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Posted: 6/27/2024 8:07:07 PM EDT
[#1]
There are a few new '23 manual WRXs out there for @28k-
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Posted: 6/27/2024 8:07:52 PM EDT
[#2]
‘03-04 Cobra SVT
You can add a smaller blower pulley and a few other cheap bolt ons and make obscene power. ETA: Or a WRX. Just depends on what you prefer. |
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Posted: 6/27/2024 8:15:53 PM EDT
[#3]
25k and a midlife crisis?
A 3k Motorcycle A 3k Jet ski A 10k miata 5k in therapy 1k in financial planning A solo cruise or vacation with the remainder |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:11:03 AM EDT
[#4]
OP, you’re in FL. Buy a jet ski. You can get a premium one, new and with trailer for $25k.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:17:52 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I always liked the Elise, the issue is that I wanted an Exige instead and the price difference was quite a bit. The Elise is a car I've always liked on paper - because I've never driven one. I love the concept, and I think they're beautiful. I don't think one would be a good DD for me, as it's probably not comfy enough for my big ass to get in and out of. It also probably can't accommodate a typical Sam's club haul. But damnit, they're sexy! 
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:34:09 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You could have said, "I have/had one/more and here's my experience" and your comments would have had relevance. You chose not to, and therefore they did not.  Quote HistoryQuoted: You could have said, "I have/had one/more and here's my experience" and your comments would have had relevance. You chose not to, and therefore they did not. Quoted:  My aren't you triggered over someone else's opinion so easily....My experience is no more or less valuable than yours, all it provides is a data point for the OP as he looks for a fun car. Buyer beware as they say but I note you aren't putting out details on your experience. Interesting, perhaps it's too new.... /media/mediaFiles/sharedAlbum/tenor-828.gif click |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:35:42 AM EDT
[#7]
I did this last year.
It’s somehow become the primary.  Well under $25k |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:39:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Lame. Build a turbo k swapped bosozoku car . You could build something really fun with a 20k budget.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:40:40 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Elise is a car I've always liked on paper - because I've never driven one. I love the concept, and I think they're beautiful. I don't think one would be a good DD for me, as it's probably not comfy enough for my big ass to get in and out of. It also probably can't accommodate a typical Sam's club haul. But damnit, they're sexy! I have driven a few. They are not comfortable but they are pretty fast and fun to drive. Kinda like a fast Miata. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:57:04 AM EDT
[#10]
Yamaha Banshee
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:57:10 AM EDT
[#11]
25k is cherry ls2 C6 easy, 08+ ls3 with plenty of life is possible but will be more work.
I had my ‘08 for 10 years and outside of eating batteries it was reliable, easy to do regular maintenance on, and relatively inexpensive to insure. Solid manual trans, targa top, and great usability including near 30mpg cruising fuel economy with enough room for a week long trip. The average used one is cared for much better than just about anything else. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:24:19 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Lame. Build a turbo k swapped bosozoku car . You could build something really fun with a 20k budget. I've already got an SR20 swapped 240sx project that I've owned for 20 years but it's made a terrible daily. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:39:14 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I did this last year. It’s somehow become the primary. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/164007/4A8AA838-3753-40BD-811E-623E9DBC7988-3217536.jpg Well under $25k I don’t think you understand the exercise. He already has a boring daily driver and is looking for something fun. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:43:12 AM EDT
[#14]
I like diversity and like both foreign and domestic models.
I've had both and enjoyed both but I'm currently married to a foreign one but I've dated American girls too. I've found one's taste in cars is much like one's taste in women. You can enjoy certain manufacturers designers or engineers, you can have a specific style that crosses brands, or you can have a love of a special specific model. My father was an Oldsmobile/Buick man and would only buy from those companies. I'm a fan of the SUV having bought them from Honda, Nissan, and Jeep. I have a friend who never drove anything other than a Corvette his whole life from bootcamp to his recent passing. I'm developing a need for a second car incase the Jeep breaks down so I'm looking at a 1950 Willis Jeepster as a second ride. Totally impracticable and ugly but they appeal to me. 
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:45:40 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: C5 Corvette, maybe a C6 |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:50:56 AM EDT
[#16]
My mid-life crisis had me looking for a two-seat sports car.
I test drove the Porsche Boxster and Caymen, the Audi TT, Honda S2000, and a Nissan 350Z. The Z car fit me best. The Audi and Honda's roofs didn't fold as well as the Porsche or the Nissans's. Test driving them in California traffic I quickly realized listening to other people's music, smelling other people's exhaust and cigarettes, and the oppressive sun and heat wasn't all fun I thought they would be so I switched to a coupe and ended up with a 35th Anniversary 350Z with the high rev engine. Tomorrow I'm buying a 2-seat side-by-side to see how much fun they are. 
