what would you buy with $30,000?

[GeneralChaos]

Ok, I have a $30,000 budget and want to get a "real" car, something that has some good potential, and preferably a import
(no offence to domestics, I just want a import right now) And I picked out some that I know of that I like, but would like
some other opinions on what I should do.

Here goes.

Acura NSX:
PRO - Sweet looking car, mid mount engine, great track car and from what I see and hear can be a formitable drag racer.
Also is a very rare car to see, and is a car that is humble as well are the drivers, and I like that. Good quality car
all around.
CON - Have to buy a old one, in the 1991-1994 range. Not that bad tho because they last a long time and the owners care
for them so they look new. Expensive as they would cost $30k if not a little more, and difficult to find. All modifications
are very expensive for this car as well.

Toyota Supra:
PRO - From what I hear this car has some real potential in any kind of race, track or drag. Has good acceleration and a killer
top end. Not to bad on price for a MKIV (93-98?), around $20k for a twin turbo one. Leaves money for modding.
CON - Seems to be turning into the new civic, see quite a bit of them around which I dont like. and the style to me isnt
the sweetest ive ever seen, but still nice none the less. From what I hear its only a good racer if you have deep pockets, and im
not to sure on how reliable this car is. Also the fast and furious scene.

Suburu WRX STI:
PRO - Basically the best 4 banger out there for drag. Can get a brand new one for about $32k. AWD. Good drag racer, lower insurance.
CON - 4 doors. Other styling like body kits ect doesnt seem to available. huge hood scoop. 4 doors (I really dont like that heh)
and 4 banger engine, but its quite powerfull for being one. Think it needs quite a bit of modding for 12 seconds drag.

Honda S2000:
PRO - Small 2 seater that I have to climb into. Pretty beefy 4 banger when in its powerband. Can get a new one in my price
range. Love the style of it. Convertable if I want.
CON - Not a good drag racer because of low torque (has to be in powerband). Fast and furious Scene, not sure of this cars real
racing potential.

Nissan Skyline GT-R:
PRO - Has real potential for racing. AWD. Neat LCD with sensors like G-force. Very rare in the states. Right side driver.
CON - Right side driver (yes its good and bad) very fast and furious scene. Hard to get a hold of because it probably
would need to be imported. Lots of converting to do on it (emissions in some states, KMH speedo to MPH, ect) Gotta get
used to shifting with your left hand. Not sure if this car is even in the $30k range, and if so its a older 1991ish. Also
heard you need deep pockets to make it have the potential like with a supra. Squarey body isnt the coolest thing but the blue
color ones are beautiful none the less.

Nissan 350z:
PRO - Can get a pretty new one. Hear its got some potential for racing. Sleek look.
CON - Many people have them, getting a bit fast and furiousy.
(I do not know much about the 350z so help me out on some info here)


Well those are the cars I can come up with, please keep in mind I have NOT researched all of these cars before posting the
information I have here, and a lot of this is what I *HEAR* about the car, so if it is not true please let me know.

If you havent guessed I would like a car that can drag race, but is not neccessary. And any info or experiences you can share on any
of these great cars would be appreciated in helping me decide. I also will test drive them all before purchasing (of coarse) except
maybe the skyline.


I will also be posting this in forums for each of these specific cars as to get as many non biased opinions and info from those that
own them.

 

[PoohBEAR]

looks like you want something for the purpose of "drag". get the supra.....it will cost you cheaper to mod and you wil be happy on the drag strip. but if your purpose is something else, look into nsx.

 

[MJK]

Yep, I agree.

Based on what you describe - I'd look at a TT Supra or maybe an EVO.

 

[NSX/MR2]

The Supra Turbo MKIV generation was also very limited in number production, just like the NSX. Unless you hang around a town that has a few performance shops, then you will see them often.

On the other hand, the NSX. have you look at it and drive it? The car is a gem!

 

[paulviriyapan]

Well, if your end-all-be-all is to have an ass-kicking drag race car that no one can take, the NSX probably isn't for you. Similarly, if your sole goal IS to be able to beat anyone in the quarter mile what you want to do is this: buy an old chevy malibu for $900, and stick $29,000 into building the motor. Believe me, I've seen some pretty dumpy looking cars that would kill a $500,000 Ferrari Enzo at the strip.

The point is, you gotta choose the car that is right for you. As for me, the NSX was the one that fit the best. It certainly isn't the fastest car you could buy. The Ferrari 360 Modena, Dodge Viper, Chevy Z06 Vette, would certainly spank my baby at a drag strip. However, I honestly can say that it is faster than 99% of the cars that I have ever met out on the open road. In the end, it's fast enough for me and what I want in my car.

Brute speed, I don't care THAT much about. Furthermore, it could be accomplished better and cheaper by other cars. If you're at the point in your life where you're looking at a 'real car' (in your post), chances are that you have grown out of the 'boy racer' phase (but that doesn't mean you don't care about having a fast car.)

