Sub $10k stick shift car?

[Q]

I'm looking to get a 'new to me' used car. I have never had a manual, and really want one. But I'm picky, and prefer: manual, less than 100,000 miles, and something with a little bit of kick. I currently have an 03 Accord V6, and while it's no mean machine, it does okay for what it is (240 hp). I just don't want to feel like a mega downgrade power wise.

Any ideas? It's very tough finding something with these parameters that isn't a car that will die on me in four months.

Thanks

 

[Danimal1209]

99-04 mustang gt.

 

[Harrod]

I've seen some relatively low mileage(50-60k) 350z's on Craigslist at around 10 thousand. Can't really say whether or not it's a legitimate though.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Under 100,000 miles and $10K is difficult -

RX8
Mustang GT, Pre 2002 Camaro/Firebird
Altima 3.5
BMW Z3
Saab 9-3 V6 Aero Turbo 6spd - 2006 - 2007
Saab 9-3 Aero 4cyl 2004-2005 210HP
Chrysler Crossfire
Mazda Miata - Mazdaspeed?

 

[toronado97]

Why not a Mazdaspeed 3 or Subaru WRX?

 

[NutBucket]

Or an '05+ Legacy GT. Cheaper than a wrx too.

 

[96Firebird]

El Es Juan F-body.

 

[slugg]

All of the suggestions are pretty good so far. I personally don't like mustangs, though.

 

[MiataNC]

Can you narrow down your requirements a bit?

RWD or FWD?
Min number of seats?
How fast, luxurious, etc. do you want it to be? (A Yaris and a Versa come in a manual for under $10K used for example.)


To get an idea of what is out there, search Carmax or cars.com with a 500 mile radius for manuals under $10-14K.

 

[Q]

a 6 cylinder Isn't Required, I Just Want Something That Doesn't SeeM Anemic. Jesus This Sucks On My Droid With These caps

 

[lavaheadache]

Get a Zed!

 

[vi edit]

You could probably find a MKVI Gti with 50k-60k miles on it in that price range. Power rating isn't as high as your Accord, but it's lighter and I think it's underrated vs what it actually dyno's at making it fairly quick for a little 2.0.

 

[amdhunter]

I'm in my 5th year of ownership with my RX-8. It still turns heads wherever I go. I still smile when I park it. And I still look forward to driving it every single day after work. EVERY single day.

Not bad for a 6 year old car.

You can get one for about $5-6k these days. Use the rest to make sure it's in good shape.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

Miata or RX - 8

 

[MiataNC]

RX-8 is a fantastic drivers car, but you will get @13-15mpg city and @19-22mpg highway. I miss driving my 2008 RX-8 every day, but I don't missing pumping gas into it.

If you don't need more than 2 seats, and want decent mpg, get a Miata. It is one of the best driving experiences bar none, and comes with one of the best stick/clutch setups you will find in any car.

 

[pauldun170]

Your requirements gets you into Mustang GT and they are very fun cars. They also hold up well with age. When you get bored with them, upgrades are fairly easy.
RX-8 GREAT car...for some owners. Most I know were glad they owned them and glad they sold them. You take a big risk with that car.
Nissan Altima 3.5, preferably SE-R model.
Mazda6 -2006+. Duratec 3.0 + 5spd is a nice combo. Avoid earlier models.
I'd avoid VW's in the 10K, sub 100k market.
Don't forget about Honda Accord, there should be a nice selection of 5spd + 3.0 V6's on the market. Might be tough finding one with low mileage.

That being said, Miata.

 

[fbrdphreak]

^
What that guy said

Don't get a WRX. Insurance is sky high and the ones in your price range will be beat to death. My 06 LGT has been reliable in all the major mechanical stuff; not even one premature part failure, just normal wear and tear. You will have trouble finding one with <100K miles for <$10K, but even at 100K miles all you need to do is make sure to do the 105K mile service. I have no trouble recommending that generation of Subaru's, mine's treated me very well and I beat the snot out of it.

 

[Q]

I've found some RX8's near me that I can get in for sub 10k sub 100k but still makes me nervous reading the 'either lemon or great' type reviews on them...but $7.5k for 70k miles is tempting.

Miata I'll be honest, I'm afraid of dying in that car from getting hit by...well anything.
Mustang GT: I actually like, but every one I find it high(er) mileage.
Crossfire: I kind of like but hard to find
Altima: Why not a Maxima?
GTI: I like but heard bad things of VW reliability
Z3: See Miata.

I should just keep my Accord, I like it a lot, but want a change. I won't be 24 and non married forever.

 

[dbk]

1st gen TSX?

 

[thedarkwolf]

Miata I'll be honest, I'm afraid of dying in that car from getting hit by...well anything.

Bah you only live once . I hit a telephone pole in my 94 and lived. Luckily I haven't hit anything with my 95 yet other than autox cones.

Mustang GTs are a lot of fun too and everybody should have a rwd v8 pony car at some point. I wouldn't get so held up looking at the miles. Most cars last forever anymore.

 

[HitAnyKey]

Keep the Accord if it runs good.

 

[Q]

Bah you only live once . I hit a telephone pole in my 94 and lived. Luckily I haven't hit anything with my 95 yet other than autox cones.

Mustang GTs are a lot of fun too and everybody should have a rwd v8 pony car at some point. I wouldn't get so held up looking at the miles. Most cars last forever anymore.

Wow that's frightening!

I found a 2004 GT with 52k in fantastic condition no mods for 10k that I quite like as well as many more RX8's that I reallly like. I wish I could take the RX8s to dealers for checkups somehow?

 

[kitatech]

Wow that's frightening!

I found a 2004 GT with 52k in fantastic condition no mods for 10k that I quite like as well as many more RX8's that I reallly like. I wish I could take the RX8s to dealers for checkups somehow?

Well, if not a dealer (that may not be quite so "user-friendly"), then find an indie shop with RX8 experience/expertise...shouldn't be a deal-breaker for owners up-front with their car...even dealers should let you take it to an indie for inspection...the Toyo dealer let me take the Camry to an indie with no objection.

 

[jagec]

The great thing about stick shift is that they feel faster than they actually are, especially if you're used to auto.

 

[MiataNC]

I owned a 2007 Miata and a 2008 RX-8 owner. I would still have the RX-8 if my situation hadn't changed and I could still afford/justify putting gas in it, and I would still have the Miata if I didn't need a 3rd seat for my kid.)...

Spend some time researching the RX-8 at http://www.rx8club.com/

The RX-8 isn't for everyone. The car gets poor MPG, uses/burns oil by design, and requires specific care and feeding to keep it running right. If you can live with the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the car, you will be rewarded with a fantastic driving experience that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.

There is nothing like the rotary's smooth 9000rpm redline, and the shifter operates like a bolt-action rifle. The rotary needs to be taken to redline every time you drive it (after a proper warm up) to keep the motor in the best running condition. It is a car that needs to be beat on to be happy.

I am not saying "don't buy a RX-8". I am just saying educate yourself and understand what you are getting.

If you don't need more than 2 seats, get a 3rd generation Miata. It is built on the same platform as the RX-8, and handles better with a cheap set of springs and sway bars because it is lighter. The Miata does everything the RX-8 does at lower (legal) speeds without the idiosyncrasies and needs of the rotary engine.

If you are worried about safely, add a roll-bar to the Miata. You will get added piece of mind, and you will be ready for track days at your local venue.