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Cheap Sport Cars? 2008-2011 advice please
- Thread starter Evo 5oh
- Start date
My wife has a Mazda 6. Maintenance-wise I don't like it a whole lot. I don't mean that it breaks down, because it's very reliable. I mean that you have to take the bumper off to change the headlights. Routine maintenance is inconvenient. Oil changes aren't bad though once you figure out the cartridge type filter vs the cannister type. It doesn't have much zoom zoom, I don't care what the commercials say.
I drive a Subaru WRX. I can't say enough about it. It has plenty of giddyup and go. It is extremely easy to work on. I have 168,000 miles on it (it's an 03) and it has never not started or broken down. I do the maintenance myself. For the price you are looking at, you should be able to find a nice 2007 model. I would stay away from the 2008, because that year wasn't a good year for them. Just my $0.02.
I drive a Subaru WRX. I can't say enough about it. It has plenty of giddyup and go. It is extremely easy to work on. I have 168,000 miles on it (it's an 03) and it has never not started or broken down. I do the maintenance myself. For the price you are looking at, you should be able to find a nice 2007 model. I would stay away from the 2008, because that year wasn't a good year for them. Just my $0.02.
gallandof
Android Expert
I currently drive an 07 cobalt, and its a great car. the interior is cheap, but the cars nice looking, good on gas and pretty perky for what it is. its currently up to 73k miles and the most expensive repair I've had to do on it is new sets of tires. I bought it used 2 years back for 6k with 30k miles on it. Definitely recommend taking a look into one of those.
Im hopefully trading it in soon for a '12 mustang, but if there arent arent good incentives when I go to buy, im going to keep the car another year.
If you have any questions about that car let me know.
Im hopefully trading it in soon for a '12 mustang, but if there arent arent good incentives when I go to buy, im going to keep the car another year.
If you have any questions about that car let me know.
gallandof
Android Expert
I second the WRX, if you get find one in good condition with under 100k within your price range id grab it. they are fast fun cars and all wheel drive is a huge plus! (personally prefer the '03 model year)
I love the Bugeye as well. I will second the Cobalt. The Cobalt SS could very well be my next car if I ever get rid of the WRX.
lordofthereef
Android Expert
I guess my definition of sports car is different than that of some others, LOL.
ElasticNinja
Android Expert
I would not spend $3k on a first car nevermind 13K
look for something decent that's not to costly to maintain or buy
My life's ambition is to own a Honda Civic
look for something decent that's not to costly to maintain or buy
My life's ambition is to own a Honda Civic
Evo 5oh
Android Enthusiast
Perfprmance is a + but i want a lifetime hobby also fixing it and customizing it but for now i need a car when the my salary gets better i start doing that
Wisenos
Android Enthusiast
I would not spend $3k on a first car nevermind 13K
look for something decent that's not to costly to maintain or buy
My life's ambition is to own a Honda Civic
i spent around 20k on a my first brand new one (actually paying for 2 cars: a lease i returned 2 years before contract end and the brand new one)
on the cobalt's big brother (Saturn ion) wich i think looks sportier, wich is also lighter (around 100lbs lighter) and dedicated models (wich means coupe/redline body parts aren't really interchangeable with the sedan)
have 2 full coupe door wich can hold with ease 200lbs for a 25-30 min period, and 2 small 'suicid door'
fully functionnal car, cheap (can have them now for under 5k$)
dent resistent side panels... bla bla bla... 5 stars frontal colission 4 star lateral collision...
exact same engine as in the cobalt but a sexier/sportier look
and cheaper on insurance (well it was for me)
ElasticNinja
Android Expert
how do you afford it? I mean I'm looking at potential costs and earnings, no way I can afford with a part time especially going to college - anyway I'm looking a few years ahead, I'd be happy with a moped atm
EDIT: First >brand new<, didn't see
EDIT: First >brand new<, didn't see
APDell
Well-Known Member
I recommend buing used. New cars are a waste of money. Get something with 20-30,000 miles on it and go to the dealer at the end of the month. They will give you a deal. Go a couple hours before closing time too. I sold cars for 3 years, this is when I would tell people I knew to come in. I had a better chance at getting them a really good deal at that time.
