Ok I'll be getting a new (to me) car sometime in the next couple months and I was wondering if someone could help me narrow my search down...here's my criteria.

1. Can be bought new or used for $17,000 or under
2. No older than 5 years.
3. Fast...I want something that when stock can beat my GSX
4. I'd like something reliable...I don't like little things going wrong all the time
5. No premium gas and good gas mileage (above 23 mpg)...gas costs enough for me already.
6. Something that I can work on. I'm a noob at fixing cars but I really think I should be able to replace my alternator without taking it to a dealer.
7. Import or Domestic...I don't give a shit where it comes from.
8. FWD, AWD, or RWD if it meets the above I really don't care.

BTW I've been looking at the following cars lately...LS1 F-bodies, SRT-4, and 2002+ V-6 Altimas. Thanks in advance for any and all help, I'm just really overwhelmed at the moment with this.

You could get a brand new leftover 2004 GT mustang for around that price. Mm, warranty. There are still a few out there. You just gotta look hard. And it'll beat your GSX. :thumbsup:

That does sound like a good idea...around here it's almost impossible to get one with stick so how are the autos??? I know with the LS1's the autos aren't all that bad so I figured I'd ask.

my buddies 2000 auto whipped my ass tonight at the track. he had a best of 14.3@97mph with a 2.083 60ft. So the autos aren't so bad.

2000 gt or v6 dampachi?

How about a WRX? The 2002s with about 50k miles can be bought for about $15k, I'm not sure, but it might be using premium gas though.

GT. theres no way a V6 would be running those times unless it was blown/turbo'd/nitrous fed.

How about a WRX? The 2002s with about 50k miles can be bought for about $15k, I'm not sure, but it might be using premium gas though.

I've always liked those but I think since they're turbo they use the premium...

I've always liked those but I think since they're turbo they use the premium...
Well, since you're planning on spending $17k, just buy the WRX for $15k, and use the remaining $2k on mods/premium gas.

Well, since you're planning on spending $17k, just buy the WRX for $15k, and use the remaining $2k on mods/premium gas.

Well I will be getting a loan so I can't exactly spend the 2g's on mods, but I probably could on the little bit extra for gas. What kind of gas mileage do they get??? I know the EPA stuff is usually off some.

Look on their forums, nasioc.com i think, and also read c&d articles.