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Old 12-05-2006, 12:05 AM   #1
Best bang for the buck under $20k??
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beansbaxter's Avatar
Joined: Nov 2006
From: Seattle, WA
Posts: 186

I Drive: Audi A4 S

My Project: 190E
What's best speed out there for under 20k?

Option A) Buy a used car and do some heavy upgrades?

Option B) Buy a new(er) car and do moderate upgrades?
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Old 12-05-2006, 06:10 AM   #2
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From: Spokane
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Dsm :-)

T
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Old 12-05-2006, 07:27 AM   #3
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Moscow, Idaho
Posts: 150

I Drive: 2006 Yamaha R6, 1991 nissan 180sx, 95 neon sport beater

My Project: Pulled the sr20det for the second time and winter modding time
For fun on dry pavement nissan 240sx, and the best snow car is a awd dsm.
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Old 12-05-2006, 09:36 AM   #4
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Spec's Avatar
Joined: Nov 2006
From: Wilsonville, OR
Posts: 71

I Drive: BMW E30

My Project: 03 BMW 530i
Easily the easiest way to do that is to purchase an older sport coupe for $7k and throw $13k into the engine & suspension. ...If speed is all you're after.
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Old 12-05-2006, 09:43 AM   #5
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: spokane
Posts: 118

I Drive: 65 Mustang fasstback,97 Chev Tahoe

My Project: 66 Buick GS, 56 Ford F100 big window
Buy a fox body Mustang and have fun cheap... ;)
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Old 12-05-2006, 12:02 PM   #6
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
soooooooo many options for $20K. But, who has that kinda green in cash to spend? You should buy upgrades in cash, since they have no value after purchase. I know I'd think long and hard about it, but probably end up with a nice E36 M3 turbo'd, set-up (suspension/brakes), and PIMP.
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Old 12-05-2006, 12:21 PM   #7
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Port Orchard, Wa
Posts: 36

I Drive: See my Sig

My Project: T15 Sierra / FZR
I did option a
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Old 12-05-2006, 06:27 PM   #8
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: SE WA
Posts: 104

I Drive: C6, M3, Jeeps-JK TJ YJ CJ

My Project: new house, shop and wife!
Have to go "A" also
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Old 12-06-2006, 03:20 AM   #9
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Spokane
Posts: 128

I Drive: 96 240SX 90 300ZXTT

My Project: 96 240SX with Full JIC FLT-A2 Susension, Sr20DET, 300ZX brake kit, etc
Id do a TT Z muahhahahaha or a sick 240, wait, I have.....
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Old 12-06-2006, 11:56 AM   #10
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penpen's Avatar
Joined: Nov 2006
From: bellevue
Posts: 42
i did B

it depends on what your goals are, really. drift? drag? road course? autox? show? daily driver? so many options....
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Old 12-06-2006, 05:25 PM   #11
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Vantucky
Posts: 47

I Drive: a 1991 Mazda Miata, with TEETH!
OPT. A.

Finda good used car that has a straight body, etc. then blow teh rest on upgrades. alot can be had for under 20K.

It only costs like $3000 + base Miata to get into Mazda Miata Spec racing...
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Old 12-30-2006, 09:03 PM   #12
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Spokanistan, Wa
Posts: 9

I Drive: 95 Eclipse Gs-T

My Project: Go faster
"A" is good for going fast, but if you go "B" the car is just so much different. No wierd rattles or things like that. With the speed aside, do you want a newer car or and older car? I personally have something that has all kinds of little rattles and things and it makes me mad. I want something that is a very sound car and at least decently fast.
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Old 01-04-2007, 10:34 PM   #13
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Joined: Jan 2007
From: Lynnwood WA
Posts: 2
im gonna be around 12k into my corolla when im done and driving. but its a lot of work done by myself at the shop i work at. shooting for 500whp in a car that weighs around 2100lbs and is rwd. 10 second passes? freeway demon? thats just me tho, when im done playing with that im gonna get something a little more comfortable, something thats newer. and something that really plays in a persons decision, is this gonna be the only car your gonna be driving?


