rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

go to my thread, Majofo just posted a pretty modified (high dollar mods too) sedan with recaro for $28K.
Neuronbob has a 6MT OBM Vagon...he knows fast so if he says the RLX hybrid is fast, I believe him!.

00TL-P3.2

If you mean this abomination, then

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

gotta agree!

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

2009 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan With Many Upgrades | Addison Texas 75001

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

+1, found quite a few 2G CTS-V sedans with under 80,000 miles for right around 30k.

TylerT

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

nist7

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

nist7

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.

Yeah most E63 AMGs are going to be easily above 35k. I think a few of the very early MY E63 AMGs with higher mileages can be had for about 30k and I may have seen one for 29k on ebay (close to 100k and one of the earliest E63 model years)

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

uhhh, i dont know if that car should be included.
it's FWD and SLOW..
which is quite the opposite of what this thread is...no?.

if that is the case, you should at the TL 6MT which is FASTER than that stupid piece of crap they call the malibu SS

nist7

Well you do make a good point....it is ugly, slow and generally not likeable.....so probably not worthy of the SS designation.

The list: -Malibu SS

VR1

2015 Q50 hybrids are high 20s used with 18-19k miles and has 360hp. Will probably be in the low 20s in 2-3 years.

CarCrazed

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.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Shiettt...
Is that yours?
Gorgeous!
I think people don't think about that because then that opens up the floor to mentioning any gut job with an LS swap right? Under 30K and running 10's...

CarCrazed

Yes that is my mine.....
Minor bolt on mods, 57k original miles. Real Sleeper ��

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

you and I Hate Cars should get in touch with each other...he's been racing them a long time and you all could probably compare notes.
Super cool car, man.

oonowindoo

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..

nist7

Very good call! I had forgotten there were the lesser-brothers of the almighty GNX but still very very capable cars on the 1/4 mile and looks great and a true classic platform. I think the GNX gets so much attention these other cars are not as well known.

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

nist7

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.

rockstar143

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...

oonowindoo

if that is the case, then the E9X with N54 TT would be the one with most potential. probably cheapest too.. you know BMW resale value

TacoBello

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.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Considering I almost bought a colossal pile of E46 M3 dog shit last week, this convo hits near and dear to my heart.
It also made me feel like I'd rather go E39 6MT M5.

neuronbob

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?

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I like electrons!
How much are used P100's going for these days?

nist7

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.

neuronbob

YES, please. A bit more accessible than a GN, but still awesome.

nist7

I think the turbo I6 puts down around 300hp and IIRC with fairly light mods it can get to 400hp without that much issue and I think equivalent or more torque as well.

With visual mods I think a 535i can still look pretty mean but of course stock for stock the M5 is definitely sexier.

nist7

Doh, how could we forget the legendary E46 M3. The E92 M3s can be had I think in the 30s if you look hard enough and don't the higher miles and older model years....

That's whats great to me about the RLX. Such an understated/conservative styling you'd never think it could go that fast 0-60!!! Love it!

lol seriously...can't wait for the P85s to finally start coming down to reasonable prices....

JJones91

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.

nist7

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

Rick_TL-S

What kind of service is a 2G CTS-V looking at with that kind of mileage, out of curiosity? The LS can be God's gift to some, but any car at 100,000 miles usually has some sort of recommended service over time.

rockstar143

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

JT4

No BS, I was just about to post this...

00TL-P3.2

Hell, even an E39 540i 6MT would be acceptable.
Looking on Wiki, looks like there was a 540i 6MT Touring offered in the US

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Pretty much this below. They are pretty robust and the supercharger is covered to 120k. If you get all of the recalls/TSBs done, maintain the car regularly... and don't go crazy with high power mods, you'd be driving it for a loooong time. When I saw the mention of the Cobalt and HHR SS I immediate thought of the SRT4. Talk about low dollar fun. Bonus that not many outside of the car world know about it... so to most it just looks like a regular Neon...

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

...... does the S2000 deserve to be on that list?

neuronbob

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.

George Knighton

I doubt it. :-) My daily driver is faster.

: runs away :

TacoBello

We're going to be talking about Miatas here right away, if we keep going down the power list, because of car weight. We're just looking for high power/low cost cars. Not how fast they actually are.

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.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Agreed... and after my last reply I started thinking this as well. When I see this topic I think more 2006 Pontiac GTO versus S2000.

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...