NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, after Friday Night's events, I am without a car at the moment.

I've been catching the bus to uni, which is a pain. And I have to borrow my parents' car (which is a V6-engined 4WD) for work...which will drink half a tank of fuel or more in a single night. And not only that, but my parents are having trouble going where they need to go.

One car for three drivers...it just doesn't work.

So I ask NSG to help me find, and ultimately buy, a car. At the moment I don't know my budget yet, but it probably can't be much more than A$10,000 (http://www.xe.com/ucc/).

A few basic considerations:

1) It has to be performance-orientated.

2) It has to be manual. I am allergic to anything approaching an automatic gearbox.

3) It has to be at least a little bit reasonable on fuel consumption. Oz is a great place for muscle cars (case in point (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=3371033&current_rec=25&used_rec=251&total_rec=207&sort_type=2&total_rec=207&sort_type=2&make_id=81&model_id=546)), but their creed is dying out for a reason.

4) *sigh* It also has to be able to feature as the family's second car, ie have a bit of space to transport people and things.

You can begin to see why I need help.

My personal favourite would be something like this (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=2879849&current_rec=3&used_rec=17&total_rec=23&sort_type=2&total_rec=23&sort_type=2&search_distance=100&search_postcode=4070&make_id=7&model_id=225), but that will take some convincing the rest of the family.

So, this is now the stage for initial suggestions and ideas. As more details about money and so on come to hand, we'll get more specific.

I'd imagine Naddy and CToaN are the people for the job. I know nothing of cars.

I was actually going to get a Miata at one point to lighten up on the Bus. I got a motorcycle instead. If I had bought better it would have been a great decision.

I don't know Australia's car market well enough to really help. I know you can get early A4 quattros for around that here, though I think you'd be pressed to find a manual.

But you guys have things like Peugots and Holdens and stuff to pick from. How much can you get 206s for? Those seem pretty pimp. Another hot hatch might be the way to go. Maybe a VR6 GTi? A buddy had one and it was a blast.

Saabs are remarkably fun to drive. I tested a 900 turbo for an ex (she wasn't an ex at the time, and she always made me drive so when she went looking for a car I tried to steer her towards a sports car of some kind. She ended up buying a Buick Century. It was the begining of the end for us...)

She ended up buying a Buick Century. It was the begining of the end for us...)

What year was it? Early-mid '80s Centuries were pretty nice.. It's all egg-shaped garbage nowadays of course..

Get a Delorean, that way it doesn't matter whether you leave on time or not.:)

What year was it? Early-mid '80s Centuries were pretty nice.. It's all egg-shaped garbage nowadays of course..
I think it was an '85, and it was a snoozer. A poorly appointed version of my moms Cadillac. (alright, yes. My mom had a Cadillac. It kinda sucked a bit too, certainly not Caddy's hey day.)

That car couldn't have been more generic if it had been yellow with a bar code on it. (A paint job I recommended right before I realised that she didn't really want to hear her boyfriend rag on her new car purchase. She stuck with me for suprisingly long...)

I tend to drive small, ancient Fiats costing about £200. They rock :D I don't know the Oz equivalent, but get one of them :)

OK, I can't claim "performance oriented", but I don't have to put petrol in my Uno every month. I do walk to work usually, though. It's only two miles.

It even has power steering (I think), fuel injection and an automatic choke, but I'm not convinced such automations are a Good Thing. Obviously manual gearbox - who'd have anything else, really?

I think it was an '85, and it was a snoozer. A poorly appointed version of my moms Cadillac. (alright, yes. My mom had a Cadillac. It kinda sucked a bit too, certainly not Caddy's hey day.)

That car couldn't have been more generic if it had been yellow with a bar code on it. (A paint job I recommended right before I realised that she didn't really want to hear her boyfriend rag on her new car purchase. She stuck with me for suprisingly long...)

Well naturally it's not a Cadillac, but for the price at the time, it was probably a decent substitute if it suited your tastes..