Marcus
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Old 01-05-2007, 02:05 AM   #14
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Federal Way, WA
Posts: 48

I Drive: BMW 323is | 69 Chevelle SS 427 | R1 | R6
If i did it all over again, i'd own the most underrated sleeper on the road. All for around 15K. 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4.
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Old 01-05-2007, 05:21 AM   #15
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Spokane, WA
Posts: 40

I Drive: 2003 Cavalier, 2006 GSXR 1000

My Project: 42 willies flat fender
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revhard View Post
If i did it all over again, i'd own the most underrated sleeper on the road. All for around 15K. 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4.
Anyone who'd pay 20k for a fucking neon is an idiot....
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Old 01-05-2007, 10:43 PM   #16
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Federal Way, WA
Posts: 48

I Drive: BMW 323is | 69 Chevelle SS 427 | R1 | R6
Quote:
Originally Posted by ecotecjosh View Post
Anyone who'd pay 20k for a fucking neon is an idiot....
You obviously fell a little too hard on those leaves by this statement. This car is faster than any other car i know under 30K. I dont know how this car passes emissions. Front mount intercooler, 2.4L turbo. 260hp, 250lbs of torque at 2200rpm. Slap a 20 dollar manual boost controller, turn it up 2 or 3 lbs (totally safe). and you're lookin at near 300hp. What do you drive? I guarantee this "neon" will make you cry.
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Old 01-06-2007, 04:02 AM   #17
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Spokane
Posts: 128

I Drive: 96 240SX 90 300ZXTT

My Project: 96 240SX with Full JIC FLT-A2 Susension, Sr20DET, 300ZX brake kit, etc
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revhard View Post
You obviously fell a little too hard on those leaves by this statement. This car is faster than any other car i know under 30K. I dont know how this car passes emissions. Front mount intercooler, 2.4L turbo. 260hp, 250lbs of torque at 2200rpm. Slap a 20 dollar manual boost controller, turn it up 2 or 3 lbs (totally safe). and you're lookin at near 300hp. What do you drive? I guarantee this "neon" will make you cry.
:eek: OWNED!!!!!!!!! Seriously, Who ever would drive a Cavalier and thinks that its a MAD tite race care is an idiot. You agree Josh?? Maybe People see things different, and your opinion isnt ALWAYS what matters.

I agree with Rev, if I was spending this money on a 2000 or newer car, it would be an SRT-4. I've seen these put the hurt down on many a bad boy car.
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Old 01-06-2007, 09:23 AM   #18
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
I don't think josh was talking about speed/dollar, but build quality and, for lack of a better term, class. Spending 15-20K on a car that rattles apart off the showroom floor (much less after I put my stupid sub in the trunk) is foolish. It will break and depreciate in value quite quickly, putting you very upside down on the car's value. I've personally already heard complaints of interior parts and other misc. stuff braking on SRT-4's. No complaints on motor though. To be fair, I've heard similar complaints (from mechanics) on current lotus', but I would still own a new lotus.

The other reason I wouldn't spend 15-20K on a neon (even an SRT-4) is because it is, after all is said and done, FWD. Front wheel is fine for commuters, economy cars, winter cars, etc., but not for sports cars. Sorry, but in a FWD car, you roll onto the throttle mid turn, and it plows like a 5000lb SUV. That's not how a sports car is supposed to handle.
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Old 01-06-2007, 01:50 PM   #19
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Spokane
Posts: 128

I Drive: 96 240SX 90 300ZXTT

My Project: 96 240SX with Full JIC FLT-A2 Susension, Sr20DET, 300ZX brake kit, etc
Ted nobody is talking about road racing, the subject is bang for the buck. Speed wise is how I take this thread. What would you buy, year 2k or newer? for under 20K
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Old 01-06-2007, 09:46 PM   #20
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From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
The original question was "older car with mods or newer car with no mods or smaller mods"

Personally, 2000 or newer under 20K, I'd pick up a WRX. No, it's not as fast as a SRT-4, but it's a great car in all other cases.

