Ive been looking for a wrx or sti myself. I agree, i havent found a decent one for under 10k. You can still get a decent stock evo under 10. Probably the better of the 2 for racing, probably not road trips.
I own two Audi’s and I tell everyone the same thing you said at the end of your video. “Don’t buy an Audi If your not prepared to do your own work or if you can’t afford the high maintenance cost”. Other than that, when maintained properly they run like a dream come true. Love my Audi’s!
I agree with you and my 4dr supposedly not sports car whoops a lot of 2dr supposed to be SPORTS cars. Of course almost everyone mistakes my S4 for a modded up A4😊
Good catch!! Dang I woulda been in that to. A lot of people don't know what they have, so you can find those deals. Just gotta be ready to snatch em up
Most fun car I ever owned was a RX7. And I met all kinds of nice people when sitting by the side of the road. Thank you for trip down memory lane. And I still want an R & W shirt !!! 😎😎
I realize your bias (which you point out) towards the audi, but it really should be 4 or 5 on this list, frickin nightmare to work on and parts cost a ton. When a car costs as much as those things did new and are now worth like 2500 bucks... there's a reason
Buddy of mine has one of these, and it is pretty much always messed up. All sorts of stuff like turbos, cooling, electrics, etc. Its fast and comfortable, but it will turn your pockets inside out. This car has no business on a list that reflects something affordable. There is no such thing as a cheap Audi, BMW, or Mercedes, regardless of purchase price.
Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised a non-performance version of the car is working fine. A non-turbo version of an Audi(unless it's V8) is like Ford Mustang V6 vs V8.
I have said audi very very heavily modded i do all the work myself a just buy parts cars when a few things go wrong, ive rebuilt the engine and replaced everything that normally goes bad
KE C, Amazing car to drive, but it will devistate your wallet rapidly. I've owned an '00 and an '03 540i. In 5 years of ownership of the '00, I spent $8,000 on maintenance, and most of that money went to parts, as I work on my own cars (I went through 3 radiators and 5 rebuilt alternators!... I'd just pay the $1200 for a new OEM alternator in hindsight). The '03 was better cause I bought the nicest low km example I could find, but it was still a wallet drain. But nothing like an e39 V8 6-spd manual to put a grin on your face!
daddyandmaddie I love my 2.8 na b5.5 passat 4motion. It was a pain doing the timing belt, thermostat and water pump but it can be done diy. It's got the audi v6 2.8 engine and tiptronic trans
daddyandmaddie I know that first hand, had a sweet 2005 S4 cabrilolet, after spending $600 and they still couldn't figure out the problem I got rid of it.
All the plastic, from vaccum, those coolant flanges. They get dry , brittle and crack. Have to replace all of them at some point . I had a 1.8 and a 2.7 both same deal, got 274k miles out of the a4, sold it to my neighbor 3 years ago. He still has it
You can't touch a WRX here in WA state for under $5,000. Even with a ton of miles it's hard to find one for cheap that hasn't been thrashed and treated like a doormat for stinky dogs.
Love your channel, but you missed out on some fine cars my friend. They are E46 330ci, E39 540i (eats mustangs of the era), Mazda RX8 (canyon carver), VW GTI VR6, Eagle Talon TSi, Volvo S60R, Saab 9-3 or 9-5 turbos and Merkur XR4Ti
Yes as previous ratchets and wrenches aficionados have mentioned, more on the Audi A6 project would be good. But anything you do is always informative and I never fail to learn a lot from it.
@@wyattoneable it's not even in the league of some of the best. His videos are good yes but it's literally just photo slideshows over him talking. This is like breathing air in a metropolitan city and proclaiming it's the best air you ever tasted.
You picture an anniversary SS Camaro and an anniversary WS6 Trans Am and refer to the Z28. Those 2 cars are collector's items and have an LS6 and cost a ton more. No fair.
I recently bought a 04 Miata. For me, it’s a perfect fun, cheap, reliable second car. I don’t find it underpowered or slow. But yes I’m on back roads mostly, not in a major metropolitan area. Just keep it up in the higher rpm,s a bit. With higher revs, and the go cart like driving feel, it seems like I’m racing LaMans, working those gears! but, I’m only, maybe 5 over the speed limit! I go through the speed traps with a wave and a 😊 Perfect for all the twisty back roads we have here in Western Mass.
I keep seeing the Camaro z28 on these vids but I have not found one for 5k or under unless it needs a lot of work so I really don’t see anyone finding one for 5k or less in good condition.
Yes, the V8s did, also he's incorrect on the gearing (at least for the 6 speed). They come with a 0.5 overdrive and even with the 3.42 stock gears only turn 1800 RPM at 80 mph. You can toss 4.10s in these cars and still be under 2300 RPM at 80...
