(Topic ID: 293535)
The budget is 25K.
I think some of you pinheads missed that.
Buy the best C6 Corvette you can afford. It’s incredibly reliable, fun to drive and better looking than my C7 ZR1 or my C8 Z51.
Port Matilda, PA
Classic Benz in driving distance, Mercedes Benz SLK 230. Good price, performance, reliable and a convertible too.
Quoted from Mike_J:The budget is 25K.
I think some of you pinheads missed that.
Buy the best C6 Corvette you can afford. It’s incredibly reliable, fun to drive and better looking than my C7 ZR1 or my C8 Z51.
Whoops...I DID miss that. Then again, I always SAY my budget for a new pin is 7k, and then an LE comes out with my dream theme. 
This definitely doesn't have the horsepower you're looking for or the noise to piss off the neighbors. It's not about what it has, but rather what it doesn't have. It doesn't have doors, roof, power steering, power brakes, seat belts, ABS, radio and a ton of other stuff. But it's the most fun you can have under 45mph.
PXL_20210124_214346560 (resized).jpgQuoted from beelzeboob:F electric cars.
You got this right
Quoted from Mike_J:The budget is 25K.
I think some of you pinheads missed that.
Buy the best C6 Corvette you can afford. It’s incredibly reliable, fun to drive and better looking than my C7 ZR1 or my C8 Z51.
This is likely in the 25K budget w/a few miles on it (which is fine).
pasted_image (resized).pngI’ve been enjoying one of these recently ( and you can get an older used one at a good price, see link: https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/ZAMGJ45A080040123 )
23C6DC4C-0D54-4D9E-9ABE-A399022BC2C9 (resized).jpegC16ECC7B-251C-4B4A-A185-EED47C22370D (resized).jpeg
So far i’m intrigued by the C6. Spent some time youtubing to learn what engines are more desirable. I’d have to up my budget a bit likely. $25k was just a number i pulled out of my ass. I still think there is lots of good options for that. But if i saw a car that me and the wifey wanted for good value that was more i’d prob go for it.
I also thought hey, why not a C3? These were the vettes that were iconic for us when we were kids. But man they are gutless (relatively speaking) - had no idea they had to be so tamed down in those years. Not like i’m heading down to the track, but still...
Quoted from TigerLaw:I’ve been enjoying one of these recently ( and you can get an older used one at a good price, see link: https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/ZAMGJ45A080040123 )
[quoted image][quoted image]
I already own TNA...
Jk.
Maserati is a hell of a car and something that turns my head when i see one. One of my supervisors in my previous job owned an 07 quattroporte. I think i was paying him too much haha. Ferrari engine iirc.
My weekend ride below. Porsche 911 Carerra S, PDK with a Sharkwerks X pipe and bypass on the factory cans
Just under 400 horse and in sport plus mode and manually shifting, it's a full on race car
Fun car, amazing car clubs across the US and ... its not too expensive (was less than my pickup truck)
IMG_202105162211010 (resized).jpgQuoted from EJS:I got a ride in this 68 last night.
[quoted image][quoted image]
You must be a big Pizza Hut fan! Just kidding, my son works there as well.
Quoted from TigerLaw:I’ve been enjoying one of these recently ( and you can get an older used one at a good price, see link: https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/ZAMGJ45A080040123 )
[quoted image][quoted image]
That carfax is listed as major damage total loss. Lol
Quoted from EricHadley:That carfax is listed as major damage total loss. Lol
Well, just saying they are available in the price range OP was seeking, I said nothing about condition. Wow, that vehicle has had six previous owners too!
Quoted from epeabs:2007 MB SL55 AMG. Bought for
$22500, shipped. Tons of power and a lot of fun. Hardtop convertible.
Man, I had a 2003 on of those for a couple of years. What an awesome car.
I worked on cars for almost twenty years and the only car I would buy for fun would be a Porsche.Everything else I consider practicality and usefulness before I would consider purchasing.
And to add to that if I ever did a restore for myself it would be a Porsche and it would be done by myself.
Quoted from Completist:So far i’m intrigued by the C6. Spent some time youtubing to learn what engines are more desirable. I’d have to up my budget a bit likely. $25k was just a number i pulled out of my ass. I still think there is lots of good options for that. But if i saw a car that me and the wifey wanted for good value that was more i’d prob go for it.
I also thought hey, why not a C3? These were the vettes that were iconic for us when we were kids. But man they are gutless (relatively speaking) - had no idea they had to be so tamed down in those years. Not like i’m heading down to the track, but still...
Yeah the C3 are dogs unless you grab a big block and then you're way above the price line. C6 are relatively cheap and super reliable. Mine is a 2008 with 6 speed manual and 436 hp. 0-60 in less than 4 seconds and a wicked V-8 sound that can't be beat. I got mine for $18K and put some new tires and a new Kenwood touch screen head unit in. That added rear view camera and full bluetooth/wifi functionality with my phone. It's also a great grocery getter. Holds a bunch of stuff in the rear including big packages that didn't fit in the trunk of my previous car. As mentioned above the bang for the buck is amazing and you can always opt for a little more cash to get the Z06.