Now, take the 2000 or newer out, I would pick up a used fd with a relatively new motor rebuild, and a maintenance record that goes back to the original purchase.
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Old 01-06-2007, 11:11 PM   #21
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From: Spokane
Posts: 125
00 and newer for under 20k I'd pickup a kia and throw n2o at it and get new motors under waranty for the next 10 years :-)

T
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Old 01-07-2007, 06:31 PM   #22
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolat View Post
00 and newer for under 20k I'd pickup a kia and throw n2o at it and get new motors under waranty for the next 10 years :-)

T
yeah, I'm sure they would never catch on
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Old 01-09-2007, 08:23 AM   #23
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Moscow, Idaho
Posts: 150

I Drive: 2006 Yamaha R6, 1991 nissan 180sx, 95 neon sport beater

My Project: Pulled the sr20det for the second time and winter modding time
Quote:
Originally Posted by ted_garlock View Post
yeah, I'm sure they would never catch on

lol. he'd just take out his tuner nawz bottle and they'd never know. ;)
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Old 01-11-2007, 01:27 AM   #24
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Federal Way, WA
Posts: 48

I Drive: BMW 323is | 69 Chevelle SS 427 | R1 | R6
Quote:
Originally Posted by ted_garlock View Post
It will break and depreciate in value quite quickly, putting you very upside down on the car's value.

The other reason I wouldn't spend 15-20K on a neon (even an SRT-4) is because it is, after all is said and done, FWD. Front wheel is fine for commuters, economy cars, winter cars, etc., but not for sports cars.
Check out autotrader.com. SRT-4's (in the spring, since no one can sell anything right now) are going for roughly 14,500 to 17ish. Thats VERY high considering they're like 19 OTD if you look around. I know, I know, not the $exiest car out there, but if you've ever heard this car go through a few gears spoolin', hearin the BOV, then hearing the car come down through the RPMs in say third gear. Its the $ex, and i cant believe it passed emissions with flying colors. BTW, the motor is solid as a rock.

I'd trade this T-FWD car for my RWD bimmer anyday. If you want a quiet interior, go buy a volvo lol. Right MM?
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Old 01-11-2007, 06:54 AM   #25
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Rathdrum Idaho
Posts: 102

I Drive: 2003 Mustang 3.8l 5spd

My Project: Mustang, Bandit
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revhard View Post
Check out autotrader.com. SRT-4's (in the spring, since no one can sell anything right now) are going for roughly 14,500 to 17ish. Thats VERY high considering they're like 19 OTD if you look around. I know, I know, not the $exiest car out there, but if you've ever heard this car go through a few gears spoolin', hearin the BOV, then hearing the car come down through the RPMs in say third gear. Its the $ex, and i cant believe it passed emissions with flying colors. BTW, the motor is solid as a rock.

I'd trade this T-FWD car for my RWD bimmer anyday. If you want a quiet interior, go buy a volvo lol. Right MM?
The motor may be, but I have heard plenty of horror storys involving components further down the drive train, clutch/flywheels coming apart and taking out bellhousings, and other stuff. Besides who wants a hopped up skittle?
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Old 01-11-2007, 08:47 AM   #26
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Moscow, Idaho
Posts: 150

I Drive: 2006 Yamaha R6, 1991 nissan 180sx, 95 neon sport beater

My Project: Pulled the sr20det for the second time and winter modding time
They're pretty quick on a budget but it's still a neon.
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Old 01-11-2007, 12:52 PM   #27
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
I like how none of the Acuras are mentioned....just funny

Best bang for the buck under $20k gotta be the GS-R

a lot of 240s being mentioned?...they're weak all day long
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Old 01-11-2007, 01:23 PM   #28
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From: Spokane
Posts: 125
bang for the buck out of a GS-R? how? slow car, no torque, only bang for your buck with a honda is gas mileage!

