01-21-2018, 11:03 AM
(01-21-2018, 10:45 AM)Jake Wrote: A B5.5 or B6 Audi S4 makes me feel a bit fizzy. Those are fun cars although I don't know how good/bad they are to actually own.
Oh man there's a lot of bad ideas in this thread but this one takes the cake. They're cheap but you'll spend at least half again the purchase price getting it right and after that... good luck.
E92 328 or 335 would be a good choice. A nice m-sport/6MT 328 would be easy to find in your budget, the 335 will likely be higher miles but they seem like they are solid/reliable motors if you get the N55 - I think 2010+. For the same money you can also get a M-sport 128 if you dont mind a smaller car. Most of the cars I've seen for sale at this point in your price range have been adult owned and not ruined yet, but dont be afraid to hold out for the right one.
If you want a sedan, you can also find a B7 (2006-2008) or B8 (2009-2013 I think) Audi A4 with the 2.0T/6-speed. I really loved my B7 wagon. Compared to the E90 its a much simpler car and the cars are very much an evolution of the B5 so no huge changes but each iteration got far better and more reliable - the B8 motor will make a little more power with tuning than the B7. You may be able to find a B7 S4 in your price range but I wouldnt touch it unless its already had its timing chain guides replaced - its an engine out service.
While I'm on the audi train you can also get a TT with 6MT/AWD, too. I really dig the 2008+ TT's. Cool cars and pretty useful with its faux hatchback.