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

I overestimated the S2K's trunk size. It's about the same as a Miata's. (S2K 5cu.ft., Miata 5.1cu.ft.) Neither car has any interior storage space at all. But at least the S2K has more creature comforts.

I withdraw my suggestion of S2K as a sole vehicle, if you forsee the need to carry more than a backpack and a passenger.

[jungledorifuto]

is300, on all counts

[Petis]

FD RX-7 is Downside to an NA or NB Miata is that you have 0 storage space. Trunk is a joke, and there's no room for things inside if you have a passenger and the top down. I wouldn't recommend it as an only car.

Only reason I even mentioned the miata is because the s2k was in play. Miatas have more storage and interior space than an s2k and can be had for 1/4 the price.

[besthaticouldo]

volvo s60r
mk4 r32
b5 audi s4
audi tt
pontiac gto
pontiac g8 gt
porsche boxster - gay car, but fun to drive

[Kielan]

LS1 swapped FD?
Mk4 R32?

BMW 540i
NA Miata
FC RX-7
Mercedes 190e

FD RX-7 is a good idea. Shoulda thought of that. Shopping smart, and proper maintenance with a few preventative mods can make it plenty reliable.

Downside to an NA or NB Miata is that you have 0 storage space. Trunk is a joke, and there's no room for things inside if you have a passenger and the top down. I wouldn't recommend it as an only car.

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

[Petis]

Fd rx-7.

^ not on a budget, because no matter what the engine will need replacing/rebuilding eventually.

302 swapped fc rx-7 though Super reliable, cheap, and parts at every auto zone.

Swapped civics with boost are always good for a smile, but fwd gets old fast.

Ka-t powered s13 is an awesome 'bang for the buck' build as they have good torque on low boost (enough to get in trouble at 10psi) and you can go to track/drift days and burn the tires off around the turns.

NA Miata 1.8 with boost is a good platform for grip and drift and will keep you smiling with that 'I get to drive a go-kart on the road' feeling, every day of the week. They are small as hell, but they are more comfortable than a s2k. I'm 6' tall and my miata was way more comfortable to drive than my buddies s2k, and both were slammed on the ground (less than 1'' subframe clearance).

[OSSHWA]

Not trying to toot my own horn here, but i'm surprised that the Mazdaspeed MX-5 didn't make your list. Granted the only made them for two production years, but even so it's not that difficult to find one. They are relatively fast out of the box, extremely nimble, good looking and have a decent aftermarket being as it is a Miata afterall. They can be had for about $13k in great shape w/ low miles too.

[Kielan]

Fd rx-7.

[Oxer]

S2K gear boxes are made of glass when you try to put power through them. Diffs and axles are made of glass regardless.

You can get an older S2K for 13k right?

There are plenty of good options though, including totally underrated stuff like the Infiniti G20.

[prod0660]

I second the kswap civic ...220hp all motor on a bubble or w.e will haul a**, but depending where you live it'll be a Target for thieves ,,the e39 m5 is one serious piece of machine , BUT its hella expensive to fix ( currently my.528is costing me almost a $1k to redo my cooling system ) m5 require more money but truly epic cars . I know everyone hates em but srt4 are best bang for your buck ..or a 240 well done

[Lukey]

s2ks do axles and diffs when lowered

[kramerbuccs24]

K swap civic. Don't trust me? Drive one once and rip it through the gears and you'll be smiling for days.

[northmiler89]

"every douche has one" applies to all of the cars below. Do something different, completely different. I'd rather see just about any American or Korean car than another played [model edited to protect the innocent].

No doubt. This is just for something fast and fun to whip around. I am going to sell my m3 and with that money, I will dump it into something that I can make "mine" and really slam around and do WTF ever i want to it.

I remember you from volvospeed about 6 years ago now! Back when Kevins v70t5m was all the talk

those could also be cars he likes and is interested in. to me anyways idgaf who else owns one or what theirs looks like. when i do a car its cause i want to and i like it. lol

i'm not going to mod a chevy aveo cause its different. but, just my opinion.

Yea no doubt. I just put sooooo many miles on cars that I dont want to go buy the low milage e39 m5, c6 z06 or lotus exige s/c that I want to finance because I cruise around like it is a religion and really "use" my cars. I put like 3k miles a month on my cars, I would be paying $2k a month for maintenance on something like those.

I will come across something to really do something special with when it comes to me, but it may be a long time before I find THAT car. The rest are all just to hold me over till then. Then again, kind of sounds like female relations lol... not the marriage kind of guy I just hope I dont manage to finally find THE car that is a keeper at the same time I find "the one" (LOLROFL) and have to pick one or the other... because the chick will lose! ahhahahahhahahahahhaha