Yes, one of "those" car threads.

[clutch-monkey]

i know your budget and you will regret a worn old supra
KE70's are supposedly the most reliable cars ever, wait for a clean one.

[whiteballz]

Celica's are meant to be reliable. Its just me, no matter what I get its going to fall appart for 5000 dollars.

Still considering an few old mercs, but had been warned off anything under the 300?

[pimento]

I've seen many a nice old merc under a 300.. or are people just saying that because the under 300s aren't as fast? :P

[Zytek_Fan]

cracked heads and gaskets are a fault from the bolts, re torque them and there isnt a drama.

The faster I use fuel, the faster everyone else has to help find a solution. I'm doing my bit for the environment.

Pop some ARP head studs in and those heads are staying.

As far as Mercs, stay away from an E class with the 4 cylinder. Absolute dogs with no get-go. My poor 300E with the M103 straight-6 even has a hard time accelerating from a stop. Once it gets going it's fine.
And oh, for E classes, I hope you like body roll.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Ke70

GTV

Supra (aussie delivered)

Supra (japanese delivered)

124.

And even then, you won't buy any of them

[Zytek_Fan]

I saw a few Toyota Soarers (Lexus SC400)

[nota]

My poor 300E with the M103 straight-6 even has a hard time accelerating from a stop. Once it gets going it's fine.
And oh, for E classes, I hope you like body roll.

The Oz-spec 300E 2-valve 4-speed auto sedan does 0-400m in the high fifteens and 0-100km/h in mid to low sevens .. which I think is pretty decent, and is about as fast as was the average Torana XU-1 or Monaro 350 or Falcon 351 GT (Cleveland V8) auto.

I don't mind a bit of body roll (or good riding characteristics, or long suspension travel) as long as it combines with good handling & roadholding, which imo the W124 does have.

[nota]

Recently spotted and almost all are well within your price range:

Peugeot 306-16 (both modified & stock) and likewise 205 GTi

Citroen BX 16v (bit of a sleeper, afaik similar weight to 205 GTi)

Citroen BX 8v Tri 5-sp with 6 mths rego for $1k ono

Very nice Peugeot 504 with weber carb & 5-speed manual

Clean & tidy Falcon AU V8 auto with lowish kms ($3950 ono)

Last of the 351-engined LTDs, well above average in "excellent condition" and on dual-fuel

Benz 380SEL (similar to mine) one-owner condition with full M-B dealer ($$) service history and mech A1

Leyland Marina 6 Cyl 1974 - eBay Post-1970, Collector Cars

'02 RENAULT CLIO HATCH - LIMITED EDITION - NO RESERVE! - eBay

[pimento]

Marina! Get the marina! Epic lulz. I saw one on tuesday and there wasn't a piano in sight.. so that must just be a nothern hemisphere thing.

Elsewise, the Citroens would be very cool.

[nota]

Yes its Japanese!

Yes its Sports!

Yes its Hatchback!

Yes its Manual 5 Speed!

>> All this and more !! <<



(btw the Marina is a future bargain @ that price)

[Ferrer]

Apparently both Pugs are some of the greatest hot hatches ever. Worth a look in my opinion. Altough the RS Van and the GTV are still favourites.

[ruim20]

The Stanza, the 124 or the 306-16.

[LotusLocost]

Vovlo 240 TIC maybe?
I dunno why, but I find it attractive..
So ugly it's nice maybe?
If you go for BTCC look I am instantly in your fanclub!

[pimento]

If you can sell youself a bit and stretch the budget...

Actually.. I just changed my mind...

I have got to stop trawling that site.

[Ferrer]

If you can sell youself a bit and stretch the budget...

An italian car with an automatic? FAIL.