[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

[LT4Firehawk]

Big question, how bad are your local roads? If they are less than average or bad, then a C5/C6 with MRC (magnetic ride control) would be my first choice. While I love my Firehawk, the roads out here just keep getting worse and worse, and having a car with an adjustable electronic suspension is great (our DD is a 04 Volvo V70R with "skyhook" suspension). Another fun option might be a Saturn Sky (Pontiac Solstice, but I like the Saturn better). Get the sport version (redline for Saturn) and you get a 260HP, 3000lb 2 seat roadster that every woman I talk to just love. Plus you can get an ECU tune from GMPP that brings it up to almost 300HP.

Of course, the 3 series and the CTS-V are both nice as well, but why buy a 4 door/4 seater if you don't need it? Everyone should own a 2 seater at least once.

As to women not liking Vettes, my wife loves them, and so do most other women I've ever asked about it (I've owned two, a C4 and a C5 Z06). I think a lot of it has more to do with your attitude when you own one. If you act like the Vette should be a chick magnet, well, you're probably going to be flying solo. If you keep your head straight, and be honest with the women that you like fun cars, then most will appreciate it. As to the C5 Z06, if you've got decent roads, these are definitely a great deal right now. Excellent car, with very few weak points as a DD, BUT, I still think I'd go for a regular C5 coupe over the Z06 for a DD, mainly due to more cargo space, and the ability to get the MRC for times when you feel like just cruising with a comfortable ride.