What about a good condition E36 M3. Great car, can be had for in your price range, reliable, parts are pretty cheap, great handling chassis, i have buddies with supercharged ones, turbo, LS1 etc. One of my friends just won his class in nationals with his track e36 and just picked up a white e36 with a dinan blower. makes about 310whp reliable and all day.

i would get one of those before most of these other cars. gl on your decision

 

Hmm, well I personally hated SRT4's, even when some of my friends had 12/13 second srt's. Up until I found out that they come in orange and decided to hop on the train. Had it for almost 4 years now, and it's been all smiles since day 1. Most reliable car I've ever owned, hands down!

 

Datsun 280

 

Well guys my Evo is basically sold now. Buyer already has his bank paying the loan off. He's coming to get it when the title clears and my bank releases it to me.

So now I've looked more at DSMs and it seems like they are mostly junk until around the $4000 range. Now my question is whether that's still the best buy for that price as I'm seeing used WRX's for sale around 4-5K. I also see a few Miatas already turboed for around $4700.

I still want the DSM if I could find a clean one, it seems like they are all FWD or autos for the most part. Having a hard time finding a clean car for $4K around my area.

You guys have any leads to a good place to find AWD turbo 5spd DSMs for sale? At the 5K mark am I still better off with the DSM over an old WRX? Goals are 12's and as much handling as I can get.....

 

Ive heard the older Subarus have 'glass transmissions', not that I know anything about Subys. Personally, Id stick with DSM. I always have an eye out for another one to get as a daily driver. I sold my 97 Talon when I got the Evo. I wish I never did, but with my money situation, i didnt have much say in it. THe DSM is a bit of a downgrade, but as far as getting the best bang for your buck, thats the car. Just my 2 cents! Good luck with everything!

 

Dsm, is the BEST bang for the buck car, imo.

 

Adding to what Vivid. stated on page 1. LS1 240 or rx7 is probably the best fun car that handles outa the bunch. I myself will be looking for a second gen rx7 next summer (rather have a FD but too costly as a project atm). Ill drive the FC till the rotary ****s out and drop a LS1 in it. Friend of mine has a 100% built N/A LS1 in a FC with the widest tires he can fit under stock fenders and it will still break loose in 3'rd no problem. Its rediculous. A LS1 is only about 75 or so pounds heavier than a 13B wet. The car handles great. Even if you got a RX and wanted to work on the rotary. They are easy to work on. Just hard to tune. They like to blow up when pushed.

 

I agree completely. Having owned an rx7, a modded dsm, two 944 turbos, a miata and a ton of z cars and m cars, the e36 m3 is the best all around cheap, fun car out there. Handling from the factory is still superb, even compared to the most recent cars out there. Contrary to the rumor mill, there are very few truly expensive repairs on these cars and there is a ton of support out there on the web. They made a zillion of them, so parts are readily available. Just find the best condition one you can afford and enjoy.