Help me narrow my focus, car buying sub $20,000

[Homeslice]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum, but wanted to remind you of the 4th gen eclipse. I own one and LOVE it! A lot of people hate, but its because they don't know the potential they have or have read really crappy reviews from biased people who only think AWD Turbo are the way to go. This car is a rocket with the V-6 (fastest car i've owned) and is in the price range/HP you are looking for, and it turns heads left and right. I break necks as much as the new FR-S and BRZ i'm sure and this car has been around for almost 7 years. They are very mod friendly and you can have around 300 HP with I/H/E and a retune which will set you back an additional $2000 if you go with quality I/H/E (injen)

Just my .02

and a pic of my eclipse to show you what you can work with

[Guff]

NA 5-Spd Supraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

[OrbitalEllipses]

Used Euro = bad deal. You want a lot for your money it seems like..

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Used Euro = bad deal. You want a lot for your money it seems like..

I do want a lot for my money, I want the best bang for my buck that I can get!

Currently looking at the 128i (2008) and a newer GTI. Trying to factor in RWD vs FWD, even if the FWD car is said to have excellent handling. Any thoughts?

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Hey guys, I am new to the forum, but wanted to remind you of the 4th gen eclipse. I own one and LOVE it!

Hey man, thanks for taking the time to post and upload your pic. You have a nice car there! I can really appreciate it. The one thing is I just don't really have a thing for the eclipse. I would say that I'm more interested in other options based on look alone. I'm stoked that you enjoy yours man, have fun!

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by D4ng3r

I do want a lot for my money, I want the best bang for my buck that I can get!

Currently looking at the 128i (2008) and a newer GTI. Trying to factor in RWD vs FWD, even if the FWD car is said to have excellent handling. Any thoughts?

This thread screams MS3 to me, especially when I read the thread title. Fun little car for sure. Your description though, is essentially the S2000. $20000 will definitely get you a late AP1 or an AP2 in pretty good condition. Not sure what they sell for up north, but a few years ago a 3 year old AP2 with less than ~30000 was selling in the neighborhood of $17000 USD.

I would stay away from Euro, as I said. A used BMW or Volkswagen/Audi Group is a bad purchase any day of the week that I would stay away from. I know lots of people who don't; they either like the cars or the status/image they get from them despite the ridiculous maintenance costs and constant mechanical problems.

[Calum]

If your up for a drive...

http://http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/BEDFORD/Nova%20Scotia/19_5686114_/?ursrc=pl&showcpo=ShowCPO

[SEC]

Infinity G35 coupe or a Miata.

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by SEC

Infinity G35 coupe or a Miata.

Is the g35 a bit too much for daily driving though? I would think the negatives align around a heavy car with big engine syndrome.

[SEC]

Originally Posted by D4ng3r

Is the g35 a bit too much for daily driving though? I would think the negatives align around a heavy car with big engine syndrome.

It's around the same weight as the A4 and the engine is supposed to be really good. I'm projecting my own bias here, but the most important atribute to me is RWD.

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by Calum

If your up for a drive...

http://http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/BEDFORD/Nova%20Scotia/19_5686114_/?ursrc=pl&showcpo=ShowCPO

Hot DAMN. 2006, 13,000 (miles) on the clock... for $14,500- I would jump on that right now if I could! Haha... wow. It would be worth flying down and driving back. What do you think is wrong with it?

[Calum]

I don't know. I haven't gone to look at it because if I did, I'd leave with it. And my wife would kill me. Honestly I debated with myself for a few days and I'm still kicking myself for not going to get it.

I'm thinking it's probably part of a estate sale.

[10splaya22]

Originally Posted by D4ng3r

Is the g35 a bit too much for daily driving though? I would think the negatives align around a heavy car with big engine syndrome.

I had one and it was a great daily. Comfortable while also having a decently sporty suspension. Also has a good amount of power to keep you happy

[Calum]

Originally Posted by D4ng3r

Requirements:

Must be reliable
Decent fit/finish
Must have a good shift feel
Can't be a "boat"
Decent MPG
Sporty handling
At least some aftermarket support
200+ hp
Prefer sedan+coupe instead of hatchback.

this should meet most of those, and it's in Ontario.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3%20S...howcpo=ShowCPO

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by Calum

this should meet most of those, and it's in Ontario.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3%20S...howcpo=ShowCPO

And if you want to go camping, you can erect a tent inside the wheel gap.

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by Calum

this should meet most of those, and it's in Ontario.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3%20S...howcpo=ShowCPO

Yeeeaahh... I wouldn't buy that, haha.

At this point its looking like a battle between a g37s, WRX, GTI.

3 different types of putting power to the pavement. 3 different HP classes. 3 different reliability standards...

I need to test drive the GTI and g37s- I just don't really like the hatchback style :|

[Godzpeed]

G37 is gonna owned the WRX and GTI

[D4ng3r]

Originally Posted by Godzpeed

G37 is gonna owned the WRX and GTI

I'm not just interested in straight-line speed, I don't need any tickets, haha. Best all-around package with some mods... (I would be chipping the WRX, GTI... and lowering all of them on coilovers). Same answer?

[Godzpeed]

From speed, to overall refinement, the G37 still far better than either of them. Handling wise, you will never be able to explore the limits on the street anyways. Plus, the G37 is very capable already.