This is the End

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

I’d love to find a nice used 1st gen IS 300 (i know its not AWD).

The suspension design on an IS300 is it's secret weapon, surprisingly underrated imho, solid reasonable reliable car if you've got the timing belt and water pump taken care of, basically a USDM E36 M3 killer that came out ~5 years too late. Good compromise car for the next few years to save up for the future.

I'd suggest not writing off FWD if you want something more modern on a budget, get it set up right and the back end rotating around on you on corner entry puts as big a grin on my face as kicking the tail out in an 86, and 'dat turbo torque on offer in pretty much every hot hatch right now, Mini, Fiat, VW, Ford, Honda, it's a good time to buy a cheap fun car.

[stevesnj]

Beater then save up for the Supra.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

My rental is due back monday. I work at night so I can drive my GF car to work for a little while but obviously dont want to make that long term.

I couldnt do another FRS. My dog hated it lol. Theres also a good chance I could have a child over the life of my next loan, so I’d like to get something that’s a little more “mature” and comfortable for a small family.

Ive obsessed over the 14+ IS 350 FSport since they released a few years ago and I could get one with under 40k miles for about 30k. I feel like that may be the best combo of everything I want but its slow compared to other cars in its class and the infotainment system sucks.

Definitely open to all options and advice. Appreciate all the condolences

Originally Posted by stevesnj

Beater then save up for the Supra.

I think it is pretty clear that is not in the cards for him.

[Spuds]

Might be able to get a Chevy SS for close to 30k, but they are hard to find.
I am also in the get a beater for the winter and take your time on the nice car camp.

[Adam_L]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

I appreciate the responses so far guys and yes, I am OK.

I’d love to find a nice used 1st gen IS 300 (i know its not AWD).

Good choice. Manuals are way harder to find. It's the same 3L Supra engine, in the IS300 correct? If you can find one with under 100k miles, could be a good situation.

**There is a Gray, 2002 in Florida for sale right now, manual , almost 92k miles.... for about $8500 , check Autotrader

[PetrolioBenzina]

If you take a look at it, tell us about the Stinger, please.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Adam_L

Good choice. Manuals are way harder to find. It's the same 3L Supra engine, in the IS300 correct? If you can find one with under 100k miles, could be a good situation.

**There is a Gray, 2002 in Florida for sale right now, manual , almost 92k miles.... for about $8500 , check Autotrader

The naturally aspirated 2JZ is a different beast than the turbo 2JZ.

It's a great engine, but it doesn't have the same performance potential, keep it stock or at most a few bolt-ons, you won't see much more than the OE ~220 hp/ft-lbs of torque without FI or some serious money dumped into it.

But you can definitely tell the torque is a good ~70 ft-lbs better than an 86 even when the car is hauling around another 500+ lbs of mass. And it runs silky smooth in the IS300, only downsides are the weight, the fuel economy will be high teens or low 20's at best, and the timing belt/water pump change at 90k miles is more intense than a spark plug change on an 86.

[NOHOME]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

...Theres also a good chance I could have a child over the life of my next loan, so I’d like to get something that’s a little more “mature” and comfortable for a small family.



...Definitely open to all options and advice. Appreciate all the condolences

Why such a negative outlook on life! ;0

My daughter first ten years of her life in the passenger seat of a Miata and claims she is a better person for it.

[NOHOME]

Originally Posted by tdoggy57

...Theres also a good chance I could have a child over the life of my next loan, so I’d like to get something that’s a little more “mature” and comfortable for a small family.



...Definitely open to all options and advice. Appreciate all the condolences

Why such a negative outlook on life! ;0

My daughter spent the first ten years of her life in the passenger seat of a Miata and claims she is a better person for it.

[Jordanwolf]

Originally Posted by NOHOME

Why such a negative outlook on life! ;0

My daughter first ten years of her life in the passenger seat of a Miata and claims she is a better person for it.

First 13 years of my life was the back of a 93 civic si as the family car.

[carbonBLUE]

@tdoggy57 I had a 2011 g37x (AWD) i picked up and had a few years. Solid car and I didn't have many problems with it. AWD works decently. plus it had pretty decent power

[Pbrown]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Also the first year of a brand new car. Many people here can vouch for how well that sometimes works out.

I hear you. Having said that, I plunked my money down on the FRS without seeing one. Outside of the tail light condensation it has been great.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Pbrown

I hear you. Having said that, I plunked my money down on the FRS without seeing one. Outside of the tail light condensation it has been great.

Yes most were issue free. Some were total nightmares. I know too many people that had serious issues with first year cars to have high confidence in them. Even if most are perfectly fine you are rolling the dice until they get the bugs worked out.

[Summerwolf]

Originally Posted by IDFWU 420

Wait so you still owed around ~$15k and they only gave you a few grand more?
So in the end, you paid off your loan, but have no car? Wtf?

Someone's else mistake end up costing you to have no car to drive anymore?

I'm confused... that sucks OP :/

That's how it works when a vehicle is totaled.....