Confused about getting a new GT

I have always been a 3k fan. Right now I am driving a 91 3000GT SL, and I don't have anything to really complain about it besides that it would have been cool if it were a VR4. I am in the process of looking for a newer car. my spending limit is around 10k and I have seen alot of VR4 3k's going for sale around that price, but they are the first gen. Right now I am wondering if they are all that reliable. Despite my love for mitsu's and 3k's, parts and regular matinence can cost a pretty penny. My brother has a 96 Eclipse GSX, as you know, it is turbocharged and AWD much like the VR4, and the thing sucks gas like no other. This is what I am also worried about with the VR4, will the gas miliage be outrageous? My other plan was to get a 2nd gen 3k and make it look real nice, but I have the feeling that if I don't get a Vr4 I will really be missing out on something special. What's your opinion: 1st gen VR4 or 2nd gen SL as for being practical and usable?

What can I say - the VR4 is a fantastic car but it will hit your pocketbook harder then any of the other cars you mentioned. I think its worth it.

My dear friend, I had your same problem once upon a time. (except in my case the $$$ added up to only 2K) So do I get a cluncker and solve my transportation problem or do I suck it up, take the buss and save up for a year or so and get a VR-4? well I went and found a 94 SL for 5K so I financed the rest and got it. Now I love my SL and at least its still a 3000GT! but I admit that every time a VR-4 passes me by or blows me away I bow my head in shame and kick my own ass and wonder......why didnt I just wait?

I have an SL and I love her. LOL :)

I just bought a 95 SL with 98k for $5900 which was a good deal for my area, there are so many here (including a 99 VR-4 [/drool!]). Sl's are jsut fine for sport, for real racing save up for the big one and make shure you know what a $$$ pit it will be as long as you have it!

Reliability of a first gen vr4 or any car for that matter just depends on how it was treated and how you will treat it...ive seen mint condition first gens w/ 150,000+ miles on them, but at the same time my 94 blew the tranny at 90,000...still looking btw for a new one :(