Fast Cheap Car

Hi, I was looking for advice on cars and such, so I figured I would come to the place that only lets you down about 7 times out of 10... the internet. I figured anything is better than a car salesman though. I want to get a pretty fast car that starts out fast and I can just make cool over time while adding moderate cost performance upgrades to it. Any ways I'm a huge fan of domestics partly due to my really into cars buddy that has brainwashed everything I know about cars but he is more of a truck guy anyways. Anyways I'm not against getting an import if it is fast and not something everyone has. Another problem is that I don't know how to drive a manual car, which severely dampens my selection. Although I've heard its not too hard to learn. To give you a perspective I've was driving a Ford Focus Se 4 banger that could barely hit 110 before I joined the military. I don't wanna spend more than 8-10 grand though. Anyways sorry about the huge post I just wanna make it easier for you guys to help me out. I don't need a hardcore 0-60 in 2 seconds rocket car but I do want something good that won't break down every twelve days. Thanks a bunch in advance. Also sorry for being another I want you to pick my car for me poster like I've seen. One more thing my buddies Probe GT is fast as hell and all that it has is a cold air intake on it. Something around this speed is something that I would like.  

I wouldn't consider 8-10 grand on the cheap category. Maybe what you should do is go test drive several cars at a dealership that you kinda like. Then, pick out the ones which performed better, then ask again on the site for which one of the ones you chose is the better pick. Anyways, as far as reliability, you can't go wrong with a toyota or honda. I personally love the latest celicas, for both their looks and performance (and at least in Fresno they're not so common).
Interestingly, the Ford Probe used a mazda V6 engine also found in the Mazda MX3 GS(my car), MX6, and 626.  

Well, the problem is that right now I am in special military training and don't really have alot of time to just go out and test drive cars. I'm also faced with the problem of not knowing how to drive a stick shift car. Is it really that difficult to just pick up and learn? Anyways I was just looking for suggestions on cars to look out for in auto trader and stuff like that. Also anyone know of any fast automatics?  

I learned how to drive a stick when I bought my 1G talon tsi. It took about a week for me to become comfortable with it. Once I understood the mechanics of the clutch, I had a much easier time with it (a heavy clutch also helped).

Speaking of DSMs, I'd recommend an AWD talon or Eclipse if you can find one in good condition  
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1994 GTO Twin Turbo
nothin wrong with front-wheel drive, I just refuse to own one

dude just get lexus sc300 or 400 you can pick one for like 5g's or cheap and have money to make it a little faster but its already quick as hell stock...  

Well if you think your buddy's Probe GT is fast (stock is only 145hp), then you'll love an Eclipse GSX or GST(stock is 210 hp). Try looking for a 95-99 2nd Gen model, but the older models (91-94) still have lots of potential. You could also try looking for a 300ZX Twin Turbo or Nissan 240SX. As with all used cars, if it seems too good to be true, then sometimes wrong with it. Double, heck even triple check everything on the car to make sure nothing is messed up.

Learning to drive a manual is pretty darn easy. Took me about 30 min to initially learn, and about a week or two to fully be comfortable, it also happened to be my very first car. My advice is to look up different guides explaining the steps to shifting and practice the motions with your hands and feet.  
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http://rides.importtuner.com/ride/1076723/jimichanga/2005/honda/s2000/index.html

I know you all are about the foreign cars, but I assume you know a lot about more than just foriegn cars. I just got offered a 97 Camaro z28 with 38000 miles on it for 5500 bucks. It is also a texas car if that has anything to do with it. Is this a good deal?

Also I looked online and I like the look of the eagle talon tsi. Plus I like the idea of it being AWD which is kind of cool esp since I'll be moving around alot over the next few years. I'll have to take a look into all of those cars really. Thanks once again.  

You should by a 5th generation honda prelude. I have one and i got it for like 6g.  

dylan21:
dude just get lexus sc300 or 400 you can pick one for like 5g's or cheap and have money to make it a little faster but its already quick as hell stock...

This is what i did and i'm pretty happy with it.  

z28 are ther better camaros to get, i would really recommend it, although it does probably have at least the low 200's for hp, but if you want fast and cheap and domestic, go with your foxbody mustang 5.0 gt's light as hell, gt's have the v8, and they are about 2 grand or so for a pretty decent condition, and they have a large aftermarket for performance  
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1985 BMW 318i
-All Stock-

foxbodys really arnt that fast. I have ran my fair share in my day and wasnt too impressed. Yes i did get beat some but never by more than a lenght or two. and i was in a dang land yacht 3000gt. base model.  

For 8-10K almost any 8-9 year old sports coupe and sports sedan would be in your budget. If you didn't want to learn how to drive a manual, I would look at cars with larger engines first (v8). I would start out looking for a later model C4 Corvette (92-96), fourth gen camaro z28s/firebird formulas(93-02), 93-02 mustang gts. Maybe even try to find a first generation dodge viper!

the rest

02-05 subaru wrx
93-01 honda prelude
95-03 bmw 3 series
96-03 audi s4
03-05 hyundai tiburon
newer scion tc
mitsibushi evolution I-VIII (92-05)
honda s2000
98-05 nissan altima v6 and maxima
nissan 350z
chevy cobalt SS
95-02 Mercedes-benz c or e class?

don't get a 4 cylinder unless it's factory turbocharged or supercharged.  

that may be a base foxbody 5.0 GT put once you put a dime into them they take well to mods, they are light weight with the V8, so that helps.
but dont go for the audi's, bmw's, and mercedes, they will cost too much in the long run, if your on a budget, parts will cost too much.  
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1985 BMW 318i
-All Stock-

im seriously thinking hard about buying a prelude...any specific year model i should get??  
The Tiburon Guru

I went very cheap with my car ' haha...
i have a ek' but the guy that sold it to me had a good amont of miles on it, XP .
but my hatch keeps up . .   its your choice cus you could get something alot faster . but yeah i love my honda .