Dilemma!

[S14Kyle]

Alright guys, I'm in a position I don't really have to be in, but because I care about my friends, I want to be. Sorry if you have to read it a second time due to grammar and stuff, but my hands hurt and i wanna type this fast.

So my friend is looking for a new car because his 1993 Subaru Legacy has an oil leak that costs more than the car and he's going to college this year. Anyway, his parents told him he could get a car for 14,000 dollars when he graduates, which he just did. He was looking at 300ZXs because he doesn't have to pay for payments for a year... After that he was supposed to take over and stuff. Anyway he went to look at a N/A 300ZX from 95, because his dad doesn't want him getting an older car (HE FLIPPED OUT ABOUT IT BEING 8 YEARS OLD!)... So he went to look at it, 50k miles on the odo. He drove from cleveland to columbus, which is like an hour and a half long drive, and the car was in perfect condition.
He got back and told his dad its worth 15k and his parents told him they could only give him 4k for a down payment... They're making him get at least a 98... with less than 60k miles. He wants manual and he's really upset now... He can basically only afford a 10k car, and like myself, his car is his self-esteem. What kind of car do u guys think he could afford, including insurance and everything. I was looking at a 2000 Altima for 9995 bucks with 50k miles thats a 5-speed. Those things are nice, my dad has a 95 and hasnt treated him badly.
Anyway, I probably skipped some info, but what do u guys think that would last him pretty long, is sporty and affordable (under 10k) that is 98+?
I'm in a tight bind here... I just wanna thank you in advance whoever responds to my plea.
Thank you,
Kyle

[TatII]

yeah older cars will run into alot of problems. my 240 gave me such a headache when i first got it. but after like 5 grand put into it, shes being really good to me. now about the car choices, hmmmmmm why not get a used 97-98 maxima in 5 speed? those things are quick. even quicker then the n/a Z 5 speed

[Suislide]

why not a 97-98 S14, like yours, Kyle? or are those too expensive? i'm not sure how much one goes for in the states...

[dayna240sx]

ooo you live in Ohio, there is a 97 240sx in that auto trader book thing you get at the store. (yeah, I cant think what its called) Anyway, I dont know the miles but its in Indiana for $9,995.

[mynismo]

there was a 96 by me that wanted 3500/obo.

[Sanchi]

Yah i like the ideal of getting a 240 alot like yours, just 98's are alot harder to find. I searched for one with my friend for a year and we couldnt find one worth buying. I know a guy from another forum that lives by LA and flew across 3 states and drove his 98 home... its was like 300 miles or something!!!! Or id get a MAXima LOOK LOOK i got both!!!! The Max is the best sports sedan out there BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK if you ask me!! what was it 15.2/.5 on the 1/4 for a socalled family car!!!

[S14Kyle]

Thanks guys for the help! Well basically here's how it goes, I found him a bunch of the cars u suggested, minus the 240 because a 98 is around 12k for low mileage... I got really lucky with mine being 12.5k when it was worth 14... HAHA 19k miles on the odo! WEEE! Anyway, he still has a glimmer of hope to get that black '95 N/A 5-speed 300ZX... The chances are sort of dim, but he's trying his ass off... Parts for that thing would kill him though if anything went wrong, I feel sorta bad, but I don't wanna crush his hopes and dreams... Well if his hopes and dreams fall through I'm gonna end up suggesting a max or a 97/98 240...

Thanks again guys! If you have any more suggestions feel free to post.