Myself and my wife are moving to the States soon. I've been looking at buying a car when we're there.

I know the style of car I want...sporty.

I also know how much I can (realistically) afford to pay (between $15k and $20k) - I'm not going to be financing, this is going to be bought outright.

I've got a few names of cars, but any experience with them that you'd like to share would be appreciated.

1. Pontiac Firebird Formula or Firebird TransAm. Late 90s model. 5.7 ltr v8. Pure muscle car.

2. Chevy Camaro. Same vintage.

3. Ford Mustang GT. Whatever vintage I can afford!

4. Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo - the NICE looking one, not the bug-eyed monster they replaced it with!

Any others I should consider? Not interested in fuel economy or cost to run. This is my toy. :D

Hehe you got some nice cars in mind :cool:

Have you seen the new 2005 mustang GT? Styled like the old 60s ones:

http://www.fordvehicles.com/futurevehicles/?id=10

I like the F- Bodies though... I'd go for the Firebird over the Camaro though. Try to get the WS6 package if you can!

:beer:

you got some nice cars in mind

Thanks! I'm determined to get something I want rather than something practical. Plus I'm very lucky in that my wife agrees with me. She even wants one of those for herself as well! That's my girl....:D

Have you seen the new 2005 mustang GT?

Yup, and WAYYYYY out of my price range!

I'll remember that about the WS6 package. What's the difference though?

Firstly, welcome to the U.S. Visit http://edmunds.com for some pretty accurate info on new and used cars, with pretty good search options.

MDJ2000, thanks, but not quite there yet!

And thanks for that link! That's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for.

Obviously my Google-fu wasn't up to the job...:)

Originally posted by Zopester
I'll remember that about the WS6 package. What's the difference though? The differences between a WS6 and a "standard" Trans Am have changed from time to time (there's been a WS6 package since the late 80's), so it depends on what model year you're talking about. Generally in the newer cars it's the "ram air" hood, different rims and a different exhaust system. It may have a heavier front sway bar and other suspension upgrades. It'll perform marginally better than a "standard" Trans Am.

Ford Mustang for sure, I wish they would make them in the UK.

Actually, the new Mustang will start out at around $20k... The GT maybe a tad higher.

I would really recommend a later WS6 firebird. Maybe a year 2000 or so. Once you hear the car accelerate you will know why!

Here is a video of one in action:

http://www.rapidmotorsports.com/multimedia/project_cars/bristol_10-00_win.wmv

Make sure you got sound.

:cool:

Go for a 2 year old or so Camaro SS, if you want an F-body.
Mustangs are fairly cheap too. A brand new (2004) Mustang Mach 1 is only $35k CAD, so they should be $30k US new. A couple years old and it would be into your price range.

I never thought I'd reccommend Chrysler, but the Neon SRT-4s are damn quick 0-60 5.9s and only $20k US new i think.

Let us know what you decide when you come over.

My previous car was a ford mustang, but I had to sell it to buy a minivan. But I strongly recommend it. It was a nice car but was too small for us.
One other thing, do Negotiate with the dealer. and check this out: http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

For muscle with room for four or more people, try a used Cadillac Seville STS or Lincoln LS. Both have all aluminum V8s with serious power. Horrible depreciation so they're a steal used.
Both -- as well as the cars you mentioned -- are gas hogs. All are best suited for areas without any snow or ice to worry about.
A used Saab 9-3/900 turbo convertible is a wonderful toy and one that insurance companies actually like. It's a great used car buy and easier on the gas.

Get a BMW

exactly my thoughts nickrac, They are awesomely fast, and they are a sedan. :) look for a 90's M3, that will do the trick.

used corvette is the way to go.
And its right in your price range.
check out http://www.collectorcartrader.com
and http://www.autotrader.com
both are great for used cars [any.. not just collector]

Or try for a Nissan... GREAT car. I love em. You want sporty, you could use a Nissan Z-series, or the Infiniti luxury counterpart.

I second NickRac, if you 're looking for a powerfull yet reliable car, I would go for a BMW 97~99 540i or 2000 330CI, 325CI . You might also want to take a look at 1999+ Toyota Solara.

As far as the cars you have listed - I have driven all the cars you mentioned ( I have a car dealership ) and if it comes to me I would choose Subaru WRX, I am assuming you 're talking about the new model, however, it's in the late $20K.
I would not put that much money into an American car ( No offense guys ) and thus I would not recommend an US brand cars unless you would like to see you car at the technician shop frequently ...

Goof Luck choosing a car.

You can't go 170 in a BMW, do 5 minute long burnouts, or scare your neighbors in the morning.

Originally posted by Xshare
Or try for a Nissan... GREAT car. I love em. You want sporty, you could use a Nissan Z-series, or the Infiniti luxury counterpart.

350 Z baby!

u could always try to toyota celica... :) not really fast, but kinda sporta...
I say Mazda RX8 or mitsubishi eclipse

I just bought an rx8 hmmm company car :)

Its a very sweet ride, i researched many cars in Australia and obviously their are many more to select from in the States.

The 2003 BMW 325i is an excellent example i know i drive one when im not driving the rx8 and there is a 1965 convertable mustang in the girlfriends garage. :)

Regards
Phillip

Well folks, thanks for all your opinions and advice.

Regarding a BMW, I had considered an M3, but to be honest it doesn't do anything for me. A friend of mine here in the UK had one for a while - yes it goes fast, but damn if it isn't the most boring fast car in the ENTIRE WORLD! :)

I shall check out those links people kindly posted, and may resurrect this thread every so often if I come across something else.

And I'll be sure to let you all know what I finally decide upon when I touch down in Houston later this year. :D

Someone mentioning the Mazda RX8 gives me the perfect opportunity for a truly awful joke...

Nice car, but Wankel engine

Sorry.