:rofl:

This is how I know it's the real hypa posting. :D

Import a Chevy SS or find a Pontiac GTO.

Mustang / Camaro / Challenger?

Cheap + Fast, and a variety of engine choices for each platform.

Reliability............... :pokerface:

Can't really voice my opinion, as 2016 was the first year I actually owned a domestic branded vehicle. I've always stuck with Japanese imports, hence I bought the extended warranty :lol:

^ Well, I want to think big items like engine and transmission, the american V8s should be way more reliable than euro or jdm turbos long term... as for smaller items... every car will have the occasional window regulator, hvac switch etc etc when you are going into ownership year 10, 15 and beyond....

I've driven a euro s50b30 and an NA 3.2 back to back. The only difference is the s50b30 revs 750 rpms higher and carries the power up with it. Its barely faster on paper, and certainly not real world faster. The euro s50b32 though is fucking savage, and even more exciting than an s54, because it feels like its going to explode right through the pedal. I only feel like the NA s52 lacks above 6000 rpms. If you want a track car, you can use a bit more. Easy mods can put your s52 up to euro s50b30 levels for a couple k. Larger MAF, tune, and an m50 manifold gets you within 10hp, and takes you happily up to 7k. On my car, I haven't felt it necessary yet. The early e36 euro and NA e36 are identical other than the motor, and the shittier NA headlights,
I've had 4 years with this car, and while I get pissed at it sometimes, it would literally cost me 50k for a car I'd like more. Perfect blend of analog feel, everyday livability, and cars and coffee hardparking street cred.
Just because I love looking at it, I'll post a pic to convince you if I haven't already.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4156/3...44f9ce8f_b.jpgDSC_0694 by Chris West, on Flickr
I will tell you, there is always something that needs fixing. Most of the time its just trivial shit, that I would totally leave if I didn't love the car. Its something to be aware of though. I spend a FUCKING LOT on this car, but I would on any car of this caliber that I can afford the price of entry to.

A 330ci ZHP.

There aren't a lot many cars under 20k that meet your list of wants. Personally I would go with S15 Silvia, IS300 manual, or E36 M3

E46 M3 and E39 M5 are great choices if you can find a 6spd manual under 20k. Maybe high mileage or a rebuild.

You could also get an NA RHD MKIV Supra 5spd manual. It will meet all your needs such as bullet proof drivetrain, balanced chassis, relatively easy to work on and a great touring car and daily.

IS300 is a car that seems to get forgotten about. They were a dream car of mine back in high school. Anyone on here have anything to add about them? I've never driven one. I drove an IS250 and it was a miserable experience, but they seem so far removed from each other even though they are the "same."

I had a IS300 for 6 years bought at 50000km sold at 150000km and in that time I NEVER had a check engine light or any oil leaks. Other then maintenance the only repairs I made were a brake lamp bulb and front lower ball joints. It was damn near the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

I always loved the was it looked and it was always a solid vehicle but is ended up getting rid of it because it just wasn't very enjoyable to drive.

The na 2jz was gutless and uninspiring, it only has 215hp. It got terrible mileage for how weak it was, like 13.5L/100km. I didn't find it to handle or brake perticularly well.

If RHD isn't a problem. Get an Altezza RS200 z edition with beams 3sge. facelift ones are better. i currently have a bone stock one as a dd.

toyota reliability and durability
simple 2L NA 3sge with lots of space in engine bay
6mt shifts are tight, comparable to s2k, nb miata 6mt
can be had in stripper spec. no sunroof, no leather, no power seats, no nav, no cruise, no amp/sub, no heated this and cooled that, no gimmicky stuff
about 400-500 lbs lighter than a is300
torsen lsd standard on Z edition
other than engine, trans, rack, and things bolted to the firewall, everything else can be sourced from is300 easily
about 400-450 km till light comes on. 60L tank. around 10L when light comes on
can still be found for cheap. 3-4k gets a crappy one. 5-7k will need some work. 7-9 should score a nice one
lots of support from aus, uk, ru, nz forums
its a 4 dr frs with double wishbone in the front
a more reliable, durable and lighter e36/e46
the drive by wire is linear and responsive and traction control can be killed permanently without affecting abs, dbw, or throw check engine light
if willing to pay more, 20k ish, a TOMS 280T is pretty much the best one to get. 300hp boosted 3sgte
many options to mod. ITB for feels, turbo kits for can bring it up to around 350, sc kits out there as well if lag is a turn off

Honestly when I read DIY maintenance, and then owning for 10-30 years it makes me wants to say anything prior to the year 2000. Going even further back takes away complications like plastic clips and panels but at least things can still be worked on easily.