I practically stole a Caddy similar to this one:

http://www.rrrclc.org/images2/87_Barruzza1.JPG

..from an old guy down the block last year.. pretty nice. I don't drive it much, but on long trips, it can't be beat. :)

http://www.rrrclc.org/images2/87_Barruzza1.JPG
Jayzuz H. Motherf*cking Christ!

Well, good to get this out of the way: I don't want anything American! :eek:

Jayzuz H. Motherf*cking Christ!

Well, good to get this out of the way: I don't want anything American! :eek:

You're missing out.. ;)

I should warn though, not all American cars are that badass.. I once attempted to drive a Ford Focus around Louisville for a relative who couldn't drive... if you're anything over 6'3, you cannot do it.. it's not worth the effort.. I made it maybe 8 blocks. :(

Why don't you get another Golf? Too expensive?

Japanese brands are consistently the most reliable ones - breaking down less and needing less repairs (according to the ADAC ;). And while this fact hasn't quite reached my brain yet, it has been like that for years now, so if you need a reliable, cheap, smaller car that doesn't use much gas, they'd be perfect.

And as for the having to get not the car you'd like but the "practical one" - suck it up and tell yourself that the day you can get the car you really want isn't all that far away.
I've wanted a VW bug convertible since I was like 5 years old, and I could actually afford to buy one, but right now, I'm actually too sensible to buy one because my hand-me-down Opel Astra may not be pretty, but it's practical, using not all that much gas and having a hatchback that would let me move most of my stuff myself if I had to. *shrug* I'll still get that bug eventually, just not right now.

I would have said a Sports car maybe a Toyota, i can picture you in one...
Get a Stationwagon.:cool: :p
Nice Maroon one.

Holden Monaro is teh sexy!
But they stopped making them and it is a muscle car.:(
YUM!
http://myholden.com/images/commodore/vl/gnetix/pic1.jpg

I would have said a Sports car maybe a Toyota, i can picture you in one...
Well, there are a few Japanese Sports Cars. But most are either ugly, have a bad image or are just too expensive for me.

The only ones I'd really consider right now are the MX-5 and the WRX.

Well, there are a few Japanese Sports Cars. But most are either ugly, have a bad image or are just too expensive for me.

The only ones I'd really consider right now are the MX-5 and the WRX.
I was thinking of the MX-5.

Holden HQ Station Wagon.:cool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/probe_me/Imgp2008blurred-1.jpg

I'll let you have it for £3,000 ;) what a bargain...

Your a fan of the MX5 huh, I personally prefer the MGF....mmmmm *drools*

And as for the having to get not the car you'd like but the "practical one" - suck it up and tell yourself that the day you can get the car you really want isn't all that far away.
I've wanted a VW bug convertible since I was like 5 years old, and I could actually afford to buy one, but right now, I'm actually too sensible to buy one because my hand-me-down Opel Astra may not be pretty, but it's practical, using not all that much gas and having a hatchback that would let me move most of my stuff myself if I had to. *shrug* I'll still get that bug eventually, just not right now.
Don't listen to her, she's crazy.

The cool car will never make sense. The sensible car will always be the better choice, but that's the price you have to be willing to pay for the cool car. If it where easy, everyone would be cool and that would definetly not be cool. Besides, in your price range you can probably pick up a decent hot hatch, so you get performance and the illusion that you care about function. But for gods sake, you're a pizza delivery guy-that's too much time to spend in a car that doesn't engage you. Then there's always the early A4 quattros. You could quitely start ramping that bastard up into quite the ground pounder.

Does Ford sell the Focus down under? That's a fantastic car to drive, practical, looks good and a used example should easily come into your budget.

Does Ford sell the Focus down under? That's a fantastic car to drive, practical, looks good and a used example should easily come into your budget.
I'd only really be interested in the RS. And they never sold that here.

I'd only really be interested in the RS. And they never sold that here.
You want a car that has to be practical and as performance orientated as that for less than your budget? Good luck. :p

I have no idea how much these things cost down there. Civic Type R?

