Need help with new car decisions

[OxMox]

Like the title says, i'm getting a new car sometime with in 2-3 months and I would like to know what you guys think about my possibilities and if you have any other suggestions.

1. Mustang GT........2001+
2. Mustang Cobra.......1997-1998
3. Camaro SS..........1999+
4. Camaro Z28........1999+
5. Nissan 350Z

I know this being a mustang forum and all, you are all going to have a biased opinion but I would really like to know what I should go with. I have about 17-20k$ to work with, but I can finance something a little bit more expensive if I need/want to. I'm really looking to get something that'll be a good "track car" something that I can use on road-course tracks, i'll explain about that later once i'm 100% sure about it going through. So any help would be appreciated, just look at it as if this is what you would want to get.

 

[hotrodnut]

Of the 5 you listed, the 350-Z would be best if you are only concerned about road course racing. Hope I don't get flamed for that .

 

[Sage427]

whats up worked v6,

i'll be honest before I bought my stang, i was looking for a camaro with the same features, but they tend to be more expensive, so the mustang ended up being a great choice for me. so here's my .02

me personally

1. Cam SS - probably most expensive/rare to find since everybody is grabbing up the last of the camaros, great performance just bone stock.

2. Cam Z28 - next best choice though, though will probably need a little work if they have been run hard. (just mod the ls1)

Witch Camaros you could but just about any GM made engine in these things

(me and my dad thought about finding a descent one with the body in great shape and making our own ZL1 clone with a 427T engine that we have and stroking it to a 572) here is a link for fun

http://www.fantasycars.com/derek/cars/camarozl1.html

3. Mustang GT - Best overall valule, find one in like new condition and save enough money to mod it.

4. Mustang Cobra - eh, couldn't tell ya too much about the older ones, but most i've saw have been dawg'd to death, and you'll probably pay for the "cobra" name (not a big fan of the 4.6, now maybe a modded 5.0 cobra i could go for.) If i were going to get a cobra i'd probably get a 2000+ model

5 Nissan 350Z (i'm not a fan of imports, but i'd rather have a Honda S2000)
The 350Z might be what your looking for, somewhat pricey, and you'll probably need to mod it to get the desired performance that you want.

Whatever choice you make, you will probably still want to mod it to get the "track car" performance you'll wanting especially with the suspensio, drivetrain, wheels/tires, engine, etc.

for your next purchase!!

 

[OxMox]

^ looked at the link. That camaro is Badass with a capitol B! I would also take an S2000 over a 350Z, but only for looks. The S2000 is slow and i'm putting that lightly, besides they're also to small. I'm 6'4 - 195lbs, and I can't fit in one of those comfortably to say my life. I'm trying to think of other cars that are similar but i'm drawing a BIG blank.

 

[crazykid2056]

It depends on what you want.

If your looking for better dependability in a Sports car, get the 350Z.

If you want value, get the Mustang GT.

If you want brute accelaration, get either the Z28 or SS. The LS1 cars are faster, but less reliable.

 

[Sage427]

^ looked at the link. That camaro is Badass with a capitol B! I would also take an S2000 over a 350Z, but only for looks. The S2000 is slow and i'm putting that lightly, besides they're also to small. I'm 6'4 - 195lbs, and I can't fit in one of those comfortably to say my life. I'm trying to think of other cars that are similar but i'm drawing a BIG blank.

Those ZL1 Cams sold for about $80k but i believe you can clone one for alot less!!

yeah i see your point, with the S2000 being to small, i'm a big fan of roadsters myself, but then again i'm 5'5, 138lbs LOL

 

[pony ride]

Well, with that amount of money to work with, you're missing what might be your two best choices. You can pick up a low mileage 1999 or 2001 Cobra outright with $17-20K, or that would be about 2/3 to 3/4 of what you would need to pick up a an 03/04 Cobra, if you're willing to finance $8-10K. Other than that, you could pick up a late model (99+) Mustang GT for much less than that, use some of the extra cash for mods, and probably still have some cash left over.

 

['66 coupe]

I've seen '03 Cobras around $22k. I say look for a Mach I. Another option would be to look for a Bullitt. Cobra, Mach, or Bullitt and you at least have a limited production Mustang that shouldn't depreciate too much. Bullitt's were supposed to be decent handlers too.

Why'd you rule out the '99-'01 Cobra?

The Camaros have good engines, but you'd have to be a fan of cheap and awkward interiors to ever want one.

I just don't like 350's. I like some Nissans, but I've never met a 350 owner that didn't come across as a typical ricer(ignorant, but cocky). I'd look at the Infinity version on that one.

 

[OxMox]

^ I've looked at '99 & '01 cobras around me and they're all decentley cheap, like right in my price range, but they all have alot of milage on them, and such. I would really like to get an '03-'04 cobra, but I think that I might get something other than Ford. I'm keeping my 6 and still going to do a little more work on it but I really want something a little bit different than a mustang. I like the 2004 Acura 3.2 CL type S, it's 6 speed, 240hp, the thing is nice. But for what i'm trying to do I kinda need a better "track car". I'll keep looking into the cobras or a S281 N/A. That wouldn't be to bad.
What about a '98 - '01 BMW M3?

 

[OxMox]

[QUOTE='66 coupe]

Why'd you rule out the '99-'01 Cobra?

I'd look at the Infinity version on that one.[/QUOTE]

I forgot about the G-35. My brother sold his Supra not to long ago for one of them, it's sick. I think I could get a '03 with little milage for around 28k.

I ruled out the '99-'01 cobra cause they are obviously cheaper than the '03-'04, an dI thought that I might be able to pick one up and still put a few bucks in it. If I can find on for like 25k i'll try to pick it up.

