[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by jaf89f

Have any of you driven the MazdaSpeed3?

Not only have I driven one, I've owned one, a 2010 model which supposedly took care of the infamous torque steer. Quite frankly, between the fwd and the torque steer (that still remained) I had to get rid of it 4 months after ownership. For the price though you get a nice toy with plenty of power out of a 4-banger. It is my hatch of choice.

[chachacha28]

s2000, fo sho

[cpt97m3]

Originally Posted by 2012_135i

You didn't say whether you were going new or used but if new then in that price range the new Mazda 2 with the new "Skyactiv" engine technology (40 mpg) would be a good way to go. All Mazdas are fun to drive and the new engines are supposed to combine zoom zoom with great mileage, so if saving money is a priority that would be a good combo. If used, then what others have said already. If 2 doors and just 2 seats is ok I'd lean towards the Mazda MX5. 10k-15K is not a whole lot of money even in the used category so if you're looking at a VW GTI or Mini you may need to get one with higher mileage. They weren't near BWM in price but weren't exactly cheap when new either.

The "Skyactiv" with 40mpg is in the Mazda 3 right now, but not the 2. The Mazda 2 is only 35mpg, and is smaller than the 3. A Mazda 3 is a nice choice though.

[D.]

I would gladly sell you my '97 M3 coupe (bright metallic red), that has 145k miles w/ the engine, brakes and suspension system in excellent condition (I had the engine software upgraded in 2006, along w/ the suspension using Bilsteins, and new brake disks). The car needs several repairs (exhaust manifold, leaky muffler, a bit of rust above the rear-passenger-side wheel, air blower and rear window defroster not operable - also radio/cassette needs to be replaced). These repairs would cost around $3k (at least in Massachusetts), but once done the car is a missile. I had it on the dyno in July 2006 after the upgrades and it registered 250 hp and 255 ft-lbs of torque. The handling is still superb and the interior in very good condition. It still turns heads after all these years.

[jaf89f]

Originally Posted by D.

I would gladly sell you my '97 M3 coupe (bright metallic red), that has 145k miles w/ the engine, brakes and suspension system in excellent condition (I had the engine software upgraded in 2006, along w/ the suspension using Bilsteins, and new brake disks). The car needs several repairs (exhaust manifold, leaky muffler, a bit of rust above the rear-passenger-side wheel, air blower and rear window defroster not operable - also radio/cassette needs to be replaced). These repairs would cost around $3k (at least in Massachusetts), but once done the car is a missile. I had it on the dyno in July 2006 after the upgrades and it registered 250 hp and 255 ft-lbs of torque. The handling is still superb and the interior in very good condition. It still turns heads after all these years.

I don't think I want something that old, but thanks for the offer.

[Spitfire007]

it's really simple....get a used gti. you can fit a ton in it, and it's still fun to drive. also, the interiors are decent, the newer gti's interior is amazing. better than the 1er.

ok, ok...it's FWD, but at least it's useful and entertaining. you can get a nice CPO car with leather and sunroof and a warranty for around 17k i think...

No offense to you other guys here, but the s2000, though fun to drive, is totally useless, harsh, and loud.
MazdaSpeed 3 is butt ugly. there's just no way around that smile the car wears.
WRX burns a ton of gas and the interior is horrid. just horrible plastic.

[Greenkirby21]

bmw assist : )

[N54boostin]

Speed3's are nice cars just fwd..look into 06the speed6's awesome car with decent power i believe 275 hp and awd a lot of fun to drive only issue with mazdaspeed series is the clutchs are extremely rough

[Kamal]

like other's have mentioned, S2000.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by D.

I would gladly sell you my '97 M3 coupe (bright metallic red), that has 145k miles w/ the engine, brakes and suspension system in excellent condition (I had the engine software upgraded in 2006, along w/ the suspension using Bilsteins, and new brake disks). The car needs several repairs (exhaust manifold, leaky muffler, a bit of rust above the rear-passenger-side wheel, air blower and rear window defroster not operable - also radio/cassette needs to be replaced). These repairs would cost around $3k (at least in Massachusetts), but once done the car is a missile. I had it on the dyno in July 2006 after the upgrades and it registered 250 hp and 255 ft-lbs of torque. The handling is still superb and the interior in very good condition. It still turns heads after all these years.

