Best used car (sports luxury) in the 10-13k range

[SVT Lurch]

I found a 2004 CTS-V 6spd w/70k miles for 15k which is a little too high, but at least I am very familiar with the engine/transmission.

Make sure an 04/05 V has the upgraded rear differential. A lot of 04/05s blew up on the way to the store, so if you plan on driving hard at all you'll want the new one (4th gen - manufactured in 2008).

[JasonRR]

I second the vote for the G35, either coupe (what I drive) or the sedan. Nicely appointed interiors, RWD and around 300hp, depending upon year/model/transmission. The fact that both are available with a 6spd manual is a plus too.

Mine has just over 102k miles, and it hasn't really missed a beat. I've had to replace the driver's side window motor and the lock actuators, but it's been great otherwise.

[joes01bullitt]

you can find a 06ish g35

05-06 G35 SEDANS, the coupes are bitch cars and eat through tires as well.

<=======infiniti parts pusher

[SS Junk]

I don't thinK driving a busted old 99 GT puts me in that category any more, even though I still only make 30k

That's 10K more than I was making 12 years ago. You're doing alright!

[dville_gt]

Step up to an E46 BMW. My E36 was a great car too....only major issue I had up to ~135K miles was the convertible top started showing wear and had to be repaired around the back window...next time I'll remedy that by going with a CI coupe instead.

Anyways...E46 are upgraded quite a bit from the E36, peppy, handle well, nice looks, and they'll pull mid to high 20's MPG.

I still love my e36! I average mid 20mpg's (it is a 328is). It's a m3 clone, has staggered contours, vaders, etc. Just such a tight little car. When I retire this one it's getting an LS1 swap (or a 2JZ if one can be had at a reasonable price).

[Karson]

I dont post much but I thought id chime in. I've got my wife in an 06 330i and its an awesome car. 100k mile cars are right in the 13k range right now and the e90 chassis is awesome. Cant go wrong with an E36 or 46 either. On trips we average right at 30mpg with it. Awesome little cars.

[Rreemo]

I still love my e36! I average mid 20mpg's (it is a 328is). It's a m3 clone, has staggered contours, vaders, etc. Just such a tight little car. When I retire this one it's getting an LS1 swap (or a 2JZ if one can be had at a reasonable price).

I've owned 2 of them, and I'd love to have another one. That LS swap would be the shit!...I've seen a couple done, and it doesn't appear to be too bad of a swap either.

Like this guy (lame vid but a cool car).....



and checkout this crazy thing...making power like an on/off switch....

[dville_gt]

Ya, mine looks just like those two, silver w/dove on staggered contours. only problem is with it being a non-m car i'd need to reinforce the sub frame and swap diff's.

the swap parts are insanely high priced, i'd end up making everything, no way would i pay 4k for a set of headers, driveshaft, and motor/trans mount.

[VaderTT]

Ya, mine looks just like those two, silver w/dove on staggered contours. only problem is with it being a non-m car i'd need to reinforce the sub frame and swap diff's.

the swap parts are insanely high priced, i'd end up making everything, no way would i pay 4k for a set of headers, driveshaft, and motor/trans mount.

Sambergs kit comes with a kmember and is cheaper than vorschlags but still $$$$. I'm going to pick up a "mechanics special" e36 next couple of weeks and throw a 347 tko combo my friend has.
While it's no lsx it'll be way cheaper and still pretty quick. I'll be rolling that while I fuck up the reliability of my current DD.

[dville_gt]

I know the big problem with the swaps is the steering shaft and the rear primary on the driver side. Has anyone tried running a truck or c6 manifold backward on the driver side then coming out and under the motor then running back on the passenger side? Seems a lot cheaper then 1200-2000 for some swap headers. Even a ls w/manifolds can haul the mail.

kind of like this (where it is dotted it is going under the engine):

[dville_gt]

Using this combination (the upper passenger c6 manifolds on the driver side) and the truck passenger on the passenger side.

[VaderTT]

I know the big problem with the swaps is the steering shaft and the rear primary on the driver side. Has anyone tried running a truck or c6 manifold backward on the driver side then coming out and under the motor then running back on the passenger side? Seems a lot cheaper then 1200-2000 for some swap headers. Even a ls w/manifolds can haul the mail.

kind of like this (where it is dotted it is going under the engine):

Every manifold has been tried from what I gather, the shaft is just too big/close. I've seen some brand block huggers modded to fit. Either that or you could do like the SBF kits and have the drivers side exit front/use a passenger side on the drivers.

[dville_gt]

have the drivers side exit front/use a passenger side on the drivers.

That is exactly what I am talking about! Or just point em both forward and mount a turbo up front.

[VaderTT]

Ahh, lol. The turbo idea works even better!