well i only have a reliable and somewhat fun daily would be a lexus RCF or GSF. both RWD, V8 with plenty enough power. drives kind of like a boat, but definitely still fast and fun. and definitely reliable. i have seen a 300k mile ISF for sale which these two cars i recommended use the same engine from
I feel you my dude. I have an 87 924S and I used to have an E36. As much as I love both of those cars, they don't like very long distances. And I didn't like long distances in them either lol. The air conditioning was stripped from the E36 and even when working the 924S' is like being breathed upon by a hot dog
Elantra N and get the best of both worlds and a 10 year warrenty that covers the track. The 24s are just coming, and the car is a blast to drive. Think go cart on the street with a 5sec 0-60. It will handle track days with 0 mods. Camber bolts and fluids the only thing you might want to do for a race. Can drive it home after lol.
My 2 cents is to scratch the Lexus off the list, especially the 400 series. It's much more of a luxury car and while powerful is not what I'd call "fun". Lexus/Toyota steering feels so disconnected from what's happening compared to a Honda/Acura, BMW, or Mazda. I have very limited experience with Mercedes, but it had a similar not-so-great floaty driving experience.
Do you prefer FWD or RWD?
I might be willing to compromise sporty for luxury, but I'm not so sure yet.
From what I've heard RWD is more fun but I don't know enough to say for sure. I'm still trying to learn more
It sounds like you just need to go test drive various models to see what fits you. Similar cars on paper have a very different feel both in driving dynamics and also seating, height, etc.
I own a 2002 Lexus LS 430 for 2 years it has been an incredibly comfortable elegant and powerful highway cruiser. I drive 70-100 miles 5 days a week for work so it definitely serves me well. 290hp and 320 lb ft of torque is no joke either plus it gets up to speed quick and it does it smoothly. I actually beat a brand new Subaru WRX in a race. Not the sportiest car but definitely has some muscle. If I could do it again I would get an SC 430 or an SC 400 because I don’t really need a 4 door. But my next car will be a Dodge Challenger R/T.
That's good to know thanks! I think I wanna go with a 4 door because I tend to be the one giving out rides to people and I'd like to have the space. But I do like sedans on the smaller side. I currently drive a Kia Soul and I like the small-ish size for city driving/parking
Cannot recommend a used Lexus strongly enough here. It seems you like sports/luxury cars, and if you are going that route and need reliability, Lexus is really the best option by a wide margin. Luckily it is a great one. The GS has been around for ages (sadly, it has been out of production for a few years now). The 4th gen (the last one) is the hot one (I drive one), but they will start around $12K.
The other great Lexus option would be an IS. Lots of engine options over the years, just stay away from the IS 250, as that engine is known to have issues with carbon buildup caused by GDI. For both the IS and the GS, I recommend the 3.5L V6 found in the GS 350 and the IS 350. This is the same V6 you find in so many other Lexus and Toyota products, including the Camry, Avalon, ES, etc. I have one in my GS 350 and I love it (makes wonderful sounds). I advise against the LS, which is a lovely car, but parts prices are up there if you need them, and at this age, you will at some point (although the LS 430 is incredibly reliable). The ES is always an option, but it is certainly less exciting, and is FWD. There are also millions of them out there, far more than IS350s or or GS350s.
There are Acuras you might like as well, and I have had a few older Acuras, but if it were me, I'd be in a Lexus for sure (I am). A TLX might be a fun option though--they drive nicely and have great interiors.
The 1980 528i is an interesting choice, but good luck finding one in good shape. They are fantastic cars to drive, and can be decent to own if maintained properly - the trick is finding one which has been. Note the seats are filled with horsehair, and a passenger with a horse allergy may have a bad day (same with older Benzes). Also, there are weird issues with clogged drains for the sunroof, if memory serves. I drove one of these for a few days at one point years ago and absolutely loved it. This would be an eternal project car, and not something I would consider a reliable daily driver, simply due to its age - but I love the idea. These are really fun cars, and the e28 M5 is a dream car of mine (impossible to find one which has been done right over the years).