When I first got it, I was thrilled that it needed tires in the back. The seller didn't understand my logic because he had babied the car and I told him I planned on peeling out at every chance until those old tires were completely bald...and I did. The first 250 miles I put on the car I peeled out at least 40 times and did doughnuts another half dozen. I leave the traction control on with the new tires, but I still beat the crap out of the car through the gears and around corners whenever I get the chance.
20191123_105113 (resized).jpgOk, a lot of people here are ignoring your $25K limit and just showing pictures of their cars that are well over $25K. If you are not that much of car guy don't get an old British sports car. You'll have to be fixing it all the time. Your wife said something from the 80's, really the only thing I can think of from that era would be a C4 Corvette or Mercedes SL. The 80's was not a good car decade; neither the 70's, but Mercedes had a lot going for them at that time and Corvettes tastefully good and clean are always winners.
My suggestion, look at Miata and choose the era you like best and find the nicest one. There are plenty of Corvettes and Mustangs in a $25K range or if you like Chevy/Dodge you could find Camero/Challenger. If maintenance costs aren't too much of a concern, find a clean Porsche Boxster. They are pretty reliable for what they are.
If you are a 90's/200's person you could look for a clean Honda S2000 or the various Japanese offerings. Those are all going up in price.
My biggest piece of advice is go to Bring A Trailer or Cars and Bids online auctions sites. Look to see what gets you excited.
Quoted from schudel5:This definitely doesn't have the horsepower you're looking for or the noise to piss off the neighbors. It's not about what it has, but rather what it doesn't have. It doesn't have doors, roof, power steering, power brakes, seat belts, ABS, radio and a ton of other stuff. But it's the most fun you can have under 45mph.
[quoted image]
Love that color!
A modern used Camaro , Vette with some basic mods , or add a few bucks more and go with a used Hellcat
Quoted from CrazyLevi:I’m seeing late 80s corvettes in nice shapes going for Stern Pro money. Looks like a fun waste of cash!
Thats cause they are garbage cars.
25k will get you into a decent mileage 04 z06. 405hp and they are a ton of fun to drive.
Quoted from Completist:So far i’m intrigued by the C6. Spent some time youtubing to learn what engines are more desirable. I’d have to up my budget a bit likely. $25k was just a number i pulled out of my ass. I still think there is lots of good options for that. But if i saw a car that me and the wifey wanted for good value that was more i’d prob go for it.
I also thought hey, why not a C3? These were the vettes that were iconic for us when we were kids. But man they are gutless (relatively speaking) - had no idea they had to be so tamed down in those years. Not like i’m heading down to the track, but still...
I just picked one up for some fun after driving a Prius for 5 years, lol. 2008, 77k miles and wonderfully taken care of. I wish i had better pictures cause this one is minty. Paid 21.5k from a sweet couple in their 70's.
20210430_144244 (resized).jpg
Toronto, ON
Quoted from Jamesays:nice pontiac,I added a 65 to my fun collection.
California cars are the best! Picked this Bonneville up there. 12k rust free. Picture is on Venice beach. Major cool car culture there. Took car to Malibu shell station Saturday show with the hopes of seeing Jay Leno.
58CC2E5A-64C1-4578-8D12-34E8C309EE8B (resized).jpegSo I know it isn't $25k, but I'm all excited that I got it. I flew down to Atlanta two weekends ago and drove her back. It's one of 300 British Design editions ever made.
The exhaust sound is incredible and unlike anything I've heard before. I've had it for about a week and my favorite comment from people is "What kind of car is that?". I wanted something different. 
Quoted from jwilson:The people dogging on C3s are just haters. Here’s my 1969 427 with a 4-speed and power everything I got for $23K. You just have to shop around.
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That is beautiful. From what i’ve learned, the 68 to 70 C3’s were ballsy. It wasn’t until 71+ That the cars got neutered to due to changes in EPA regulations. The year i was born they were down to like 160 HP or something like that.
Of course this is wat i saw from some random guy on youtube. We all know nothing is factual until it is made into a meme 
Quoted from Completist:That is beautiful. From what i’ve learned, the 68 to 70 C3’s were ballsy. It wasn’t until 71+ That the cars got neutered to due to changes in EPA regulations. The year i was born they were down to like 160 HP or something like that.
Of course this is wat i saw from some random guy on youtube. We all know nothing is factual until it is made into a meme
68 to 72 is what i prefer. Here in CA that means no smog on them, and 72 was the last year the car had metal bumpers front and rear. The car looks awful without them.
I've got a '78 Vette (Silver Anniv) and while its been a nice commuter car, it wasn't
all that well thought out. Only T-tops available then. Thought these were considered
C3's also. Would not recommend one.