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:53:55 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As for my comments about a C6 Z06, Yes, they have a reputation for dropping valves. However, if you know this and stay on top of it, and have the engine rebuilt with steel parts instead of titanium, the reliability should go through the roof. If you want boost later, LS2 or LS3 is cheaper. Add in that a C6 Z06 will not have a removable top. I much prefer the LS3 option myself. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:56:13 AM EDT
[#18]
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/7a1a8acb-3224-464f-8af6-7d5be57c1f18/
Funny story; an owner of one of these took off on the freeway on-ramp, zipped through cars to get to the left lane, settling in behind a BMW 3-series. He hears sirens a few moments and thought "dammit, they caught me." Saw the trooper pulling up behind him, and he moved to the right towards the shoulder. The cop didn't follow, and pulled the BMW over. Ideally, you want a 2015-17, but this wouldn't be the worst thing. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:05:01 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: He wants reliable. BMW isn’t exactly the pinnacle of reliability. There are 20 better choices for 25K out there. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Ok lay into me then. What's wrong with an m235i? He wants reliable. BMW isn’t exactly the pinnacle of reliability. There are 20 better choices for 25K out there. Just watch what engine you get. I'd look for a 240i over the 235i, it has the B58. May be out of reach on budget though. Someone said E46, be prepared to replace every rubber hose/vacuum line and all the oil gaskets. Caged E46 race car might be best bet for reliability and less fuss. 2015+ mustang. 2010+ Camaro. New BRZ/GR86. Going to have to spend 31-34k, but you get a new car. Used aren't really depreciated at all. Miata really is the answer for a cheap reliable sports car. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:09:26 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That particular car is probably fine. BMW reliability in the earlier part of the century wasn't great, current gen engines and transmissions (not the v8s) are reliable. Stop re-posting internet shit. That said, the "bad" years can be avoided. My nephew still cruises around in his early 2000s 3 series (my favorite generation), my sister is on her 2nd x5, and there's been little problems with any of them. My wife's side of the family has had a handful of BMWs, with minimal problems as well. And the '16 4 series that's sitting in my garage has been great, and a blast to drive with the 3L. We test drove a 2010 2-series with the 3L and that was a dog. The transmission sucked - it took forever to shift, chattered at slow speed, and was only a 5spd auto. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:19:50 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just watch what engine you get. I'd look for a 240i over the 235i, it has the B58. May be out of reach on budget though. Someone said E46, be prepared to replace every rubber hose/vacuum line and all the oil gaskets. Caged E46 race car might be best bet for reliability and less fuss. 2015+ mustang. 2010+ Camaro. New BRZ/GR86. Going to have to spend 31-34k, but you get a new car. Used aren't really depreciated at all. Miata really is the answer for a cheap reliable sports car. And as the WRX has been mentioned, in my area there's only 1 WRX STI for sale within 500mi of me... under my parameters - Clean title/no wrecks, MT, sunroof. Removing sunroof gives me 5 more options. That "clean title/no wrecks" is a deal killer on these cars.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:19:56 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Isn't that just a rebadged Miata? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I just picked up a Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. It a 2019 model. It’s a great little car. Fun to drive, looks great, and not a ton of cash. I wanted something to drive so I wouldn’t put more miles on my 911. This little car really puts a smile on your face. Cheers, AJP Isn't that just a rebadged Miata? With a turbo 1.4L Fiat/Dodge/Chrysler engine. I would just get the Miata. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:34:34 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: With a turbo 1.4L Fiat/Dodge/Chrysler engine. I would just get the Miata. Yeah, I REALLY wish Mazda would put the turbo 2.5 into a Miata. That'd be a blast. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:45:56 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ok lay into me then. What's wrong it? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted:  I also chuckled. Ok lay into me then. What's wrong it? Ze gerrrrrmanhhh kar iz out of ze warranthhhay. He's spend $25k just to keep it running over the next 3 years. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 9:56:25 AM EDT
[#25]
Dodge Hornet? Lol.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 10:10:28 AM EDT
[#26]
Op, if you can stretch your budget a small bit. An S550 mustang may be your best bet and easy to get extras performance and power out of.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 10:14:38 AM EDT
[#27]
You've got an SR swapped 240sx and you are without something fun?
Is it not reliable enuff or not have AC or something? I'm honestly confused. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 10:45:06 AM EDT
[#28]
My neighbor had a WRX and sold it for a 911 996. For 30k he is very very happy with it.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 11:05:15 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted: C5 Corvette, maybe a C6 Then get some white New Balance shoes. Quoted: $25k worth of Porsche Bingo. I had been considering a Panamera or a C5 3.5 months ago right before I got my new daily. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:38:34 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You've got an SR swapped 240sx and you are without something fun? Is it not reliable enuff or not have AC or something? I'm honestly confused. YES to all of it. It's fun but the ride sucks for daily and there's no AC. It's around 400hp as it sits. It needs some work to get road worthy again. I'm looking for something I can daily in reasonable comfort. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:41:54 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hi  https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177643/Elise_jpg-3251983.JPG I paid $25k for my Elise last month. You have to be patient. Prices HAVE jumped on them a LOT though. Clean title? If so that is a smoking deal. Congrats sir. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:43:26 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Subaru BRZ. with a super charger |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 12:44:22 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: $25k worth of Porsche Yup. Pick up a CaymanS 911’s at that price point will likely be clapped out 996. Which are fun, and might be reliable. But they might not. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 1:06:13 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You might be clinging to a definition of "muscle car" that referred to old Fairlanes and Coronets with huge engines shoehorned in, but the rest of the world has moved on. Yes, many people can simultaneously be wrong. It happens all the time. Many people think the AR-15 is an assault rifle. Many people now say a dude can just declare that he's a chick and that makes him one. If "moving on" means being wrong just because other people are, then I guess I'll accept the label of 'old fogey who can't keep up with the times ' |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 3:27:16 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Clean title? If so that is a smoking deal. Congrats sir. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Hi https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177643/Elise_jpg-3251983.JPG I paid $25k for my Elise last month. You have to be patient. Prices HAVE jumped on them a LOT though. Clean title? If so that is a smoking deal. Congrats sir. Rebuilt, but that's common with these since it's all fiberglass and aluminum. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 3:51:15 PM EDT
[#36]
You should look into E 36 BMW M3’s. I think they’re going for a little less than that.
