MrKool

I am thinking about replacing the beast with something else since I really don't need the 4 doors anymore. So while I think/look/decide on an "appropriate" replacement for the AMG, I am thinking about something that is sporty, fun to drive and wouldn't break the bank. It doesn't have to be powerful but I would prefer a high revving car.

Budget is around 4-5k since I will most likely be selling it within a year or so. Currently thinking may be a mazda miata or something like it? Open to suggestions.

Thanks.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

E36 M3

chawkins2001

Fox body mustang They hold their value really well, and make around 225rwhp/290rwtq with simple bolt ons.

cij911

The budget is your constraining factor, so I'd have to agree that a Miata would be both fun and cheap to own. But even then at $4-5K, you are talking about an older one with a lot of miles. Going from an e55 to an old / used Miata seems like a harsh transition. Good luck

efiftyfizzle

Going from an E55 to any $4-5k car is going to be a harsh transition!

If I had to though, I'd pick up another 5 speed SC300. Those cars are fun and super comfortable.

AKnight55

Agree on the E36

MrKool

all valid points guys, but the thing is that I am not expecting anything from this 4-5k beater car that I have in the E55. As a matter of fact, I am looking for something entirely opposite. Meaning, much less power, no need for any luxury features, something I can throw around corners really fast, beat up (and then as soon as I have made up my mind for the "actual" E55 replacement...be it a C6 Z06 or whatever), turn around and sell it.

The thing that is most important is the fact that I need much less power. Right now, I floor the E and before I know I am doing 80+. I am kinda missing the feeling of being able to go through the gears with almost hitting the red line every time.

gsnyc

get a vintage car like a MG, Triumph. or easy reliability get an old ford/AMC wagoneer.

kchristos

For $4-5k, fun high revving car I would suggest a 2002 Honda Civic Si, it's a fun little car, reliable and it won't depreciate very much on that price.

jaedee

Turbo MR2?

vioilio

E36 M3 all day long!!! Have had couple of those and with the right suspension mods those are very very very fun cars!!!

baldmike73

I was thinking the same thing - Honda or Acura- do your homework as you may be asking for trouble if you buy a modded one from a boy racer.

If you want to stay German -MKIV GTI with the 1.8T - great lil car - may be a lil higher $$ though or VW Bug with a pumped motor - you can get those cheap lately - 914 with big bore kit and big webers (both easy to work on too)

TonyC

Cali has more S2000s than anywhere else in the USA and I'm certain you still won't be able to find a s2000 for $5K.

However, you can get clean 99/00 NB Miata for ~$5K. I've owned both convertible while in the current AMG, and have to say they are the perfect alternatives if you only need 2 seats. e36 M3s, at $5K, will all mostly be thrashed beyond belief, and I refuse to drive FWD german tin cans. YMMV.

Toadster

S2K is nice, but as TonyC said - not for $5k

get a Miata - I know it sounds nutz - but we got one ('00) and its a blast to drive...

E55Greasemonkey

What about a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP? Supercharged, 230 HP high 13 sec 1/4 mile with light mods

HeissRod

This is what I was thinking.

outrun

Why do you no longer have them? I have always liked the M3.

Shifter

How about old school AMG, like C36 or C43

S13REMI

I don't know why every one is recommending fwd cars as fun to drive especially when your going from a awesome rwd car. In that price range id recommend picking up a swapped 240. id say going to hands down be the best bang for your buck. you can pick up one with decent mods (over 300wheel) in your price range all day long. they are lite coming in around at around 2700ish or less depending on mods and what swap is done. The nice thing is that a clean will hold it value, well it will stay around what you payed for it. don't get my wrong the interior on them is **** (don't even have cup holders), especially compared to an e55, buT you asked for a fun car!

EDIT: and most likely the fastest car mentioned for the price range. turbo mr2 is a good idea too

djrabbi

I have a E46 330i. I want to get into a Kia Optima lol

S13REMI

i know right? i was kinda wondering about that too, o.p. going from what was once close to a 100k car to something that was maybe a max of mid 20's new.

Hasan Shaikh

+ 1 on an E36 M3

SterlingE55

I had a GTX version. Loved this car. Only downfall was the front wheel drive part. I sold mine with 236k on the clock. I wish I had kept it as a spare car.

Toadster

Miata and S2K are both RWD
you can slap 3k onto a Miata and get 190-210 RWHP too - or go Turbo and push 300-350

S13REMI

your right both are rwd, but S2K out of the price range, and so will a miata after a turbo install. but buying a miata thats already turbod isnt a bad idea either. and a sr20 s13 will put down 250 at the tire stock with bolt ons. you buy a s13 with a t28 (super common facotry turbo upgrade, mid 300's all day long. ohh plus a stock sr20 bottom end will take 500wheel. but all this small talk is besides the point. i still hold fast with a pre-swapped s13, but ill also say a turbo'd miata is a good idea too.