Tempest

Howdy everybody! This is my first post on this forum, and I begin with a question for everybody on here. I need help in regards to buying a new (read used) car. This isn't for me, as I already have a car, but my leash holder (read gf) needs to buy one, and basically knows nothing about cars. I've made a few suggestions to her and she likes what i've said so far, but I want to get other opinions. Here are the requirements.
1. Gonna be used, so rule out all new cars.
2. Can't really go above 15g's.
3. Gotta be sporty to drive, i.e. good power numbers, good suspension and handling.
Here's what I've suggested to her so far, this list pretty much covers the spread.
1. 99+ Mustang GT
2. 97 Mitsu 3000GT VR4
3. Mazda P3 and P5
4. Prelude
5. Integra

I'm trying to avoid the Ricer contingent so please hold off on the "Civic and do this and this and this and this..." posts. I'd like to consider the mazda's (and other low powered cars) but I need to know about their tuneability, and I'm talking naturally aspirated tuneability. Any and all suggestions appreciated.
L8R!!!

NoahsMP5

Why used? You can get a new protege for under 15g. I only paid like 17000 for my p5. You can usually get longer loan terms if you buy a new car also. You may pay a little longer but you get lower monthly payments and a new car.

Sir Nuke

you are going to be seriously pressed to find a used MP3 or P-5. the models are just to new here in the states to warrent anyone already trading them in....of course there is the off chance that someone MAY be selling one outright...but that would be rare. if you go for the protegé you can get one for less than or very close to 15K BRAND NEW....they are fine cars......sporty....tunalbe.....handle like a dream.....come with more stuff standard than ANY car in their class....and are very reliable. something to consider.

oh BTW....welcome to the club! hope you get a Mazda and come back and become a permanent part of the landscape.

5SpeedP5

maybe check out a few nissans, maybe a used maxima, 300zx or something of that sort....

Maz94Protege

yea ur right, but only thing is, your payin more for your car than its worth. if u financed it for $17k. then after tax, and intrest your payin prolly around 19k-20k. maybe even a little bit more. Buy something you can afford. Not something that you are payin mor than its worth. Dont get longer terms....there is no reason for it. Just save your money and put more down on the car...that will lower your payments!!!!

Makaveli

Well tell her to get a 300zx. Doesn't have to be twin turbo or anything, those are pretty fast.

I don't know if you'll have luck finding a used Protege5, MP3 or even a normal Protege. You might have luck with '99 Proteges, or '00 ones, and they shouldn't be too expensive. If you are getting one of those, make sure you get the 1.8L ones, or better yet look for a 2001 Protege 2.0. Those will all easily fit under your budget.

PriorityShip

I bought a brand new 2002 Protege DX (US version has same drivetrain as other models LX & ES) I only paid $11,500 W/ the DX convienience package (a/c floor mats and cargo net) Look in the newspaper for the "ad car"....you usually get bottom line prices on all ad cars. If you don't mind rolling your windows down manually you will be all set!!!! If you want good power, look into the Nissan Sentra SR (165 HP 175 lb TQ) or the SR-V (6spd. 175 HP 185 LB TQ) . That will run you about $16,000. I went with the Protege and I am very pleased so far. Then again I just picked up my car yesterday, so I have new car fever. But god damn this car has sweet handling!!! The only complaint I have is the weird smell comming from the engine compartment when I lift the hood. I think it is just the car being broken in. (oils burning off the outside of engine etc.) If anyone else has had this smell let me know!!!!! I only have 150 miles on it!!! Should i be worried about the smell????

PriorityShip

Actually now that I think about it, One MAJOR difference between the DX models and the LX ES models is the brakes!!! ES and LX have F/R disc brakes. DX has F/Disc R/Drum.

zchild92

Welcome to the club! BTW a 97' VR-4 is going to run a bit more that 15G unless it has high mileage, or worse...Problems . Plus the maintenence on TT's are a bitch! The SER-Spec V is a little on the high end, but it would be a good choice. Just don't get a Cut my some slack...No one has ever used the Camero smilies yet!