T
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Old 01-11-2007, 01:36 PM   #29
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolat View Post
bang for the buck out of a GS-R? how? slow car, no torque, only bang for your buck with a honda is gas mileage!

T
No Power? Is There a faster 1.8 170HP car? Bring on a 240 any day

Back when i had a 98 GSR, it probably had about 210HP or so...i smashed on a lot of cars

Now that i have RSX, stock 210 HP, it will beat the 1.8T GTi or the VR6, Nissan Sentra se-r or just about any other car in its class
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Old 01-11-2007, 01:38 PM   #30
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Mookie's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
Yes i know they're not track cars....but how many of you really go on a track? Other than once or twice a year if that
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Old 01-11-2007, 02:47 PM   #31
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From: Spokane
Posts: 125
any car in it's class.....it's class being slow ass honda.

T
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Old 01-11-2007, 02:53 PM   #32
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolat View Post
any car in it's class.....it's class being slow ass honda.

T
Ur all talk dude
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Old 01-11-2007, 03:26 PM   #33
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From: Spokane
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all talk....heh I've built cars that made more hp per cyl than your weak little hondas come with from all 4 cyls.

T
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Old 01-11-2007, 03:43 PM   #34
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Mookie's Avatar
Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolat View Post
all talk....heh I've built cars that made more hp per cyl than your weak little hondas come with from all 4 cyls.

T
Show some facts, pictures ...anything?
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:00 PM   #35
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From: Spokane
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old car.




T
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:03 PM   #36
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
LOL, can those go more than 5k without fallin all apart
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:11 PM   #37
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From: Spokane
Posts: 125
both pics are the same car. 880cc injectors at 42psi base fuel pressure is good for 680hp assuming a BSFC of 0.45 which is easy for a turbo car to achieve, add on that the fuel pressure raises 1psi per psi of boost and the car was running 30+ psi of boost + 100 shot of nitrous.....

Ever broken the tires free on the freeway in 5th gear on dry pavement? Ever spun thru half track?

I have

T
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:12 PM   #38
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revhard View Post

I'd trade this T-FWD car for my RWD bimmer anyday. If you want a quiet interior, go buy a volvo lol. Right MM?
I would too, but you have a 323...

Autotrader has overpriced vehicles, look at DSM's on there, $14K for a 98 GSX. BS I tell you, BS. Anyone who bought a performance car at sticker price on autotrader got ripped. $19K OTD seems low on a SRT-4 too. And I have heard them, several times, with burp mufflers on them.
http://www.srtforums.com/forums/arch.../t-216232.html
A few used for over $19K, much less the new ones. Give it a couple more years, the SRT-4 will show it's true colors soon, especially in the interior.
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:15 PM   #39
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Joined: Nov 2006
From: Methlehem
Posts: 210

I Drive: You're mom and sister wild...at the same time

My Project: Getting enough money for an M3
Oh, and T and Mookie are both all talk. GS-R's are slow for $20K, it won't compete with a E36 M3 stock, an fd, a mkIII Supra (mkIV too expensive), several others. DSM's are the best option under $10K. I think they are beasty, but bragging about a lack of traction is like bragging about chicken strips.
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Old 01-11-2007, 05:19 PM   #40
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Joined: Dec 2006
From: Bothell
Posts: 85

I Drive: 03 E46
Quote:
Originally Posted by ted_garlock View Post
Oh, and T and Mookie are both all talk. GS-R's are slow for $20K, it won't compete with a E36 M3 stock, an fd, a mkIII Supra (mkIV too expensive), several others. DSM's are the best option under $10K. I think they are beasty, but bragging about a lack of traction is like bragging about chicken strips.


I dont need $20

$15 will do it, $10 for the car and $5 grand for the motor
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