Yes, It's another "what car should I buy?" thread.....

Maybe a Subaru impreza. 2000 or 2001. Think they are 4wd.

 

You should hook up with the guys from this thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175824

; )

In all seriousness, consider a Subaru SVX. I bought one new and still have the car. I drive it every day. Its a unique automobile, you will not see many on the street. They look cool and are well engineered. They are also well priced around 5 to 7 grand, depending on mileage.

For the money it would be hard to find a more unique car. It has a boxer motor with 220 hp. It won't win many races but you shouldn't be tempted into too many tickets either and it will still get up and go when you need it.

good luck with your search.

regards

ken

 

Yellowknife! Are you an ice road trucker?

 

Subaru's are pricey to fix {while not being a sports car} and the reliability isn't good enough to justify the cost of repair.

If you're on a budget, the best thing for you to do is find the most reliable car in the best shape and lay your cash on it.

 

For <$5000 and AWD there's not too many options out there that are sporty, 5 spd, and AWD:
Subaru Impreza
older BMW 325xi
older Audi
Mazda GTX
Mitsubishi Galant VR4 (hard to find)
Saab turbo(FWD but still good in the snow)

 

Porsche 914, 944,928
Lancia Scorpion
Lotus Esprit S1 (may be S2)
Lotus Europa
Alfa Spider
Delorean
Vettes C3, C4

 

Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX / Eagle Talon TSi AWD

 

Where can you get a 928 in good condition for $5,000?

As for the rest of the list... Ouch!

 

I would hate to see what a $5,000 Lotus Esprit looks like. I believe he was asking about AWD cars anyway...

If it were me, I would probably be looking for a Talon Tsi or Eclipse GSX. Both turbo, AWD and plenty of potential. You may even be able to find a higher milage Stealth/3000GT.

Some have suggested an Audi, but my feeling is any Audi that you find for $5K, is going to have a lot of miles, and repairs will be painful.

If you don't mind a car that isn't AWD then I would look for:
Porsche 944 (85.5 or later)
VW Corrado/GTI
Toyota MR2 (it would be non turbo though )

 

Last Gen 240

 

A late 944 in Canada will be $10,000 in decent condition and at their age, suspensions, exhausts, engines, body, frame etc could need work, too mush risk on that budget.

 

Bought my last one for about that & sold it for $3500. Won't win any concours, but always starts & goes like heck (euro '83 S version). Not saying it's the best choice for an only car at $5k though...

 

Up here they're closer to $20,000 for a good one.

I nearly bought a well sorted 951 for $5,000 last year in New York, I was just late finding out about it. That is a $12,000 up hear at least.

 

I paid for my 84 928s with 87k miles for $4,700. red/ black, automatic.
77 Lotus Esprit 36k miles white/black, running condition, paid $3,500
81-82 Delorean I have three paid $5,800-$9,000
84Vettes C4 $2,500
Lancia scoprion $1,800-$5,000
73Porsche 914 2.0 $5,000
73Porsche 914 1.7 $3,000
87 porsche 944 $2,400


You can view my previuos and current collection of cars at www.carcrazycentral.com

http://community.carcrazycentral.com/Members/MemberProfile.aspx?UserID=2727

 

Audi CQ, you can find them for around 4k easily, but they are sometimes hard to comeby. However maintenance may out weigh the cost of the car.

 

I paid $3,500 for this 77 Lotus Esprit S1 about year ago.
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For example, if you know how to work on cars, here one

http://austin.craigslist.org/car/454478548.html

 

Wow, that's impressive, not at all possible around here though.

 

Toyota MR2 or Fiero GT.

 

Porsche 914-4 is the winner here. It's actually (1) a well-made car, (2) reliable, (3) somewhat practical and (4) likely to appreciate in the future. Also it's rare enough that no one knows it's cheap.

I'd love to have one for SCCA events.

 

Anything except for a Range Ruster.

 

+1

(5) Targa top for summer
(6) Low maintances
(7) and a PORSCHE

I offered $3k for this red Porsche today, hopefully I get it

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/485741374.html

 

I honestly don't know the Canadian market enough to give you any helpfull advice. With a $5,000 budget down here in the US, I got a Porsche 944. I love it much. I remember some years ago looking at 944 prices in Canada with a friend from there, and being in shock!