Affordable and interesting $/hp cars
#82
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#84
Senior Moderator
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neuronbob (11-29-2016)
#85
Turd Polisher
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+1, found quite a few 2G CTS-V sedans with under 80,000 miles for right around 30k.
#86
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
Also, may want to add the BMW 550i (first & second gen) to the list. Great performance / all around cars for ~20k, especially in 6MT
#87
Safety Car
Thread Starter
hah, yup. It was a black wagon version. Definitely ugly. Of course in this thread we welcome all unique/uncommon cars that are affordable. Doesn't have to be a very likeable car by many....lol
Good point. I think the E60 535i/550i are two very nice sedans for the money and is a great alternative to the E60 M5. In fact I think there is a fairly popular blog post online about why one should buy a E60 535i over a E60 M5 (basically 80% of M5 for less than 50% of cost...)
Additions/Corrections to the List-
Mercedes-Benz E55/63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz older AMG models (C32, SUV, etc)
C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models)
Ford Fusion Sport
Saleen XP8
Ford SportTrac Adrenaline
Chevrolet Malibu SS
BMW 535i/550i
Honorable Mention
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Additions/Corrections to the List-
Mercedes-Benz E55/63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz older AMG models (C32, SUV, etc)
C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models)
Ford Fusion Sport
Saleen XP8
Ford SportTrac Adrenaline
Chevrolet Malibu SS
BMW 535i/550i
Honorable Mention
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Last edited by nist7; 11-29-2016 at 01:23 PM.
#88
Safety Car
Thread Starter
+1 on a CTS-V 2nd gen sedan. Plenty of examples in the upper $20's-low $30ks now. They are reliable and the drivetrain is nigh on indestructible unless you actively try to kill it. Many examples on the V forums with over 100k miles, and going strong.
+1 on RLX Sport Hybrid. My particular example is a 2014 and I fully expect it to be worth only $25k when I'm done with my lease in 10 months. Luxury sedan sleeper of the decade, for sure. I will verify that it is FAST. Until the NSX arrived, it was the fastest and most powerful production Acura. And did I say, FAST? It looks nearly exactly like a 9G Accord, though, I'm still scratching my head over mother Honda's decision to make it look so plebeian. I like the look, but it's not a classic look like my NSX.
Anyway, nist7, I like the list in your OP, I just wanted to comment on these two in particular.
+1 on RLX Sport Hybrid. My particular example is a 2014 and I fully expect it to be worth only $25k when I'm done with my lease in 10 months. Luxury sedan sleeper of the decade, for sure. I will verify that it is FAST. Until the NSX arrived, it was the fastest and most powerful production Acura. And did I say, FAST? It looks nearly exactly like a 9G Accord, though, I'm still scratching my head over mother Honda's decision to make it look so plebeian. I like the look, but it's not a classic look like my NSX.
Anyway, nist7, I like the list in your OP, I just wanted to comment on these two in particular.
This will also become my own list of cars to choose from when I am in a situation to be able to consider such a purchase in the future. I've been keeping track of some of these cars in my own head but I think it's good to put it down on screen and on this forum to help expand it as well.
Definitely throw in the Ford Lightning and the Dodge SRT10 truck. Beasts, both of them.
I like the STS-V as well but the engine in that thing is what would hold me back. I'd probably spend a bit more near the top price the OP set and get a higher mileage V2 CTS-V.
I would look at some of the older AMGs as well. Not sure you'll get a good E63 for under $30k, but definitely a nice E55 for that. I'd look at the older C32 AMGs as well, plus the older AMG SUVs...
I like the STS-V as well but the engine in that thing is what would hold me back. I'd probably spend a bit more near the top price the OP set and get a higher mileage V2 CTS-V.
I would look at some of the older AMGs as well. Not sure you'll get a good E63 for under $30k, but definitely a nice E55 for that. I'd look at the older C32 AMGs as well, plus the older AMG SUVs...
#92
1986 Buick T-Type
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times.
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times.
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#96
Team Owner
hah, yup. It was a black wagon version. Definitely ugly. Of course in this thread we welcome all unique/uncommon cars that are affordable. Doesn't have to be a very likeable car by many....lol
Good point. I think the E60 535i/550i are two very nice sedans for the money and is a great alternative to the E60 M5. In fact I think there is a fairly popular blog post online about why one should buy a E60 535i over a E60 M5 (basically 80% of M5 for less than 50% of cost...)
