Q: i would like to get a coupe. i would like it to be an import but domestic would be fine. it cannot be a honda civic. a manuel transmission, something with great gas milage (25 mpg or better). price can go up to 21,000. i would like to be able to upgrade this car such as performance (nos kits, turbo charger) and the looks ( seats, body kits, neon lights).
A: Buddy, Why not get a very classy older sports car for 5-10k and have a new engine put in, and maybe a 2k paint job? You'd still have 5k left for "go-fast" parts even if the car is 10k. Some suggestions: 1990-93 Turbo Supra (the MKIII version). Get the targa top. You can find some beauties out there on yahoo autos or supras.com in your price range. They tend to blow the stock head gasket, but other than that fly in the ointment, the 7MGTE engine is about bullet proof and ready for serious boost pressure. (by the way - I have a '92.) I'm getting 23 mpg in mine. I've had 2 people waving at me on the highway and one made an offer at 70 mph in the last 2 months. These are beautiful and unusual old sports cars. The first generation eclipse AWD - as the other poster said, is cool, and can be made very fast. However - the differentials are weak. Hot rodders get new ones w/ 4 gears made by Cusco. The 89-91 brakes are smaller and warp when you look at them. You'll need to upgrade to later years, 93-94, if you get the early ones. The same is true of the half-shafts up front which were underdesigned and too narrow at first. For me, I was always fixing or paying someone to fix mine. I had a black '90 w/ about 10k in performance parts. I won't list them but it was nice. I put almost 200k miles on it and sold it. You might also consider a late 80's porsche 944. They handle like a dream. This is the only sports car that I have ever driven that would actually 'drift' through an intersection. Parts are higher of course. Oops. I remembered that my TR-7 would - when it was running, which was rarely. For the record, don't get a trash-7 even if you find one with zero miles for free. TR-7's are like beautiful but loose women. They will take all your time and money and leave you broken hearted. Another one that alot of guys really love because of the way it handles is the MR-2. You can get a used one that's way inside of your range and have money for parts and paint. I've never driven one so I can't say much about them aside from the fact that I know 2 motorheads personally that love theirs as their daily drivers back and forth to work. Good luck. You think like I do where cars are concerned and you'll find something that will serve you well and turn heads if you take your time. -Kevin