Originally posted by TheGreatOne:
that's what im trying to do...

Originally posted by TexasRealtor:
You could probably pick up a used 2002 Infinity G35 6MT for around 28K. That would be my choice





might be looking for quite a while....the infiniti G35 coupe didn't come out until '03, and the sedan wasn't available w/ a manual until midway through the '03 model year.

Originally posted by 97CS:

-2002 Honda S2000
-2002 Nissan 350Z
-2003 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII
-1997 (at least '97) BMW M3 coupe
-2000-2001 Audi S4
-2001-2002 Ford Lightning
-2002 Acura 3.2CL Type S
-2001 Mercedes SLK230
-2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 1.8T Turbo hatch
-2003 Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege
-2003 Mazda 6 S
-2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4



another nit to pick: the 350z came out in '03 as well, not '02. given the discounts available on new ones, coupled w/ tire feathering and other issues of the early ones, i'd stick w/ looking for an '04 or new '05 350z if you go that route - especially in 8-10 months.

i'd look for a 20th anniversary GTI ('03) over a 337, due to rims that don't pit and due to getting a moonroof and a few other miscellaneous improvements. new, they were low-20's, so i'm sure a used one in a few months will be below $20k - and they made 3x as many 20AE's as 337's, making them easier to find.

on that note, i'd consider the R32 as well - now that the initial rush is over, there may well be a few new R32's hanging around on dealer lots in 8-10 months....and those that will be around should see some pretty heavy discounting. invoice is something like $26k, so that would fall in your range....

my favorite out of that lineup is probably the E36 M3, but given their age these days....i decided not to pursue one myself b/c i'd be buying, at best, a 5-year-old car (or older) that would be well out of warranty and in line for some pricier-than-average service costs.

i'd definitely try to evaluate my needs before slimming down the list - w/ everything from the impractical (2-seat roadsters, etc.) to the moderately practical (a truck, albeit a gas-guzzling, tire-eating one) to an even-more practical choice (the 4-door, midsized 6s), you've got quite the range there!

blake --former CSVT owner-- MINE: 2002 jeep grand cherokee limited 4x4 - stone white/taupe HERS: 2005 acura TL 5AT non-navi - satin silver/quartz GARAGE ORNAMENT: 1962 chevy C10 fleetside pickup - tan/rust