Need Advice, Want A Cheap Manual Car!

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 02:26 PM

Hey guys, I need some advice. I currently have 3 cars but all are equipped single clutch or dual clutch automated transmissions. All of my cars used to be stick at a time I could deal with the traffic nightmare in Los Angeles. I have switched to dual clutch autos because I feel they offer the best compromise in terms of comfortability and fun.

Lately I been really yearning for a manual car but I don't want to spend over 15k as I would only use the car on a very limited basis. Can you guys give me some ideas of what to get? Something fun and somewhat reliable and cheap to maintain. Your advice and ideas will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

Ps. Looking for something that handles nice with ample power.

SYZ · 08-31-2013, 02:30 PM

civic si

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 02:32 PM

I was looking into an older Boxster, I found some under 15k but I have heard engine issues with those older models.

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

civic si

I would prefer rwd.

Crazy Bimmer · 08-31-2013, 02:41 PM

High mileage S2000

F1Venom · 08-31-2013, 02:46 PM

Evolution 8.

SYZ · 08-31-2013, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKM3

Hey guys, I need some advice. I currently have 3 cars but all are equipped single clutch or dual clutch automated transmissions. All of my cars used to be stick at a time I could deal with the traffic nightmare in Los Angeles. I have switched to dual clutch autos because I feel they offer the best compromise in terms of comfortability and fun.

Lately I been really yearning for a manual car but I don't want to spend over 15k as I would only use the car on a very limited basis. Can you guys give me some ideas of what to get? Something fun and somewhat reliable and cheap to maintain. Your advice and ideas will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

Ps. Looking for something that handles nice with ample power.

1. Fun
2. Reliable
3. Handles well
4. RWD
5. Powerful
6. Cheap

cotenseto · 08-31-2013, 02:51 PM

2004 Mustang GT with the 4.6L & manual trans... definitely in your range, will be inexpensive to repair too if things go wrong.

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYZ

1. Fun
2. Reliable
3. Handles well
4. RWD
5. Powerful
6. Cheap

Lol

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotenseto

2004 Mustang GT with the 4.6L & manual trans... definitely in your range, will be inexpensive to repair too if things go wrong.

Thanks for the suggestion but looking for something a bit more nimble than a mustang.

Arben72 · 08-31-2013, 03:12 PM

Miata with a ls1 swap,
Spend a little more and get a brz?
Also you can pick up a nice e46 m3 too.

SilentAttack · 08-31-2013, 03:12 PM

240

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentAttack

240

Good idea, didn't think about that one.

KKM3 · 08-31-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arben72

Miata with a ls1 swap,
Spend a little more and get a brz?
Also you can pick up a nice e46 m3 too.

I really want an e36 or e46 I'm just concerned with reliability. Subframe issues terrify me.

Arben72 · 08-31-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKM3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arben72

Miata with a ls1 swap,
Spend a little more and get a brz?
Also you can pick up a nice e46 m3 too.

I really want an e36 or e46 I'm just concerned with reliability. Subframe issues terrify me.

Find a well kept one and then look into subframe reinforcement. I doubt you'll have a issue but it's probably worth the peace of mind. Most likely can be done for under 20k.

WULFFZA · 08-31-2013, 03:45 PM

Miata, bolt ons for more grunt. Wonderful auto cross toy too.

zsx_m · 08-31-2013, 03:47 PM

e46 M3 is bullet proof, I would definitely go that route.

Longboarder · 08-31-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsx_m

e46 M3 is bullet proof, I would definitely go that route.

e46 M3 gets my vote as well (even though I love my DCT and hate my 6MT at this point).

Tfk · 08-31-2013, 05:11 PM

whether or not it ticks all the boxes, E39 M5.

Staszek · 08-31-2013, 05:16 PM

I would say Miata or the e46 m3, I had subframe issue but got it fixed and reinforced for $600 by a shop and it was fine. Get one closer to an 06 and there will be less of an issue. The issue was more prevalent in the older ones.

Someone? · 08-31-2013, 05:18 PM

Go lease a 2013 Mustang GT, fast as hell, good on gas and will have a warranty.