How much would a used Hyundai Elantra be? (I only suggest that because it's what I drive, I know nothing about cars.)

Don't listen to her, she's crazy.
Is not!

Just a little too sensible sometimes. >.<

Plus, I just wanted to make Neu Leonstein feel a bit better about having to go with the sensible car.

Get an HQ, you can mount a 50 calibre on it!:p

Civic Type R?
I wish.

Ten thousand Aussie dollars is 4000 pounds and 7600 US.

Good sites to check Australian prices:
http://www.carsales.com.au/
http://www.autotrader.com.au/

I wish.

Ten thousand Aussie dollars is 4000 pounds and 7600 US.

Good sites to check Australian prices:
http://www.carsales.com.au/
http://www.autotrader.com.au/
I only looked at the first 6 pages...looks like you're really stuck with Japanese cars...

There where a few Supra Turbos and RX-7 turbos, but with the kind of driving you're doing a turbo might not be best. A few 300zx twins, the last generation.

There also where a pair of Skylines, I've never liked 'em (don't sell them here, so it's only video games that make me hate them...not really fair) but some people do.

There are two Porsche 928s! One has an auto though, Porsches should reject automatic trannies like a bad kidney.

There is an Alfa Romeo 134, but I've heard they suck. Never been in one.

Is not!

Just a little too sensible sometimes. >.<

Plus, I just wanted to make Neu Leonstein feel a bit better about having to go with the sensible car.
Sensible sucks. Now is the time to have the "I owned this old xxx when I was young." that you read about in columns of car magazines.

How about a Monaro (http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-1686285,00.html)? One of Australias finest exports ;)

Hey NL- how are you feeling, anyway?

No aches,pains or surprise bruises, I hope ?

A few 300zx twins, the last generation.
Yeah, it's like they're haunting me or something.

During the time I wasn't happy with the Golf and when I was looking for something else, it was gonna be one of those.

But now...well, not only are there two now in my neighbourhood already, but I'm not sure whether I want a Japanese car. There are a few exceptions but I like the idea of some tuned Audi or something looking like an old BTCC Racer. I mean, how cool is this (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=3280073&current_rec=26&used_rec=276&total_rec=198&sort_type=2&total_rec=198&sort_type=2&make_id=24&model_id=114)? If only it wasn't an auto...

One of Australias finest exports ;)
See the OP. You can get excellent ones for little money. Less than 15 grand buys you 185kW (250bhp) and the sound only a 5l V8 can make. Unfortunately, they drink too much.

Hey NL- how are you feeling, anyway?

No aches,pains or surprise bruises, I hope ?
Naw, it wasn't too bad a shunt, I guess. The next day it felt a lot like if you sleep in a funny sort of position. But that went away, and now I feel normal again.

Sensible sucks. Now is the time to have the "I owned this old xxx when I was young." that you read about in columns of car magazines.
Oh shuddup. Now you're making me feel bad. :(
When Neu Leonstein was really the only one supposed to feel bad in this thread. :p

Get an old Torana or something.

Naw, it wasn't too bad a shunt, I guess. The next day it felt a lot like if you sleep in a funny sort of position. But that went away, and now I feel normal again.


Glad to hear you lucked out.

Yeah, it's like they're haunting me or something.

During the time I wasn't happy with the Golf and when I was looking for something else, it was gonna be one of those.

But now...well, not only are there two now in my neighbourhood already, but I'm not sure whether I want a Japanese car. There are a few exceptions but I like the idea of some tuned Audi or something looking like an old BTCC Racer. I mean, how cool is this (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=3280073&current_rec=26&used_rec=276&total_rec=198&sort_type=2&total_rec=198&sort_type=2&make_id=24&model_id=114)? If only it wasn't an auto...

With sports sedans you're too likely to get them crippled with an auto, but an Audi would be sweet. There was an S4 on eBay that had front end damage that was going for @$5-6k that I wish I had the money (and now how to fix the damage) for.