What I care about? Beauty. The NSX has got to have some of the most attractive curves, despite the fact that it is now 13 years old. Even though my car is 13 years old, heads turn when I come by.

Comfort. Yes, it is an exotic caliber car that can haul when need be, but at this point in my life, I'll sacrifice some performance for a comfortable ride, and a plush leather interior. The NSX is an extremely pleasant car to drive, and I use it as a daily driver.

Reliability. Major point for me. What's the point in buying a car if it's in the shop all the time? Before I bought the NSX, I had always wanted a Ferrari. However, what most people don't realize is how much maintenance is required on one of those. I knew people who had their prancing ponies serviced every six months. The purchase price is not the only cost in buying a Ferrari, it's also what you gotta pay your mechanic every few months.

Image. I don't mean to sound snobby, but at this point in my life I don't want to come off as a boy racer. All of the cars you mentioned are good cars, and I certainly don't want to insult anyone's choice of vehicle. But the fact is, the car you drive does present a certain image. Just to let you know, I'm an attorney. Now, to illustrate my point imagine you are a client, who will be paying me a ridiculous amount of money per hour. What will you think if I pull up in a tricked out Supra, or a Subaru WRX STI?

In the end, the choice is up to you as to what you want in a car. To me, the NSX fit the bill perfectly. The X is probably on par with, and bought by the same type of people who buy the Porsche 911 (which I previously had). The 911 wasn't the fastest car in the world either (well unless you have a GT2 Turbo), and it's performance is on par with the NSX. Anyone who buys an NSX or a Porsche 911, probably could have bought a faster car if they wanted to. We just choose to get the car that we like the most. That's just my $0.02.

 

[95Mr2Turbo]

for drag racing yeah there's no contest... the supra kills all. but the wrx is a hell of a quick car. mustn't discount it. from stoplight to stoplight the wrx will come out on top every time bcs of it's traction advantage. the streets are not a race track - and on the street it's really hard to beat a useable car like the wrx... with awd you can be the biggest jackass this side of an mtv celebrity race and come out looking like colin mcrae...
my point is i guess that technically the wrx will get you around the street quickest, and technically the supra is fastest.

 

[96ce]

WHat about a 2000 - 2002 Audi S4? Twin turbo, fast, reliable and all wheel drive. Understated looks....

BE

 

[NSX/MR2]

for drag racing yeah there's no contest... the supra kills all. but the wrx is a hell of a quick car. mustn't discount it. from stoplight to stoplight the wrx will come out on top every time bcs of it's traction advantage. the streets are not a race track - and on the street it's really hard to beat a useable car like the wrx... with awd you can be the biggest jackass this side of an mtv celebrity race and come out looking like colin mcrae...
my point is i guess that technically the wrx will get you around the street quickest, and technically the supra is fastest.

Unless you slap on Gerry's or FactorX's turbo systems. Check out the topics, titled: NSX vs Viper, and NSX vs Supra," and you will see a NSX beat both of those cars running 11.44 and 11.55 1/4 time.

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

Unless you slap on Gerry's or FactorX's turbo systems. Check out the topics, titled: NSX vs Viper, and NSX vs Supra," and you will see a NSX beat both of those cars running 11.44 and 11.55 1/4 time.

Lets not forget that he has a budget here.

 

[GeneralChaos]

In the end, the choice is up to you as to what you want in a car. To me, the NSX fit the bill perfectly. The X is probably on par with, and bought by the same type of people who buy the Porsche 911 (which I previously had). The 911 wasn't the fastest car in the world either (well unless you have a GT2 Turbo), and it's performance is on par with the NSX. Anyone who buys an NSX or a Porsche 911, probably could have bought a faster car if they wanted to. We just choose to get the car that we like the most. That's just my $0.02.

I agree with your statements a lot here. To tell you the truth I am not looking to have the fastest drag racer the world has ever seen because its not going to happen, especially with an import, because I know people like my friends dad are gonna bust out the 426 hemi charger and spank me like no tomarrow. I just want it to be pretty formitable, and being as fast as a trans am stock is to me.

About the twin turbos I dont doubt that at all, and I plan to do something of the like when I save the extra 10k lol, and 11.5 is PLENTY fast for me.

Id say as of now im still leaned on the nsx because its just a overall good car, and very unique.

But anyway I appreciate all the comments, they help me decide on what to do, but in the end im just going to have to drive them all when it finally gets nice out again and see which one grabs me, and I get the feeling its gonna be the nsx (if I can find one to drive) or s2000.

 

[steveny]

a $500,000 Ferrari Enzo

 

[NSX/MR2]

I agree with your statements a lot here. To tell you the truth I am not looking to have the fastest drag racer the world has ever seen because its not going to happen, especially with an import, because I know people like my friends dad are gonna bust out the 426 hemi charger and spank me like no tomarrow. I just want it to be pretty formitable, and being as fast as a trans am stock is to me.

You will smoke a stock trans am witha NSX.

 

[NSX/MR2]

Lets not forget that he has a budget here.

