Hello. I have had my 02 ABP CL-S since October 2007 but I am looking for something more engaging to drive (i.e. rwd). My budget is roughly $5k so I am not spending all the money I receive for my car. This car will have to be my dd throughout college so i have decided to go n/a. Here are some cars I am considering.

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/987465344.html

http://www.houston240sx.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=33527

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/994887988.html

I know they are all auto but since it will be my dd I would prefer that. Later on the plan is to do a 3sgte/ka-t/vg30dett conversion and I would swap in a manual at that time. FYI I would also like to auto-x in the near future (maybe this summer )

How much would i get for my car? It has 100k miles and the timing belt service is completed.

 

I would say the MR2, because that is one awesome car. Great balance, and of course, midengined!! It has great potential, and plenty of MR2 people I know go AutoXing. I love the look of it too!

 

if you're using it as a daily, i would keep the cl until you can get money for a decent non-automatic rwd car.

 

I the 300's but the wing on that one is

 

I would say 300ZX no question but not that one...

 

I voted MR2 but 280 is not bad either..

 

300zx ftw!~

 

240sx

 

I would say MR2 but since you're going auto I say the 240 or 300ZX. The MR2 engine is the same one as the Camry of that similar year so its bulletproof, but good luck finding an auto (other than that one). The KA24DE has plenty of grunt though so even with an auto it should be fine.

I also think you should expand your choices since its your DD... the MR2 has no back seats and not much storage - a small shelf behind each seat, a tiny frunk, and a small trunk. As for the 240SX and 300ZX (2+2).... they both come with backseats but I'd also consider them shelves also, since anymore taller than a midget will have trouble getting in and out of either car.

I like t-tops though, and if you need utility I say 300ZX because its got a hatch. Just don't get one with a fugly wing like that

 

I don't know about those exact cars but after test driving the 300zx TT. That sealed the deal for me. Car looks and performs awesome.

 

I say 240...... The Silvia conversion is mostly done, it looks very clean, and you can build the hell out of it (add a 6 speed, put in an RB26DETT, etc...)...

 

thanks guys I know the wing sucks but I just put that car as an example (besides it could be removed)

Another concern for me would be maintenance. I have read about 300zx engine bays being a nightmare but I am not sure if that is true for the N/A or not. The MR2 is midengined but it has the Camry engine so would it be that hard to work on?

I love the way these cars can look with some TLC

 

if youre going to opt to get a fun car, yet an auto, then why not just keep your CL?

your car list couldnt be riskier. you are setting yourself up for a big headache. you could easily spend more than 5k on repairs alone... which isnt an ideal situation to put yourself in during college.

i also say WAIT

 

240sx

 

300zx TT

 

240 but then again that is one of my favorite cars

 

I say the 300zx. That's based solely on looks though.

 

240

 

do you have any experience with these cars? please elaborate

 

I think I know what Thermon is getting at: your CL-S is a pretty good car, probably one of the best for a FWD. It only has 100K on it, with the major service done.

However, you are looking to trade it for cars that are 6 to 8 years older, likely with more mileage, and chances are that those cars- now 12 to 16 years old- have been beat on.
Those cars you listed are likely to need more attention and maintenance than the CL-S- brakes, timing & drive belts, transmission fluid/filters, suspension parts, water and fuel pumps, starters, etc. all are going to be questionable. I hated spending time during school performing necessary maintenance and repairs on my DD/street stock autocross car (I ended up with a new Integra back in the day after replacing one too many leaky hoses in a parking lot on the prior car).

BTW, each of the cars is slower in acceleration than the 2002 CL-S.

The other issue is how much the change from a CL-S to a 2-seater (for the MR2 and 300Z) will cost insurance-wise; it could be a lot given your age bracket.

I'm with Thermon-- keep your present car until you get out of school.

 

They are all autos...takes the fun out of all of the choices no?

 

Thank you for taking the time to make a well-thought out post. While I would prefer to keep the CL-S and even add coilovers, I am in need of cash for personal reasons. By no means am I voluntarily making this decision or considering this an upgrade. However I am trying to get a car that would at least entertain me to some degree.

I have about a year to fix everything wrong with the car myself once I get it since I will not be driving in college for the first semester.
Acceleration is not a major concern for me as I am more interested in handling.

I understand the most practical choice would be to get something like an 02 Civic for the same price and I have not ruled that out but I posted here to see if anyone had some experiences with these cars to add to my research before I make a final decision.

Thanks for reminding about the insurance; I will investigate the rates.

I am beginning to rule out the Z as it seems to be the most complex to work on and the heaviest.

 

so is shifting in Houston traffic

 

damn they armor-alled the shit out of the 300

 

id say 240 as well

 

The 240SX would be the most "basic" car of that group. 300ZX is a bitch to work on, and garages charge and arm and a leg to do it for you. The MR2 could be a decent driver...just as reliable as any Toyota. I had a 92 Turbo and it was a blast.

 

Thanks for your input. Was the MR2 difficult to work on for general maintenance? I know the turbo had some problems with coolant hoses but thankfully not the 5sfe.

The 240 is the easiest to maintain but the performance potential with the MR2 is even greater...