The great thing about geniunely being in the market for a car is that you can test drive without pretence. You are looking for a car, you might buy a Z...it could happen, might as well test one or three to be sure...Though, again, with the kind of driving you're doing a turbo might be a bad idea. It's that on and off thing that will wear it out and the rest of the engine.

Pfft, don't listen to any of these people. Get an MX-5, you know you want one. Mine is fun as hell.

Get a motorcycle.

Far more fun.

An MX-5 or an RX-7 would be your best bet, depending on your funds, and if they're available.

You could also go for something like a Golf GTi, a Civic Type R, a second hand M3, or even one of the fast Holdens (don't know much about Holden though).

If you really wanted to push the boat out an old 924 shouldn't be too expensive.

All good cars, all pretty quick.

Toyota MR2 maybe? Good handling and v.quick! Pwns MX-5!

All good cars, all pretty quick.
...And all just a little bit more than 4600 Irish pounds. :(

Oh, and with Porsche's...they're great and all that, but even if I can pick one up cheaply, if something goes wrong I'm broke in no time flat.

Toyota MR2 maybe? Good handling and v.quick! Pwns MX-5!
Well, the Spyder is a great car and would definitely be on my list...but they're not selling for less than 20 grand.

...And all just a little bit more than 4600 Irish pounds. :(

Not used...a mid-90s MX-5 should be reliable enough and not particularly expensive.

Oh, and with Porsche's...they're great and all that, but even if I can pick one up cheaply, if something goes wrong I'm broke in no time flat.

Just get your local mechanic to maintain it or, better still, do it yourself.

Not used...a mid-90s MX-5 should be reliable enough and not particularly expensive.
True. I was thinking more "used M3 (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_results?make_id=13&model_id=532&search_distance=25&search_postcode=&sort_type=2)" sort of thing. Unfortunately this isn't Europe, and the used car market is a travesty. (Thanks for the tariffs, dumb politicians!)

Just get your local mechanic to maintain it or, better still, do it yourself.
Hmm, spare parts would still cost a fair bit. But either way, I'm a little dogmatic when it comes to Porsches. It would take a lot of convincing for me to get a non-911.

http://search.carsguide.news.com.au/news/find-a-car/power-search/search-results.do?make=&model=&make2=&model2=&make3=&model3=&keyword=&priceFrom=2500&priceTo=10000&body=&transmission=&lifeStyle=&yearFrom=&yearTo=&location=Any+Location&postcode=&radius=&stockNumber=&sortFields=B&asc=True&pageNumber=&pageSize=10&searchType=1&dealerId=&featureAd=&vehicleId=&vehicleType=

True. I was thinking more "used M3 (http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_results?make_id=13&model_id=532&search_distance=25&search_postcode=&sort_type=2)" sort of thing. Unfortunately this isn't Europe, and the used car market is a travesty. (Thanks for the tariffs, dumb politicians!)

Those prices are obscene.


Hmm, spare parts would still cost a fair bit. But either way, I'm a little dogmatic when it comes to Porsches. It would take a lot of convincing for me to get a non-911.

924s were good cars, but you could always go for a 944. Even better.

Those prices are obscene.
Welcome to my world...http://www.dooya.schildersmilies.de/imsmilin.gif

Welcome to my world...http://www.dooya.schildersmilies.de/imsmilin.gif

I'm glad I don't live in your world...:(

I'm glad I don't live in your world...:(

Tis a scary place.

Tis a scary place.

Yea...Australia...*shudders*...

Yea...Australia...*shudders*...

The toilets work backwards there, or so I've heard.

The toilets work backwards there, or so I've heard.

And they now have a massive bullfrog problem as a result of a careless American boy...

I was gonna say an Eagle Talon TSI, but it doesn't look like you can get them downunder.:eek:

Yet again, I have nothing usefull to ad to the tread.:)

And they now have a massive bullfrog problem as a result of a careless American boy...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad
A real story, by the way. Just like the toilet thing.