Additions/Corrections to the List-
Mercedes-Benz E55/63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz older AMG models (C32, SUV, etc)
C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models)
Ford Fusion Sport
Saleen XP8
Ford SportTrac Adrenaline
Chevrolet Malibu SS
BMW 535i/550i
Honorable Mention
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Good point. I think the E60 535i/550i are two very nice sedans for the money and is a great alternative to the E60 M5. In fact I think there is a fairly popular blog post online about why one should buy a E60 535i over a E60 M5 (basically 80% of M5 for less than 50% of cost...)
Additions/Corrections to the List-
Mercedes-Benz E55/63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz older AMG models (C32, SUV, etc)
C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models)
Ford Fusion Sport
Saleen XP8
Ford SportTrac Adrenaline
Chevrolet Malibu SS
BMW 535i/550i
Honorable Mention
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Nope. Not at 80% of the M5... not even close man. You can't beat a V10 that can rev over 8k with 500hp. no matter how many turbo the 535 has...
If it is not because of its horrible reliability, especially the SMG. It would be my favorite M5 of all time, even tho its looks are mehhh..
Last edited by oonowindoo; 11-29-2016 at 07:25 PM.
#97
Safety Car
Thread Starter
1986 Buick T-Type
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times
The 86 and 87s seem to be the year to have....the older ones seemed quite slow per wiki listings at least. But I will defer to you for much more in-depth info on these cars. Definitely a great great classic and not often seen on the public roads these days. I haven't seen a Turbo Regal in years in my town....
Additions/Corrections to the List-
Sedans
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz E55/63AMG (older, higher mileage E63s only)
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models, NOT V2 Wagons)
Ford Fusion Sport
BMW 535i/550i
Coupe/Wagons
1986-1987 Buick Regal (GN, T-Type, Turbo)
Chevrolet C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Truck/SUV
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Saleen XP8
Ford Explorer SportTrac Adrenaline
Honorable Mention
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
#98
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Nope. Not at 80% of the M5... not even close man. You can't beat a V10 that can rev over 8k with 500hp. no matter how many turbo the 535 has...
If it is not because of its horrible reliability, especially the SMG. It would be my favorite M5 of all time, even tho its looks are mehhh..
If it is not because of its horrible reliability, especially the SMG. It would be my favorite M5 of all time, even tho its looks are mehhh..
I think I mis-spoke. I meant that the blogpost said that with the proper mods (which you have to do mods obviously) it can come within the ballpark of a M5 in terms of somewhat competitive whp/acceleration. Obviously no where near M5 though the 80% may be high and can be debated.
#99
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
Honestly, and without speaking for him...Matt got fed up with getting questions, answering, then getting questioned on them and when he'd get annoyed he'd get slapped by mods for being abrasive.
Plus, I think life got busy for him...
I'll always praise him, he was super cool to me personally...
Plus, I think life got busy for him...
I'll always praise him, he was super cool to me personally...
#100
Team Owner
What happened to IHC. When I started posting actively here he was quite regular but has since dropped off face of the earth. Seemed like a very knowledgeable car guy too....
Stock vs stock, defnitely not. 535/550 is no where near the M5, I agree.
I think I mis-spoke. I meant that the blogpost said that with the proper mods (which you have to do mods obviously) it can come within the ballpark of a M5 in terms of somewhat competitive whp/acceleration. Obviously no where near M5 though the 80% may be high and can be debated.
Stock vs stock, defnitely not. 535/550 is no where near the M5, I agree.
I think I mis-spoke. I meant that the blogpost said that with the proper mods (which you have to do mods obviously) it can come within the ballpark of a M5 in terms of somewhat competitive whp/acceleration. Obviously no where near M5 though the 80% may be high and can be debated.
#101
Team Owner
I don't know what a stock 535 puts down, but if it's turbo, I can easily see it making 400hp with a few mods and chip, which by numbers alone, is 80% of a V10 M5. I'd be surprised if it only put out 80% / 400hp. Also need to consider that the M5 power is rated at the crank, where a tuned and modded 535 is rated at the wheels. While the M5 is undoubtedly still putting more power down, I think a 535 can get up there.
Though granted, a 535 has 1/1000th the sex appeal of the M5.
Though granted, a 535 has 1/1000th the sex appeal of the M5.
Last edited by TacoBello; 11-29-2016 at 07:40 PM.
