Best US "Tuner Car" for $9-13k?

[padraigmk3]

Really? That's a shame, about the engine problems. I always heard 7Ms were very strong.. then again I guess that doesn't mean the HG is. I've seen some go for pretty cheap though. To me, it feels like driving a less refined FD RX-7, but with 80s styling. Never got the chance to flog one, unfortunately.

7M's are strong, but Toyota built them with the headbolts torqued incorrectly and then never recalled them even after this became apparent. All you have to do is buy a good aftermarket HG and tighten the headbolts down to 70 - 75 foot-pounds TQ and you can end up making 300 HP at 18lbs of boost reliably for years and years.

They're cheap at the start, you just have to keep up on your maintenance, and find one that's well kept.

baaaaad idea. The MK3 is a fun, underrated platform, but it isn't cheap, and it won't work out unless you have a lot of time on your hands and enjoy being frustrated. They're incredibly heavy, the engine needs tweaking to avoid BHG immediately, aftermarket is kind of weak, all bodykits are hideous, zero steering angle, blah blah....

Really? That's a shame, about the engine problems. I always heard 7Ms were very strong.. then again I guess that doesn't mean the HG is. I've seen some go for pretty cheap though. To me, it feels like driving a less refined FD RX-7, but with 80s styling. Never got the chance to flog one, unfortunately.

[Rogue86]

I can't think of a car I've ever driven that was more awful than a Mini, even a Cooper S. The only car that comes close is an original Mini Cooper. Overhyped, over-rated, underpowered, and the only similarity it had with a go-kart was the size of its wheels, and the fact it too struggled to break 30mph.

Another vote for an NA Miata, I ran one as a daily driver and track-hack for 3 years (the car was built for the Nurburgring). I can't say I ever struggled for space apart from when we were moving house, but then we rented a van anyway. Reliable, cheap, good on fuel, huge aftermarket...the only downside is that they're massively popular at the moment. You would be going down the well-trodden path.

Did you guys get old Starlets there?

[Kielan]

MINI Cooper S? If you want FWD and that go-kart feel, you really can't go wrong with a Cooper.

[Alexander]

I would say get a nice mint NA Miata, turbo'd, flame spittin', stanced, for all under 9k. Money well spent IMO.

[padraigmk3]

I'm gonna throw SC300 or MKIII Supra 2.5R into the suggestion box though. IS300 too, actually.

baaaaad idea. The MK3 is a fun, underrated platform, but it isn't cheap, and it won't work out unless you have a lot of time on your hands and enjoy being frustrated. They're incredibly heavy, the engine needs tweaking to avoid BHG immediately, aftermarket is kind of weak, all bodykits are hideous, zero steering angle, blah blah...

I love mine beyond death, but i got lucky.

Im tossing in my vote split between the S13 and any subaru.

[fivefourzero]

B5 S4's are horribly unreliable (at least in my experience with them).

hell yeah they are! the 2.7 is awful, but then again i usually like the most unreliable cars that would put me in way over my head.

[9krpmrx8]

Have you considered something old school like a 240Z with red top swap? RX-4, Datsun 512, Celica, etc?

[jungledorifuto]

i should have bought that 8k sport cross i knoww! There is a black 5spd private party is300 local for 10k, 2002

If you paid 5-6K for a beat MX-5, you got ****ed from behind.

[andybob]

I'd go boosted Miata.

You could get a beat MX-5 for about 5-6K. Build the motor, get a good suspension set-up, good wheels, hard top and probably be close to the end of your budget.

[Yogi_Bear]

BMW E39 540i
MB CLK55 AMG
94-96 Chevy Impala SS

those old school ss Impalas are going to cost more than 13k to get them road worthy, and another 1k to get the smell of flavor flav out of the car

[BADwayz]

BMW E39 540i
MB CLK55 AMG
94-96 Chevy Impala SS

[jared1988]

true, i forgot the is300. always loved those cars and can make crazy power. Im not locked in at that price, the IS300 with the motorwork, etc falling into the $15-16k range is good.

I mean acquiring the car for that price, I have a few $ to put towards modding it.

I had a speed 3 and blew it up.. twice
had an 08 sti and spun a bearing
have an e36 m3 and it is whatever.. its an auto... but still, ive driven plenty of them by now.. meh
have an e46 m3.. meh, needs HPF to really be fun

the is300 with boost could be interesting.



I am getting tempted to just put the $10k cash down and get something used in the 17-22k range. Maybe jump up a bit more and get my hands on a 335i... hmm.. Just needed some fresh eyes on the idea to see what I am forgetting

mods? heard of a few blowing holes in the block that were all stock

I found a couple of 5-speed IS300s online in the 11k range. Not that hard. Maybe finding a local one would be challenging though.