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So I plan on buying a used car next spring. I've been looking at different cars for a while (specs and picture, but haven't actually test drove any) and I want some input from you guys. I need something fast. I currently drive a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro, and it just doesn't do anything for me anymore. My boyfriend drives a 2005 6.0 litre GTO and I get behind the wheel of that thing every chance I get. So like I said, I'm looking for something used, preferrably not older than 2005 (but I will make exceptions for certain vehicles), and my budget will be about $20,000. I also want a 0-60 time to be around 5 seconds (I know, I'm picky!). I love the way my Audi handles, it's amazing, so I was looking at S4's but there just aren't any in my area that are affordable. But here are my top choices:
-Dodge Charger SRT-8
-Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
-Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
There are definitely more cars that I would LOVE to have, but these are just more affordable than the Cadillac CTS-V and the Pontiac G8 GXP. I want more of a muscle car than my turbo charged Audi, but I'm not close minded to a turbo charged car. Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!
the most affordable thing to do is take some money and invest it into some mods for the audi turn up the boost on the turbo get it chipped and a performance exhaust and cold air intake and you should get some more power out of it maybe get the stage 3 upgrade. also there are lots of 05-09 mustang GT's out there for a pretty decent price on the used market and they are a great bang for the buck. APR 1.8T Stage III Upgrade
Last edited by GTOlover; 03-17-2010 at 04:57 PM..
Reason: spelling
the most affordable thing to do is tkae some money and invest it into some mods for the audi turn up the boost on the turbo get it chipped and a performance exhust and cold air intake and you should get some more power out of it maybe get the stage 3 upgrade. also there are lots of 05-09 mustang Gt's out there for a pretty decent price on the used market and they are a great bang for the buck. APR 1.8T Stage III Upgrade
It's not a bad idea, but it also depends on how you define "affordable." The upfront cost of a stage III upgrade may be lower than buying another car, but you lose a big chunk of that money on day one. These kinda mods don't retain value very well (or have a poor ROI at resale, depending on how you look at it).
If the OP buys a used (say, 2005) car, it will retain its value better and just depreciate linearly year over year. Something incorporating both these ideas is to consider a car that's already been modded by a somewhat thoughtful enthusiast, such as stage III versions of the following:
B5 S4 or C5 A6 (both were available with the twin-turbo 2.7L V6)
B6 A4 1.8T or B7 A4 2.0T
I'd also look for Mitsubishi EVOs, already modded or stock ones. Those 2-liter blocks/internals are strong and can be modded for more power (generally speaking) than the Audi 1.8/2.0. You'll also get a lighter car with an advanced AWD system that probably handles better than your B5 A4.
If you want V8 power (and I notice you're looking mostly at 4dr cars), I'd add these to your current list:
E39 BMW M5
W210 MB E55 AMG
Cliff notes: I think an e39 M5 (for V8) or an EVO (for turbo) will be your best bets for a combination of both power and handling.
Since you want "fast" and "preferably nothing older than 2005" I'll recommend for you a Mustang GT. According to one site I looked at, a 2005 Mustang GT stock can 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and can cover the 1/4 mile at 13.5 seconds at 103 mph, all while getting 16 city / 24 hwy mpg.
IMHO, none of those cars on your list are that great if you want something that is fast AND handles really well. however, if you want great striaghtline performance, comfort for 4 adults, and mileage is no concern, go for it.
not that it handles much better, but why not get a GTO like your boyfriend? at 20K you can get a PRIME specimen.
if you want something that can handle and has some balls, the obvious choice would be something along the lines of an Evo. only problem is, is there such thing as a gently used Evo? probably not. but it would get you that combo of speed and handling you're looking for.
then again, you could learn how to ride a bike. you wanna talk fast.........
There are a lot of great choices here but we fancy a used last-generation Mazdaspeed3, which is both an easy car to live with day-to-day, comes in used at a reasonable price, and has almost everything you'd want: peppy 263 HP turbo engine, big brakes, great handling, well-balanced handling, and a six-speed transmission. Swap in some more aggressive rubber, a few suspension upgrades and perhaps a short shift kit and you're there in a car that can comfortably carry four people and their gear.
I love mine
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