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00TL-P3.2 (11-30-2016)
#103
Senior Moderator
RLX Sport Hybrid acceleration run (I have not done this, but others have documented this in the RLX forum):
1. Flat surface, dry road
2. Select "Sport Mode"
3. Manually shift with paddles to 1st gear
4. Mat pedal
5. Hilarity ensues resulting in 4.8 0-60 run, yes, in a stock Acura.
Electrons are your friend.
So basically, my RLX and NSX would run almost neck and neck with the NSX edging out the RLX.
Of course, I have the CTS-V wagon and owned a modded CTS-V before that, and those are just ridiculously fast AND quick rocket ships, but the RLX is definitely a sleeper.
PS I love your STS-V, too. That is a nice, fast cruiser. Are you going to mod it?
#105
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Current most update list combining all suggestions from posts so far. (continue to add great cars guys!)
Sedans:
Cadillac STS-V
Cadilalc CTS-V1
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models, NOT V2 Wagons)
Mercedes-Benz E55 / E63 AMG
BMW M5 (E39)
BMW 535i/550i (E60)
Audi S4 / RS4
Pontiac G8 GXP
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (Charger SRT-8)
Mercury Marauder
Ford Taurus SHO
Chevrolet Impala SS
Jaguar XJR (Vanden Plas Supercharged)
Coupe/Wagons:
BMW Clown Shoe
BMW 8 series
Volvo V70 R
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 (LS1)
Pontiac GTO (04-06)
Saab 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi
Jaguar XJS V12
1986-1987 Buick Regal (GN, T-Type, Turbo)
Chevrolet C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Truck/SUV
GMC Syclone / Typhoon
Dodge Ram SRT-10
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Saleen XP8
Ford Explorer SportTrac Adrenaline
Honorable Mention (newer cars at great performance/$, or older models but at quite a bit higher than 30k price at current market)
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Ford Fusion Sport
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
Next effort may be to start listing these in order of average market price (and break down models even more if appropriate...ie B4/5/6 S4 and RS4, etc.) and start calculating $/hp and have a running rank order of these as well so it may be useful more visually to decide on your next performance/$ car.
Sedans:
Cadillac STS-V
Cadilalc CTS-V1
Cadillac CTS-V2 (higher mileage/older models, NOT V2 Wagons)
Mercedes-Benz E55 / E63 AMG
BMW M5 (E39)
BMW 535i/550i (E60)
Audi S4 / RS4
Pontiac G8 GXP
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (Charger SRT-8)
Mercury Marauder
Ford Taurus SHO
Chevrolet Impala SS
Jaguar XJR (Vanden Plas Supercharged)
Coupe/Wagons:
BMW Clown Shoe
BMW 8 series
Volvo V70 R
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 (LS1)
Pontiac GTO (04-06)
Saab 9-3 Turbo X SportCombi
Jaguar XJS V12
1986-1987 Buick Regal (GN, T-Type, Turbo)
Chevrolet C5 Z06
Ford Mustang SVT Cobras (Terminator, SN-95s, except for Cobra R)
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG
Truck/SUV
GMC Syclone / Typhoon
Dodge Ram SRT-10
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
Chevrolet C/K 1500 454SS
Saleen XP8
Ford Explorer SportTrac Adrenaline
Honorable Mention (newer cars at great performance/$, or older models but at quite a bit higher than 30k price at current market)
Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD
Ford Fusion Sport
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
Next effort may be to start listing these in order of average market price (and break down models even more if appropriate...ie B4/5/6 S4 and RS4, etc.) and start calculating $/hp and have a running rank order of these as well so it may be useful more visually to decide on your next performance/$ car.
#106
Senior Moderator
1986 Buick T-Type
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times.
I noticed on the Truck list the Typhoon & Syclone are listed, but under coupes there are no GN's, T-Types , or Turbo T/A's listed.
These cars were all underrated when it comes to hp. 235-250 hp. And with bolt on mods are capable of high 10 - low 11 sec 1/4 mile times.
#107
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I don't know what a stock 535 puts down, but if it's turbo, I can easily see it making 400hp with a few mods and chip, which by numbers alone, is 80% of a V10 M5. I'd be surprised if it only put out 80% / 400hp. Also need to consider that the M5 power is rated at the crank, where a tuned and modded 535 is rated at the wheels. While the M5 is undoubtedly still putting more power down, I think a 535 can get up there.
Though granted, a 535 has 1/1000th the sex appeal of the M5.
Though granted, a 535 has 1/1000th the sex appeal of the M5.
With visual mods I think a 535i can still look pretty mean but of course stock for stock the M5 is definitely sexier.
