Help me decide what to get next!

[noone]

So I'm seriously contemplating selling my Polo GTI to get something different. I'm hoping to get something close to $20K and I'm willing to spend a few thou in the upgrade, but not really looking to spend big $$$.

Part of my problem is I like small cars, but I'm 6ft1.

What I want:
I think I would like something with RWD as I'm yet to own one, I used to drive my Fathers 3.9L Fairmont around 10 years ago and loved the power.

I bought my Polo GTI as I wanted something small, light and fast. It is certainly small and fast, although modern cars which are fast are seldom light. The Polo comes in under 1300kgs, so not bad for a 2006 make.

Now I'm chaning my criteria to something Fun. I'm looking primarily at RWD and coupe's, but it has not been very fruitfull so far...

Test drives:

Monaro Series 2 (around 2002) - This may not have been a good representation, but it sounded amazing and drove like crap. felt like less power than my Polo from the 5.7L engine...

Holden SS (2003ish) - Better than the Monaro, but boring and uninspiring. For a big engine, it doesn't make me think that a V8 is going to give me what I want.

BMW Z3 - 2.2L was boring, 2.8L was fun. When you wanted power, it was there, but not a fast car. I enjoyed driving it.

Mazda MX-5(2004ish) this model was just before the facelift to the current look. It was supposed to be the best of them for handling. Fun to drive, but I really don't fit. Head pushed up against the material roof when closed, top windscreen bar in the way of my vision when open. This model was the best of tne NA 1.8's, but pretty slow. I'll have to have a go in the

So what next? I'm reluctant to look at a WRX as I used to have an Impreza RS (I know its not the same). Also not sure about the Skyline, 180sx, 200sx, Silvia, etc as I have a reluctance to the cheap interior after the nice interior of the RS and my current Polo.

Old M3's scare me as I hear they can cost a mint to keep running, general 3 series in my price range tend to have small engines or be tastelessly modded...


Input would be greatly appreciated.

[dado]

Skyline V35 the interior is improved from older models.

[AdamD]

If you'd consider importing, check out Prestige Motorsport and J-Spec Imports. It's amazing what you can get for a (relatively) small amount of coin.

A V35 coupe isn't a bad option - I have a mate who's 6'2" and drives one. I find it a bit comfort-oriented, but it is quick, classy (in a Japanese way) and a bit of fun.

[Spyda]

If you spend ~$2000 on either of thous LS's Holdens you'll be putting down almost 250rwkw in a 5.7l, they only require very little mods to get the proper power out of them as they where detuned to begin with. They will smack a polo around all day long but being so big they are more of a practical cruiser than a super fun car. HEEEEPS of room for 4x 6' people, cheap and comfortable.

If you want something that's just straight up fun, get a jap car. 180sx sr20 will fit a 6'2 person, fairly cheap to mod and maintain and stupid quick performance both speed and handling. Driven a lightly modded 180rwkw one and its a blast. I personally wouldn't have it daily though.

[AusScare]

2001+ Impreza STI? I hear that with an exhaust, tune and coilovers they go quite well.

[noone]

Thanks gents.
The v35 Skyline looks ok, have to have a go.
Not interested in modding the 5.7, I'm looking for something that is fun to drive stock rather than another modding car (although no doubt it will happen anyway)
Imports could be interesting, I need to have a drive in something similar first tho...
Silvia S15's have a decent interior and good rep, I'll have to find one to have a play in.
Old WRX's have bad interior to me, 2001 (bug eye?) was the first nice one from memory. Don't mind the bug eye.

[AusScare]

[QUOTE=noone;632064
Not interested in modding the 5.7, I'm looking for something that is fun to drive stock rather than another modding car (although no doubt it will happen anyway)[/quote]

I recently test drove an 07 FPV V8 ute with my brother and we both agreed it was not fast enough for the $35k. So you'd probably have to mod the older ones to make them fun!

Old WRX's have bad interior to me, 2001 (bug eye?) was the first nice one from memory. Don't mind the bug eye.

Well it is an STI interior, it's not that bad! But yea 01 was the bug eye, can be had for quite cheap and can be made to look quite good.

Or my favourite, the '03 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI AWD S MY03 Private Cars For Sale in NSW - carsales.com.au

This one has just had a full service (I'd ask to see the receipt), with intake, exhaust, tune, exactly what you want! Offer him $23k and enjoy.

[Speed]

NB MX5 onwards. (NA is the first shape) - Not very practical but I don't know what your needs are. I'm 6ft3 BTW.
Series 6-8 RX7 - More practical than an MX5 and go harder and still handle and stop.
RX8 - Even more practical than a 7, having four doors. Go well for a non turbo and are aweseome value for money.

Sounds like I'm pro mazda but you asked for RWD.
Also I'd buy an EVO over a WRX.

There is also the 350Z but not sure what they cost and go like.

[noone]

I dont fit in the Mx-5 NB. Still want to try the NC.
Don't want a rotary, maybe wait for my mid life crisis.
I know the EVO's are better for their age apparently, but a newer Wrx can be had for the same cash... Not sold on them, but it's an option... Hard to know what good mods are, last guy I asked didn't know the Make of his suspension or turbo! Lol

[Speed]

I dont fit in the Mx-5 NB. Still want to try the NC.
Don't want a rotary, maybe wait for my mid life crisis.
I know the EVO's are better for their age apparently, but a newer Wrx can be had for the same cash... Not sold on them, but it's an option... Hard to know what good mods are, last guy I asked didn't know the Make of his suspension or turbo! Lol

I'm 6 foot 3 and fit in a NC. I'd be surprised if you didn't.
Rotary's are great but not for everyone. I personally love the grip, acceleration and handling of mine.

Maybe Nissan, Mercedes or BMW?

I find the fords and holdens lacking in handling, yet an XR6T would go like stink for your money.