[mr00jimbo]

I mean, if you were looking for an enthusiast car to purchase right now off the showroom floor that had to be fun to your standards, and under 50 grand, which current car has your money, and why?

I gotta go with the big 3 American V8 muscle cars (Camaro Challenger Mustang). The interiors are actually quite nice now, all well over 400 horse, actually have good brakes and power.

The only thing out of Japan that seems to be fun for that price is the 370Z and the WRX STI. Both of which haven't really been updated in a while and don't have the value they seemed to have at one time, back when 300 horsepower was class-leading.
The 370Z Nismo is nice and the rev matching on downshifts is super cool, but something about it seems so dated.
Ditto with the STI...it's like Subaru forgot to really update it. WRX just got a refresh and is cool though.
I'm waiting for Honda to come out with something fun.

What do you think is the best performance car for under 50k, and why?

[!e.lo_]

http://i.imgur.com/HyqS4Td.png
why? because for a "driver's car" light weight is more important than power.

[fliptuner]

If I had $50k for a driver's car, I'd get something used and have fun modding it, myself, plus have money left over.

[tofu1413]

apparently those new Camaros with the new Alpha platform under pinnings drive quite nice.

[kchan]

new mustang - and get 18x10 square setup with fatty tires

edit: seems they can now do 18x11 square with 305 tires :lol

[Digitalis]

Atom ariel :fuckyea:

[Gucci Mane]

Does it have to be new? If not, C6 Corvette Z06 all day everyday. That drive train is perfect. The suspension is already really good, with very little mods youll have one amazing car.

[thumper]

get a manual subaru brz, bitch about how slow it is, go buy a crate motor coyote v8 for a mustang, do a swap and still squeak under $50k with tears of joy...

http://www.engineswapdepot.com/?p=7374

http://engineswap.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ford-Boss-302-V8-going-into-Scion-FRS-01.jpg

https://youtu.be/bRdUv7V4Ugk

[jasonturbo]

I will also vote for a BRZ w/ well built SC or Turbo kit, BBK, KW V3, wheels, and rubber.

[dared3vil0]

996 Turbo 6MT.

Nobody said anything about maintenance costs!

[thumper]

996 Turbo 6MT.

Nobody said anything about maintenance costs!

i thought we were talking about a brand new car off the showroom floor today? :confused:

[dared3vil0]

i thought we were talking about a brand new car off the showroom floor today? :confused:

Oops are we?

EDIT: Wait I didn't realize a BRZ with a coyote was off the showroom floor! /s

[thumper]

i said buy the car new, then do the swap afterwards... keep up man :p

[Funnel]

996 Turbo 6MT.

Nobody said anything about maintenance costs!

maintenance cost isn't bad on 996TT, at least you don't need to do IMS/RMS.
Tough part is to find one under $50k. most of them are $55k+ now. The 2001 996TT posted on craigslist good buy asking for $57,000, sold within 2 days.

Back to topic, I vote for VW Golf R. Right on $50k after tax. Turbo AWD Hatchback. What else can you ask for?

2016 Golf R | Compact Car | Volkswagen Canada (http://vwmodels.ca/golf-r/?_ga=1.15991158.1169577040.1469942652#hero)

[Edison_Chen]

maintenance cost isn't bad on 996TT, at least you don't need to do IMS/RMS.
Tough part is to find one under $50k. most of them are $55k+ now. The 2001 996TT posted on craigslist good buy asking for $57,000, sold within 2 days.

Back to topic, I vote for VW Golf R. Right on $50k after tax. Turbo AWD Hatchback. What else can you ask for?

2016 Golf R | Compact Car | Volkswagen Canada (http://vwmodels.ca/golf-r/?_ga=1.15991158.1169577040.1469942652#hero)

+1 on the Golf R. More refined/comfortable than the WRX STi.....

[GS8]

The only new car I want is not available in Canada because our market is different and we love our Stupid Useless Vehicles

http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/356/016/7/S3560167/slug/l/05-2015-chevrolet-ss-review-1.jpg

--- Chevrolet / Holden SS ---

With conversion, it's actually over $50k but close enough.

