Cheap, fun 5-speed?

[cjv998]

Hey everyone, I'll be getting out of college soon, and I want a BMW 3 series coupe. However...I can't currently drive a manual, and there's no way I'm getting a BMW with an automatic instead of the standard 6-speed manual. So, I'll be looking for a more performance-oriented, affordable manual that I can use as a daily driver until I save up enough/have good enough credit to get the BMW. Here's a list of my priorities:

1. Must be a manual
2. Price less than 15k (less than 10k would probably be better)
2. Reliability (I want less than 125k miles on the odometer most likely)
3. Better performance than the cb (I at least want a "sporty" car)
4. I'd prefer AWD or RWD over FWD, but once again, I'm flexible here

It doesn't have to be super practical, but I'm not sure that I want a roadster necessarily (so probably no Miatas/S2K's/MR2's). A 240SX, WRX, or RSX would be cool, to give you guys an idea of what I like. Any suggestions?

[93accordexcoupe]

rsx's are fwd, look at 300zx's

[jspech22acclude]

i have a 02 330ci im telling you once you drive a bimmer you will want nothing else, so just save up and get the bmw it will be worth it

[cjv998]

I know the RSX is FWD, I'm not completely opposed to FWD, and hey, it is an RSX . I may add the 300ZX to the list though. I want to learn how to drive a manual before I get a brand new BMW, because I don't want to mess up the clutch or anything on the brand new car, and don't want to make a fool of myself at the dealer when I go for a test drive.

[JDM_EJ]

Get like a 96 BMW M3...BMW performance, Manual trans, and in the price range you are looking for.

[cjv998]

Mid-nineties M3 is in that price range? Man, I didn't know that. Hmm, found a new car to top the list .

[JDM_EJ]

Mid-nineties M3 is in that price range? Man, I didn't know that. Hmm, found a new car to top the list .

Yes sir...check this link out...

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/165913543.html

[cjv998]

Wow...that's even the color I'd choose if I had my choice. Actually, I'm considering an E36 328i as well. More affordable, and easier to find. Also, that way when I get the new 3 series (I am determined to get one), it (the new 3) won't be slower, haha.

[JDM_EJ]

Are you talking about the 07 3 series coupe?




I am going to buy one of these...



2006 BMW M5

[cjv998]

Yep, I'm talking about the new 3 series coupe. I'm looking at the 328i.

[The G-Man]

What about the Audi B5 platform A4? The 96-99's will be below 10k, most with relatively low miles. The 99-01's have the modern luxury features. Most have HIDs 1pc headlights, etc. Come in either a 1.8L Turbo engine, or a 2.8L V6. Or if you find an S4 a Twin Turbo 2.7L V6. All are 4 dr models. Most will be in the 50-100k miles range. The 5 speed manual versions are plentiful. However with any German car you will PAY out the ASS to get it fixed, and most times will be very complicated to do the repair yourself. Timing belt jobs on these things require the bumper and radiator to be removed.

EDIT: Also 95% of these cars have Quattro all wheel drive.

[cjv998]

I never was a big fan of Audi's, not sure why . I dunno, they just seem overly complicated, with a lot that could go wrong. Once again, wasn't aware I could get one in my price range though. We'll have to see what pops up.

[The G-Man]

I never was a big fan of Audi's, not sure why . I dunno, they just seem overly complicated, with a lot that could go wrong. Once again, wasn't aware I could get one in my price range though. We'll have to see what pops up.

And you think a BMW won't be overly complicated as well?

[cjv998]

And you think a BMW won't be overly complicated as well?

Yeah, I'm not sure how to describe it. Just the whole turbocharged, super-high-tech quattro AWD system scares me. Also, I've heard their suspension is pretty soft, which I really don't want. BMW's just seem...more pure? That's the best I can describe it. And anyway, almost all (probably at least 85 or 90%) of the A4's in my area are automatics.

[Phempa]

how bout an H22 powered CB7?

thats sporty