-Manual transmission
-reliable
-Fun to drive
-4 doors.
-Moddable(?)

$6000 budget. If I pay off this credit card I may go up to $7500 depending on down payment. I dont know crap about maintenance besides oil change and brakes. I'm definitely willing to learn, but I don't want a crap box.

So far I've thought about the Lexus Is300 but it's on the smaller side

 

large 4 door sticks are rarer than sasquatch.

accord? camry? sonata?

 

2004-2008 TL is the best I can think of if you want something larger than an IS300. There's nothing else Japanese with a stick and 4 doors in that size that I would consider sporty.

Accord coupes are pretty large, might be worth checking out and they did make a V6 6mt sedan for at least one year (2007??).

Otherwise, I think you would need to look at something American or German with lower reliability.

 

It doesn't have to crazy big lol. Currently have a 98 ES300. I fit that car ok.

I'm 6' 275 lbs so not crazy big. Just wide. Plus I'm losing weight

 

You are probably thinking of a subaru.

 

The now defunct Pontiac G8 potentially with RWD, V8, and manual option. Though you may have to up the budget a bit. Essentially the precursor to the Chevrolet SS sedan, and related to the Holden Commodore down under.

 

Very few of the original 1Gen IS300s were built with manual transmissions, mostly in the 2002 and 2003 model years. You are not likely to find many of them on the used car market.

The older Subaru WRX/STIs and Mitsubishi Evos would fit the bill of 4-doors and fun to drive.....but potential reliability would be determined partly on how well each sample was serviced/cared for, and if the typical young male aggressive driver who owned and drove those cars didn't rag them out too badly. The Evo, in particular, has a very harsh ride, particularly on bumpy roads....but neither of those two cars are designed or comfort.

 

Thought about BMW but that Maintenance....I'm researching the best older models now

 

Good idea, but it might be on the difficult side to get service and parts for a G8.

 

 

What years are you talking? I don't know much about BMWs so I'm just now doing research.

I was looking at E36 M3s, but outta my price range

 

I doubt it. Any GMC/Chevy/Buick/Cadillac dealer will be able to work on the G8. Also I believe parts for discontinued cars must continue for a minimum 20 years.

 

 

Decided I'm gonna forgo a manual and just buy a 98-2000 GS400. I thought about the GS430 which has the slightly better looking interior, but they're kinda rare.

Would they be a good upgrade from my 98 ES300 even though they're the same year? I see a lot of them around 100k miles for about $5500.