[roadracetransam]

It is time to get a car for MYSELF. The last car I did get, just for me, was the TransAm and that was 8 years ago. My current daily driver is a car I got from a "miracle" garage/used car lot (clunkerville, USA). It is a 99 Buick Regal with faded burgundy paint, passenger side keyed, some body damage, rear windows don't work, instrument panel don't light up, radio got a tape stuck in it, driver seat torn, tranny is slipping, and I just spent yesterday replacing the rack and pinion, (car did not like to turn right). It still runs decent, but I won't be picking up any babes with this pile of junk.
I am on a budget, but I do want to get something that I like, and looks good. It won't be a track car, (maybe 5 years from now it might turn into one, who knows) but I would like something that is fun.
So here is what I was thinking:
'04 GTO LS1 $14000-$16000 not to trilled about this one since the ones with more pep under the hood go for a little more
'05-'06 GTO LS2 $15000-$18000
'08 G8 GT LS2(I think) $20000 - $25000 I can't belive already see some used ones
'98-'04 C5 LS1 $15000 - $20000
'99-'04 C5 Z06 LS6 $21000 - $25000 is the Z06 worth the extra $?
'05-'08 C6 LS2 $27000 - $30000 go nuts, is 31 to soon for a midlife crisis?
'07-'08 C6 Z06 LS7 $52000 -$? go completely nuts and have no $ left to track the TA.
'04-'08 STI or EVO $17000-$25000 I don't know much about these other than they keep passing me on track (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif) on the con side the parts for these might get pricey.
'04-? BMW 3 series $16000-$20000 I know even less about these, exept people who see these think they special and people who drive them usually are aholes. I included it since it is in the price range, and I might be an ahole. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
EDIT:
Found something else with a V8 and RWD:
'05-'06 CTS V-type LS6 $17000-$22000 6-speed fun from Caddi.

I haven't been looking at what is out there, so just went with what I know....

Budget is around $15000 but willing to pay more for something better.
any other ideas?

This post has been edited by roadracetransam: Feb 9 2009, 01:04 AM

[KeithO]

Every time I check the weight of the GTO's, it turns me off. Maybe it's just me.

I also have owned a BMW and liked it quite a bit. It had it's own "ism"s just like GM cars that you have to get used to but it was reliable and fun-to-drive.

C6 - $$$

C5 - Yes, the Z06 is worth the extra cash. Remember, stock LS1 versus Z06 +400/400 hp/tq plus upgraded brakes and suspension. You can't upgrade a C5 doing the work yourself for the price difference on the market. Right now the C5 is probably the best deal out there if it is large enough for your DD requirements. I have been looking at them seriously myself recently. Also, since it's GM it will have all the things that you are used to being pissed off about. I think a Vette would be more interesting to the fairer sex than a BMW. Maybe I am just old.

350Z is an interesting choice. I don't know much about them but if I were in your position, I would at least try to drive one before including/excluding them.

I still think the LS1/LT1 f-body in good condition is the best value out there. Cheap, lots of power, reliable but I think the girl appeal might not be there. Dunno, I haven't been on the market for a long time.