Hello, I am looking to purchase my first car in the next few months. My budget is 20k, and the current criteria are RWD, standard transmission, under 90k miles (mostly depending on make) and I want it to have at least 200 hp stock. I would prefer a naturally aspirated engine, as I would like to install a turbo kit. At the moment I'm looking at the E46 M3, any other recommendations?
Couple of problems I see as a performance shop owner:
1. You're not turbocharging a 90k mile M3 unless you have some serious $$$$$ set aside. And I literally mean $2x,xxx. With the amount of work, replacement of parts that will break just from wear and age....don't do it.
2. Mustang is a great idea. However, turbocharging is going to cost you $10k+ to have it installed and tuned correctly. In addition, you are adding forced induction to a motor with 90k miles on it and an unknown history. That's typically how pistons wind up going through engine block walls and rods go through hoods. To build a turbo car takes money. Done right, you need to beef up the engine internals, beef up the fuel system, decide on anti-lag or no, beef up brakes, custom tune it, and the list goes on.
I have guys walk in every day that ask, "How much to throw a turbo on my Camaro/Mustang/Mom's Honda Odyssey?" It isn't that simple. I get the feeling like you want to race the car. That costs money as well. Increased wear and tear, etc. Also, you need to consider if the project is worth it. For example, if you are going Mustang, the 05-10 3V V8 models love boost. But with the new GT's pushing 460HP stock to the 3V's 300HP, you're going to really be pushing some boost through to run with the newer cars.
If you are looking to do this just as a toy, ask yourself how much you are willing to put into and lose on the build. Every build is a loser and nobody gets all their money back, or even close to.
My best advice: do not get in over your head. You don't want to be that guy on Craigslist trying to get $10k for a car that's in pieces because "it will make a great project for someone."
I hope you have another $20,000 lying in the back, to pay for all the repairs & part replacements for an old BMW. Those things turn into endless money pits as they age, thanks to the cheap plastic combined with German over engineering.
If this is going to be the car that you learn to drive on, I’d say you’re buying the wrong car. For that get a Corolla or a Civic instead.
No matter which car you buy, have it checked by an honest mechanic before you buy it (especially that M3).
stay away from the idea of BMW and turbo's. Lexus's are better and Volvo's are not bad options under 100k
My opinion
20K can buy a decent Lexus IS series.
V6 RWD you will have.
But only transmission I could find is automatic.
okay, go find a used V8 mustang, ignore words above.
Check one with good condition, will save you tonnnnnns of $.
Mazda MX-5?
Lexus IS, some did come with manual.
Thanks for the answers guys, mostly pretty helpful. I hadn't really considered any of the classic American muscle cars because I've never been particularly attracted to the looks of them, however the performance is mostly what I am looking for. The 5.0 Mustang will definitely be on my shortlist. I already know how to drive pretty well, although I've always driven other people cars, and have done so responsibly as to avoid anything going wrong. No aggressive cornering, drifting, driving like a maniac in general. This is definitely something I'd like to do, as the few times I've done it I've had a blast and I enjoy watching others drive like this. As for racing, I would definitely like to take the car on a track, but I wouldn't say I'm purpose designing a race car. I already know how to basic maintenance like oil changes, however I am very interested in getting experienced with more advanced and preventative maintenance.