If i had the $$$, i would gladly make you an offer.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by Spitfire007

No offense to you other guys here, but the s2000, though fun to drive, is totally useless, harsh, and loud.

I agree, the S2000 would make a great 2nd car. I still stand by the GTI MKV, it has every area pretty much covered.

[Canyon Carver]

I'd say WRX...just stay away from the '09. Nothing but issues...

[jaf89f]

Test driving cars this weekend. Going to take a look at all of your suggestions: s2000, GTI, Mini, WRX, and whetever else I see out there.

And to answer some questions/comments, I am 23 so I don't mind the harsh or loud aspects of cars, I have plenty of time to get luxury/refinement later on.

[Mark16q]

I've had Miata's and S2000. Both great cars, but if $'s are an issue, Miata is cheap to fix and the Honda can be pricey. Loved them both. While shopping for my 135i, was looking at s2000's and a clean one with warranty was getting up in $'s, and I'd be afraid to own one out of warranty. Have fun shopping and sure you'll find something fun in your budget.

[mitch55]

Used SUBIEEE

[Em/1]

My Mk VI GTI better built than my 2009 E9x M3! Great fun to drive too.

[Spitfire007]

Seriously, as fun as the s2000 can be to drive, it's only good for that. The trunk is tiny as the cockpit is great but really small.

If all you'll do is drive around with one friend and a backpack, then you're good to go.

Plus to really enjoy that car yu have to really wind it out hard...it's practically torque-less.

My $$$ go to the gti for livability ad easy driving. Lots of torque down low and enough guts that it goes when you wind it up.

[Turbolader]

Originally Posted by jaf89f

Test driving cars this weekend. Going to take a look at all of your suggestions: s2000, GTI, Mini, WRX, and whetever else I see out there.

And to answer some questions/comments, I am 23 so I don't mind the harsh or loud aspects of cars, I have plenty of time to get luxury/refinement later on.

First off, sorry to hear about your financial situation. I think it takes a good person to realize and reprioritize their lifestyle and make a fiscally-responsible decision such as you have. If the rest of the country would have done this, we all wouldn't be where we are today.

That being said...

I've owned a lot of cars. If you can live with a two-seater, I recommend a 350z. I've owned one and they are fun little cars. Not a lot of mod potential with the engine or trans, but as they come, they are one of the better handling cars I've owned myself. I have a friend that lives in Kansas City, and while it's not easy, he can get around in a pinch with snow in his 350z. (They come standard with traction control) The VQ engine has it's own issues, so if you go that direction, make sure you don't end up with an oil burner.

The 1 is a 4-seater though, so if you absolutely need four seats, then I would recommend a Mustang GT. It's in a very different class than the 1, but it does have 4 seats, and handles reasonably well, and more importantly, a lower residual value means you can get more car for your dollar on the used market. The 4.6 in the mustang is pretty reliable, and later on down the road can handle a bolt-on supercharger.

You can go with AWD pocket rockets, but they aren't coupes, so I'm not recommending them. I haven't recommended any vert's because, well, they are verts. Should you want a 'vert, I'll pass on the S2000 trend though and say that the Pontiac Solstice GXP or Saturn Sky Redline interest me quite a bit. With the stage one ~$500 upgrade, you can get quite a bit of tq out of the wards-autoworld-winning ecotech LNF engine (Which has a dual scroll turbo). CR hates the car, but they feel the same way about the reliability of the 135. You're down to two seats, and roofless (with inheritantly weaker chassis), but you still have a RWD turbo car.

I haven't driven one, but you may want to even look into a hyundai genesis coupe 2.0T. Another way to have a RWD turbo coupe, with a back seat, on the cheap.

Lastly, not really on my short list, and full of its' own problems, you could go with the Mazda RX8. One heck of a chassis, and one heck of an engine (in its' own regard....it's a 1.3L after all) but it is a horribly slow car unless driven at 9/10 or higher. But again, it is a RWD coupe, with a back seat. Just don't use synthetic oil if you get one.