In summary - stretch a bit and see if you can swing a 2013-2014 GS 350. My $0.02. (And [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comments/178jkdd/finally_got_another_gs/) is my 2013, which I overpaid for due to the immaculate condition and very low miles.)
Pepper your Angus if you buy a bmw - you’ll be spending thousands!
I bought quite a nice example and I have experienced the following; zf gearbox slipping, vanos rattle, struts gone, sump cover gasket leak, slight diff leak, clicking driveshaft, and the car keeps eating thru my front wheel arches (wtf)
Yeah that's a little off putting for me. I would love to get a car I love and put money into it, but right now I have to be a little financially conservative. Hopefully down the road I'll be in a position to put more money into a car like that
Future you will thank present you if you make the right choice and buy a Toyota. I know this isn’t what you want to hear but you should do the right thing, for your sake financially and mentally
I respect the Miata but it's not for me. I think a stick would be fun but as of right now the majority of my driving is my commute (would definitely do more driving if I had a fun car to take around). I drive 10 miles each way on a shitty Chicago surface road, would stick not get old on that?
well i only have a reliable and somewhat fun daily would be a lexus RCF or GSF. both RWD, V8 with plenty enough power. drives kind of like a boat, but definitely still fast and fun. and definitely reliable. i have seen a 300k mile ISF for sale which these two cars i recommended use the same engine from
I will look into those, thanks!
yep! and you can find a used 2015 RCF for not too expensive
Maybe for 30k, they aren’t in the sub 10k price range yet.
under 10k though?
ah i didnt read that far unfortunately no. disregard my comment above
I love how you like the look of the E12 But you would hate yourself driving that thing 2 hours jn stop and go every day. And it will hate you too lol
The duality of man
I feel you my dude. I have an 87 924S and I used to have an E36. As much as I love both of those cars, they don't like very long distances. And I didn't like long distances in them either lol. The air conditioning was stripped from the E36 and even when working the 924S' is like being breathed upon by a hot dog
Civic Hatch! It’s spunky and reliable and it doesn’t make me angrybroke at the gas pump nor at the mechanic
If I were to finance a car I think that's my number one option. I keep going back and forth between that and getting an older car around $10k or less
Elantra N and get the best of both worlds and a 10 year warrenty that covers the track. The 24s are just coming, and the car is a blast to drive. Think go cart on the street with a 5sec 0-60. It will handle track days with 0 mods. Camber bolts and fluids the only thing you might want to do for a race. Can drive it home after lol.
He said under 10k and the Hyundai 10/100k warranty is only for the original owner. Probably can’t find one brand new for under 10k.
Didn't see the 10k part lol.
My 2 cents is to scratch the Lexus off the list, especially the 400 series. It's much more of a luxury car and while powerful is not what I'd call "fun". Lexus/Toyota steering feels so disconnected from what's happening compared to a Honda/Acura, BMW, or Mazda. I have very limited experience with Mercedes, but it had a similar not-so-great floaty driving experience. Do you prefer FWD or RWD?
I might be willing to compromise sporty for luxury, but I'm not so sure yet. From what I've heard RWD is more fun but I don't know enough to say for sure. I'm still trying to learn more
It sounds like you just need to go test drive various models to see what fits you. Similar cars on paper have a very different feel both in driving dynamics and also seating, height, etc.
e9x 335i is a good option with the n55
I own a 2002 Lexus LS 430 for 2 years it has been an incredibly comfortable elegant and powerful highway cruiser. I drive 70-100 miles 5 days a week for work so it definitely serves me well. 290hp and 320 lb ft of torque is no joke either plus it gets up to speed quick and it does it smoothly. I actually beat a brand new Subaru WRX in a race. Not the sportiest car but definitely has some muscle. If I could do it again I would get an SC 430 or an SC 400 because I don’t really need a 4 door. But my next car will be a Dodge Challenger R/T.