Cricket Bats, Golf Clubs, Soap, just stepping on them, running them over etc etc
Eventually we'll get 'em. :p

And they now have a massive bullfrog problem as a result of a careless American boy...

...Wasn't me. >_>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad
A real story, by the way. Just like the toilet thing.

Cricket Bats, Golf Clubs, Soap, just stepping on them, running them over etc etc
Eventually we'll get 'em. :p

Surely you've made it a national sport by now?

I was gonna say an Eagle Talon TSI, but it doesn't look like you can get them downunder.:eek:

Yet again, I have nothing usefull to ad to the tread.:)
He can get an Eclipse and it'd be more or less the same thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad
A real story, by the way. Just like the toilet thing.

Cricket Bats, Golf Clubs, Soap, just stepping on them, running them over etc etc
Eventually we'll get 'em. :p

So the Simpsons didn't just make it up?

Awesome.

Or not, depending on how you look at it obviously.

He can get an Eclipse and it'd be more or less the same thing.
No I can't. They never brought them to Oz.

http://images.carsales.com.au/private/1403928.jpg

No, I'm pretty sure I know what to look for first - a B5 Audi A4. They're not too expensive anymore, they're solidly built, they look nice...especially if you start putting a spoiler and stuff on them, and I guess "performance" will take a back seat, at least until I can do stuff to the engine.

Now it's time to wait for the findings of the mechanics on the Golf.

He can get an Eclipse and it'd be more or less the same thing.
Eclipses are more expensive IIRC. Which is odd, usually the American car is the one that cost more.

On that note, why the hell are Eagles considered imports?:confused:

No I can't. They never brought them to Oz.

http://images.carsales.com.au/private/1403928.jpg

No, I'm pretty sure I know what to look for first - a B5 Audi A4. They're not too expensive anymore, they're solidly built, they look nice...especially if you start putting a spoiler and stuff on them, and I guess "performance" will take a back seat, at least until I can do stuff to the engine.

Now it's time to wait for the findings of the mechanics on the Golf.
I think it would look nice wit a blower.

No I can't. They never brought them to Oz.
Haha, we have something you don't have...

even if it's just the Eclipse...

sigh...

http://images.carsales.com.au/private/1403928.jpg

No, I'm pretty sure I know what to look for first - a B5 Audi A4. They're not too expensive anymore, they're solidly built, they look nice...especially if you start putting a spoiler and stuff on them, and I guess "performance" will take a back seat, at least until I can do stuff to the engine.

Now it's time to wait for the findings of the mechanics on the Golf.
I had a friend with a 2.8 'natural' A4 quattro and it was pretty zippy. And of course grippy. I think you're gonna be pretty happy with that. Though I understand that a nice car can negatively effect tips, but I have no first hand experience as a delivery guy.

There are a ton of bits you can buy for the A4, I'd go under the hood before adding "dressing." I hate show without go. It's like a padded bra, an empty promise. But sleepers, cars that look untouched but are hiding 375 hp that can only be detected by the pop of the wastegate, that's kick ass.

Get a 1977 Trans Am with a nice big firebird on the hood, T tops, and as you said, a stick shift because only women and people without balls drive an automatic. Following reasons why 1970s Trans Ams are awesome:
1. They're really cheap
2. They're awesome
3. They look amazing
4. Everyone will know how cool you are and give you money
5. It tells the environment that it can go f*** itself because it's one of the last true american gas guzzling muscle cars.
6. Cops will let you off the hook because they'l know that you're cooler than they are.
7. They have nice big V8s so they go real fast.
8. Hot women will have sex with you when they see you driving it.

Trust me, you NEED one!!

http://www.autonovita.home.pl/catalog/images/Pontiac%20Trans%20AM.1977.zbior.jpg

Should look like that, even if that is just a model

Get a 1977 Trans Am with a nice big firebird on the hood, T tops, and as you said, a stick shift because only women and people without balls drive an automatic. Following reasons why 1970s Trans Ams are awesome:
1. They're really cheap
2. They're awesome
3. They look amazing
4. Everyone will know how cool you are and give you money
5. It tells the environment that it can go f*** itself because it's one of the last true american gas guzzling muscle cars.
6. Cops will let you off the hook because they'l know that you're cooler than they are.
7. They have nice big V8s so they go real fast.
8. Hot women will have sex with you when they see you driving it.

