what would you get

[tudragan]

i am in a delimna, should i get a slk320 2000? or should i get a 325is/32is. i really want to work on a car after i get one.

[tdc]

SLK = chick car.

[Rob ITR1035]

SLK supposedly handles great

[///NFSThundeR]

Bimmer fo life

[jinxed84]

e36 m3

should be in that budget range i think

[Evil 330ci]

Ya, m3's are fun to work on.

[tudragan]

i ment CLK320.. i would get a m3 but supposedly the insurance cost on the m3 is mroe then the clk

[mad-ass]

M3.....

[Kassel]

Eh... CLK 320 isnt that great, if I were you i'd search for a nice 430 if you had the budget, if not, Id say the 325is

[tudragan]

so for $20k, what NEW car would you suggest me to get? i was thinking about a mazdaspeed protege, mazda6, 2.5RS...? any ideas?

[BLACKTAPE]

Originally posted by tudragan
so for $20k, what NEW car would you suggest me to get? i was thinking about a mazdaspeed protege, mazda6, 2.5RS...? any ideas?

why new???
IMO there is not a decent car to buy under 30grand.


if you have a budget of 20K you can get a VERY nice e36M3

[Kassel]

or at 20k you can get a 03, 04 Mustang GT, but hey... thats for straight speed and not the curveys

[greateratlanta]

With 20k why not go all out and get a Porsche 911? I believe you can find some very nice 930 examples either SC, Targa or Turbo for around 15k. This would leave you a little money left over to add some go fast goodies.....not that it would need any. There are plenty of good mechanics that can work on these cars plus there are tons of spare parts to be had. For all out performance you can not find a better sports car for the money. If you want practicality then get an m3 otherwise the 930 can't be beat.

http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch.html

[BAC5.3]

Originally posted by tudragan
so for $20k, what NEW car would you suggest me to get? i was thinking about a mazdaspeed protege, mazda6, 2.5RS...? any ideas?

If you want a new car for 20k, I'll make it easy for you.

Impreza.

Why? Because there is nothing sweeter than the sound of a Boxer, and even sweeter is the FI possibilities. Plus, they handle great if you drive them like an AWD.

If you want a car that'll handle on rails, you could pick up an SRT-4. Like them or hate them, 250whp stock can't be argued with.

If you are looking used, you could try to pick up an older S4, or an E36 M3.

If you want to be uber unique, you could always pick up a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9L Limited and shoot for the fastest Jeep in the world (Current record is 12.2 and still 4wd).

Just my opinions.

[L8APX]

Here is an idea,

You obviously are looking for a car with a warranty, dealer service and all the "New Car" benefits.

So why not new?
New isn't always the best because then you have to work the bugs out with the service department, get the recalls done and all the nit picky things that require more frequent trips to the dealer. A car with a good record, full Factory service in as new condition will make that $20K buy alot more.

Here is what you can do: Find a Certified pre-owned 2001 330Ci, get the extended warranty and do Dinan Mods, which retains the warranty which would be the only reason to buy new, that or you want to be the one who "Breaks the car in" which has benefits too.

If you have to be in a new car, then think MINI. Tons of upgrades available, they do handle like nobody's business and they are fun to drive, plus the S with the blower can be fast.

I drove a modified Mini, basically bolt on stuff and I will tell you is one quick car.

I have autocrossed a stock one and there was ALOT less understeer than I expected.

GO MINI