Suggestions for a decent sub 13k car

[echelon9]

Hi everyone,

I've been a SAU forum junkie for a while know, and would like your opinions on an alright first car, cause I know you guys are *generally* free of the usual car bs.

I've read the other recent topic on this, and totally agree that a R33 GTR might be a dreamed of car, but certainly isnt the way to go while still on P's and an inexperienced driver. I'm after a NA car, with body shape and interior most important. I'd prefer something a little bit unique, so no pulsars, falcons or barinas.... i might consider a lancer.

Must be a manual, as I've been driving the parents' 323 auto since getting my license.

Cars that I've researched and considered myself, all below my absolute limit of 13k are:

- Honda CRX

eg: Example

- Hyundai Coupe

eg: Example

- Mitsubishi Eclipse

I know they're very rare here in aus, but still considered

- Some type of Silvia S13

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome

- Rhys

[leech_]

i dont know about others but i loved my N14 SSS pulsar 2L front wheel drive so it had a good amount of power and was a great car to build up confidence and driver skills. you can get a decent aus spec one for like $7000 and a good jap spec for like $9,500 or so great car really reliable as well plus good fuel econemy. anyways just some food for thought

[insanenissan]

I personally dont like Hyundi... :S. My mate has a lancer and he regrets buying it because of lack of power and he wants to already upgrade and he has had it 4 months. But its what you like not what other do.

[N I B]

NA S13 manual would have to be the best way but insurance costs are still bad for young guys.

[d0p3y]

Don't go for a Hyundai. Most of them aren't too reliable and the build quality isn't to be desired. Honda parts are expensive. Mitsubishi Eclipse you probrably wouldn't find here and if you did I'd steer clear unless you're made of money. Finding spare parts would be a complete hassle. Non turbo S13's are a decent choice, but as mentioned the insurance costs are horrble. Personally I'd say go with something like a Nissan Pulsar or Mazda 323 or Mitsubishi Lancer. They're common, but this is a good thing. These cars are quite easily insurable, safe, and unless you buy a lemon theyre reliable too. I regret not taking this path myself as it's a great way to build up your insurance NCB so that you can insure whatever car you like without paying a fortune later in life. When deciding, I reccomend you get insurance quotes on each of the cars you're considering, also look around at part costs for most common items which are required for maintenance.

[FullMetal]

I think a s13 or 180sx would be the way to go They have some go in them so you won't get easily bored

[Autech]

R32 GTS manual, non turbo so easy to insure but still fun to drive and looks great too. I know a bloke who picked up a very clean 1993 R32 GTS RB20 manual with low kays for only $8000! Go get one now!

[slow13dude]

R31 Silhouette.

RB30E engine, with 250nm torque!

Plus LSD.

Should be around $3000-$5500.

[doxximus]

i'll sell you my mitsubishi colt 45, $1000

comes with no aircon, stuffed odometer, cd player, and tein stickers

[sdm33]

I am with Leech, I think the SSS is a great car. Enough power, a Nissan and can be made to look pretty good. Wouldn't be too hard to find one that has had an easy life as a grocery getter either. The 2L versus all of these 1.5s you have mentioned would be enough to make my mind up.

[Oosh]

U13 Bluebird SSS, nice car, 2.4L so a good bit of power for a N/A, plenty of fun to be had in manual form.

[QWAK]

R31 Silhouette.

RB30E engine, with 250nm torque!

Plus LSD.

Should be around $3000-$5500.

I was looking for one of these a few years ago. I found decent examples really hard to find. But if you get your hands on a decent one they are a bit of a rocket :wassup:

[funkymonkey]

bought my ae86 for $650 you can spend the extra 12k on mods

Failing that import a 1989 R32 GTS (N/a), you can get one for about 10k on the road with no more work necessary with pocket change.

[JAS-25T]

bought my ae86 for $650 you can spend the extra 12k on mods

Failing that import a 1989 R32 GTS (N/a), you can get one for about 10k on the road with no more work necessary with pocket change.

can you get me one for that cheap?

import?

[Trust33]

n/a rx-7 80's.Not piston i know but.Meh.And not new but neither is the bluebird or r31.A bridgeport with webbers extractors exhaust filter manual decent paint job for cheap price a fun car to drive when you want it to be.

Pretty shit on the body though ie.Kits.But a well painted 1 with chromies looks good.

[pentae]

I sold my 92 model, 2 litre turbo (sr20det) silvia s13 for $12,500.

None of the above mentioned cars come close to how good a car that was. It skinned r33 gts-t's alive

[Oosh]

bought my ae86 for $650 you can spend the extra 12k on mods

Failing that import a 1989 R32 GTS (N/a), you can get one for about 10k on the road with no more work necessary with pocket change.

I got my '89 GTST with Tein HA suspension, 3" exhaust, chipped, HICAS lock and stereo, for around 12K on road (10.5K car, 800 new engine, 300 stamp duty, 600 insure).

Paint's a bit rough, but there's no "damage", so surely a GTS is easy sub-10K else sounds a bit steep to me, but if people are paying it...

Edit: That wasn't imported, bought locally here in Melb, so with RWC it's stacks less hassle than importing. And you actually get to test-drive it yourself.

[echelon9]

Whoa, thanks for all the input!

The S13 has been factored in now, and possibly the SSS, but im wary of a 80s skyline - most likely been thrashed sometime, and would end up being expensive to maintain.

I also saw a Eunos 30X recently, and it seemed alright, although a bit small for someone as tall as me (193 cm). If i could get the leather interior optioned model, i'd consider it.

Hmmm, its going to take more thought

-Rhys

[The_Paladin]

Prelude?? parts could be expensive though.............

[Silver-Arrowz]

I'm looking something cheap too and I've set my eyes on an early MX5. 1.6 version.