I would very much consider the new Camaro (lost a lot of weight) but I couldn't live with that roofline for very long.

[jasonturbo]

Though I love my Golf R as a daily... I'm not sure it has the character to be considered a "drivers car".

A great car for <50k but not a real drivers car IMO.

Just get a second job and buy a GT4.

[fliptuner]

i thought we were talking about a brand new car off the showroom floor today? :confused:

Doesn't say new and doesn't say manufacturer's showroom :troll:

[thumper]

Doesn't say new and doesn't say manufacturer's showroom :troll:

well if that's the case...

2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/5604502495.html

http://images.craigslist.org/00707_bXEr11zMFHY_600x450.jpg

i'm with pidish on this one. needs no explanation why. wish they could put it together better though. but parts falling off=less weight.

or a 6spd manual cts-v wagon. why? because corvette hiding in station wagon drag. just google and see that it can do almost everything... autocross, road course, drag race, and after the weekend is over you take your kids to school in it as well:

http://www.ctsvowners.com/forum/signaturepics/sigpic3678_1.gif

... but i would have better luck catching a unicorn because thay are so rare :o

[thumper]

oh yeah there is also the nsx. ayrton senna blessed it so it dosen't get more driver's car to me... like this for example:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/196757-1997-NSX-T-Black-Black-6-Speed-138000-M-JH4NA2167VT000017

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d16/jasonturbo/NSX%20For%20Sale/IMG_1162.jpg

... unfortunately it's $5k over budget (but the seller has these first world problems involving porsches so i'm sure he can be talked down lol) and not a dealer. oh well :okay:

[Gucci Mane]

this is a good option too @ $43k

2012 FORD MUSTANG GT BOSS 302 COUPE LOW 22K KMS RARE! 550 HORSEPOWER! (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/ctd/5708713912.html)

http://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_iXf55GNxTLQ_1200x900.jpg

[flagella]

After this thread, I'm completely lost on the meaning of "driver's car".

[hud 91gt]

You don't need 50k

http://www.autoatlanta.com/carsales/getpic.php?id=1445&img=69970615fc052959ed5e15417991785e-25673.jpg

http://thumbsnap.com/s/8I50geVL.jpg

http://www.kimballstock.com/pix/AUT/23/AUT_23_RK1654_01_P.JPG

If I could have found a Miata in Orange that would have been there too ;) You don't need 50k.

[thumper]

can a lotus elise be bought off the dealer lot for under $50k?

[dark0821]

still looking to buy a S2k someday... lol... to fulfill my high school dream...

how about a used cayman S or GTS? not in that price range yet?

[SpartanAir]

or a 6spd manual cts-v wagon. why? corvette hiding in station wagon drag:

http://www.ctsvowners.com/forum/signaturepics/sigpic3678_1.gif

... but i would have better luck catching a unicorn because thay are so rare :o

I'm with you on this. I have a deep desire to own a CTS-V wagon :megusta:
The idea of a Corvette Cadillac wagon is just awesome to me.

But they definitely aren't under $50k CDN, seem to be floating around $55-60k USD. But put aside some cash for fuel, apparently they are horrendous on gas.

[thumper]

i saw one listed on autotrader for $54k in alberta (unfortunately it was automatic, private sale), but the ad only stayed up for a few hours... i'm assuming it sold.

not to tread on the misfortune of others, but i hope that the economic meltdown in alberta will bring out more fire sales on the used car market if you don't mind out of province deals.

[thumper]

still looking to buy a S2k someday... lol... to fulfill my high school dream...

how about a used cayman S or GTS? not in that price range yet?

not sure on the price or if it is a good year but...

FS: 2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK - Local BC car - $38900 (vancouver)
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/5695679008.html


http://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_95nA6i7Skos_600x450.jpg

[swfk]

That price if brand new and brand new only, I'd go for a M235i. JB4 tune, good coils and tires.

Used I'd go for a Cayman S in manual, PDK is nice but just not as engaging.