#108
Safety Car
Thread Starter
lol seriously...can't wait for the P85s to finally start coming down to reasonable prices....
Last edited by nist7; 11-29-2016 at 08:02 PM.
#109
Also may I suggest the Cobalt SS/TC & HHR SS?
I mean a 3000lbs car that makes 260hp with a 2.0T they are definitely fun cars. I had the HHR SS for a short while total sleeper.
My HHR SS came with Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a manual. You could also get them with the GMPP(?) which was where GM tuned them from the factory with Stage 1 or 2.
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neuronbob (11-29-2016)
#110
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Also may I suggest the Cobalt SS/TC & HHR SS?
I mean a 3000lbs car that makes 260hp with a 2.0T they are definitely fun cars. I had the HHR SS for a short while total sleeper.
My HHR SS came with Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a manual. You could also get them with the GMPP(?) which was where GM tuned them from the factory with Stage 1 or 2.
I mean a 3000lbs car that makes 260hp with a 2.0T they are definitely fun cars. I had the HHR SS for a short while total sleeper.
My HHR SS came with Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a manual. You could also get them with the GMPP(?) which was where GM tuned them from the factory with Stage 1 or 2.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_...ious_SS_models
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street...vious_vehicles
#111
#112
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
There was a supercharger recall...mine had it done...it's covered to 120K due to noise.
From what I've read, if you aren't going H.A.M. with mods and pulleys and tunes...the car shouldn't have any foreseeable larger issues.
nist, let's not forget the dodge neon SRT4 then
From what I've read, if you aren't going H.A.M. with mods and pulleys and tunes...the car shouldn't have any foreseeable larger issues.
nist, let's not forget the dodge neon SRT4 then
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nist7 (11-30-2016)
#113
CTSV,TL, Audi Q7 & A5SB
There was a supercharger recall...mine had it done...it's covered to 120K due to noise.
From what I've read, if you aren't going H.A.M. with mods and pulleys and tunes...the car shouldn't have any foreseeable larger issues.
nist, let's not forget the dodge neon SRT4 then
From what I've read, if you aren't going H.A.M. with mods and pulleys and tunes...the car shouldn't have any foreseeable larger issues.
nist, let's not forget the dodge neon SRT4 then
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#114
Moderator
Looking on Wiki, looks like there was a 540i 6MT Touring offered in the US
#115
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
#116
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
...... does the S2000 deserve to be on that list?
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nist7 (11-30-2016)
#117
Senior Moderator
As much as I love the S2000 (and regulars here know how much in love with the S2000 I am), it doesn't belong on this list. It's affordable and interesting, but I think the OP is looking for bigger HP than what my beloved S offers.
S2000 here, anyway.
S2000 here, anyway.
#118
Grandpa
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nist7 (11-30-2016)
#119
Team Owner
I plan on Stage 2 intake, smaller pulley, and tune that's about it.
Also may I suggest the Cobalt SS/TC & HHR SS?
I mean a 3000lbs car that makes 260hp with a 2.0T they are definitely fun cars. I had the HHR SS for a short while total sleeper.
My HHR SS came with Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a manual. You could also get them with the GMPP(?) which was where GM tuned them from the factory with Stage 1 or 2.
Also may I suggest the Cobalt SS/TC & HHR SS?
I mean a 3000lbs car that makes 260hp with a 2.0T they are definitely fun cars. I had the HHR SS for a short while total sleeper.
My HHR SS came with Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a manual. You could also get them with the GMPP(?) which was where GM tuned them from the factory with Stage 1 or 2.
Good GM additions! This reminds of all the other SS cars AND reminds me of the smaller brother SRT cars (Neon SRT-4, Crossfire SRT-6)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_...ious_SS_models
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street...vious_vehicles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_...ious_SS_models
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street...vious_vehicles
Though, if anything, maybe that in itself is worthy of a thread- having lists of cars, organized by, I don't know, 0-60 times, and organized in categories, such as 5.0-5.2s, 4.8-5.0s, etc...? I'm sure we can come up with a very cool list and if anyone ever asks what to replace their ____ with, we point them to one of these two threads.
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#120
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
While I love the S2000... it's definitely not a high HP, low dollar car. I think we started losing our way when the RLX was added. It may be a fast car, but that's not what this topic was about. Older AMGs, Typhoons/Cyclones, Lightnings, GTOs, STS-V, etc... that's what should be on the list.
Of course, this list is subjective and everyone will have their own opinion about affordable + interesting and what kind of HP they want...