Sdmoparman in SD that's correct I have one myself so am pretty familiar with them, the only thing that sucks about these year Camaros is the differential broke mine twice
Two thumbs up. I spend hours looking at numbers and videos comparing cars. But I find that a test drive trumps all but reliability info. If you're not an average size, and the majority of us are not average, haha, then you gotta get yo ass in the driver's seat behind the wheel and take it for a spin! How does the car fit YOU, make YOU feel, do for YOU, look to YOU, and your driving style. Outside of total cost of ownership, YOU are all that matter! I drove around the Chicagoland area forteen years every time it snowed in the 90's, Mustangs and Camaros littered the ditches! I'm happy to see the Camaro edge out the Mustang, as it should! I'm only 5'4" and I cannot adjust the driving position to suit me in a Mustang, period. So I would have to replace the Mustang with my BMW 330 cic with removeable hard top on this list. I have a '95 Miata, and I couldn't believe that no one warned me that the pop up headlights seriously obstruct your view on twisty blacktop Virginia roads at night! My z3 2.8 manual, and my z3 2.5 automatic easily beat the respective Miatas for me. I don't drive on a track, and I can only go so much over the speed limit before I endanger others. So include the z3 for under $5k in my book. I agree on the S4, but are there enough around to make the list? Consider availability along capability. Otherwise, we could include a long list of AMGs and Ms. Probably more M3s around than S4s, but what do I know? Love your videos, subcribed.
Refreshing to see an honest mechanic video. I agree on your choices and ethical presentations. By the way, the Audi is one of German vehicles that I feel comfortable driving fast in horrible weather. German cars have saved my life more than once. I do like the other choices in cars too as I've owned several of them. Sad to see so many comments from people who don't listen to your disclaimer mentioned about possibly six times.
As the owner of Gen 4 Camaro Z28/SS with only 68K miles, I cannot recommend these cars. Working on them is a nightmare! To change the sparkplugs on the passenger side, you need to take off the header! There's so little room for the LT1 that's shoe horned into these overweight bodies. Also, if your in a state like California, getting it to pass smog is a multi-thousand dollar nightmare. A bigger bundle of leaky evap hoses, crappy EGR solenoid valves has never been manufactured by anybody else. Boo GM. My happiest day will be when I can unload this ungodly design lemon!...but as the video says, I'll be lucky to get $5000.
You should tell your views turbo engine are bad, because after 60-80 thousand miles the turbo will need replacing, and the car might never run the same again the new turbos.
These cars all seem very cool to me. They have the sporty appearance and reasonable power. But that Audi is technically a nightmare. If you can not maintain it yourself, I would not start too look for one. The WRX and Mx-5 are quite reliable and good cars. And the mustang or camaro will sooner or later be your dead. They are not steerable those things....😂
Actually the camaros and firebirds are great handling cars after better tires, springs and shocks. There is a guy that runs the Nurembergring in Germany with one with little done to it and went 8:03 and would have been in the 7:50s if a guy hadn't slowed down and blocked him in a corner. I have no idea about those mustangs though.
There are also several 300,000 mile LS1 camaros and firebirds out there. Also a man just donated his 773,000 mile LS1 powered 2000 corvette to the Corvette Museum. If you take care of things and keep up with maintenance, they can last. The same goes for almost any car out there. Of, course some just have bad parts from the start.
I literally can't find any camero 😢 I loved the 90s look personally. I see the Stangs all day, so maybe that an option, but I don't like those years look.
The Miata is only "slow" in a straight line. But, it's a sports car, so a road couse with corners is what it's for...in which case it's actually going to post faster lap times than cars with 3 times as much power.
The 5.7 L V8 in those Camaro Z28 produce about 305 - 310 horsepower, in order to get the 345 Horsepower you would have to step up to a Camaro SS with the addition of the SLP package that gave you an upgrades exhaust system and better air filter. Price will jump about $1,000 - 2,000 to get the SS.
if you can find a bugeye wrx for $5k or under I guarantee the ad will say those delightfully sketchy words.... "rebuilt motor".....you will probably never find one that wasn't manhandled and on its last leg for that kinda money
As a former owner of a V-8 Thunderbird, I can tell you all about rear-wheel traction control, or the lack thereof. Pretty much became an expert in turning-by-drifting in the snow.
It would be completely pointless because once a car hits that level, it's not the car make and model that matters nearly as much as the owner and maintenance. Plus, Top 5 At WHAT? I'd have to think all anyone can ask for at that price, is that it runs. However if you want a suggestion, get a '97 thru 2003 Buick Lesabre that was only driven to church and bingo by a little old lady and garage kept. It's going to be like new with under 100K mi. and you'll get sick of driving it long before it falls apart so long as you don't live in the salted snow belt.
Good stuff! Your top picked cars are good. I'm glad you stuck mostly to true sports cars that you can find easily enough in the US. That BiTurbo definitely has a lot of tech built inside of it. Can't wait to see how your project turns out.
*Biased: The Audi is the worst on this list.* Cost-wise of course and repairs. The *LS1/LT1* and *4.6L Ford* are the best engines in terms of reliability and repairs. Better performance as well.
The Mustangs are a dime a dozen and are super reliable.. I used to have an 07 GT and currently drive a 2010 GT... When the 5.0 came out the prices on the 4.6s plummeted... Id get a 3 valve 4.6 though. Avoid the 2 valvers if possible... Those were the pre 2004 models... Either way both models are very well built cars despite what fanboys and haters say... The LS1 was a great motor but everything around it was poorly made... Youd have an easier time finding clean, good running Foxbodies over an early 2000s Camaro or Trans Am...