Consider Paulrivipian's and 95MR2's statements about how all the cars (WRX, Supra) are modded - if that is what he is looking for (to beat other cars at the drag.) That was why I brought up the subject of mod. verus mod. cars. Stock to stock, the NSX will not lose to those cars, I have seen it.

 

[nsxchi-town]

$500,000 Ferrari Enzo at the strip.

Hey do know where i can get one?
Ready to buy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[paulviriyapan]

Yeah, actually I wouldn't mind paying $500,000 for an Enzo either. I was referring to the supposed 'list price'...if you could get it at that price. However, if you are willing to send me a check for $500,000 I certainly would consider it a 'down payment' until I manage to procure your vehicle.

Anyways, as has been discussed there is a difference between stock versus modded cars. Like I said, if you sink $29,000 into building the motor of a rusty chevy malibu, you will have one damn fast car. But in either a stock v. stock, or a modded v. modded car, an NSX is still a formidable car.

In terms of stock v. stock, I think there's alot of misconceptions out there. I believe its partly due to the auto enthusiasts' propensity to 'overexaggerate' the stock performance of their cars coupled with the fact that, in the case of the Nissan Skyline, it simply isn't available in the U.S. so no one can actually test drive the car (and people's imaginations are allowed to run wild). If you actually look at PUBLISHED stats from a LEGITIMATE car magazine, you will see that, stock v. stock, the NSX is just as fast, if not FASTER, than the Supra or the Skyline. I have attached the following link which actually compares the times PUBLISHED from real magazines:

Acura NSX v. Toyota Supra v. Nissan Skyline

I am kind of tired about the 'legend' which has developed around the supra. Well, this is FACT: the Supra, in stock form, only came out of the box with 320 h.p. And weighs in at approximately 3500 lbs. A '91 through '96 NSX (the same years that you're looking at) comes with a 270 h.p. engine. However, the car tips the scales at about 3,000 lbs. So there is a whopping 50 hp advantage for the Supra which is offset by a 500 lb weight disadvantage.

Now when you're talking about modded v. modded, it is a completely different story. Yes, I have seen monster Supras that dominate the strip. But these cars are different from the mid $20,000 driver that you can pick up second hand. These cars have had extensive modifications to get the kind of power they are making, and these mods aren't cheap and they are comparable to what you'd spend on modding an NSX. For example, if you are looking at a Greddy kit for the Supra that runs about $7,000 without install. Now, for $8500 you can take your NSX to Mr. Gerry Johnson in Modesto (who is currently working on my car) and you will have a car w/over 500 rwhp, and which can do an 11.4 1/4 mile run. These times are not made up. I have driven his car, and that's what it will run.

Furthermore, when you think about it, the NSX is not that expensive. From basic research, you will find that a TT Supra will set you back about $25,000 give or take (it's hard to find a good example for $20,000). I bought my '91 NSX from a 60ish year old anesthesiologist, who had bought it brand new, with 65,000 miles on the odometer for $23,000. (It took me six months to find the 'right car' for the 'right price' but it can be done.)

If I sink another $8500 into GJ's Turbo Kit, I will have spent $31,500 to purchase a true 'supercar' that can run with an Enzo. Furthermore, I can sell the car for what I paid for it (including to mod it). I remember some idiot posting that he spent an additional $14,000 turbocharging his honda civic, that it would spank a $89,000 NSX and that anyone who spent $89,000 on an NSX was stupid because they could have a faster car for a lot cheaper. Well, that idiot is still driving a civic and if he sold his car, he would find that he wouldn't get more than $14,000 for it. Yeah, real great 'investment'.

Anyways, buying a car is a very personal choice, and I don't mean to knock how anyone chooses to spend his hard earned money. However, for me, the only choice was the NSX. That's my $0.02.

 

[PoohBEAR]

not kissing your ass or anything...but you are truely CORRECT!!!!!! I agree with Paul here.

Anyways, buying a car is a very personal choice, and I don't mean to knock how anyone chooses to spend his hard earned money. However, for me, the only choice was the NSX. That's my $0.02.

 

[NSXGMS]

Supra is the way to go--

buy a medium mileage 93 TT and put $10,000 into it.

You'll be flirting with 500HP. They look nice enough, and they're rare enough. You won't be disappointed.

minimum dollar for maximum power, there is no equal car. And they hold up well, always have.

NSX is not the car for you.

 

[matteni]

All of those cars - with the exception of the 350/s2000/and STi are going to require significant regular maintenance to keep running right. Plus - you are taking the chance of getting into some unexpected repairs.

My advice would be to get something you can love off the showroom floor (or a year or two old) and use the warrenty as your insurance against major repairs for a while.

Nothing is more depressing then seeing someone spend their entire budget on a great car and not be able to keep up with the maintenance or have to take the bus because they can't afford a new clutch, timing belt. etc.

Not a flame - just something to think about. Hope springs eternal when it comes to getting a very used car and unless you have the means to deal with it you are going to be very dissapointed IMO.