Thinking about what my next car will be

[2000LS1Z28]

One thing I hate about myself is all the uncertainty I have. I hate my WS6. It just flat out blows on handling. I mean i've added a strut tower brace, lower control arms, and a panhard rod, and it still blows. I suppose I could get new shocks/struts, subframe connectors, and springs, but even then i've heard that they still won't corner well (Could be the heavy live rear axle).

This car is also a bitch to work on. Spark plugs take an hour to change, and that's if you're extremely lucky. There's no room in the engine bay, and I have scars across my hands to prove how easy this car is to work on.

It sure does haul ass, but then going in a straight line is only fun for a little while, so i've had it online to sale for awhile (About a month now, and just lowered the price).

I need some advise as to what car to purchase. I'll be getting a raise in May at my workplace, and want something that is relatively new, though not brand new (Too expensive). I'm swaying towards the Lancer Evolution again (Didn't wanna sell it the first time, but no one could figure out how to fix it). I've also looked at the STi, but it is kinda ugly in person (Looks great in pics). What other cars should I look at?? I'm looking to buy a vehicle for no more then $23K. Any advise you guys can give me would be appreciated. Keep in mind I cannot leave a car stock.

[Chiquae07]

cant keep a car stock eh...it depends...does gas milage or what wheel drive it is matter to you?

[2000LS1Z28]

Yeah, gas mileage is a factor, as I work in L.A. Right now i'm getting around 16-17mpg in my car, on the average. I'd like to have atleast 20mpg on the average. Don't really care about fwd, rwd, or awd. So long as it is fast, and HANDLES well.

[alphalanos]

The two you mentioned would be good choices. Also, since they are turbo 4's you will get pretty good mileage when you stay out of boost. If you want something that seriously handles, I say Miata. But it doesnt really sound like your kind of car. But a Miata with a nice setup will pull some serious G's. Not too fast without some work though. I'd love to have one. You might be able to find an S2000 in that range also. Or a 350z. With the Honda you have nice balance, not incredibly fast, but still quick and a blast to drive. The Z is just a nice car with power, and still has reliablilty and style for when you want to have a night out.

[TheStang00]

well... if it cant stay stock, what about getting an mx-5 and putting a turbo on it? that would mean fantastic handling and good speed. a cobra would handle better than the ws6, but i still dont know if it would handle good enough for what your lookin for. focuses handle really well, but probably not fast enough, i guess you can mod it though, thats why i wish they just sold the damn focus RS over here....

[Chiquae07]

for the turbo'd miata, i believe they made a mx-5 mazda speed version.....215 at the crank i think

[TheStang00]

Originally Posted by Chiquae07

for the turbo'd miata, i believe they made a mx-5 mazda speed version.....215 at the crank i think

the 05 mazdaspeed mx-5 is 178hp

[chexmixa]

What about a 350z? Not the fastest but they handle pretty good and they are nice looking cars. Something you can use for fun, and a good daily commuter with decent gas milage. Good sized after market for it too.

[Chiquae07]

as of right now it seems that he is looking at fast sedans...y dont you just get a sentra spec-v, do basic bolt-ons and ecu, u run low 14s in a good gas milage car, seats 4 if needed, and insurance on it is a breese. only thing to stay away from is the 2002s, they are known for lemons

[2000LS1Z28]

I'm not a big fan of the 350Z's. I've raced alot of them, and they really aren't that fast from what i've seen (Which is them in the rearview mirror). I ran faster times in my current car then a twin tubocharged one at the track (He was on slicks or DR's). I want something with 13 sec. to 12 sec. potential.

[xXxRocker5150]

90-96 300zxTT's can run high 12s with intake, exhaust, and computer reburn. If you stay out of boost, they'll get decent mileage. I would say the same thing for the VR4s, but I know a few people who aren't exactly getting 17MPG in the city.

[TheStang00]

heres an interesting idea, what about a Volvo S40 T5? thats a turbo-charged inline 5 cylinder. its gonna come close to your price max though. 218hp stock, and i believe 236ft-lbs of tq. gets tq early too, only 1500rpm. they just came out in the middle of the 04 model year though, so you have to get a newer one. the kbb value on the is between 20k and 22k. it would certainly be a different car, not many people have 5 cylinders

[DinanM3_S2]

If it were me, I'd look into an E36 M3.

[drdisque]

lightly used 6.0 GTO

[chexmixa]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

If it were me, I'd look into an E36 M3.

gdi why didn't i think of that