[nabs]

How does every thread turn into a discussion on Porsche, lol.

[dark0821]

because we are in the golden age of Porsche right now... everything they make... are... more engaging than the competition at least lol...

still overprice as fu.... but they are great cars no doubt....

oh... 997.2 GT3 RS.... WOOT, will even settle for a 996 GT3... lol

[knight604]

How does every thread turn into a discussion on Porsche, lol.

If you did not know by now, porsche is the best

[tegra7]

No Reserve: 49K-Mile 2001 Acura Integra Type R | Bring a Trailer (http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-acura/)

Well under 50k

[donjalapeno]

1st gen C63 for me :megusta:

[westopher]

E30/36/46/90 m3, type r, nsx, mk1 gti, any air cooled, 944 s2, 968..... There are so many more.
As for new cars? 228i is getting reviews as the best enthusiast BMW out there, even over the m2 in many aspects.

[supafamous]

As I already have a regular DD I'd get a 2016 Miata GT and spend the leftover money on coils ($1500), wheels/tires ($2K) and a tune ($600). With a dealer discount, that'd get me in right at $50K. My used choice would a Boxster/Cayman for $40K.

If I didn't have a DD and needed a DD then I'd get a GTI with the Performance Package and call it a day. Used, I'd get a CTS-V or S4.

[Hondaracer]

the problem with BRZ's and Miatas are that you actually have to be seen driving them

[dark0821]

lolol.... I think BMW drivers and mature GTR owners have it worse when it comes to stereotypes.....

back on topic, since I see alot of people are starting to get into used euros (used S4), back in the highschool days, right after the S2k, the car to get was the E39 M5, E46 M3 manual coupe, that manual E60 M5 (high revving V10 with horseshit gas mileage - YES PLEASE) .... I guess nowadays E90/92 M3 falls under 50K too. Yes, I am a BMW fanboy lol....

The trouble is finding a manual version with good records at the right price in the right color/options that you want it?

lol.... Thank you for starting this thread... always loved to dream about what happens when a sudden dump of cash comes out of no where lolol

[hud 91gt]

I don't know about you guys, but when I think about a drivers car, i'm basically thinking how close can I get to a go kart?

With that, it means any sports car from the year 2000 and earlier. Direct steering, mechanical linkage to the throttle. Small light and nimble.... But that's just me.

[tofu1413]

I don't know about you guys, but when I think about a drivers car, i'm basically thinking how close can I get to a go kart?

With that, it means any sports car from the year 2000 and earlier. Direct steering, mechanical linkage to the throttle. Small light and nimble.... But that's just me.


Say no more.



http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/image005.jpg


:lawl:


http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/bnc/cto/5692692980.html

[kchan]

I don't know about you guys, but when I think about a drivers car, i'm basically thinking how close can I get to a go kart?

With that, it means any sports car from the year 2000 and earlier. Direct steering, mechanical linkage to the throttle. Small light and nimble.... But that's just me.

something like my 2007 car? :lol

[rriggi]

E60 M5 is a hard one to beat...

[hud 91gt]

something like my 2007 car? :lol

I said any sports car under the year 2000... Doesn't mean there can't be newer ones too.. Lotus, Ariel, S2000... the list goes on.

It's just that most vehicles lost these attributes post 2000 unless they are driver oriented cars like yours.

[Galactic_Phantom]

228i is getting reviews as the best enthusiast BMW out there, even over the m2 in many aspects.

Reasoning behind these claims?

[supafamous]

Reasoning behind these claims?

Feels the most light and nimble whereas the 235i and M2 feel overpowered and not true to the heritage of the original small M's.

The BMW 228i Is The Best Enthusiast Bimmer You Can Buy (http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-228i-is-the-best-enthusiast-bimmer-you-can-buy-1662847106)

The feeling is not universal though - some reviews say it's ain't so great, some love it (R&T had it beating a M2, 1M, and a 235i in a recent review)

[ilovebacon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wSpi6uf9es

this may not be 50k, but damn I would drive one of these!