Help a mod to pick a mid-life crisis car around $20k
03-23-2008, 07:24 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Help a mod to pick a mid-life crisis car around $20k
OK, I turn 40 (e.g. "old") in less than three months. I am thinking of buying a nice "mid-life crisis" sports car for my birthday. The plan is to do this while keeping my 2G RL 
. I am looking to buy/finance around $20k. So far, I've been shopping around...
Early C5 Corvette--love the look, love the power, dislike the C6's looks (
). I've seen 1997-2001 C5s with low-moderate mileage (less than 50k miles) for $18-22k. Prefer MT even though I haven't driven one for ten years.
Used Honda S2000--love the look, love to hear Honda I4s rev above the VTEC range. But WTF is this about 0-60 of 7 seconds unmodded? My RL already beats that.
Used Pontiac GTO--don't like the look, but I DO love the power. This car is just like the RL--a sleeper.
Of these, what would you guys get? Are there other great used values in sports cars I can pick up? Of course, if the economy continues to tank, I am totally willing to wait or simply not buy one. An alternate option is to purchase a CTS-V in the fall when the 2G debuts. I've been drooling over that for months, but have been having second thoughts given gas prices, and the fact that I could sure use SH-AWD during the winter.
Thanks all, and have fun.
. I am looking to buy/finance around $20k. So far, I've been shopping around...Early C5 Corvette--love the look, love the power, dislike the C6's looks (
). I've seen 1997-2001 C5s with low-moderate mileage (less than 50k miles) for $18-22k. Prefer MT even though I haven't driven one for ten years.Used Honda S2000--love the look, love to hear Honda I4s rev above the VTEC range. But WTF is this about 0-60 of 7 seconds unmodded? My RL already beats that.
Used Pontiac GTO--don't like the look, but I DO love the power. This car is just like the RL--a sleeper.
Of these, what would you guys get? Are there other great used values in sports cars I can pick up? Of course, if the economy continues to tank, I am totally willing to wait or simply not buy one. An alternate option is to purchase a CTS-V in the fall when the 2G debuts. I've been drooling over that for months, but have been having second thoughts given gas prices, and the fact that I could sure use SH-AWD during the winter.
Thanks all, and have fun.
03-23-2008, 07:28 PM
#3
Go Giants
New wife....
03-23-2008, 07:33 PM
#6
A Corvette is THE ultimate mid-life crisis car. I agree, the C5 looks way better than the C6. I would love any of those 3 cars though. But as comfortable as the GTO's rear seats are, I don't think you'd find much use for them. S2000s are definitely faster than 7 seconds stock, at least they feel like they are. You just need to wring it out for it to be fast, while the C5 would be fast pretty much from idle to redline.
I would go with the C5, but the FRC (fixed roof coupe, the C5 Z06 bodystyle) looks weird. Go with the hatchback. Nothing like open air motoring
I would go with the C5, but the FRC (fixed roof coupe, the C5 Z06 bodystyle) looks weird. Go with the hatchback. Nothing like open air motoring
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03-23-2008, 07:34 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Whiskers
New wife....
Thankfully, the wife is a keeper.
The idea is to buy something to keep out of her hair. 
03-23-2008, 07:34 PM
#9
Originally Posted by o1s
350z vert?
mr2 vert?
mr2 vert?
The 350Z convertible is one of the ugliest convertibles out there with the top up. The MR2 is pretty ugly too, not to mention severely underpowered.
03-23-2008, 07:38 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Nice yellow 2002 S2000 for around $18k. I think I'm going to test drive it. Definitely not in a rush, though.
I think I'm going to test drive it. Definitely not in a rush, though.
03-23-2008, 07:45 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
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i agree... porsche boxster =)... nooo but i would seriously consider the c5 over the s2000... more power and is overall a more midlife crisis car than the i4 s2000...... and if you decide the c5 is not working for you just sell it and get the s2000... dont the c5's hold good value anyways?
03-23-2008, 07:47 PM
#13
For a mid-life crisis car I would go with a C5. Loud, brash, thirsty, but still an entertaining car to drive with a minimal amount of effort. Torque that goes on forever, surprising good handling, and an exterior that still draws the admiring glances of young women that wouldn't look at you otherwise now that you're over the hill
.
As IGTC said, the ultimate mid-life crisis car!
Terry
.As IGTC said, the ultimate mid-life crisis car!
Terry
03-23-2008, 08:14 PM
#14
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
If your complaining about the speed of a S2000 the early 986 boxster is even slower, not to mention being much more problematic, the earlier the boxster the worse they were. If you can't get into 03+ I wouldn't even think about it.
