YACT: Used car recommendations

[ArmenK]

I'm going to buy a used car sometime in the next 6-8 months. My budget is around $10k. The most important thing is that the car must have a manual transmission. The second most important thing is reliability, followed by performance. I am really leaning towards a 1992-1997 Lexus SC300. Those cars perform well, look nice, can be found for under $10k, and come in manual. Toyotas are known to be reliable and the SC300 has the same engine as a nonturbo Supra so there are many mods that can be done. The only downside to the SC300 is that it is relatively difficult to find one with a manual transmission. I would like the car to be clean and taken car of so it makes it even harder to find a suitable car.

 

[ArmenK]

Where are the car guys?

 

[Chrono]

they're sleeping. shhh don't wake them up!

 

[David Brent]

:thumbsup: on the sc300

 

[ArmenK]

Originally posted by: Chrono
they're sleeping. shhh don't wake them up!

Wake up!

 

[radioouman]

I think that is a good choice if that's what you are interested in. Good luck.

 

[ArmenK]

Last bump

 

[spiderrasmon]

you're on the right track. toyotas, you can get new ones for used prices, but quality is where it's at. lexus's and such last longer.

 

[TheChort]

is BMW an option?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Bah to newer cars. Classic Mustang all the way.

Seriously though, you seem to have a pretty sound choice. Go for it.

ZV

 

[StageLeft]

$10k will hook you up with a 5th gen (2000+) maxima. BOOYAH!

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Bah to newer cars. Classic Mustang all the way.

Seriously though, you seem to have a pretty sound choice. Go for it.

ZV

I agree Older cars are much cooler,and easier to work on.


http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cavemanmo...detail?.dir=mail&.dnm=10a9.jpg&.src=ph

 

[dejacky]

For $10k, I would look for something better than a sc300 in your shoes. There are MANY small problems that can occur with these cars that end up costing a lot of money. I researched it quite a bit. Also, they have a distributor that will always be a hassle with aftermarket forced induction mods. They don't have a limited slip differential like the supras and are less reliable than supras, especially the electronics. If I were you I would aim for a supra or a better reliable car.

 

[deejayshakur]

call around for repair costs. if you look at my 98 gs-r thread, i've started to realize just how expensive integra's (and acuras in general) are to repair. lexuses, i would imagine, are cheaper than other euro premium brands, but more expensive than a toyota or honda. a 99-01 accord coupe is a good choice, but i gave up after a few months of searching. like you, i am pretty picky, which makes buying used very hard. if you find an SC in good condition, go for it.

 

[dejacky]

You will be MUCH better off with a Toyota Supra Non-turbo model because they are easier to find in manual transmission, are lighter, have limited slip differential, better suspension, better overall handling, AND respond better to motor modifications, AND are overall more reliable. $10,000 for an SC300 is a waste in my humble opinion. Don't forget about the 1989-1992 supra turbo models also. They still retain that "unibody" chassis and already come turbo with electronic dampening suspension and can be modded to go extremely fast. For $10k, you could make one of these VERY fast, reliable, and comfortable.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: dejacky
You will be MUCH better off with a Toyota Supra Non-turbo model because they are easier to find in manual transmission, are lighter, have limited slip differential, better suspension, better overall handling, AND respond better to motor modifications, AND are overall more reliable. $10,000 for an SC300 is a waste in my humble opinion. Don't forget about the 1989-1992 supra turbo models also. They still retain that "unibody" chassis and already come turbo with electronic dampening suspension and can be modded to go extremely fast. For $10k, you could make one of these VERY fast, reliable, and comfortable.

but you won't get the boyracerpoon by that comes with the tt supra

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Originally posted by: NeuroSynapsis

Originally posted by: dejacky
You will be MUCH better off with a Toyota Supra Non-turbo model because they are easier to find in manual transmission, are lighter, have limited slip differential, better suspension, better overall handling, AND respond better to motor modifications, AND are overall more reliable. $10,000 for an SC300 is a waste in my humble opinion. Don't forget about the 1989-1992 supra turbo models also. They still retain that "unibody" chassis and already come turbo with electronic dampening suspension and can be modded to go extremely fast. For $10k, you could make one of these VERY fast, reliable, and comfortable.

but you won't get the boyracerpoon by that comes with the tt supra

But isn't that the kind that smells like a day old sweaty sock?

 

[compuwiz1]

Buy a new Ford Fucus for about that, after rebate. The little things drive pretty crisp and get great mileage too.

A new car on the cheap, with a full factory warranty is a good thing. You might also get A/c, cd and all the other crap that makes us happy.

 

[2cpuminimum]

1. Honda civic has great safety ratings, decent mileage and reliability, comes in manual.
2. Volkswagon makes some diesel cars that are supposed to be great in terms of reliability, I'm sure they come in manual.
3. If reliability isn't your thing, then the Ford Taurus tends to be cheap used (for a reason though)