Lets say I have $13,000...

BMW e46 3-series. The benchmark automobile all other sedans were compared to. Sporty, straight six, nice gas mileage, good feeling ride. Dealer parts are expensive, but there are so many 3-series out there that used parts are easy to find. I think you could find a higher mileage yr. 2000 for around that price point.

something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-BMW-3-SERIES-325i-TIPTRONIC-XENON-16-ALLOY-NO-RSRV_W0QQitemZ200132746586QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item200132746586

 

Would have to agree with you.

If you like convertibles maye a 2.8 Z3 ... I had an M Roadster and my 6'1" 230 lbs fit in just fine and it was a blast to drive..I dont think the 2.8 is too far removed. also very reliable.

 

I was thinking a Mazda Miata.

 

Buy a new Smart car. Warranty, fun(ish)-girls love them! and with gas prices heading towards 5-6$/gallon in the next two years you will want an economical car.

 

Put "sporty" on the shelf and focus on banking your money now(you'll thank me later).

My advice? Get a Camry, Accord, used Lexus ES300 or something along those lines. Something that you won't have to throw any money at and can be operated at a VERY low cost. If you have to get a loan, pay it off as fast as you can, if you're paying cash even better. Use the web and get-togethers to enjoy the finer cars vicariously and concentrate those resources and energy on your career. Do that and develop a hatred of spending money and you'll be back here in less time than you think asking for advice on which F-car to put in your stable next to that mundane daily driver.

That's my two cents...worth exactly(maybe less) what you paid for it.


Brian's idea of a SMART is also a good idea. They're not here in the USA officially yet, so you'd have to buy a conversion and they're more expensive than $13,000. I've got a thread somewhere else on them and am still kinda looking for one.

 

0-60 in like 16 seconds. Not an exaggeration. This car is grossly, grossly overpriced and is absolutely horrible to drive. Hardly any interior anemities either.

A redesign is coming though (or has it already arived?), but I doubt it will yield a drastic improvement.

Look elsewhere. Want gas mileage? Get a used Prius. A used Civic Hybrid. Whatever, not this ovepriced piece of eco-friendly trash.

 

I'd get a Scion Xb. Although they are slow due to the small engine, you can do lots of upgrades and they get great reviews for the driving experience. Very useful too. Personally I really like the look of them, but many people do not.
BT

 

If you can fit in it on a day-to-day basis, of course. Otherwise, the most small sports car you can get for that price.

Just as an aside, why not invest the money and then just buy a real airport beater on the dirt cheap? Most everybody has driven one or two of these while starting themselves out.

Or maybe finance something new with a super warranty like a Kia?

IMHO, if you put the whole 13K into any car of that value it will be pretty much gone when you need a new one

 

03 toyota celica fits all your requirement.

 

You can buy my Jag X type if you like...88k, cd, leather, very reliable....

 

You can buy my 2000 dodge viper/ 12000 miles red /black.. Wait I am just joking!

 

The smart car is now available in the USA (Okay-not quite yet-but you can order one now.) Price is 14k for entry level. Car may be a bit slow-but not 14 seconds 0-60. I had one in Europe and also drove a pre production US version model for a while, and have one on order. They are actual pretty neat little cars. Try www.smartusa.com. No conversion companies needed.

 

Correction-Entry smart car is under 12,000 US dollars now!

 

Let's consider the OP's guidelines again: something sporty, something that can fit his 6'3" 240 body into, a straight engine configuration, and good gas mileage. The Smart is neither of the first two (but it does have an inline three ) Yes it gets good gas mileage but I doubt he would be comfortable in it at his size.

Car and Driver test drove a Smart, they claimed 0-60 in 15.5 seconds. And EPA gas mileage at 31/43. 1 liter and 70 horses. Seems a bit underwhelming to me:

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12553/2008-smart-fortwo.html

 

booya.

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/364389908.html

 

would have to agree. i just the fourtwo on their tour across America and the gearbox was garbage, the acceleration was anemic and worse still the brakes actually felt wooden... at 14ish grand i'd pass.

 

find a 2 or 3 year old Jetta TDI, Bank on it

50 mpg Great performance can't beat it

 

Benz...not many diesels in the US..unless you want a giant truck.

 

Smart car wouldn't be a bad choice.

id also check out the Sicons to.

 

My first car was a diesel. I'm sure it is well below your budget. A 1982 Datsun Maxima diesel. Gets around 30 mpg, goes almost 75 mph, and tells you that the door is a jar.

BT

 

there's Merc E class diesels, that are solid cars. The last generation model [2 round lights up front] with a turbo diesel can be had for around $5-10k, but they would have around 100k miles on them. They are nice cars. The newer generation E class diesels are over-priced, and they only can use, ultra-low sulfur, which isn't available in all states.