[Our03z4]

What is a car for under $35k that is both sporty, and fun to work on, with the looks to go with? Looking for something that has many options for upgrades. Wife wants a vehicle that is enjoyable to ride in, she doesn't like the Z4 for longer drives and I have to agree. I will be keeping my z4 coupe.

We both loved testing out an Audi A8L, but there again not very much to work on, I'm guessing at least. This would not be a main car since we have other daily drivers. Thanks for any thoughts!

[chassis]

How many doors?
How many seats?
Age limit?
Mileage limit?
Engine requirements? Number of cylinders, horsepower, etc.
Any exclusions or things you don't want?
Brand preferences?

[spazzyfry123]

I don't understand the question. You're wanting a car that you need to work on?

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by chassis

How many doors?
How many seats?
Age limit?
Mileage limit?
Engine requirements? Number of cylinders, horsepower, etc.
Any exclusions or things you don't want?
Brand preferences?

No Fords, VW, BMW, or GM. Anything else is open. I'm almost thinking about an older Viper GTS, wife even likes the way they look. Always loved those cars when I was a kid and even had the poster to prove it.

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I don't understand the question. You're wanting a car that you need to work on?

Correct. I actually always buy cars that have issues so I can work on them. Did that with my past Z4s and most of my 8 vehicles. Out of things to do on the coupe so time for another. This time I would like something that I can also do performance upgrades on.

[fastboatster]

Got to be some BMW with 6 cylinders and maybe a turbo. Forget about A8L, if you have to work on it, it might not be fun at all. Maybe 535i/540i with f01 chassis, or 340i. I'd get 340i. Not suggesting m240i because you mentioned a8l, which is a large car, and 340i and 540i are smaller, and 240i might be too small.

[fastboatster]

Well, just buy a 340i which needs work) by saying no Ford's, bmws and VW's you cut off most of the cars you want to work on, including A8L ( yes, Audi is a pimped out VW)

[Our03z4]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

Well, just buy a 340i which needs work) by saying no Ford's, bmws and VW's you cut off most of the cars you want to work on, including A8L ( yes, Audi is a pimped out VW)

I own 3 ford's already, 1 VW, and 2 bmws. I want something different and honestly I'm tired of Bmws over engineered cars. The A8L would just be for comforts sake, wife loved the massaging seats and the smooth ride. No way I would even attempt to work on that spaceship.

[Gamb1t]

Any N54 BMW. Those always need work.

[Rmtt]

I am biased.....but get you a Corvette.

Anything from the C5, C6, C7 category. Very easy to work on from engine, to suspension, to interior, etc.

You can also get into tuning with software which is very fun to do. You can make it as mild or wild as you want it.

I know where you are coming from as I am kind of the same way. I have to have a project or something I am working on or towards. My wife thinks I'm OCD, but I love a good project car and a sense of accomplishment.

That urge was satisfied in the past by restoring old cars...and that could be another option for you. An old Mustang with a drive-train swap or something along those lines.

[Conissah]

Nismo 350z or a 370z? Japanese, easy to work on, make OK power and have tons of aftermarket support. Decently comfy, but not very practical.

[pennsiveguy]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I don't understand the question. You're wanting a car that you need to work on?

Some of us find it relaxing. A perfect evening for me: some good barbecue, homemade dessert, and 3-4 hours of peaceful wrenching with some good music playing in the background. I spent most of last Saturday balancing the throttles on my injected Roush motor, and I was in heaven.

I spend my work life in the world of the abstract and the hypothetical. Anything concrete is, for me, very satisfying. I can split firewood for 3 hours and feel fantastic for having actually accomplished something tangible.

[pennsiveguy]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

I am biased.....but get you a Corvette.

Anything from the C5, C6, C7 category. Very easy to work on from engine, to suspension, to interior, etc.

You can also get into tuning with software which is very fun to do. You can make it as mild or wild as you want it.

I know where you are coming from as I am kind of the same way. I have to have a project or something I am working on or towards. My wife thinks I'm OCD, but I love a good project car and a sense of accomplishment.

That urge was satisfied in the past by restoring old cars...and that could be another option for you. An old Mustang with a drive-train swap or something along those lines.

+1

'Vettes are plentiful and cheap to acquire. Parts are cheaper than parts for other makes, because they're made in much higher volumes. Your imagination is the only limit to how fun-to-drive you make it. The LS motors are tough, so you probably won't have to do any heavy wrenching if you'd rather not. Plenty of crate motor options to pick from.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by pennsiveguy

Some of us find it relaxing. A perfect evening for me: some good barbecue, homemade dessert, and 3-4 hours of peaceful wrenching with some good music playing in the background. I spent most of last Saturday balancing the throttles on my injected Roush motor, and I was in heaven.

I spend my work life in the world of the abstract and the hypothetical. Anything concrete is, for me, very satisfying. I can split firewood for 3 hours and feel fantastic for having actually accomplished something tangible.

Believe me, I get it. I've got my old Honda CB that I've brought to bare frame on multiple occasions just because. I guess I misinterpreted the question as wanting an unreliable car. Especially after seeing Audi on the list

[Petro135]

I'd look at an audi s8 with a few miles on it. Luxury and sporty. And you can make it much sportier. And I'm sure it would need some wrenching. I drove an older one with 75k miles was heavy but still kinda quick, and the interior was incredible and so comfy

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

I am biased.....but get you a Corvette.

Anything from the C5, C6, C7 category. Very easy to work on from engine, to suspension, to interior, etc.

You can also get into tuning with software which is very fun to do. You can make it as mild or wild as you want it.

I know where you are coming from as I am kind of the same way. I have to have a project or something I am working on or towards. My wife thinks I'm OCD, but I love a good project car and a sense of accomplishment.

That urge was satisfied in the past by restoring old cars...and that could be another option for you. An old Mustang with a drive-train swap or something along those lines.

I was thinking the same, but he did say no GM...regardless , a C6 Z06 can be had for under 35k, especially if it has some miles. The biggest issue with them is that they can drop a valve, so if that hasn't been updated, it sounds like it'd be something the OP would enjoy doing. Also tons of aftermarket support for an already fast car.

[KennyFSU]

BRZ/FRS.

[JasonCSU]

I was initially going to suggest a new MX-5, but that may be too similar to the Z4 and it sounds like something a little bigger with more luxury would be better for your road trips.

[fastboatster]

Damn, no GM means no Camaros.

[Our03z4]

Wife and I made the 2 hour drive to the 11 acre luxury/super car dealer today. We both feel settled on a Lotus Evora. While the Audi S8 would be a great car for comfort she hated the look. Viper is a no go. She has always loved the look of the Elise but didn't like the harsh feel so the Evora is a good compromise. It will still have plenty for me to do and she liked it, which is important to me. Might shed the coupe and another car to get an A8L for long drives. Was really impressed with a Merc AMG Gt they had, beautiful car, but way out of my league. Look up The Toy Barn if you haven't heard of it. Great people and spent plenty of time trying to find a great fit.

[domino_z]

the answer is always miata

[premier3is]

Honda S2k.

Such an incredibly fun car to drive.