D's Up.

Sold my S2K, need a new car. I'm looking for a fun, reliable DD. I live in Southern California so snow and harsh weather isn't an issue at all. The car will be driven about 300-350 miles per week.

Now here are the specifics. The next car needs to have:
- Backseats, even if they're on the smaller side.
- Less than 100,000 miles.
- Fairly reliable.
- Good highway/mixed mpg.
- Usable torque down low.
- Mod friendly.

I'm working with $15,000 max. Any recommendations?

- David.

fusionchickenleg

GTO

2+2
less than 100k miles
very reliable (ls1 or ls2)
highway MPG will probably surpass your old s2000

Edit: saw your edits

GTO also has great low end torque and as with any other LSx engines responds great to mods. stock LS2's are at 350whp. Full exhaust/tune is about 380whp, plus cam you're around 420whp.

the ride is quite comfortable but obviously the car handles like a boat compared to the s2000, though power sliding it is a lot of fun.

of course if it looks like ass to you then it's another story

other choices...rx8 (drinks oil, crappy reliability, etc.) and WRX (watch out for the 5 speed "glass tranny")

D's Up.

I forgot to add that I'd like to spend around $12,000 ideally but I'm willing to go up to $15,000 if necessary.

fusionchickenleg

pretty sure you can find LS1 GTOs for around $12,000

Jacques79

I would say E36 M3 but it isn't the most reliable car in the world.

Plus the GTO will be cheaper to fix. That seems like a better choice unless you find an absolute mint E36 M3.

berlinablackie

I like the GTO mentioned. I always seem to forget about that car....off to auto trader....

dewey

TL, is350, tsx, accord, civic si, altima ,g35

Moddiction

You can get an is350 for 12-15k?

Squirtle

E36 m3, it is reliable outside of a few items.

Bullwings

Yeah, my vote goes to e36 m3 also. minus the radiator, and the fact that you "should" replace bushings, the car is super solid and reliable. you can find nice clean ones for $10k or less too. and some shittier ones for like $6k.

leaves you a lot of play money afterwards.