Those two may be out of his price range, Phil.....he's got 10K max.

The suggestion for a manual Subaru Legacy is a good one (and, of course, it has the AWD traction), but avoid non-turbo models built before 2003...they have head gasket issues. 2003 models in good shape will probably run 8-10K.

 

older Infiniti G35 coupe?

 

Probably rides too firmly. He said he wanted some luxury. And G35s, even older ones, may be hard to find for 10K or under.

 

Mazda Millenia stick. Very sleek, timeless, affordable luxury vehicle. When you done with college & are at the pinnacle of your career, you can surely upgrade to a new vehicle or two.. Good luck.

 

Yea until the rear axle comes off the speed6 or the engine blows on the speed3

 

Ok this is a tough criteria. You have to think outside the box on this one, especially you want to put on a air suspension and want a manual. I guess look at the VW world, I read peformence VW, a british VW mag, and have seen some sick 3rd gen and 4th gen golfs and jettas on air. Also the passat is used as a platform that is more luxury. all of these cars come in manual. If I were you, I would find a 4th gen black Jetta VR6, and give it a nice gangster/vip look with air suspension and crazy wheels.
One other choice, if you want to stay japanese is the acura legend, some come in manual, and I have seen a few with air suspensions.

 

I'd look at a 2000 Audi A6 with the 250 hp, 2.7L, and the optional 6 speed stick. Definitely more luxo interior than your SC, good handling and plenty of power. Except for some minor brake and maf issues, reliability record is good. Should be within your budget.

 

I'd stay far away from the 2.7T A6 unless you have $5,000 laying around for engine work.

I'd look at a late model VW Passat, preferably the V6 (more linear torque curve than 1.8T, and more reliable). They come with 5MTs and are fun to drive (car is based on the Audi A4's platform). The interior ambiance and finish is also Audi-leauge. Has cool stuff like power fold mirrors, memory seat/mirrors, rain sensing wipers, overhead ambient lighting, real wood trim, etc. Really a luxury car. 2.8L V6 GLX is a winner, and for $10,000 you should be able to fetch a 2002/2003+ with low miles. By 2002 most problems were fixed (suspension control arms revision, ATQ engine, etc.). 2002 and above have automatic volume control that even cuts the radio when the horn is used....those Germanszzzz...

Good hunting!!




W8 is teh sex, but the same that holds true with the 2.7T also resonates here. But I'm bias for the wheels, I have them on my 'ssat.

 

an old Golf GTI?

 

Although the A6 has some probs with the MAF and wheel speed sensors I have to disagree with FLK. I'd definitely stay away from the Passat B5 unless you want to deal with failed coils, water pumps, vacumm hoses, ABS control modules, comfort control modules, electrical, auto tranny probs, cam tensioner, oil sludging issues, suspension noises, coolant leaks, failing window lifts, and of course smaller items like ***** on sound system crumbling, drain in doors plugging up with debris and cause water to enter interior, detached engine covers, interior "leather" cover on armrests peeling, cheap trim. It's also not unheard of for them to flood in the rain and causing over $3000 in electronics damage, etc.

Understand, it's buyer beware with any vehicle, but VW has a warranted rep for reliability probs as to an extent do many of the German cars. I've owned a bimmer and was one of the lucky ones. From what I've read since selling mine, I would think twice about getting another, and would inspect it twice from top to bottom. If you'd consider a German product, I would read up and check all the forums first! Also realize you cannot own one without diligently maintaining it. A friend has an A6 and loves it, but he does spend $$ taking care of it and was carefull in buying one with a complete history and had it thoroughly checked out.

Another car I would consider is the Acura TL, except they have their own gremlins, namely their auto tranny. So in the end a GS or newer SC would be more reliable and just live with the auto. You can always rent a Mini on weekends to snick throught the gears on some nice switchbacks.

 

Well suffice to say this is the first I've ever heard that a 2000 Audi A6 2.7 Bi-Turbo is a more reliable piece than a late model B5.5 Passat V6 ATQ. I'm trying not to laugh, but that is a truly remarkable thing to say. You should re-read what I posted - there's a reason I didn't reccomend a B5 Passat, which incur that list of problems you mentioned. Again, ATQ engine, B5.5, 2002+. Water intrusion, water in the doors, frying the CCM? I'm sorry, but have you ever heard of the P9 recall? Yes, that is unheard of with a 2002 that's had the P9 done. Coils are 1.8T and W8 only; I suggested the 2.8L. Humerous that the A6 has none of those problems, or even has less as you are suggesting. That's nonsense, sorry. And some of the things you mention (warping leather, bad radio control *****) is just a bunch of nitpicking that any high mileage car is going to have. The leather on my GLX has held up much better than the trash hybrid leather on both my Honda Accords, which is completely discoloured. Nice try, but I don't know where you're getting some of your information from. Window lifts? my god, we're talking about a 2002, not a 1999 Passat, and for you information, yes, I've had a failed $300 window regulator - on my 2002 Honda Accord

I would never reccomend an Acura TL - there has been serious transmission probelms on all the cars ranging into the 2005 model year, which is just unbelievable. My Accord has also eaten a transmission - great Honda quality/engineering on these babies. $3,500 later and it's slipping again at 90K. Nice. BTW, there are no major transmission problems with the ZF unit found on the Passat (shared with Porsche Boxter), that's just false. Issues that are real are valve cover gasket and cam chain tensioner (CCT), both of which are prone to spring oil leaks on the Audi 2.8L V6. That, in addition to some vaccum lines on models BEFORE late 2003 are the only concerns. These engines will last upwards of 200,000 miles, proven with many users on vwvortex and Passatworld.

Here's some food for thought:

2003 Volkswagen Passat 2.8L GLX.

http://rabbitownersclub.com/vw/showt...ssat-9445.html

 

How about a 2003 3.2 CL type S 6 speed. They kinda look like a *****, but it probably would do the job for ya ....

 

-300zx TT
-SC300 5spd
-E36 M3
-Porsche 944

 

people...he wants a 4 door. Acura TSX?

 

e430/55 or s4/ a6 2.7tt/ the old a8/s8 s430