Another nice car which is more of a GT (grande touring) type but convertable and can
drive it anywhere is the Mercedes 450SL (also 350SL, 500SL and 560SL).
I've got a 1971 350SL and its the only classic car in the stables wifee will tolerate.
These were made till 1989 or so and nice examples can be had for very reasonable
money. And since they were so expensive originally, many were well take care of.
But for my money I'd agree with most that a Miata or later Vette would be the best.
Porsche's and BMW's are very expensive to maintain.
Steve
Quoted from MT45:My weekend ride below. Porsche 911 Carerra S, PDK with a Sharkwerks X pipe and bypass on the factory cans
Just under 400 horse and in sport plus mode and manually shifting, it's a full on race car
Fun car, amazing car clubs across the US and ... its not too expensive (was less than my pickup truck)[quoted image]
Great car but you lost me at pdk.
I realize we have moved on from the MX-5 (Miata) conversation is that most performance cars will leave them in the dust. I'm totally fine with that. Straight out speed and power wins.
The reason the MX-5 is still appealing is the driving experience. You can wring it out, and have a blast. You can smile as you rip through corners. You get tons of feedback as you are getting to the edge where it is going to step out of line.
It won't impress your neighbors, but personally, I don't give a crap about what my neighbors thing of my car. All I care about is what it feels like to the driver.
I would have recommended a Mini in the past, because the drive was a blast. However it had a bad habit of peeing on my garage floor, and it felt like you would tear through the bushings in a couple of months after cornering with too much enthusiasm. It ended up being too much of a bother to maintain. And fun cars are supposed to be fun, not a bother.
I have two old nissans, if you don’t want a hobby I would not recommend one. If you aren’t into tinkering get something like a honda s2000. Easy to get serviced at a dealer anywhere, fun around the corners and not enough power to spin you into a crowd of people leaving a cars and coffee event.
925CFF38-3477-40D9-896F-662581CB2888 (resized).jpegQuoted from DaveH:I realize we have moved on from the MX-5 (Miata) conversation is that most performance cars will leave them in the dust. I'm totally fine with that. Straight out speed and power wins.
The reason the MX-5 is still appealing is the driving experience. You can wring it out, and have a blast. You can smile as you rip through corners. You get tons of feedback as you are getting to the edge where it is going to step out of line.
It won't impress your neighbors, but personally, I don't give a crap about what my neighbors thing of my car. All I care about is what it feels like to the driver.
I would have recommended a Mini in the past, because the drive was a blast. However it had a bad habit of peeing on my garage floor, and it felt like you would tear through the bushings in a couple of months after cornering with too much enthusiasm. It ended up being too much of a bother to maintain. And fun cars are supposed to be fun, not a bother.
Miata = Miata Is Always The Answer.
Quoted from LTG:I know I need a weekend fun car.
Now I just have to find someone with one of these hot cars, that is dumb enough to let me use it for a weekend.
LTG : )
You can use mine.
Quoted from jwilson:The people dogging on C3s are just haters. Here’s my 1969 427
Crazy nice!!!!!!!
Trying to get an idea of what my wife likes and find out what intersects with what i do. She liked jwilson ‘s 69 vette fo sho as that style is nostalgic for us. Though it was prob later model C3’s we would of remembered seeing as kids.
I’ve always liked the GranTurismo’s and with a little budget creep there are a lot of choices. A little is relative haha. Mid 30’s though no issue. Here is one under 30k. I find this interesting but would prefer to stay with a stick shift over a paddle shift as i think its part of the experience. As i type this my wife pointed out she liked Tom Cruise’s car in Vanilla Sky which she just started watching. So i say “that’s a Ferrari. Maserati’s have Ferrari engines. Just sayin”.
6C1A0561-3903-4E6F-B964-1AE33AA2F3CD (resized).pngQuoted from Completist:Trying to get an idea of what my wife likes and find out what intersects with what i do. She liked jwilson ‘s 69 vette fo sho as that style is nostalgic for us. Though it was prob later model C3’s we would of remembered seeing as kids.
I’ve always liked the GranTurismo’s and with a little budget creep there are a lot of choices. A little is relative haha. Mid 30’s though no issue. Here is one under 30k. I find this interesting but would prefer to stay with a stick shift over a paddle shift as i think its part of the experience. As i type this my wife pointed out she liked Tom Cruise’s car in Vanilla Sky which she just started watching. So i say “that’s a Ferrari. Maserati’s have Ferrari engines. Just sayin”. [quoted image]
Oh boy, you have to research maintenance costs for that. There is no such thing as a cheap Italian sports car. They get you one way or the other.
Edit: The Germans will be the same if you are thinking M or AMG. Also, a XJS maybe super tempting, but man it will get you back.
Quoted from NPO:Why have just one?
Since we're all low-profile flexing here.
[quoted image]
I have been thinking of selling the 66 Vette and buying a Delorean.. I have had many Vettes and ready for a change.
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