What sports car would you buy if you had $35K

I am looking for a new vehicle and am setting my limit to $35K. I am not looking to purchase a new vehicle but rather a used sports car of course with a manual transmission. I am hoping to get $9000 to $10000 for 2004 Mustang Gt (private party sale) so in reality my loan would be around $25K. So far this is what I have in mind to replace it. As you can see I am a Mustang enthusiast

2007-2009 Saleen Mustang SC281
2003-2004 Mustang Cobra aka Terminator ($25K max due to financing on an older vehicle)
2009-2011 Nissan 370Z
2007-2009 Shelby GT500

 

what are the Roush's goin for?

 

not really a sports car, but a sports sedan. E60 M5

but out of the ones you listed, i'd prob take the Z.

 

Always loved those year Cobras.... What about a C5 Z06? Are those about in your price range or am I way off?

 

I would get a RS4. Should be couple used ones for around $35k ish...
Those are wicked cars.

 

hmm, as a fellow stang owner i will try to be as unbiased as possible

1."Saleens" SC good car mods are still possible =) cosmetics and power good foundation
cons: the company that took over "Saleen" company is out,replacement parts and whatever warranty,what u see is what u get depending on dealer(s)

2. 03-04 cobras....you know the story if you want power this is your path =) gravity/depreciation finally, taking affect
biggest con : you may have to search for one that has been "babied" or still has the front ford factory blower pulley cover still on....ive seem around though even in person

3. Nissan 350 Z- sorry no info i have a friend who owns one but when ever i talk to him its never car related

4.Shelby Gt-500- probably your best bet to find w/super low miles,unabused, & more than likely still stock, Gravity affected new shelbys real bad =( you could find one

w/color you want for the ballpark of what a newer GT is selling for....5.4 liter w/6sp trans mods/power =) people paid extra 20k over sticker to own one in '07

#5 wasnt on your list but DB'er mentioned it earlier....C5 Z06 are Straight BEASTs, 11secs @ over 120mph in 1/4 mile w/bolt ons in street trim....Damn Gina! 427+6spd 'nuff said

 

What do you want from the car? Straight line power? Handling and balance? Inexpesive to modify and maintain?
350z nimble and quick but it's a small coupe and pricey to make big power

Cobra cheap to mod and capable of huge power. Interior is pop together plastic and handling is typical mustang fox body. Even if you find one with factory pulley cap chances are it's not original,shop I get work done mechanic has a draw full of new oem pulley caps.

Gt500 same as above. Although ditch the factory sc and add a whipple sc tune and exhaust prob put down over 700 hp at the wheels.

If coupe is the way you want t go and cheap a miata turbo. Upgrade turbo,fuel pump,exhaust and a few other supporting mods it will be a very rewarding track car and a fast street car

24 25 k could get you a awd modded lancer evolution 8 or 9. Four doors and very cheap to mod plenty of 9 sec full street evos out there. Cons maintenance and limited creature comfort and unmolested ( I'm biased I have one)

I would consider a new v6 mustang with performance package and then add a supercharger or turbo kit.

You need to decide what you want from your car there are so many options out there. Good luck with your purchase

 

You know gas is over $4 a gallon, right?

 

370z is my choice

 

You could check out the BMW 335i's also. Even some BMW Z4 coupes.

But i'd go with the 370z, you'll have more fun in the twisties.

No offence to mustang owners, but there's no real overall performance except sheer power. I'm not hating (maybe except the new Boss, Porsche GT3 contender)

 

Why not get a 2011 Mustang GT? The 5.0 puts down 412/390 stock. Runs a 13 flat quarter and with a few mods you got yourseld a mid-low 12 second reliable daily driver.

Sometimes wish I didn't need 4 doors

 

New Impreza WRX hatchback. 270hp (manual only though), AWD, wide body, easy to modify and practical (HAHA, not really). IIRC, it's 28k+ tax.

Out of your choices, I'd get the 370Z. I like them a lot. Japanese V6 has that great deep engine sound.

 

It makes 412 to the crank so about 320 330 down at wheels

 

get a car with no payment.

 

Here is a nice 2007 mustang shelby gt with 18k for 24,950 at Park Place Ltd, Bellevue, WA. -

http://www.parkplaceltd.com/inventoryDisplay.aspx?s=blank_detail&year=2007&make=Ford&model=Mustang Shelby GT&inv=282&vin=1ZVHT82H475360118&total=11&pos=3&current=1&size=50

Good luck with your search !
Dan F

 

+1 ahhh a dose of reality, thank you =)

 

I am not that big into non European cars, but if I would gladly own a Corvette.

Though as someone pointed out gas is not as cheap as it used to be.

I would go with a 335xi. Crazy tuning potential with that twin turbo, and the practicality and performance of AWD... plus a warranty.

Could also go older E46 M3 but I think a well put together 335 could blow it away.

 

Off your list, 370z

I'd like a 1st gen miata with a v8 conversion though, something like this
Flyin' Miata : V8 conversions : turnkeys and tradeins

 

I would go with the 03-04 cobra or Brand new STI.

The cobra's can be balls out fast for about 1k in upgrades (pully, and tune). You should be able to run in the 11's

Brand new STI. I have an 06 and it is awesome to drive. I will get a new one next year.

 

M5? Id set aside around $5k a year for maintenance and tires. ALso, probably around 9mpg.