Trust me, you NEED one!!

http://www.autonovita.home.pl/catalog/images/Pontiac%20Trans%20AM.1977.zbior.jpg

Should look like that, even if that is just a model
But then he'll have to deal with people yelling, "Hey Bandit, where's Snowman?"

Look for a used Toyota Corolla.

Get a used Saab. They last to 250,000 miles easily. I'm in love with my Saab 900SE

Get a used Saab. They last to 250,000 miles easily. I'm in love with my Saab 900SE

Interesting.

What kind of fuel economy to you get with that?

Get a used Saab. They last to 250,000 miles easily. I'm in love with my Saab 900SE

So would, usually, a VW, BMW...Volvo...basically the big European manufacturers will go on forever if given a little love and care.

Interesting.

What kind of fuel economy to you get with that?
I just went on a roadtrip to Cleveland. My 95 Saab got 31-32 mpg going an average speed of 75. Had I been going the limit of 65, I would've gotten about 35 mpg.

These are accurate calculations. I have a computer on my car that calculates it, but I checked those numbers based on how much I had to put in my car in Cleveland subtraced from 18 gallons. I then put the number of miles over the fuel consumed. and found my car was accurate.

I just went on a roadtrip to Cleveland. My 95 Saab got 31-32 mpg going an average speed of 75. Had I been going the limit of 65, I would've gotten about 35 mpg.

These are accurate calculations. I have a computer on my car that calculates it, but I checked those numbers based on how much I had to put in my car in Cleveland subtraced from 18 gallons. I then put the number of miles over the fuel consumed. and found my car was accurate.

Wow. I didn't think a Saab could get that sort of economy.

I'm a huge fan of the newer Corolla's though.

And the Toyota Yaris.

And Scions....

You know you want one.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/Random%20crap/CIMG0520.jpg

You know you want one.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/Random%20crap/CIMG0520.jpg
Yeah, but he wants it like this:
http://home.earthlink.net/~fervid/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/carandmotor.jpg
For those that can't tell, that's a 5.0 Litre V8 stuffed in that tiny Miata.

Talk about a sucker punch.

Yeah, but he wants it like this:
*snip image*
For those that can't tell, that's a 5.0 Litre V8 stuffed in that tiny Miata.

Talk about a sucker punch.

Holy sweet Jesus' tits!

I still love my 4 cylinder Miata.....

Holy sweet Jesus' tits!

I still love my 4 cylinder Miata.....
I drove a friends MX-5 once, he wanted to see what it could do. There was a lot of "There's a turn coming up." I see it. "It's right here." I see it. "Because there's also wall." I see it. "...did you know the rear end just slid out?" Ohhhh yeah I did....

That car was a lot of fun to drive.

I drove a friends MX-5 once, he wanted to see what it could do. There was a lot of "There's a turn coming up." I see it. "It's right here." I see it. "Because there's also wall." I see it. "...did you know the rear end just slid out?" Ohhhh yeah I did....

That car was a lot of fun to drive.

They certainly are fun cars, but I liked the Mini Cooper I used to have better. However, the transition from soldier to student made it fiscally impossible to keep the Mini.

American cars 4tw.

American cars 4tw.

Being a Michigander I really, really, really wish I could agree with you on that. Michigan is the only state still in a recession since 2001, and most people blame it on the auto industry and their sucktacular performance.

Being a Michigander I really, really, really wish I could agree with you on that. Michigan is the only state still in a recession since 2001, and most people blame it on the auto industry and their sucktacular performance.

So, we shall become the Google state.

So, we shall become the Google state.

