So just in case my NX2000 falls apart on me I need a backup plan.

I've been researching modern sport coupes that have similar characteristiscs to the NX2000 and I'm wondering what is the best car in the $15-20k price range?

Top criteria for me:

1. I have to fit my 6'4 230 body into it comfortably.
2. Has to turn like a mofo like my NX. I spend 30-40 minutes of my 1 - 1 1/2 hour commute on twisty roads.
3. 15-20k price range. I paid $15k for my egg in '93 with all the options.
4. Solid engine that brings a smile to your face like the NX does in 2nd and 3rd gear when you are flying past some putz who refuses to turn out on a twisty road.
5. Has to have the fun factor like the NX.
6. Bonus cool factor like... oh the 8th best handling car in the world :)
7. Decent milage like 20city 25-30+ highway

Things that surprised me:

I don't see any T-top cars *boo hoo*
I don't see any FWD with VLSD -- why is this?
No ovoid styling! Ok, not surprised by this..

Top contenders seem to be: Mazda 3, Corolla XRS, Civic Si, Sentra SE-R. I would like to stay faithful to Nissan so any experiences with the 2005/2006 SE-R would be appreciated. I have yet to test drive any of these.

BTW, I did had the chance to drive a Chevy Cobalt for a few days while my NX was being serviced and was yearning for my NX the whole time. WTF, the cobalt gets great reviews on Yahoo Auto but it turns like crap. I was not impressed at all.

Thanks.

Man the 06 Civic Si is your new companion. Outside of the weird interior it is the best sport compact on the market!!

when it goes just buy another one if its not repairable.

stratton.

15-20k and you still looking at FWD cars???

Rex, RX-7, 300ZX TT(Ding Ding DING!!!!!!!11!!!!1one), there are so many tossable car for 15-20k that you basically asked an open question.


My next car will be a Z with T-tops...

when it goes just buy another one if its not repairable.

stratton.

Hmm, not a bad idea :)

I have to say one thing. After staring at a clean, analog tach and speedo gauge for 13 years I want to run away in terror looking at the gauge panel of some of the modern cars. Freakin ugly, cramped gauges on the Mazda 3 and lots of digital readout crap on the Honda Si hurts my eyes looking at the pictures.

Btw, found a funny quote from one Si owner:


Having second thougts. This is a huge improvement form the previous si but the car looks like a minature Hoda Accord. I should have gotten a 2005 si hatch and just put in a new motor . This car has power on a flat surface but a freaking spec-v passed me going up the 15 on the way to vegas. I punched it and he he just blew by me. How is that possible when my new si has more horsepower. This car needs more torque.


Go Sentra go :)

I had a Mazda 3sport wagon and I loved it. It was very responsive and to the twisties like it was it's job. The only reason I got rid of it was my fiance' couldn't drive it and I just decided to sell it and buy her a plan Jane auto car(05 Neon-inexpensive).

VW GTI.

VW GTI X2.
200SX SE-R

I would wait for the '07 Sentra SE-R. It is comming out in early '07. Hopefully it will be a great improvement over the current platform.

2007 ZO6

I would wait for the '07 Sentra SE-R. It is comming out in early '07. Hopefully it will be a great improvement over the current platform.

i hope it will be offered in a coupe/hatchback.

stratton.

Just wait for the new Nissan Versa to come out. Then buy one and take a look at Impul. Check out their link for the Tiida. They have butt loads of stuff for it. Superchargers, wheels, bodykits, ECUs, suspension, etc. Looks like a mini Avenier to me.

http://www.impul.co.jp/

2007 ZO6


$15-20k price range???

are you thinking down payment?

Just wait for the new Nissan Versa to come out. Then buy one and take a look at Impul. Check out their link for the Tiida. They have butt loads of stuff for it. Superchargers, wheels, bodykits, ECUs, suspension, etc. Looks like a mini Avenier to me.

http://www.impul.co.jp/

My freind owns www.c11versa.net, The new Versa is UGLY UGLY UGLY, IMO.

I've thoroughly tested the MazdaSpeed Protege. Fantastic car that prolly would meet your needs and it has a helical LSD. There's always the SRT-4 as well. Civic Si has the LSD too. Three good choices.

I've thoroughly tested the MazdaSpeed Protege. Fantastic car that prolly would meet your needs and it has a helical LSD. There's always the SRT-4 as well. Civic Si has the LSD too. Three good choices.

I dont htink the SRT-4 is what he is looking for at all.

I dont htink the SRT-4 is what he is looking for at all.

I don't know the guy, but based on his listed critera, I can't see why it wouldn't fit. He should go drive one as well as the Civic and Protege.

Scion tc with TuRD supercharger would be my choice...

the new si is slow and ugly.

rock the Mazda3

<------- I'm not biased, i swear. hehe

here is my take on the Mazda3 after almost 25k. these cars are a good deal heavier than our B13s, or they feal that way. i have not checked the exact weight. i also got the five door, so the sedan would be a little lighter i bet. i'm getting a nice set of coilovers, maybe the drop will make it feel more sporty. and some new tires too, the factory selection has no grip at all, wet or dry.

and the one thing the car really needs is a limited slip diff. Quaif (sp?) makes one for $1500, than needs to drop before i go anywhere near it.

basically the Mazda3 needs some work to feel as sporty as a stock B13, but there is no way you will get this level of comfort in a B13... and HID headlights 8-)