Help a mod to pick a mid-life crisis car around $20k

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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 11:50 AM
  #161  
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Originally Posted by charliemike
I love Stooks. Really nice example!
... black cars rock! We own 2 right now... my 2001 CLS and a 2008 Chevy Subbi
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:00 PM
  #162  
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Originally Posted by iforyou
NSX with a lovefab turbo 771 reliable whp all under your right foot
For within the $20K limit ?? Doesn't anyone read thread titles anymore ??

Here's something I spotted a while ago for $23K... Pcars just scream "mid-life crisis", but the cost of maintenance on a 993 w/ 130K miles, might take the fun out of the ownership experience...

http://providence.craigslist.org/car/600850381.html

I haven't mentioned a porsche yet, since an S2k and Vette are probably better choices from a logical standpoint, but owning a 911 just fits in well w/ the mid life sports car scenerio...

Oh, and an MR2 turbo is a pretty neat idea too...
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:10 PM
  #163  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
I thought about an NSX and a few weeks ago started looking in the classifieds on NSX Prime (a primo website even if you're not an NSX owner. Those guys have class.). I'd buy an NSX if I were willing to spend another 10k miles so I can get a lower mileage early-90s model.
Great choice. Ask me how I know?

The best deal I've seen on one was about 2 years ago. A clean 91 with about 35k miles sold for $24k here in SoCal. If you are patient, a deal like that could happen again.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 12:26 PM
  #164  
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Originally Posted by DarkSithCL
... black cars rock! We own 2 right now... my 2001 CLS and a 2008 Chevy Subbi
+1 but they suck to keep clean especially here during the winter...

I want my next car to be black or blue...stupid road salt...
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 01:18 PM
  #165  
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<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHC7ti8mFBA&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHC7ti8mFBA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 02:16 PM
  #166  
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From: location location


and @ 3:56
<object height="355" width="425">



<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZiofjudMql0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></object>
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 02:21 PM
  #167  
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Theres a CL in that video at the end!

And that sux....did i here him over rev a few times?
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 06:23 PM
  #168  
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster
For within the $20K limit ?? Doesn't anyone read thread titles anymore ??

Here's something I spotted a while ago for $23K... Pcars just scream "mid-life crisis", but the cost of maintenance on a 993 w/ 130K miles, might take the fun out of the ownership experience...

http://providence.craigslist.org/car/600850381.html

I haven't mentioned a porsche yet, since an S2k and Vette are probably better choices from a logical standpoint, but owning a 911 just fits in well w/ the mid life sports car scenerio...

Oh, and an MR2 turbo is a pretty neat idea too...
Talking about like a 91 model
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 08:27 PM
  #169  
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Was that second video supposed to make me want to MOD a Corvette with cams? That chain breaking sound scared the crap out of me. If I go the 'vette route, it will stay, resolutely, stock, to avoid Camzilla's fate.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 08:46 PM
  #170  
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As far as the NSX....I'll wait a few years on that, unless I make a lucky find like the one described a few posts above. I just want a nice, relatively inexpensive, reliable toy I can play with.

So the test drive score so far is....S2K and 4AT Corvette. I honestly liked the S2K test drive better, even though it's not as fast or has as much low-end torque as a Corvette. I suspect it's the individual 'vette I test drove, though, so it's not an indictment of Corvettes in general.

BMW Z4 test drive coming up this weekend. No decent-condition MR2s to be found in the immediate area, so haven't tried one.. Don't know Porsches well enough to want to own a used one, though I may try a Boxster just for grins. One of my colleagues owns one and enjoys it a great deal.
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 09:11 PM
  #171  
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Too bad about the MR-2 but the second gen FI is almost impossible to find in decent condition. I ran my friends '94 widebody with a lot of engine work and it was a total blast to drive. It's a nice looking car if done up right as well.

That being said my vote is for the S2000
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Old Mar 27, 2008 | 10:59 PM
  #172  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
Was that second video supposed to make me want to MOD a Corvette with cams? That chain breaking sound scared the crap out of me. If I go the 'vette route, it will stay, resolutely, stock, to avoid Camzilla's fate.
nope :rolf: it was on the same youtube page so i thought everyone else would enjoy it.
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 03:14 AM
  #173  
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S2k FTMFW!!!
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 12:30 PM
  #174  
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Originally Posted by Mike
nope :rolf: it was on the same youtube page so i thought everyone else would enjoy it.


Though I DO feel bad for Camzilla.

What is the advantage of camming a Corvette, anyway? Is there a power advantage or do people just want their 'vette to have a less refined sound than stock? I genuinely don't know, so I'm asking.

On another topic....can't wait for that BMW Z4 test drive, should be interesting...
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 04:52 PM
  #175  
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<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uPs-5Qc4_q8&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uPs-5Qc4_q8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 05:03 PM
  #176  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
I may try a Boxster just for grins. One of my colleagues owns one and enjoys it a great deal.
Didn't realize you could get into a boxster so cheaply...