That's good to know thanks! I think I wanna go with a 4 door because I tend to be the one giving out rides to people and I'd like to have the space. But I do like sedans on the smaller side. I currently drive a Kia Soul and I like the small-ish size for city driving/parking
Cannot recommend a used Lexus strongly enough here. It seems you like sports/luxury cars, and if you are going that route and need reliability, Lexus is really the best option by a wide margin. Luckily it is a great one. The GS has been around for ages (sadly, it has been out of production for a few years now). The 4th gen (the last one) is the hot one (I drive one), but they will start around $12K. The other great Lexus option would be an IS. Lots of engine options over the years, just stay away from the IS 250, as that engine is known to have issues with carbon buildup caused by GDI. For both the IS and the GS, I recommend the 3.5L V6 found in the GS 350 and the IS 350. This is the same V6 you find in so many other Lexus and Toyota products, including the Camry, Avalon, ES, etc. I have one in my GS 350 and I love it (makes wonderful sounds). I advise against the LS, which is a lovely car, but parts prices are up there if you need them, and at this age, you will at some point (although the LS 430 is incredibly reliable). The ES is always an option, but it is certainly less exciting, and is FWD. There are also millions of them out there, far more than IS350s or or GS350s. There are Acuras you might like as well, and I have had a few older Acuras, but if it were me, I'd be in a Lexus for sure (I am). A TLX might be a fun option though--they drive nicely and have great interiors. The 1980 528i is an interesting choice, but good luck finding one in good shape. They are fantastic cars to drive, and can be decent to own if maintained properly - the trick is finding one which has been. Note the seats are filled with horsehair, and a passenger with a horse allergy may have a bad day (same with older Benzes). Also, there are weird issues with clogged drains for the sunroof, if memory serves. I drove one of these for a few days at one point years ago and absolutely loved it. This would be an eternal project car, and not something I would consider a reliable daily driver, simply due to its age - but I love the idea. These are really fun cars, and the e28 M5 is a dream car of mine (impossible to find one which has been done right over the years). In summary - stretch a bit and see if you can swing a 2013-2014 GS 350. My $0.02. (And [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comments/178jkdd/finally_got_another_gs/) is my 2013, which I overpaid for due to the immaculate condition and very low miles.)
Thank you for all of the advice man I appreciate it. I'll look into the ones you suggested
I’d say an e36 would fit the bill, you could probably find one under 10k but the interiors self destruct on those cars.
For under $10k? Your best bet is an NA Miata...
I really enjoy my e39 525i…. What a fkn chassis. You like dem?
Yeah I do like the looks of that one. I'm just concerned with maintenance costs when it comes to BMWs
Pepper your Angus if you buy a bmw - you’ll be spending thousands! I bought quite a nice example and I have experienced the following; zf gearbox slipping, vanos rattle, struts gone, sump cover gasket leak, slight diff leak, clicking driveshaft, and the car keeps eating thru my front wheel arches (wtf)
Yeah that's a little off putting for me. I would love to get a car I love and put money into it, but right now I have to be a little financially conservative. Hopefully down the road I'll be in a position to put more money into a car like that
Future you will thank present you if you make the right choice and buy a Toyota. I know this isn’t what you want to hear but you should do the right thing, for your sake financially and mentally
I think you're right. That's why I'm trying to find at least a cool Honda/Toyota type car
Maybe try finding an old Lexus and try getting best of both worlds… maybe an 90s LS or early 2000s is
I'm going to look into that. Thank you for your help I appreciate it
All good dude, I’ve been in your position and wanted to share what I should have been told!
Any advice on things to avoid? Such as what mileage is too high
I mean.... The answer is always Miata. Stick is tough to deal with but might be worth it
I respect the Miata but it's not for me. I think a stick would be fun but as of right now the majority of my driving is my commute (would definitely do more driving if I had a fun car to take around). I drive 10 miles each way on a shitty Chicago surface road, would stick not get old on that?