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Hi Jack,
Got a bit of a first world problem here mate. I've got a bonus from work and was wanting to buy a fun car for the weekend which my wife will use on the odd occasion she takes it into the city for work. So it'll be a second car for us to go alongside the Corolla. I'd like to spend $4k and under preferably
Do you have any suggestions as to what we can get mate? I know that at this budget its a bit of a gamble on what you'll get reliability wise but we're trying to buy a manual with a bit of a service history and something that's just been owned by a little old lady ( who also likes Integra Coupes!)
The cars we've looked at are:
*96-99 Celica: Toyota engine and reliability. Don't know if its that much fun to drive as the previous model and the model after it
* BMW 320 E30: Performance wise its a bit of a slug but always liked the styling of these. Are the autos any good?
*Mazda MX5: Heard $ for $ these are good value performance wise
* Lexus ES300/Toyota Windom: Just as a cruising car
Would love to hear your feedback and some other suggestions!
Actually now looking at pre 2000s Nissan Stageas and BMW 328s and 325s from the E36 series. Any thoughts on these?
A rear wheel driven car should be preference, although not a rule as front-wheel drive vehicles can be fun and it should be small in size too. In my opinion the Mazda MX-5 is the only vehicle on your list that really spells fun as the rest of the vehicles are either a family size car or not as fun as a MX-5. But we all have differing opinions and I am sure you will have some good response from other Ask Jack users.
Also, in this price range you will struggle to get a better vehicle under $5,000