Mid life crisis car, its the vette all day long, that's what that car was made for. Or an older MG, may not be fast, but insanely fun to drive and you can get one in great shape for a lot less then your budget. C5's can get expensive to take care of as things go, tires are runflats and very expensive, for example. I have a friend who has a 97 C5 and its his baby, it has low miles(25k) and it constantly has little problems, I don't know if they got better later in the production of the C5, but I wouldn't touch his 97 with a 10 ft. pole.
Mid life crisis car, its the vette all day long, that's what that car was made for. Or an older MG, may not be fast, but insanely fun to drive and you can get one in great shape for a lot less then your budget. C5's can get expensive to take care of as things go, tires are runflats and very expensive, for example. I have a friend who has a 97 C5 and its his baby, it has low miles(25k) and it constantly has little problems, I don't know if they got better later in the production of the C5, but I wouldn't touch his 97 with a 10 ft. pole.
03-23-2008, 08:57 PM
#15
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For someone who is already "old" 
, I'd say a Miata MX-5 or S2000 if you like to shift. The MX-5 is really well coordinated and responsive, albeit "slow." IIRC, the S2000 with stick was a high-5 second 0-60 car, but you have to be willing to rev beyond 6500 RPM.
If you're thinking of an auto transmission, the Corvette is the only reasonable choice.
, I'd say a Miata MX-5 or S2000 if you like to shift. The MX-5 is really well coordinated and responsive, albeit "slow." IIRC, the S2000 with stick was a high-5 second 0-60 car, but you have to be willing to rev beyond 6500 RPM.If you're thinking of an auto transmission, the Corvette is the only reasonable choice.
03-23-2008, 09:23 PM
#18
styling on you
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S2000 ftmfw! Nothing like blasting down the road with the top down, wind bristling through your hair, and all you hear is that bad bitch of a motor racing towards redline.
Yes... S2K is certified FTMFW!
Yes... S2K is certified FTMFW!
03-23-2008, 09:32 PM
#21
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by TSX Wisc Badger
for $20k why don't you twin turbo your RL :wink:
I've already got an exhaust and intake for sonic beauty on the RL. I felt that, along with the A-Spec suspension, was quite enough modding on a very nice luxury car (I don't care who says it's bland, it's WAY better looking than that MMC monstrosity....excuse me...
.....OK, I feel better now).That's the reason I want to buy a sports car. I want to go FAST, and maybe shift.
To the person who brought up the 4AT Corvette, I understand that other than in 2002, when there were tranny failures, the AT is pretty nice.
I appreciate the additional suggestions of the M3 and the Porsche Boxster. The Boxster is too slow--the S2000 is preferable. The M3....if I can find one in my budget, I'll test drive it. I love the M3.
I didn't think it would be in my price range.The 350z vert....that's not too good looking to me. I'm frankly too old for the MR2.
03-23-2008, 09:57 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
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I'd definately go with an early AP2 S2000. Like Jessal said, it ain't about the speed, but how much fun you have while behind the wheel. The S will definately not disappoint. Plus, I feel very "meh" about the C5s.
According to C&D: 5.5 sec to 60 in an '04 S2000
According to Motortrend: 5.8 sec to 60 in an '05 S2000.
I wouln't exactly call that slow...
According to C&D: 5.5 sec to 60 in an '04 S2000
According to Motortrend: 5.8 sec to 60 in an '05 S2000.
I wouln't exactly call that slow...
03-23-2008, 10:09 PM
#23
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list of a few cars under $20k on cars.com right now:
04 and 05 RX-8's
04 and 05 GTO's (biggest "Penis Car" ever!)
Mustangs... by the dozens (probably for a good reason )
03-05 Crossfires (I think they are shitty cars though
)
04-05 350z's
07 Eclipse GT's and Spyders (chick car)
05-06 Mini Cooper S (sounds slow but my dad had one and it was a blast to drive)
03-04 BMW Z4's (Tommy Likey! )
nothing else really worth mentioning IMO
PS all these that I saw were under 30k miles
04 and 05 RX-8's
04 and 05 GTO's (biggest "Penis Car" ever!)
Mustangs... by the dozens (probably for a good reason
)03-05 Crossfires (I think they are shitty cars though
)04-05 350z's
07 Eclipse GT's and Spyders (chick car)
05-06 Mini Cooper S (sounds slow but my dad had one and it was a blast to drive)
03-04 BMW Z4's (Tommy Likey!
)nothing else really worth mentioning IMO
PS all these that I saw were under 30k miles
Last edited by Wisc Badger; 03-23-2008 at 10:12 PM.
03-23-2008, 11:30 PM
#25
how handsome I am
But WTF is this about 0-60 of 7 seconds unmodded? My RL already beats that.
if you take that bitch to 8k it'll hit the mark for sure
03-24-2008, 12:35 AM
#27
I shoot people
H.D. V Rod and a tribal tattoo 
03-24-2008, 12:36 AM
#28
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S2000
And its definitely faster than 7 seconds 0 - 60, more like low 6's.