 

[Sage427]

not to get off topic but thats a nice stallion Pony Ride! where did u get those rims? i like the white color scheme, i originally wanted a white conv. but black will do

 

[Soccer13en]

Mid 90's Corvette out of the question?

 

[Sage427]

Mid 90's Corvette out of the question?

Soccer13en, i wasn't going to say anything about that but since you did, i'll give .02 more!

Corvettes are alot to maintain as far as there original prefferences and name brand parts. A 96 LT4 vette could rival a C5. You could probably pick one up for about $15k in GC. add mods (TT or SC) and your beyond good2go.

and theres always the ZR1 (LT5)

GM should have crumpets and tea more often with Lotus, that was an awesome engine they put together.

 

['66 coupe]

I think that I might get something other than Ford. I'm keeping my 6 and still going to do a little more work on it but I really want something a little bit different than a mustang. I like the 2004 Acura 3.2 CL type S, it's 6 speed, 240hp, the thing is nice. But for what i'm trying to do I kinda need a better "track car". I'll keep looking into the cobras or a S281 N/A. That wouldn't be to bad.
What about a '98 - '01 BMW M3?

Are you keeping the V6 or getting rid of it?
Why not keep it and get a cheap car strictly built for the track? You can acquire and build Fox-body 5.0's pretty cheap. Classic Mustangs are even cooler race cars. There's also a handful of cheap imports that can make decent track cars. At least this way you'll have your daily driver and it's no big deal if your race car is sitting in the garage for two weeks waiting for you to get the new brakes or springs on.

 

[RED98]

If your looking for better dependability in a Sports car, get the 350Z.

I just wanted to say, my Mustangs have never broken down or left me stranded. My late, great 5.0 took all the abuse I could give it and laughed. The V-6 I have now, if anything, gets even more abuse because I wish I had a V-8, and I'm pretending I do, with the gas pedal. I have beat the **** out of it for 5 years and 91,000 miles, and it runs perfect. No tranny problems, no leaks, no nothing. Maybe it's a little mindless flag-waving on my part, but no Ford I have driven has ever left me stranded. On the other hand, the Honda Accord that I am ashamed to admit I once owned HAS left me stranded on more than one occasion. Go figure?
As for your choices, first I would at least consider waiting a little longer and going for a new 2005 Mustang GT! Second choice, I would look at a Z28, and after that I would look at the 1999 and up Cobras and GT's.

 

[tack]

Work your ass off for the next year and save all the money you can. Get about 10k more from the bank or something and then go and buy yourself one of the new gt500 shelby cobras if and when they come out. I've heard it will be pushing around 500 hp bone stock most likely.

 

[OxMox]

[QUOTE='66 coupe]Are you keeping the V6 or getting rid of it?
Why not keep it and get a cheap car strictly built for the track? You can acquire and build Fox-body 5.0's pretty cheap. Classic Mustangs are even cooler race cars. There's also a handful of cheap imports that can make decent track cars. At least this way you'll have your daily driver and it's no big deal if your race car is sitting in the garage for two weeks waiting for you to get the new brakes or springs on.[/QUOTE]

I'm keeping my V6. That is my whole intention with getting a new car, to build it into a full bread race car. Which leads me to this, now that I have heard back from the people that I needed to, i'm now a member of the S.C.C.A. That's why i'm looking into getting a car to transform into a track car. Keep in mind though it'll be a while before I can even look at a competion on a race track, but the sooner I start the better. They give you options to use a car that you already own and turn it into a race car with your own money and the help of sponsors (it'll take some time) or to buy one down the road (butt load of money). So anyway, that's why i'm looking at getting another car. I think I might go with a Cobra '99+ or an M3 '98+ if I find one cheap and with low miles on it and good condition but i'm still looking and pokeing my brain to think of other cars. Let me know if you guys think of any thing else that could work. I appreciate all your input.

 

[OxMox]

Mid 90's Corvette out of the question?

Yeah. I can't find any around here that don't need a total restoration. Some are in decent condition but have 100k+ miles, not good.

 

[hotrodnut]

Oh, if that is your intention and have become a member you will be getting the monthly magazine too. In the back is a section for used race cars, openwheel, sedans, etc., etc. If you are getting started with a limited budget many will tell you to get a car already race prepared. If not, it will get expensive addng an SCCA legal cage, seats, belts, fire bottle and all. You can usually pick up a used one all ready to go with spare wheels, parts, mostly all needed to go do it. Some will even include a trailer. Your area has a very active SCCA group, go on line to SCCA and get your regions web page, start there, make contacts, and decide which class would be good for your budget to get started in. Good luck and have a ball!

 

[OxMox]

Oh, if that is your intention and have become a member you will be getting the monthly magazine too. In the back is a section for used race cars, openwheel, sedans, etc., etc. If you are getting started with a limited budget many will tell you to get a car already race prepared. If not, it will get expensive addng an SCCA legal cage, seats, belts, fire bottle and all. You can usually pick up a used one all ready to go with spare wheels, parts, mostly all needed to go do it. Some will even include a trailer. Your area has a very active SCCA group, go on line to SCCA and get your regions web page, start there, make contacts, and decide which class would be good for your budget to get started in. Good luck and have a ball!

Wouldn't a pre race prepared race car be a lot more money than building one my self? I didn't know that they had that, that's awesome! I have to go through the performance driving experience (Race School)first, then TT (Time Trials), then I can go into a certain class, Club racing is what i'm leaning tward. Eventually I want to make it to the GT and GT-S classes. I'm so stoked about this.