A corvette has really started to pique my interest these days though.

e39 M5 meets all the criteria.. It's not a Corolla, but reliability is pretty good, and there is tons of support for DIYers.

Can you get one near 20k anymore? Someone on BCBMW is asking fucking 39k for one with nearly 200k on it.

Nopers. I'm seeing them for at least $30K now, if not more.

OP is looking for something under 20k.
Its weird they are asking so much here though, as 15-18k still gets you one in the states for what people are asking 35k for here.

What about LCI E90/92 323i/25i/28i/30i?, before they started using 4-cylinder turbos? No frills NA straight sixes with reasonable power, no hand grenade HPFP from the 335,and can be had reasonably cheap. Manual is rare, but I can guess that they would be very fun cars to drive without worrying about the M car specifics. I'd love to own one even in an auto and I'm a Toyota/Lexus guy.

We bought our IS300 new in 2001. It's clocked 150,000kms on it and then some. It's bone stock throughout its life and it has never quit on me. Ever. Hands down the best car that we've owned. It was my mom's first higher branded car and it's been passed down to me since.

They don't make cars like these anymore. I watched my friends get new cars and spend time and money in the shops made me realize I wanted to have a car that starts up every morning and I don't have to worry about it. The IS300 delivers on that promise.

Pros: Reliable, not too expensive to fix, can DIY, easy to drive and control ;), exterior and interior has aged well, engine is exceptionally smooth and sounds great at high revs. Bonus: turn off 'TRAC' and it's super easy to go sideways. Heard from a friend of a friend.

Cons: The 5-speed auto transmission is weak and clumbsy (try not to use tiptronic it really makes the transmission rough), on long trips or highways I wish there was a 6th gear, the passenger seat dashboard (SRS airbag section) melts under high heat or using unsuitable cleaners, bad performance for fuel economy 14L/100KM on premium.

Thats cool. There is something so awesome about the thought of buying a brand new car and it being such a perfect fit. Its unfortunate, with current car lineups there are only 2 of those that could fit the bill for me, and they are a nonsensical amount of money.
When I see a nice shape IS it still catches my eye 17 years later.

/reads title
BMW

Exactly why I got my 330i

I was literally just about to post mine for 24.. er.. i mean.. 34.... :whistle:

I have my e30 318is for a few years now. I think that fits the description quite well, certainly comes under budget right now. Most things have been pretty straight forward to repair.

24 for your car I'd be suggesting it to anyone. 34......uhhhhh.

I ordered a solo exhaust for my G8 last week and threw it on last night.
I like the car even more now. The torque of the big V8 and muscle car sound make for a fun car.

Not quite AMG v8 sound quality, but pretty damn good for the money.

But when it comes to sound, I still think that there isn't a single saloon outside of Maserati that sounds as good as the BMW v10. They're mean, smooth, and rev high enough to sound like nothing else.

Not sure how you went from avoiding cheap interiors to Corvette. All generations of Corvette have that going for them, unless you can get a C7 and even then you are dealing with a lot of technology that may some day fail.

I have to mention the Mercedes SL, The 4th gen cars are a great price right now and they are excellent to drive, even if they are only available in auto. If you truly want something that was built well, that can be used every day and will be comfortable on long road trips, there is nothing better for the price. You would have boatloads of money left over to cover the maintenance that it will need, but they are far better quality cars than a lot of stuff out there. They just feel great to be in.

I think you already know the answer is 996. Unfortunately you're going to struggle at 20k to get anything really good. I think personally if you are looking for a car to own for 30 years you should find a way (maybe save for a while longer) to get either a really nice 996 or a 997. A 997 would be a perfect car to own for the long run. Find a way!

You may a good point although I wasnt exactly talking about interior. Half of engines these days are plastic.... Manifold, all clips etc. Its all rubbish when it gets old.