RI02TL

Hey Guys, I was just browsing through Facebook today and I came across this interesting article. I had no idea you could get this much car for that little money. I love my TL but for $15,000 I don't think any of these cars can be beat. Anyways I just thought this article was interesting and wanted to see what everyone thought. Here's the link:

http://www.lifeofmoose.com/blog/top-6-sports-cars-for-under-15000

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

The problem with all of those, except for maybe the Mustang and Corvette, is that it can be difficult to find a good example for that money. And anyone who has owned a german car, or thought about it, knows what that means and why it's important. Still, great styling/power for the money with these. Jalopnik did an interesting piece on the Merc SL600, it mentions the suspension:


http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/why-bu...des-1721207532


In the same vein, this is also a good read:
http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/5-thin...-ca-1582610274


Kind of surprised they didn't mention the Miata? Not as luxurious maybe but one of the ultimate driving experiences for a purist.

nist7

I doubt one can find a nice example of a C5 Z06 for 15k. Yes there are available but likely high mileage and/or abused. Lower miles and very clean examples are going to be much closer and likely above 20k.

Actually a very quick look on ebay shows that most of the C5 Z06 for sale are almost 19k and many are above 20k to 25k+ range.

The market certianly has NOT moved that low for a C5 Z06 just yet.
Similar thing for the new Coyote Mustangs as well....cannot find 1 that is below 15k but many near 20k or above range on ebay.

Also Sl500 and that 996 and E46 M3 are going to be needing some more maintenance/repair to keep in good shape. Certainly if you are aware of the work involved and has a good shop/tech on hand for Bimmers, the E46 M3 definitely is a good bargain and many can be had for 15k or bit below that it seems.

Other good contenders in this category:
1st gen CTS-V
Pontiac GTO 04-06 (400hp for basically 15k or so, few examples still on sale every now and then)

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

The key with the 996 is to find one that has had the issues addressed. I had one that had the RMS, IMS, and AOS issues addressed and it was bulletproof. Granted I did not put a ton of miles on it, but maintenance was simply oil changes since the other issues were resolved.

00TL-P3.2

For 15k, I'm finding a cherry Miata & putting the savings into some racy modifications & have a little STR auto-x racer.

Sarlacc

Oh i don't know...I know someone who just picked up a pretty sweet E36 M3 for a song and a dance, and its in pretty excellent condition.

nist7

Good point. Other good european options include B5/B6 S4.

But yeah this is when people need to research on forums on what common issues.headaches are and if can find a car that has those addressed already. Otherwise can be big PITA.

Nexx

S2000 ftw

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

As much as I love the B5 S4, under no circumstances should it be considered a good performance option. Perhaps if someone GAVE you a free perfectly running low mileage car - then you'd only have 15K in it after a year of repairs, lol.

But I agree with a previous poster - the only 2 that won't kill you in repairs are probably the Mustang and the Vette.

I'd also say that none of these cars can be found in really nice low mileage shape for 15K - you're looking at a high mileage example or ragged out one for each of them at that price.

charliemike

As a former E36 owner, I'd be curious to see how things are in a year. If he hasn't put much into it then he made a great buy.

foxriderar77

a turbo miata can be built for way less than 15k and probably outrun all of those cars

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

To add to this... good luck finding anything but a base for under $15k... especially if it's a 996.2. I sold my 2002 (granted it was a cabrio) for ~$28k this past spring. I doubt it's lost $13k in 6-7 months...

SamDoe1

Ap1 s2000...

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

All depends on the purpose. If you want a track car, get a cheap Miata and build it. You won't find a better performance car for the $$.

Benzine

I have a 2000-2006 BMW M3. It's a beast. This is not a car! I adore it. I have a blue color. Soooooooooo cool!

Sarlacc

I'm sure its a very cool hot wheels car, Billy. So cool indeed.

CAgine

Miata, is an overrated car imho. But you can say any of those cars listed on those sites are as such too.

Rick_TL-S

Not a single one of those (beyond maybe the Mustang) I would even consider purchasing for under $15K.

The maintenance on the Germans (esp. an E46 M3) isn't exactly wallet friendly & you'd be better off spending extra money on a nice & well kept C5Z.

Benzine

It is possible to consider the Mustang, it's a good and very fast car. It should make for yourself and forget about everything .

nist7

Unless you can find an actual deal with all the problem areas fixed (which you won't find for less than 15k) then yeah Mustang is the only one considerable.

And still...as I said above most of the examples written are still selling for above 15k...quite a bit actually...so 15k will only get you a very scraggly example car....

oonowindoo

depends on what the definition of sports car is.

S2000>All

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

You can't really go wrong with a C5 Z06

Rick_TL-S

Agreed, they're terrific cars. But, those who really want one will know the ones over $20K are the examples worth a look first.

I think the only reason to cap your budget at $15K for a C5Z is if you have plans to restore/rebuild it in some form.

screaminz28

iTrader: (1)

At this point, I think a C6 is a better choice than a C5Z. Unless you really want an FRC, I think the c6 is a better overall car. I'm more fond of the exposed headlights than the pop-ups.

Rick_TL-S

From a personal choice, I agree. The C5Z is great, I just can't get used to their interior.

But, as comes with the newer gen, the C6 asks a little more from a buyer's stand point if you want something special. I think a nice C6 Grand Sport still retails for more than a nice C5Z.

Crazy Bimmer

I am sure I will be ok.

E46 M3 gets my vote!