GotE46M · 08-31-2013, 05:19 PM

S2000 if you don't mind how small it is.

08-31-2013, 02:26 PM	#1
KKM3 Lieutenant 26 Rep 504 Posts Drives: E92 m3 + r8 v10 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Need Advice, Want A Cheap Manual Car! Hey guys, I need some advice. I currently have 3 cars but all are equipped single clutch or dual clutch automated transmissions. All of my cars used to be stick at a time I could deal with the traffic nightmare in Los Angeles. I have switched to dual clutch autos because I feel they offer the best compromise in terms of comfortability and fun. Lately I been really yearning for a manual car but I don't want to spend over 15k as I would only use the car on a very limited basis. Can you guys give me some ideas of what to get? Something fun and somewhat reliable and cheap to maintain. Your advice and ideas will be highly appreciated. Thanks. Ps. Looking for something that handles nice with ample power. Last edited by KKM3; 08-31-2013 at 02:34 PM..
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08-31-2013, 02:30 PM	#2
SYZ Lieutenant 34 Rep 454 Posts Drives: :O Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 Mercedes C32 AMG [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	civic si
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08-31-2013, 02:32 PM	#3
KKM3 Lieutenant 26 Rep 504 Posts Drives: E92 m3 + r8 v10 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I was looking into an older Boxster, I found some under 15k but I have heard engine issues with those older models.
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08-31-2013, 02:41 PM	#5
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 402 Rep 5,858 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	High mileage S2000 __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD
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08-31-2013, 02:46 PM	#6
F1Venom Banned 76 Rep 961 Posts Drives: ZCP E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Evolution 8.
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08-31-2013, 02:51 PM	#8
cotenseto Private First Class 2 Rep 117 Posts Drives: B6 S4 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Greater Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	2004 Mustang GT with the 4.6L & manual trans... definitely in your range, will be inexpensive to repair too if things go wrong. __________________ 05 S4 4.2 6 spd 07 A3 3.2 - Wifey's
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08-31-2013, 03:12 PM	#11
Arben72 Banned 54 Rep 462 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Miata with a ls1 swap, Spend a little more and get a brz? Also you can pick up a nice e46 m3 too.
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08-31-2013, 03:12 PM	#12
SilentAttack Lieutenant Colonel 170 Rep 1,790 Posts Drives: 08 E90 Jerez Black 6MT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	240 __________________ Stupid Photobucket
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08-31-2013, 03:45 PM	#16
WULFFZA Lieutenant 43 Rep 453 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Miata, bolt ons for more grunt. Wonderful auto cross toy too. __________________ 2011 E90 M3 CP Alpine White 2014 R8 V8 2017 Cayenne S 2001 SL500
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08-31-2013, 03:47 PM	#17
zsx_m Rasp Addict 100 Rep 281 Posts Drives: Moonstone M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (2)	e46 M3 is bullet proof, I would definitely go that route.
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08-31-2013, 05:11 PM	#19
Tfk Private First Class 14 Rep 103 Posts Drives: Citrin Black M3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahrain iTrader: (0)	whether or not it ticks all the boxes, E39 M5.
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08-31-2013, 05:16 PM	#20
Staszek Schumacher 801 Rep 2,299 Posts Drives: E30 325is,E93 M3,X7M50,F06 M6 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lake Forest, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [9.20] 1990 BMW 325is [9.00] 2022 BMW X7 M50 [10.00] 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe [9.93]	I would say Miata or the e46 m3, I had subframe issue but got it fixed and reinforced for $600 by a shop and it was fine. Get one closer to an 06 and there will be less of an issue. The issue was more prevalent in the older ones. __________________
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08-31-2013, 05:18 PM	#21
Someone? Perception is King 134 Rep 1,702 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (8)	Go lease a 2013 Mustang GT, fast as hell, good on gas and will have a warranty. __________________ Perception and Reality are Two totally different Things.
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08-31-2013, 05:19 PM	#22
GotE46M Lieutenant 60 Rep 435 Posts Drives: Few M cars. Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: O.C, Socal iTrader: (2)	S2000 if you don't mind how small it is.
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