Car buying advise
 

Hello all,
found this forum by accident and looks like you people know you stuff so would appreciate a word of advise from the wise.

Basically looking to buy a fun used vehicle:

Location: YVR
Price range: 15-20k
New or used: used
Type of vehicle: Coupe/Sport Sedan
Must haves: Turbos would be nice
Desired transmission: Manual
Intended use: Daily Driver - Weekend Car
Vehicles you've already considered: Mustang, BMW 335i, Lexus IS, Audi A5
Is this your 1st vehicle:No, driver a e36, Kia Rio, Kia Sportage, MB MLK
Does the vehicle need to have a warranty: No
Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: fluids, alternator, battery, water pump, brake pad - yes
Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: (engine and transmission rebuild, timing belt/chains, body work etc - no
Additional Notes: Was wondering if taking over someones lease and then buying the car out at the end would be a good idea - seems like this way i avoid the depreciation and get a good new vehicle at the end.
Will not buy a Miata - do not like the aesthetics.

Let me know what you think and thanks for reading this.

First year FRS/BRZ are dipping below 17,000 on craigslist. Other than they probably get driven hard, sounds like a pretty fun car to own. Doesn't have a lot of grunt but it's nimble. Tons of aftermarket.

Can get yourself one of those hideous bolt on wide body kits and act like you're driving a 120HP Ferrari 458

Personally, I'm a bit leery of the early model FRS. The early cars have some well documented engine problems when the engine is regularly using its high rpm range. Even locally, I have personally seen / know of multiple FRS engines seizing when the car has been driven in a sporty manner -- including autox and track use.

Are you leaning towards rwd? Awd? Fwd? FRS/BRZ is a great starting platform for a fun car, fiesta ST can be had for around there if you look hard enough (most fun for a fwd arguably), wrx can be had but usually higher kms (maintenance is key), depends on how practical you want to go really

thanks ill look into those!

Don't need a AWD, and between the FWD and RWD Id go with RWD.
Im looking to keep it for 24-36 months and then switch depending on circumstances.

I mean if that's your definition of fun car more power to you.