I recently got a higher paying job and will have my pzev payed off in 6 months. So its probably going to my younger brother who is 15, any ideas on what I should buy next? I love my focus but I really don't use my backseat/trunk, I just want a 2-seater with power for 20-25k.

I was thinking a 2003 350z track style, I found one with 11,000 miles for 25,000 or a new GTI 1.8T and swap out the smaller turbo for 250+whp Any ideas?

what about a S2000?

look into used MR2 spiders, if you can find one. there is one for sale here in denver at a dealership for 17,900, if i remember correctly, i took that thing for a spin and it is a great little car. not powerful exactlly, but i am sure you can make it that way. and that thing handles beautifully.

that is my two cents.

350z, hands down.

What about RX7s or 8s?

Mazdaspeed Miata......I can't imagine a more fun drop top for the price.

a honda ex

I agree with HRW, Mazdaspeed Miatas are the [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]**. I sat in one at mazda raceway. I didn't actually get to drive it, but just sitting in it was awesome. Those seats are so comfortable, and those things are quick!

rx7

RX7 or 350z

Originally posted by fokuzsport
a honda ex

HAHAHAHAHA I second that!

or maybe you could get a good deal on this [joke]

For about 20 grand you could make one kick ass 240sx. Get a 97-98 and do an RB25DET (out of a skyline GTS) swap then go nuts with roll cage just everything and have a completley badass very rare car on your hands.

mazdaspeed miata or 350z

mr2 spyder

350Z

Yep, definately a 350z

From what I've heard, comparing the 350Z and the RX-8, is alot like comparing the SRT-4 and the SVT. One is much more raw, the other has less power, but is much better to live with. A major source of what I'm quoting is the long term tests.

http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/nissan/350z/100074345/roadtestarticle.html?articleId=87631&editorialpage=page008

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=862

Personally, I'd take the RX-8 in a heartbeat. It's really...me. Might not be you, though.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/long_term_test/long_term_test_story.php?id=46055

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=7&article_id=1111

Food for thought.

I saw a red mr2 spyder brand new today, very sexy and nice inside... s2000 is a little pricey as is the RX-8, for what you get. I think a 2003 350z or 2003 spyder are my best bets. Thank's guys

aperfectjustin2, you mentioned in your original post that you were considering the 350Z as a used car. If it were me, and it was a choice between a used car and a new car (like the GTI you mentioned) I would go for the new car. The Nissan is likely to be more reliable than the Volkswagen, but the VW would have a longer warranty period since you'd be buying it brand new. Actually, of the two choices you listed, neither one is particularly known for reliability (VW has a reputation as a high-maintenance car, and Nissan is one of the lowest-rated Japanese car companies for reliability), so if that's important to you, you might want to think about that.

Of course, if you're just in it for the mods and warranty be damned, then either of those would be a great choice it seems. I'd go for the GTi with turbo upgrade just because that's not quite as immediately obvious as a 350Z. You might have a lot of fun leaving unsuspecting people in your dust. [thumb]

2003 Nissan 350Z
2 Dr STD Hatchback
Dealer Trade-In Private Party DealerRetail

$20,121 $21,282 $23,218



so 22-23 grand for a USED 03 350z, not bad?

I can still get a warrenty on a certified used car right? I'm pretty much just looking for a good tuner car... something to take to the track on the weekend but commute with M-F's.

Have you looked around on Autotrader.com yet? That can give a pretty good idea of what dealers are asking. BTW the only reason I said I'd pick the new car is, with a car like the 350Z, you have NO idea what the previous owner(s) did to the car in the miles put on before you bought it.

<<<2001 w/ 20,000 miles off ass kicking..........

hmm, I've heard that agruement before, I don't think it could be THAT bad at 10,000 miles. I've got 10,000 miles on my focus and I usually drive harshly, I don't think itd be that HUGE of a factor.

I was thinking... isn't it kind of useless to buy a GTI after having a focus? I mean its basically the same thing... fwd, under 200whp, hatchback, econo-box.

350z is a lot different, rwd, throaty v6 and no having to be the soccer mom :)

Go for the 350Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL, well you put out the GTI idea not me. [:D] I just checked Autotrader.com, in my area 2003 350Z's with similar mileage are being advertised at more like 28,000 to 30,000, both dealers and private party sellers.

As for the mileage thing, no it probably wouldn't be that bad unless the previous owner bought the car for the same reasons you're buying one, in which case it's had 10,000+ miles of track thrashing already. [;)]

the rx-8 is shit, i havent met a happier owner yet. i mean yes it does have alot of potiental but its so limited due to all the safety shit on the car, i would rather have a 350z convertible.

Hmm....maybe you can BUY me a 350Z?

30k for a used 350z? you are nuts, go to edmunds.com and put in desired miles like 15,000 and 2003 base model, it's well under the 25k mark, even new base 350'z aren't 30k+

You can get brand spanking new base model Z's for $27K.

Originally posted by aperfectjustin2
30k for a used 350z? you are nuts, go to edmunds.com and put in desired miles like 15,000 and 2003 base model, it's well under the 25k mark, even new base 350'z aren't 30k+

I am nuts? I'm just telling you what I saw when I checked Autotrader.com, the prices ranged from about 27,xxx to 29,xxx. So, yes, some dealers are apparently asking nearly 30 thousand for a used 350Z. I'm not saying anybody is actually BUYING a used one at that price, just that's what some dealers are asking.