Want to Buy in NJ: I am looking to buy a car. - NJ near Moorestown

[pugboy]

Hi everyone. I hope you had a good T-Day. I wasn't sure where to post this. I am looking to buy a car for my wife. Some of you met her at the VFW.

It cannot be a convertible.
I would like to stay within the $15K range.
I live in the Moorestown area.

We are getting this car for mild road racing, so drag racing stuff could be good, it depends on the mods. Cars that are 100% stock are totally fine - it doesn't have to be "Hot Rod". It can definitely be a sedan.

Some examples (in no order) - has to be a manual:

• Mustang V8 - an older Mustang with a rebuilt or changed engine is ok
  
• Pontiac GTO 2004 -2006 - I would be very interested
  
• Impreza WRX - I doubt I can afford a decent STi
  
• Lancer Ralliart, possibly a GTS
  
• Corvette C4 - probably what I can afford
  
• BMW - an older 3-series or 1-series in good condition
  
• 350ZX
• Mazda RX-8
  
• Mazda Speed3
• Cooper Mini - S or JCW only

The right Mustang would be sweet, but I need to keep my options open.

You can reach me at pugboy07@aol.com - don't ask about the name...

Thanks, Spencer

[98blackgt]

older mustang with a motor swap ftw! keep it ford though

[Diablo750]

I'll keep my eyes open that's a decent budget

[mrnoodley]

At $15k, you are deep into C5 territory. Skip the C4. I've had plenty of both, and the C5 is worlds better in just about every way.

You're in decent S197 GT budget, or LS2 GTO.

You could get an Evo8 or early STI for that price, but I wouldn't. It's just about impossible to find one that hasn't been beaten to death, and neither platform likes that kind of abuse.

The MINI S is pretty cool, but drive one. They are slow, even the S's and JCWs. Like 16 second quarter slow. Fun cars nonetheless.

My choice in that range would be a late E39 M5. only available in manual, so no need to search one out. They had some coking problems in the heads, but it's not too bad to check for. The GTO is a great choice as well. I owned an '05 Black/Black 6 speed. Great car.

I've owned just about every car on your list. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[11grabberstang]

you got some variety here haha...good luck

[Matticus91]

You sure this is for your wife? Lol!


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[Stangman Jonathan]

^^^ Mike said it all lol.......I know you've probably been looking on Craigslist for them.....South Jersey is where I've seen the best deals on parts and sweetest deals on cars....bought my F150 and sister's 08 Lancer GTS that way!

[pugboy]

Originally Posted by Stangman Jonathan

^^^ Mike said it all lol.......I know you've probably been looking on Craigslist for them.....South Jersey is where I've seen the best deals on parts and sweetest deals on cars....bought my F150 and sister's 08 Lancer GTS that way!

I have my eye on tons of ads - plus eBay. Technically, it is for both my wife and me. I am looking at 30+ track days for 2012 and I will be getting my SCCA license by spring. I don't want to lose time if my car needs repairs. So, this car can also double as a car for me.

She was using my Saab 93, but I really don't want to beat on that car. I need something safe and reliable. I am happy, and very lucky I am told, that my wife really likes the track and wants to take it to the next level.

How is that Lancer GTS? I would love to get a Ralliart, but it is out of my budget. I hear the GTS handles fairly well, but it is much slower that the turbo 2L in the Ralliart.

Definitely let me know if you see or hear of anything interesting. Quick is fine, but fast is better.

[Stangman Jonathan]

oh ok very interesting....that sounds like fun.

The GTS is alright......super slow unless you are using the manual shift mod, does come with paddle shifters, she ended up getting one fully loaded with Navi/Bluetooth/Sound System in the Blue color she wanted from a private seller for an insanely good deal.....definitely a cool car, just not sure it would be as much fun as the Ralliart or another one on your list.

[pugboy]

Originally Posted by Stangman Jonathan

oh ok very interesting....that sounds like fun.

The GTS is alright......super slow unless you are using the manual shift mod, does come with paddle shifters, she ended up getting one fully loaded with Navi/Bluetooth/Sound System in the Blue color she wanted from a private seller for an insanely good deal.....definitely a cool car, just not sure it would be as much fun as the Ralliart or another one on your list.

Thanks, re the GTS. The Ralliart's are great, but they are pretty hard to find, and usually not worth the premium - kind of like a WRX. I think your sister's car has a CVT auto.