Looking for a new car and ran into a roadblock...

[TigerSEC]

So here's the deal. I am a newly graduating engineering student here in a few weeks and I have been looking into a new car (new to me). I have talked about this with some buddies and really hit a roadblock on in which direction to go.

A little about myself. I have grown op working on and building cars. So there's nothing that isn't too far of a reach (except for my buddies RX7, rotary caused me some real hell). I have always kind of wanted a motorcycle for the performance and handling, but recently got turned off on them seeing a friend almost get killed by a girl on her cell phone not paying attention to him as she pulled out of the mall parking lot. I guess I don't want someones stupid decision to ultimately leave me absolutely hopeless, with nothing I can do to defend myself. Because of this I have been looking into some car options, and this is where I am stuck.

I have always been a corvette fan, but obviously the price tag is something that I cannot afford at the moment. I also really like the look of the 370z's, but am not a real big fan of the 350z looks. In terms of cars that I have been interested in. I was thinking about heavily modifying a Fox Body Mustang or a Miata. Both of which are good cars, but they don't really have much specialty to them. Ultimately I am looking at something that either I can buy with cash for under 10k and then modify up to something special with maybe another 15k maximum.Or something that I can get for about 20-25k now and not really have to modify. I want something that handles like an all-star, but I also am a big fan of acceleration. I was hoping you guys could help me with some ideas.

Thanks,

[Jsaw]

I don't know if you are a Mini fan.... But the new Mini Coupé looks pretty sweet and are in the price range of 25k. Acceleration is really good as well as handling. You should try test driving one. If you are worried about space sit in one and you will see its not as bad as one might think looking at it.

-J

[TigerSEC]

I honestly have never really looked into them. I'm 6'2" 205 and most of my height is in my torso (used to having my head rub on the roof of most cars). I have always had nightmares of watching Jeremy Clarkson crawl out of the lotus exige a few years back, and just assumed Mini's were similar. I will look into it though for sure. I like the idea of a solid tuner market, and there appears to be a couple places for minis.

[Jsaw]

Hye, Just wondering if you ever checked out a MIni. I am curious as to the outcome of your search lol.

-J

[Mastercarpentry]

Just a suggestion-

Make a list of the 'possibles' and then find and test-drive as many of them as you can. That will help you make valid comparisons while the memories of each are recent and clear. I do this with the power tools in my trade when I can and it always gets me the right decision the first time around!

Phil