I have no doubt. I earnestly believe Michigan will rebound, and Detroit will become a vibrant city again. However, it's the interim that I'm worried about.

They certainly are fun cars, but I liked the Mini Cooper I used to have better. However, the transition from soldier to student made it fiscally impossible to keep the Mini.
I was doing picture cars for this period piece (best job ever for a car freak-"So what's on slate today? Stand next to this Packard convertable and Stutz sedan and make sure no one hurts them? Oh, and when they need to be in position we're gonna want me in on that? Fuck yeah.") where I had to follow a car owner home in his Mini. He was driving that Packard which he hardly ever took out and I think, as car guys do when they meet other car guys, he was trying to impress me a little. So he was hauling monkey through the streets of Oakland on the early dawn hours on a Saturday in that Packard convertable-a nice long pre-war American sports car. And I was hauling monkey to keep up with him. That Mini was more than up for the fun.

My brother got a 1980-something Toyota Corrola for AUD$1,400. It was actually really awesome, not overly powerful, but zippy and the engine actually made a very soothing sound. Worked like a charm too, till 2 months afterward some guy ran a red and totaled it. He didn't find another one like that, and now he has an '82 323....:(

So yeah, its not a bad car at all, and I'm sure it'll help with your tips coz it looks crappy too :p

You could probably get a newer one for your price range though, which would be even better.

Yeah, but he wants it like this:
http://home.earthlink.net/~fervid/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/carandmotor.jpg
For those that can't tell, that's a 5.0 Litre V8 stuffed in that tiny Miata.

Talk about a sucker punch.
HAHAHAHA! That's hilarious!

HAHAHAHA! That's hilarious!
It's an American hot rod tradition in the vien of the Tiger and Cobra-take a small foriegn car and shoe horn a big ol' V8 in it.

It's an American hot rod tradition in the vien of the Tiger and Cobra-take a small foriegn car and shoe horn a big ol' V8 in it.
But a Miata? Why not start with something a lil more, respectable.

How about one of these?

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_vehicle?vehicle_id=3318405&current_rec=13&total_rec=24&sort_type=1&make_id=11&model_id=13&state_id=7&region_id=108&search_distance=25

http://images.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/4962815.jpg

The GTi6 is even better, but I doubt you'd find a good one for close to 10 grand.

I drive one myself. They're sweet handling little cars, with terrific grip & a torquey 2.0l motor.

How about one of these?

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_vehicle?vehicle_id=3318405&current_rec=13&total_rec=24&sort_type=1&make_id=11&model_id=13&state_id=7&region_id=108&search_distance=25

http://images.carsales.com.au/dealer/carsales/4962815.jpg

The GTi6 is even better, but I doubt you'd find a good one for close to 10 grand.

I drive one myself. They're sweet handling little cars, with terrific grip & a torquey 2.0l motor.
Man, I wish Peugot, Citreon, and Renault would import to America. But alas...

American cars 4tw.
a) No. Really.
b) Most of them aren't around in Australia.
c) Australian cars are just like American ones.

The GTi6 is even better, but I doubt you'd find a good one for close to 10 grand.
Exactly.

For now I'm liking the idea of a B5 Audi A4, preferably Quattro, definitely manual. My manager's boyfriend runs a performance shop, and even the 1.8l engine should be able to put out a fair bit, if the standard turbo gets it to 150PS.

a) No. Really.
b) Most of them aren't around in Australia.
c) Australian cars are just like American ones.


Exactly.

For now I'm liking the idea of a B5 Audi A4, preferably Quattro, definitely manual. My manager's boyfriend runs a performance shop, and even the 1.8l engine should be able to put out a fair bit, if the standard turbo gets it to 150PS.
Sweet. If you do get an A4 you do realize I'll be living vicariously through you, right?

a) No. Really.
b) Most of them aren't around in Australia.
c) Australian cars are just like American ones.


Exactly.

For now I'm liking the idea of a B5 Audi A4, preferably Quattro, definitely manual. My manager's boyfriend runs a performance shop, and even the 1.8l engine should be able to put out a fair bit, if the standard turbo gets it to 150PS.

