Hey Stealth - I am an older fart now (just turned 44), so I have been driving nearly 30 years and almost 1.2 million miles... this the most exciting time for affordable performance in my memory. There are so many great cars with stunning performance and exceptional reliability it makes your head spin...

In the range that you are seeking - here is what I have driven/owned that was a real gas...

Subaru WRX or sti : the WRX is really a bang and is now off the radar so that they are actually being discounted in Mass. You can be out the door for $22K and have cash left for aftermarket.

Nissan 350Z - forget the Touring/Track models - go for the Base/Enthusiast models and be out the door under $30K. I have owned two Z's (1975 280Z - first year for fuel injection, 1984 300ZX turbo). this new Z is serious for a rediculously small amount of cash

Don't forget to try the 2003 Accord Coupe six-speed - absolutely overlooked in the marketplace - but a stone gas to drive... $25K out the door with lots left over to play. (Acura CL-S is great too - but six speed is less enjoyable - thay have buggered the clutch take-up)

Today I drove the new Mersedes C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan (NOT coupe hatchback) six speed. A real hoot and feels like a bank vault.. for $31K! My 2002 Aero should feel so solid.

The VW R32 will be hear this summer... and may be affordable... Haldex system from tt quattro plus 225hp and six speed - should cause some orifice puckering!

Finally, the Honda S2000 has definately dipped below the waves with the gold chain crowd - so discounts off of MSRP are possible - my dealer offered $3K off MSRP. I am 6'3" and 240lbs... I can only drive the car barefoot - otherwise I would have one - the thing is a jewel.

Other folks have mentioned other choices so I won't repeat...

By the way - Evo's are going to be a big mark-up. I decided to get on a list at my dealer - at least $3-5K mark-up.... no thanks

Peace,
Eric

posted by 24.60.216...

• Friend is car shopping, likes WRX. Others to consider?, Stealthbomber, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 10:52:37
  • 9-2 if he can wait a year or two n/m, Gary, Mon, 21 Apr 2003 14:59:29
    • Re: 9-2 if he can wait a year or two n/m, TonyC, Wed, 23 Apr 2003 08:49:14
  • Used 2001 Audi S4 six speed...., SPG VT, Mon, 21 Apr 2003 07:28:48
    • Re: Used 2001 Audi S4 six speed...., Simon S, Mon, 21 Apr 2003 12:42:43
      • Sorry, i'm not really in the market........, SPG VT, Tue, 22 Apr 2003 08:11:06
        • Re: Sorry, i'm not really in the market........, Simon S, Tue, 22 Apr 2003 08:38:03
  • Re: Friend is car shopping, likes WRX. Others to consider?, Aaron, Sun, 20 Apr 2003 10:48:28
  • Re: Friend is car shopping, likes WRX. Others to consi, Tom Traynor, Sun, 20 Apr 2003 05:29:08
    • yeah, but.., Bob M, Mon, 21 Apr 2003 09:07:16
    • Re: Friend is car shopping, likes WRX. Others to consi, NYSaaber, Sun, 20 Apr 2003 06:43:07
  • maybe not as fun as the WRX..., Berle, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 11:13:41
    • I would compare the WRX with its true competition..., IronJoe, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 13:03:31
      • Where did you hear about the skyline? link???, A-C, Sun, 20 Apr 2003 22:16:38
    • We are blessed with great choices..., Dr. eric Strauss, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 12:57:52 <-- Viewing This Message
      • Great responses... keep 'em coming!, Stealthbomber, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 14:59:51
  • Lancer Evo ? n/m, Trev, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 10:58:56
    • That car is Wrist Slitting Fast..., Chris., Sat, 19 Apr 2003 17:15:17

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: Drive train loss usually est at 25-35% for AWD, steven, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 12:06:15
• Next by Date: I would compare the WRX with its true competition..., IronJoe, Sat, 19 Apr 2003 13:03:31
• Main Performance Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)