls1 swapped, yeah needs to be smog legal) Your opinions?

08-16-2010, 12:36 AM	#6
xpertsnowcarver Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LA, CA Posts: 2,667 Trader Rating: (44) Feedback Score: 44 reviews	Damn, if you can find a NSX for $20k (without a ridiculous amount of miles or modified in some stupid way), please let me know. The usual and cheapest I've seen is $30k. And that's only half way decent. Honestly, your description sounds like an S2000, but with a hardtop. __________________ My YouTube Channel

08-16-2010, 12:39 AM	#9
TravisSW Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Age: 40 Posts: 2,071 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Fork out another 5-6k and get a Genesis Coupe. But since I'm now a Porsche/Euro guy. Get the 911/966. What year btw? __________________ 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo (951) 1995 Nissan 240sx (S14) Miss ya.

08-16-2010, 01:16 AM	#12
xpertsnowcarver Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LA, CA Posts: 2,667 Trader Rating: (44) Feedback Score: 44 reviews	Oh my gosh!! Nooo! What a great deal! Damn you're tall... Hmm.... I would have suggested a used lotus elise next. Lol! I agree with Travis' recommendations. Lotus Esprit? Eh... probably in the $25-30k range too depending on the year.. Not sure about reliability. Edit: You beat me to my response. Talk to guy down... Worst he'll say is no. __________________ My YouTube Channel

08-16-2010, 02:43 AM	#16
sw20>>s14 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bay area Posts: 5,656 Trader Rating: (19) Feedback Score: 19 reviews	2001 ZO6 hands down...although not the LS6, still a beast no doubt... __________________ s14\| y34\| 911 gts\| exige s\| 600rr\| r3\| 250r\| 85 girlfriend

08-16-2010, 01:08 AM	#10
IKnowAllOfNothing Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Norcal Age: 44 Posts: 200 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The NSX I was looking at was a 1991 manual with 150k Acura : NSX: eBay Motors (item 150467009549 end time Jul-19-10 20:27:10 PDT) I kinda wish I bought it. NSX under 20,000 is slim pickings let me tell you. The suggestion about the s2000 is a great one, but I'm 6'3 and 235lbs. I have tried very hard fit and there is no possible way. No tilt wheel and no head room. The 911 I am looking is a 2000 911 with 50k at 20,000 exactly I don't really want a 350z because well my friend at one and am looking for something different. Good suggestions so far. Keep them coming.

08-16-2010, 01:11 AM	#11
IKnowAllOfNothing Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Norcal Age: 44 Posts: 200 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Oh yeah if I could just get to 25,000 I'd own the Elise below [ 2005 Lotus Elise ] Gray/Black w/Complete 3rd party inspection its freaking sweetness!

08-16-2010, 02:01 AM	#13
meteorite_flo Zilvia Addict Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay area Age: 41 Posts: 696 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Could you really find a E46 M3 under 20k?

08-16-2010, 02:48 AM	#17
ayuaddict Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Socal Age: 36 Posts: 4,017 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	You can easily find an E46 M3 for under $20,000, It's not hard to find one for under $15,000. My vote is definitely for the NSX.

08-16-2010, 05:39 AM	#18
simmode1 Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Addison, TX Posts: 5,526 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	RX8. The 06+ models are much more reliable than the 04/05's. For around $14k or so, you get a car lighter than a Z33, that performs on par with the S2000, but has a back seat. Plus, ppl are starting to do LSx swaps on these too... I mean, just look at how happy these asians look!

08-16-2010, 05:42 AM	#22
Walperstyle Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Alberta, Red Derp Age: 44 Posts: 1,729 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'd start with a crappier car, and put the money into the right places. I'd buy the porsche if the budget was $35000 __________________ KA-T ORG-Function over Flush

08-16-2010, 06:36 AM	#23
lucky7 Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oakland (OT) Michigan Age: 40 Posts: 3,353 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: lucky7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i'd get an M3. but keep in mind they are not the cheapest car to keep on the road. the same goes for a carrera. i like the NSX, but it's too damn old, IMO. i'd rather have an early viper for the same price. __________________ -Dane

08-16-2010, 07:35 AM	#24
ayuaddict Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Socal Age: 36 Posts: 4,017 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	OH SNAP. Totally forgot about Vipers. Can you get a '96 GTS for $20,000 now??????

08-16-2010, 07:40 AM	#25
TheWolf Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orange Park, FL (Jax) Posts: 1,468 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The Z06 beats all above. Easy to mod. Easy to fix. Fast and corners well. The m3 is so capped from the factory and the HP is anemic. It's slow. once you drive a v8 bmw. you'll realize all that inline 6 jibba jabber was BS. The NSX is just to old. Man that car is creeping up on being 20 years old. Alot of shit goes wrong with a 20 year old car that you don't realize. Every bit of rubber on that car is aged. Hoses. Door seals etc. The porsche is a good idea if you are good at maintenance. If you can't diagnose it don't buy it. you'll die under repair bills. The RX7 ls1 meh. To each their own. Some people like it. Some don't. I don't. To me the FD is beyond played out. If you've ever worked on a mazda it's like everything is engineered backwards. It annoys me. You should really give up on this sports car BS and just get a bike and live with the 4 door.. I've got my 540i with a 6spd for hauling people and my k1200gt for myself. __________________ Eye on the Prize

08-16-2010, 08:06 AM	#27
GeneStarWindGSW Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central FL Posts: 719 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	you can always try gettin a mkiv supra. 2jz-gte has proved reliable and its got its pluses. lots of aftermarket & cheap parts compared to your euro counterparts. if your lookin for class higher then that, you can always try those nice audis or 1 series bmw. maybe an evo?

08-16-2010, 08:25 AM	#28
240sx123$ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PA Posts: 603 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	SC300 2jzgte. With 20k, you could potentially have 12k+ to spend on parts after buying a clean SC. Obeewon has one with like 55k on it for sale for 7,500. But Im also partial to the e46. What about an e39?

08-16-2010, 08:34 AM	#29
jonnybonds84 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dania Beach, FL Posts: 795 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Porsche 944 Turbo or Turbo S. This is a car that I've been looking to get. If you like to keep it a lil' old school you'll like this. Very responsive to mods and it's a Porsche (panty dropper.) Cars for Sale: 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo S in Arlington Hts., IL 60005: Coupe Details - 282621515 - AutoTrader.com __________________ *SPENCER DOUGHERTY* RIP ME OFF. SEARCH HIS REVIEW THREAD.