A tuned A4 Quattro would be sweet.

I test drove a used five cylinder Quattro (can't remember what the model was, early 90s I think) 5-6 years ago. I was pretty cool, but I preferred the Pug in the end.

You sound set on the Audi, but the Ford Puma just occurred to me as being a great little performance car, and really cheap as well.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/800px-Ford_puma.jpg/300px-800px-Ford_puma.jpg

How about a Monaro (http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,12529-1686285,00.html)? One of Australias finest exports ;)
Yep, Monaro's have always been the Sex0rz.

You sound set on the Audi, but the Ford Puma just occurred to me as being a great little performance car, and really cheap as well.
All fine and dandy, but not available in this country either. Just make sure you check (http://www.carsales.com.au/) before suggesting a car, because I don't want to be reminded all the time how crap stuff is here. :p

get one of these (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/images/mgb.jpg). there's a beast v8 version too, but it might be more than 10 grand, dunno about the price of classics in oz.

get a cute scooter.


*ducks*

All fine and dandy, but not available in this country either. Just make sure you check (http://www.carsales.com.au/) before suggesting a car, because I don't want to be reminded all the time how crap stuff is here. :p
Pfft. I'm not doing your homework for you. It's not my fault Australia decided to be so far away from the rest of the world! :p

Do cheap, Japanese, cool, Manual cars exist anymore?:confused:

Pfft. I'm not doing your homework for you. It's not my fault Australia decided to be so far away from the rest of the world! :p
Nobody ever chooses to be thatfar away. One day they just realized they were.

Nobody ever chooses to be thatfar away. One day they just realized they were.

We floated off one night after a big party and when woke up & realised what had happened, it was too late to do anything about it. Shame really.

We floated off one night after a big party and when woke up & realised what had happened, it was too late to do anything about it. Shame really.
Exactly.

Being an Aussie is like being gay. Nobody chooses to it, God just sticks them with it.

Do cheap, Japanese, cool, Manual cars exist anymore?:confused:
Are you kidding? They keep adding gears to manuals-soon we'll be seeing an ad for the new 8 speed Honda S2000.

There are people playing with the continiously variable drivetrains, that is basicly two wedges and a belt that squeeze together to create a smooth arc of ratios. But they bailed on putting that on the new Mini, though I don't know why...hey, how much do early model Minis go for in Oz?...anyway, then there is the clutchless manuals like those on Porsches and the new VW GTi.

get one of these (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/images/mgb.jpg). there's a beast v8 version too, but it might be more than 10 grand, dunno about the price of classics in oz.
I've always wanted one of those...

I don't think that Neo Leon has the vintage bug (yet. Once you really get into driving you start to appriciate the mechanical feel of the old cars over the relative novicane feel of newer cars. While the newer cars can do more with less driving, where's the fun in that?)

Bad (?) News:

The Golf can be repaired, apparently. The damage to the frame is only slight, and they can bend it back. The quote we got was $7,700 for the whole operation, and it'll take three weeks. Since we're not paying for it, but that lady is, it shall be done.

Leaving me without a cool new car. Dammit. It's like I'm cursed with this Golf as an eternal memory to my time before I knew anything about cars.

Now it'll take me another six months to accept it again.

Dammit, dammit, dammit.

Bad (?) News:

The Golf can be repaired, apparently. The damage to the frame is only slight, and they can bend it back. The quote we got was $7,700 for the whole operation, and it'll take three weeks. Since we're not paying for it, but that lady is, it shall be done.

Leaving me without a cool new car. Dammit. It's like I'm cursed with this Golf as an eternal memory to my time before I knew anything about cars.

Now it'll take me another six months to accept it again.

Dammit, dammit, dammit.
You know, there's worse things than being stuck with a Golf. For example, not even having a car in the first place - and I need to go big-style grocery shopping tomorrow...

You know, there's worse things than being stuck with a Golf.
You reckon?
:p