Best Used Car For Under $10k

Right now I'm starting to look for a new car to get once my mom get's back to the states. Right now I have a 97 BMW 328i but my dad is going to take it back once my mom gets me a new car. Some basic criteria:

- Something that still looks relatively modern
- Nothing pre 1995 unless it is very good
- I'd prefer a manual over an automatic
- Something at least a little sporty
- I have a preference towards European cars over Jap/American

Right now I've been looking at 95-97 BMW 3 Series (4 door mainly, I like the look better), and 97-99 Audi A4's. I have looked at some MB's, but none have a manual and the design just doesn't really do it for me though I love the interiors. Anyone have any suggestions of any other cars that might fit the bill? Also are there any problems to look for when buying one of the two cars mentioned above? The ones I have been looking at have relatively high miles (100k), though they seem to be bulletproof cars. So I don't know if there is any problems that tend to crop up after 100k miles, etc.

Thanks!

 

MR2 Turbo.

 

Well it sounds like you've already made up your mind. No use us telling you what we think cause you'll just get what you want anyway.

 

Since you went Japanese, I'll go Japanese too

5-speed Lexus SC300. (93-97)...kinda hard to to find, but amazing cars.

 

Not really 0-60 in >7 seconds isn't terribly impressive. Stock, they suck. Modded, they're dyno queens, like the Supra.

 

Miata. The roads around North County are made for it. Gets good gas mileage, insurance is cheap, and I can recommend two great garages to work on it, depending where in SD you are.

 

Miata if you can handle a slightly less practical car, and the nicest 3xx Bimmer $10k buys if you need more space.

 

I went throught this search....Look at used:

Volvo 00-01 S40 (mostly auto)/S70
Audi 99-01 A4/'97 A6
BMW 95-98 3 series
Saab 99-01 9-3/9-5
VW 99-00 Jetta/Passat
MB '97-99 C-class (auto though)
Acura '99 TL (all auto, but will go to 200K+ miles)

It's sad, but if you would drive an auto, probably the best bang for your buck all around is the '97-'00 Lexus ES300 - go forever, comfortable, they are just very chic - but I was about to get a '99 with 65K black on black for $9500 until I got my '98 Avalon handed down from a relative...

Good luck with your search..

Isaiah

 

I didn't even think about a Miata. I have looked at the IS's as well, great cars for a great price. I'll look into the volvo's and saab's, I hadn't considered those.

 

Ford SVT Contour!
4.6L Mustang Cobra.

 

911 from the late 70's

 

I just purchased one of these (a 2000) a few months ago myself & was VERY surprised at how competent it is. You could easily find a low-mileage example in the price range you're looking, but they're rather rare so it might take some searching. Granted, it's a Ford so you can take that for what it's worth, but consider it as essentially a rebadged Mondeo ST200.

I also concur that the Miata is a very fun option too & there are plenty out there with good mileage to be had for a good price. Not to mention there are TONS of upgrades out there for them too. Not exactly practical though.

 

You can get a surfboard in one!

 

Naturally, it would have to modded if you wanted it to be quick and stylish, otherwise its slow as Grandma, but stylish. The stock 300's in 5 speed will do 0-60 in a little under 7, but mod them the right way and....you know the rest

 

My vote goes for:

99-00 Honda Civic Si
95-98 Nissan 240SX
2002+ Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V
Ford SVT Contour
1995-2000 Acura Integra GS-R

These are in no particula order. My preference has always been for the Japanese cars if you're on a somewhat limited budget. Paying for the car is one thing, but you gotta factor in spending money on repairs and maintainence, and there's nothing more sickening that spending your budget on a vehicle then being forced to fork over more money for repairs and such.

 

I actually looked at a couple different Porsches (namely the 944). Most of the 911's I looked at weren't in too good of a condition. Most needed work on the engine. Are they really worth it?

 

Some are.

Every "car guy" needs to try a 911 at some point.

 

I saw quite a few nice Porsche 944 turbos for sale around the price you mentioned.

The cars with maintaince records and fanatical owners are very tempting irregardless of the mileage.

 

Did a Porsche DE event at Lime Rock this weekend; my instructer had a na 944 and it is a beautifully balanced car; not fast, but tons of fun. Turbo or even the 944S (16 valve motor) great bang for the buck-as long as the car has been maintained.

 

I know you said nothing pre-1995 but since some Porsche's have come into the mix, I'll add a circa 1978 928. Great engine, modern looks and the comfort of a touring car. I'd have one if it weren't for these darn 308s. Rennlist.com's a great site for P-cars and ads.

Dane

 

928 is a wickedly expensive car to maintain although if you have one with complete service records you should be ok. 1985 on is your best bet; watch those T-belts. Now where have I heard that before?

I have a 1982 911 SC and paid $13K for mine; look around at there and they can be had even cheaper. Join PCA (www.pca.org) and you get access to their classifieds; cars are sold and maintained by fellow enthusiasts and reputable Porsche dealers. Give it a try. These older 911s are classics and won't depreciate much more. SCs' with the carrera chain updates, airbox mod
and newer head studs will easily go 200K+ miles. Local PCA clubs have track days so you can play Michael Schumacher at a relatively cheap admission price.

 

Some '95 M3's go for under $10k with higher mileage. I've heard good things about the 928, get the S version if you can. My friend has an 86 928 and a WRX and he says the 928 pulls about the same as the WRX when it's spooled up.

How's the safety history on an older "airbagless" 911?

 

I've had mine for about 5 years now and love it. It is a quick little corner carver.
Haven't really had any major problems with it, and you can get them pretty damn cheap nowadays.

Miata's can be really fun too. My buddy has a supercharged one that hauls ass.

 

The 928 is a great car, but very difficult to find a decent example as most are purchased because of the low entry price. Maintenance can be expensive and it's rare to find an example that doesn't need significant work.

 

For under ten it's really tough to beat a miata. I've had a number of them and loved them all.