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/s...d.php?t=121824
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 07:01 PM
  #177  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob


Though I DO feel bad for Camzilla.

What is the advantage of camming a Corvette, anyway? Is there a power advantage or do people just want their 'vette to have a less refined sound than stock? I genuinely don't know, so I'm asking.

On another topic....can't wait for that BMW Z4 test drive, should be interesting...
a more aggressive cam == more power by increasing the lift and duration of the valves. that's the short version

can't wait to hear your impressions of the z4 vs. the s2k
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 07:59 PM
  #178  
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Get the S2000, it's a Honda so it will be more reliable and hold re-sale value.
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 08:18 PM
  #179  
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This thread is still open??

"The vette gets em wet"

Does s2000 rhyme with "gets em wet"? No, it dosent...
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 08:19 PM
  #180  
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Fawk boxsters aren't worth shit.
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 08:26 PM
  #181  
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Originally Posted by LotusTracker
Fawk boxsters aren't worth shit.
Ohhh, I can't imagine why :gheylaugh:

http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow...uto/slideshow/
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Old Mar 28, 2008 | 10:26 PM
  #182  
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http://www.gay.com/content/slideshow...uto/slideshow/

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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 08:31 AM
  #183  
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what about the supercharged pontiac solstice??


anyone see the pics on the new automobile magazine of the new hardtop (targa top) solstice? it looks so fucking slick.

im not a huge pontiac fan but that little roadster is awesome
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 03:22 PM
  #184  
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Thumbs up And the winner is....

Well, folks, I have made a decision. After driving a Z4 (very nice ride, more details later!), I have decided to buy a S2K. Of the cars that I drove, it is by far the best driver out of the group. I'll buy a Corvette next time around. I will update this space once I have the little guy in my garage, I've got a line on two in my local area already.

THIS-click VIDEO helped me make my decision. Gansan! I. CAN'T. WAIT! And I promise that I won't hit the rev limiter like Gan-san did.
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 03:41 PM
  #185  
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Congrats!!! I cleaned my PM box btw.
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 04:18 PM
  #186  
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congrats man. plenty of pics, please!
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 04:23 PM
  #187  
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Sweet cant go wrong with the S2k
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 04:58 PM
  #188  
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good choice

Z4 is nice but I will say the S2K's are for sure just as nice if not nicer... BMW under powers a lot of its cars because of the M series. Now if you had found an Z4 M roadster I woulda you for not taking it.
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 05:35 PM
  #189  
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congrats!

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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 05:44 PM
  #190  
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nice! which year?
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 05:57 PM
  #191  
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Good Choice !! It's hard to beat the value, reliability and performance of the s2k...

Now all you have to do is figure out if you want an AP1 or AP2... there's lots of little differences throughout the years...
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 06:02 PM
  #192  
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Congrats on the purchase!
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 06:21 PM
  #193  
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Have you found a specific S2K you are interested? If so, what year and miles? If not, what year and color combos are your favorites?
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 07:06 PM
  #194  
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I've found two I'm interested in. One is an AP1 2002 with only 11k miles. Test driving that one tomorrow. The other is an AP2 2004 at a dealer. If the AP1 pans out, I'll take it just so I can go on S2ki.com and get one of those "9>8" signature jpgs.

I could live with either an AP1 or an AP2, they each have advantages and disadvantages. I just don't want one with traction control (the newest AP2s). I'm trying to get 2002-04.
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Old Mar 29, 2008 | 08:18 PM
  #195  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
I could live with either an AP1 or an AP2, they each have advantages and disadvantages. I just don't want one with traction control (the newest AP2s). I'm trying to get 2002-04.
Yeah, the sweetspot seems to be 2002-2005... Prices are decent, and the were alot of improvement in the first few years... Some people just don't like traction control and drive by wire that are on the newest models..
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 04:05 AM
  #196  
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Also on the AP1's, 2002+ has the glass rear window which is very nice. argh I need to stay outta this thread............
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 04:20 AM
  #197  
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s2k and take it to the track
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 09:36 AM
  #198  
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Congratulations
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 02:24 PM
  #199  
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I did it!

I test drove the 2002 AP1 today. It had only a bit over 11k miles on it and was, other than the typical Honda leather wear on one seat bolster, basically mint. Best of all, it was the color combination I most love in a sports car, silver ("Silver Sebring Metallic") exterior, black interior. I immediately put a deposit on it and am working out the rest of the financing.

It should be in my garage Friday. Pics will follow.



Thank you for all your help, guys, it was instrumental in my decision. I had a lot of fun doing test drives.

The other good thing about the afternoon is that my A-Spec'd RL got a better freeway workout than it has in recent months as I had to drive 80 miles to see the S2K. Bah winter!
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 03:12 PM
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to the honda fanboi!!

Welcome to the club.
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