And its definitely faster than 7 seconds 0 - 60, more like low 6's.
03-24-2008, 01:19 AM
#32
Suzuka Master
S2000.
03-24-2008, 01:43 AM
#34
6 Forward 1 Back
Whoa! I was just looking for something along these same lines. . Found this that looks interesting:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=2295
2006 Laguna Blue S2000 49,000 miles $21,000. . .
My vote would be a S2000.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=&cardist=2295
2006 Laguna Blue S2000 49,000 miles $21,000. . .
My vote would be a S2000.
03-24-2008, 01:59 AM
#35
Team Owner
if u want a "SPORTS" car, then it is either the vette or s2000.
like what everyone else said, 0-60 for s2k is below 6secs.
50/50 weight Dist. RWD, High Rev 240 HP, light weight, NO TRACTION Control ( Prior MY06), one of the best 6mt in the world, excellent road feedback, does not feel like a boat, and it is very realiable.
what else do u need in a sports car?
Bonus: it has very good MPG and nothing beats cruising in a convertible in a nice summer night.
like what everyone else said, 0-60 for s2k is below 6secs.
50/50 weight Dist. RWD, High Rev 240 HP, light weight, NO TRACTION Control ( Prior MY06), one of the best 6mt in the world, excellent road feedback, does not feel like a boat, and it is very realiable.
what else do u need in a sports car?
Bonus: it has very good MPG and nothing beats cruising in a convertible in a nice summer night.
03-24-2008, 04:42 AM
#36
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
I got the 7 second figure for the S2000 from C&D, but others in this thread have pointed out faster figures from other sources, so I take that back. Once I get my MT-driving mojo back, I'm sure I can get to sub-6 second 0-60 in that car. If I get that, I also keep an all-Honda garage.
As far as what I want in a sports car....fast and lightweight....so that's 'vette and S2k.
For Wisc Badger....eclipse--hellz no, that's a girl car, Crossfire....no thanks; RX-8 is the ugliest sports car I've ever seen; the others are worth looking into.
is300eater....LOL at the tribal tattoo comment! That is so 90's, though. And no bikes, I like to have my fun enclosed by metal.
As far as what I want in a sports car....fast and lightweight....so that's 'vette and S2k.
For Wisc Badger....eclipse--hellz no, that's a girl car, Crossfire....no thanks; RX-8 is the ugliest sports car I've ever seen; the others are worth looking into.
is300eater....LOL at the tribal tattoo comment! That is so 90's, though.
And no bikes, I like to have my fun enclosed by metal.
03-24-2008, 07:29 AM
#38
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by neuronbob
I got the 7 second figure for the S2000 from C&D, but others in this thread have pointed out faster figures from other sources, so I take that back. Once I get my MT-driving mojo back, I'm sure I can get to sub-6 second 0-60 in that car. If I get that, I also keep an all-Honda garage.
As far as what I want in a sports car....fast and lightweight....so that's 'vette and S2k.
For Wisc Badger....eclipse--hellz no, that's a girl car, Crossfire....no thanks; RX-8 is the ugliest sports car I've ever seen; the others are worth looking into.
is300eater....LOL at the tribal tattoo comment! That is so 90's, though. And no bikes, I like to have my fun enclosed by metal.
As far as what I want in a sports car....fast and lightweight....so that's 'vette and S2k.
For Wisc Badger....eclipse--hellz no, that's a girl car, Crossfire....no thanks; RX-8 is the ugliest sports car I've ever seen; the others are worth looking into.
is300eater....LOL at the tribal tattoo comment! That is so 90's, though.
And no bikes, I like to have my fun enclosed by metal.That has to be one of the slowest times I have ever heard of for an S2k. My best friend has an RX8 and honestly, its a beautiful car....that just happend to get horrible gas mileage and has a myriad of problems. (Caveat: my friend has a first year model.) On paper both the S2k and RX8 put out similar HP/Torque numbers, I feel that the Renesis' power delivery is clearly more linear (and faster revving) than the F20/F22.
03-24-2008, 07:35 AM
#40
Drifting
S2000 gets my vote.
It gets better gas mileage and is MUCH more reliable than the vette. I know these aren't your top priority when looking for a fun weekend car. However, gas prices that are consistently increasing and the ability to to drive it without having to worry about any problems might be a couple items to consider.
It gets better gas mileage and is MUCH more reliable than the vette. I know these aren't your top priority when looking for a fun weekend car. However, gas prices that are consistently increasing and the ability to to drive it without having to worry about any problems might be a couple items to consider.