As far as the type of car to get. I would suggest a Nissan Altima. I have an 06 that I bought in 05 (before I realised how much of a depretiation there would be buying new) and have 86,000 miles on it. It still runs like a champ and I have never had to do anything as far as repairs go to it. It is the best car I have ever owned. It gets decent gas milage, about 28-30 mpg. It is just a solid car. Feels well build and sturdy to this day. I would try for an 07, if I were you. The cost should be around 12-13k depending on your location and equipment.
Just my opinion. Good luck!
As far as the type of car to get. I would suggest a Nissan Altima. I have an 06 that I bought in 05 (before I realised how much of a depretiation there would be buying new) and have 86,000 miles on it. It still runs like a champ and I have never had to do anything as far as repairs go to it. It is the best car I have ever owned. It gets decent gas milage, about 28-30 mpg. It is just a solid car. Feels well build and sturdy to this day. I would try for an 07, if I were you. The cost should be around 12-13k depending on your location and equipment.
Just my opinion. Good luck!
APDell
Well-Known Member
Get something with AWD. I had an Eclipse back in the day. It was a 92 Turbo AWD. I had some basic mods on it. Just things I could do myself. Turbo timer, boost control, gauges, intake and and exhaust. Nothing fancy or flashy. But that car hauled ass! But it would always break down.
Anyway, go for a Subaru. They are better quality and somewhat inexpensive if yo uget used. Turbo and AWD make for a great car in all weather! Just don't get happy with the launch... don't wanna wear out that tranny too much
Anyway, go for a Subaru. They are better quality and somewhat inexpensive if yo uget used. Turbo and AWD make for a great car in all weather! Just don't get happy with the launch... don't wanna wear out that tranny too much
Hrethgir
Android Expert
Same here! When I hear the words "sports car", Toyota Corolla and Mazda6 don't pop into my mind! Those are sport compacts, and that's really stretching it for either of those unless you are talking Mazdaspeed6. Otherwise, they are compact family sedans, AKA grocery getters.
Thefoodman52
Android Expert
The Miata's are an excellent car - well balanced and great for auto-crossing
Those cars aren't any fun unless they've been monster-modded. Nothing like a V8 in a matchbox to have fun in!
Hrethgir
Android Expert
That's not what I've heard. You don't need a ton of power to have a fun car. I'd rather have something with less power that handled like it was on rails than something that goes fast in a straight line. Corners are way more fun.
woop
novacane (OFWGKTA)
Not necessarily. I have a few buddies that own Miatas, and although they are slightly modded performance wise, they handle extremely well. Very well balanced and with the correct suspension set up and tires, you have yourself a very fun car that will grip corners like no other
woop
novacane (OFWGKTA)
My buddy had a 2nd gen MR2 turbo and that thing was amazing. It pulled so hard off the line even with the turbo and handled like it was on rails. Ridiculous
krouget
Android Enthusiast
It depends. Some makes don't send allocations to certain areas with their full list of options, and so buying used is extremely hard or even pointless, unless you're willing to settle. I've purchased 2 cars new, because that was the only way I was ever going to get the actual car I wanted, and the same goes for removing certain options.
If the concern is depreciation, yes, that will be a factor, but it's evaluated based on whether or not you buy a car where your time of use is the primary consideration, versus how much you try to recoup when someone else uses it...I fall into the former category. My cars/options are valued by how much I use/enjoy them over the course of ownership.
Lol, they're pretty tossable and fun cars, which can be rewarding.
My buddy did a 2.3L swap on his, and loves it. How much weight does the V8 add over the front axles? My concern is that the car would be more front-heavy.