 Attached FileETA.. I have a 99E 36 convertible. It has the sport package. I think it’s everything but the motor. I can’t imagine this car with about 100 more horsepower, it’s a blast to drive the way it is. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 4:11:51 PM EDT
[#37]
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Posted: 6/28/2024 4:14:36 PM EDT
[#38]
Idk, 25 grand doesn’t buy mid life crisis type of cars/trucks.
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Posted: 6/28/2024 4:16:53 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: BMW m235i Fast tossable and fun. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/219476/1000009060-3251834.jpg |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 4:25:02 PM EDT
[#40]
I don’t know what they’re going for so you’ll have to do your homework, but a fun car would be a 2020ish accord with the 2 liter turbo mated to the ten speed trans. That should cover your check points.
Accord |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 5:33:22 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Idk, 25 grand doesn’t buy mid life crisis type of cars/trucks. It does on my budget 
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Posted: 6/28/2024 5:47:11 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I did this last year. It's somehow become the primary. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/164007/4A8AA838-3753-40BD-811E-623E9DBC7988-3217536.jpg Well under $25k |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 5:56:47 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Honda S2000 is a good choice. Will also hold it's value moving forward. For 25k expect about 60-80k miles. If you up the budget to $30k you can get a clean sub 30k mile example. Those cars are known to go 2-300k miles and at the time had the highest HP per L of engine displacement of any mass produced car only to be beat by Ferrari years later. I have an 03 with 26k miles. Fantastic car. I had the opportunity to do a HPDE event and a buddy rented an S2000. So having the ability to flog one on someone else's credit card on a racetrack? Fuck yesssss! So bummed when I drove it. If it fell below it's vetech yo level it was a turd. A power band of 1,721 rom but every gear change would drop it below it's powerband. Need to make a upshift at the base of a hill? Break out the hour glass to wait for it to get back on cam. Buy a C6 that weighs 400 pounds more but has double the hp and triple the torque. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 6:09:33 PM EDT
[#44]
M16
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Posted: 6/28/2024 6:14:12 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: VW GTI or Golf R. Auto is faster, manual more fun. I have a 17' GTI with stage 1 tune and intake, it's light and nimble and in sport mode still averages 26mpg and I drive fast most of the time. Car handles twisty stuff really well. C6 Corvette weights within 200 pounds. Has 400 hp and 400 foot pounds of torque Plus big ass wide tires |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 6:23:38 PM EDT
[#46]
944 with an LS2
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Posted: 6/28/2024 6:27:20 PM EDT
[#47]
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Posted: 6/28/2024 7:01:26 PM EDT
[#48]
Go buy 5 Crown Vics and you and your friends go have some fun...
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Posted: 6/28/2024 7:07:27 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Tons of 86s for ~$25k or less, some well under 100k miles. Best bet would probably be a Mustang or Camaro. V8 in MT variety. And as the WRX has been mentioned, in my area there's only 1 WRX STI for sale within 500mi of me... under my parameters - Clean title/no wrecks, MT, sunroof. Removing sunroof gives me 5 more options. That "clean title/no wrecks" is a deal killer on these cars. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Just watch what engine you get. I'd look for a 240i over the 235i, it has the B58. May be out of reach on budget though. Someone said E46, be prepared to replace every rubber hose/vacuum line and all the oil gaskets. Caged E46 race car might be best bet for reliability and less fuss. 2015+ mustang. 2010+ Camaro. New BRZ/GR86. Going to have to spend 31-34k, but you get a new car. Used aren't really depreciated at all. Miata really is the answer for a cheap reliable sports car. And as the WRX has been mentioned, in my area there's only 1 WRX STI for sale within 500mi of me... under my parameters - Clean title/no wrecks, MT, sunroof. Removing sunroof gives me 5 more options. That "clean title/no wrecks" is a deal killer on these cars. All the used 2nd gens around here are listed for 28k and up, unless they have a rebuilt title. |
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Posted: 6/28/2024 8:05:50 PM EDT
[#50]
10th Generation Honda Civic Si. I bought one last month as a "to and from work" car. It's super fun to drive. Great handling and for a few hundred bucks, you can buy a tuner and really open up it's potential.
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