God, why me?(Help me! Apply inside.)

Well I just dropped my car(S14 240sx) off at the local garage(two friends of the family work there, my mom's friend is the guy who runs it) and he thinks that my KA24DE is on it's last leg. Granted it has 190k miles on it, but I just wasn't ready to let go. So, I ask you AF, what do I do? I've priced SR20 swaps and for the reliability you get they are out of the question(5k USD is what I came up with). I'm thinking time to buy another car. I do not buy new because the instant depreceation is too much, plus I'd like to spend 15k or less. I CAN spend up to 25k but let's not go there Here are my requirements:

1.Car must be RWD
2.Car must come in 5 or 6 speed manual
3.Car must handle well and be "quick" with opportunities to upgrade.
4.Style!

Things I like but don't HAVE to have:
1.TURBO
2.I don't especially like American cars, mainly because what I've driven of them I don't like(i.e. mustangs,camaros). I'm more interested in cornering than dragging.

I found an FD RX-7 in my area for around 15, but I want to keep my eyes open. Thoughts? Opinions? Anyone want to buy a nice S14 chassis with a not so nice engine for 1500? HELP!

Toyota Mr2 MKII Turbo. Nuff' said.

You were worried about reliability with an sr20 and you were looking at an rx7? wtf.

Rx-7's are plenty reliable, you just have to take care of them. I vote for the Rx-7, I love my first gen. But if you do buy one, make sure it's in good condition first, take it to a specialty rotary shop...for the most part Mazda dealerships aren't that knowledgable about them.

This thread didn't belong in Off-topic so I moved it here.


The MR2 does sound like it'd be right up your alley. If you want to move towars AWD the Exclipse is worth looking into as well. For 15K you could have one in excellent condition. If you're budget can afford then insurance you could also consider an older VR4 :iceslolan

You could probably find a Mint Mk3 Turbo Supra, as long as you treat her nice you won't have any problems.

Here are a few I've found so far:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=161561398&dealer_id=&car_year=1993&make=MAZDA&distance=100&max_price=&model=RX7&end_year=2005&advcd_on=n&min_price=&address=36535&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1984&color=&cardist=100

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=148294813&dealer_id=&car_year=1998&make=BMW&distance=75&max_price=&model=M3&advcd_on=n&end_year=2005&min_price=&certified=n&address=36535&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1984&color=&cardist=36

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=161536221&dealer_id=&car_year=1990&make=NISSAN&distance=75&max_price=&model=300ZXTURBO&advcd_on=n&end_year=2005&min_price=&certified=n&address=36535&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1990&color=&cardist=22

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=141195945&dealer_id=92220&car_year=1990&make=NISSAN&distance=75&max_price=&model=300ZXTURBO&advcd_on=n&end_year=2005&min_price=&certified=n&address=36535&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1990&color=&cardist=64




Opinions?

Though the miles a bit high, that 98 M3 would be the pick of that litter.

you know what i am going to say. i would get the 300zx tt. but the two you have listed are automatics, so i would keep looking until i saw a 5 speed. the rx-7 is also pretty nice. you should go test drive them all and see which one you like.

Oops didn't notice the automatics. Maybe you could tell me what differences there are between the early (90-91ish) z32's and the later models? Also are there any common reliability issues with z32's and most importantly how do they handle?

Yeah Yogs I like the look of that M3 but I'm worried about the miles and prospective maintenance.

i know the 1990 model year of the 300zx had a problem with warping valves. also, unless you dont mine having 15 less hp, dont get a 1996 300zx. if somebody could help me a little bit on this one because i dont remember the exact part, but nissan had to take a part off the 96 300zx to make it meet regulations which in turn made it loose 15 hp. and as with any turbocharged car, make sure the turbos are in good shape.

I'm leaning towards a z32...I've always loved the look of them and a TT V6 would be nice. Only thing I don't know is how well they handle(or CAN handle with upgrades). I found this thread about year changes...thanks for your reply though freak

Z32 year to year changes (http://www.300zxforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24029)

Hmmmm....now if only I could find one reasonably close to home...like 150 miles or so.