[MINI2ONE]

MINI Cooper S or a motorcycle

[jaf89f]

Originally Posted by Turbolader

First off, sorry to hear about your financial situation. I think it takes a good person to realize and reprioritize their lifestyle and make a fiscally-responsible decision such as you have. If the rest of the country would have done this, we all wouldn't be where we are today.

That being said...

I've owned a lot of cars. If you can live with a two-seater, I recommend a 350z. I've owned one and they are fun little cars. Not a lot of mod potential with the engine or trans, but as they come, they are one of the better handling cars I've owned myself. I have a friend that lives in Kansas City, and while it's not easy, he can get around in a pinch with snow in his 350z. (They come standard with traction control) The VQ engine has it's own issues, so if you go that direction, make sure you don't end up with an oil burner.

The 1 is a 4-seater though, so if you absolutely need four seats, then I would recommend a Mustang GT. It's in a very different class than the 1, but it does have 4 seats, and handles reasonably well, and more importantly, a lower residual value means you can get more car for your dollar on the used market. The 4.6 in the mustang is pretty reliable, and later on down the road can handle a bolt-on supercharger.

You can go with AWD pocket rockets, but they aren't coupes, so I'm not recommending them. I haven't recommended any vert's because, well, they are verts. Should you want a 'vert, I'll pass on the S2000 trend though and say that the Pontiac Solstice GXP or Saturn Sky Redline interest me quite a bit. With the stage one ~$500 upgrade, you can get quite a bit of tq out of the wards-autoworld-winning ecotech LNF engine (Which has a dual scroll turbo). CR hates the car, but they feel the same way about the reliability of the 135. You're down to two seats, and roofless (with inheritantly weaker chassis), but you still have a RWD turbo car.

I haven't driven one, but you may want to even look into a hyundai genesis coupe 2.0T. Another way to have a RWD turbo coupe, with a back seat, on the cheap.

Lastly, not really on my short list, and full of its' own problems, you could go with the Mazda RX8. One heck of a chassis, and one heck of an engine (in its' own regard....it's a 1.3L after all) but it is a horribly slow car unless driven at 9/10 or higher. But again, it is a RWD coupe, with a back seat. Just don't use synthetic oil if you get one.

What are the issues with the VQ engine? I just test drove a 2005 Enthusiast 350z that had a Nismo exhaust on it. The exhaust note was intoxicating and it handled extremely well compared to my non-sport 128i and on a similar level as an s2000.

I have not been able to find any subarus or gti's in my price range near me. I may have to try out the mustang as that car never really crossed my mind. Thanks for the input.

[QR25DET]

The 2003 350zs had some issues, but the 2004+ seem to be fine. As a "Nissan Guy" I can tell you the VQ is pretty much bullet proof in stock form. If you're adding boost (which I doubt you will be) most are getting 400WHP+ on stock internals.

The motors "built" can handle upwards of 900WHP. The car is reliable and as any car if it's taken care of well it will treat you nicely. Maintenance costs are going to obviously be more than a Civic but the benefits are not comparable.

Honestly though, the others have spoken. WRX/WRX STi is probably what I would go with in your situation. Total fun car, AWD and great aftermarket support. The problem is finding one in that price range that hasn't been beat by a kid.

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

If you are after practicality as well as affordability, a 2010 Mazda 3 hatch is where you should go. Plenty of fun-to-drive, great interior, and lots of space. The hatches have the 2.5L which is a pretty good sized engine for its class. Avoid the MazdaSpeed version however unless you really NEED the power and don't mind a rough ride. The 'speed versions are more prone to issues, maintenance will be more, and you won't be able to find used ones in your price range. Oh, and torque steer is horrid.

I've actually been thoroughly searching for a 2010 Mazda 3 hatch as a second commuter car, and they're not quite down to your range yet. The cheapest I found was around $17k, but if you're willing to go the sedan route and with the smaller engine, you might hit your range.