New or nearly-new car purchase

[David.Payne at brinksinc.com]

__________________

E36 M3 - might be tough to find a 2000 for less than $25k.
Z3 coupe or roadster - 6 cylinder and some M models for less than $25k
Porsche Boxter - non S version
Honda S2000 - absolutely magic to drive, Nippon reliability
Subaru WRX - high on rice but a rocket, also available in the more stealthy
wagon
RX-8 - don't know if you can get one for less than $25k, but you can get 0%
financing
EVO 8 - you should be able to find one for less than $25k, as high on rice
as the WRX but crushing handling, performance, and brakes
Camaro -  you are right about the refinement, but don't discount the
reliability.  I put 120K on a '94 Z28 and only had problems with the auto
transmission input seal

I've driven the Honda, Subaru, Mitsu, and Z28.  If I had to choose it come
down to the WRX or the EVO, and I love the sound of the flat four so I
would go with the WRX.


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  |       To:       <s-car-list at audifans.com>, <quattro at audifans.com>                                                            |
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  |       Subject:  New or nearly-new car purchase                                                                               |
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I'm soliciting suggestions/advice on what car to
purchase for under $25k.

Priorities are handling, performance, reliability,
ease of service, refinement.

Must have a manual transmission, must be 2000 model
year or newer, significantly smaller than an A6.

To give you an idea of what I'm looking for, a Mazda
Miata falls into the marginal category of performance,
but an excellent handling car and otherwise a potential
candidate- the Mazdaspeed version is a bit pricey.

The Audi S4tt is excellent in terms of performance, but
marginal in the reliability and ease of service categories,
midpack in handling.

Camaro SS would be marginal in reliability, otherwise
good all-around, very unrefined, though.

Thanks.

Taka


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