I've owned an Audi with the 2.7T engine, and the major risk with that engine is if you have a turbo go bad on you, the repair will be more than the $5,000 purchase price of the car, due to where the turbos are (many, many hours of labor). I love that engine, but buyers need to be aware of the turbo risk.
I bought a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria for $1,900. It has been so fun driving such a dominant car. I’m looking for a new fun standard coupe that’s great on gas under $4,000. 2001 Acura Integra LS 2000 Honda EJ8 Civic EX 2002 Toyota Celica GT 1995 Honda EG Civic EX 1999 Toyota Celica GT
I don't have a miata but I wanna say it should be on number one. No interference engine, easy to work on, power to weight ratio, want more power easy bolt on boost. Only reason I bad thing is that I'm 6'2" so getting in and out is a pain.
Good luck finding an 02-05 wrx for under $5k.. I bought my first subaru years ago (02 bugeye) for $7500 and kept it for 3 years, added 35-37k miles and sold it for $8200.. they are not cheap.. unless its rusted or beat up out the a$$. (Or high mileage)
I'd have to find room for the BMW 330i. There's also 330xi all wheel drive. The S4 is a low production number car and not easily available. Not so with the 3 series: 325, 328, 330 models in 4 door, 2 door, convertible, and wagon. : )
The gen-3 LS engines are beast and super reliable. Probably the most sought after small-block swap ever, and they fly with just bolt-ons. Now bolt-ons and cam swap they will take a bolt-on 03-04 cobra terminator
all your poll options are good, btw. please do all of them! what i'd REALLY like to see, is how to increase the brightness in my headlights, with some of these aftermarket LED blue/white. i have an '05 towncar. would love to see how to make this super bright, as i go into work well before dawn.
Noooooooooooo!!! Audi-shit!!!!!!!!! I have personally worked on the 2.7 bi-turbo engines and drive train... great if you’re a mechanic and have your own lift (I have full access to a garage with lift and modern computer diagnostics - and still won’t buy an Audi). But if you’re a regular Joe, stick with the Mustang and Camaro. Love your channel but hate your Audi choices.
I like your channel and find it refreshing you talk about engine longevity (particularly the mention of whether its a timing chain or belt, or interference engine if belt- Nobody else mentions that glaring fact!). In my experience, Honda's and Toyota's are very overrated due to that fact (Honda- timing belt/interference, serious automatic transmission issues), (Toyota- deceitfully well-disguised oil sludge issues, and largest recall in automotive history where people died over electronic throttle glitches). GMs ignition switch recall was a joke compared to that- wouldn't happen if people didn't have 10lb keychains! Back to topic, I prefer GMs tried-and-true 'old-school' engines with just the 'right amount' of modern technology for superior power-MPG-reliability ratio- and no timing belts! Give me an LS-whatever engine any day! They bash GM reliability, but I don't care about an occasional squeak or rattle, or having to replace a bulb, piece of plastic, or something trivial- how does it run!? I've owned 35 vehicles (Japanese, euro, and domestics), and for the $ my most dependable vehicles have always been GMs (often high-mileage examples). I enjoy a good Japanese sportbike though- America needs lessons there! Some of the favorite engines I've owned (not in order)- 1994 and1995 LT-1 engines (Roadmaster,Corvette), 2002 and 2003 LS-1s (both Corvettes 😁), 2002 Duramax 6600 Diesel (2500HD- yeah I know the 2006 LBZ version was better!), 2000 3800 V6 (Bonnevilles- 1had 275,000 miles and drove perfectly with no squeaks or leaks, and over 30mpg on highway), 1998 Vortec 454 (Heavy Class-A Motorhome), and finally the 1300cc Japanese beast (Suzuki Hayabusa!). Every one of these engines (and transmissions backing them) were very capable, if not ridiculously powerful in performance. Everyone of them has very impressive fuel mileage for the performance, all of these that I had/have been 100% trouble-free. Yeah, all my vehicles have been low-budget cash cars (well under my ability- David Ramsey style!) but how much more could you want? Do you agree with this 'unique' example/definition of quality engines?
I would not consider a few of those cars a "sports car" and especially the sedans like the Audi. I had an uncle that was a foreign car ecpert and his specialty was with German stuff. He loved VWs and Audis. For the high end stuff he said they were overrated and said that Ferraris always ended up back in the shop even with low miles.
Hey man love the videos! I think a great video that would at least be beneficial to myself would be something like "Best Work Vans Under ****". I'm currently looking for a good work van but obviously budget is a concern. Thanks and keep it up
How's it going? I subscribed a while back and have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. I am really enjoying these new review videos. I was really hoping that you could do a set of videos on car Manufacturers. Such as the US car manufacturers, like GM: which brands they own, historical reliability, common issues, most people's opinion of the brands vs your professional opinion. Thanks
Your top two choices are blah. The 2nd one looks like a box, and Audi? Same maintenance cost of a Porsche. I've heard more horror stories from Audi owners than just about any other car. Reminds me of the days people would give up on Jaguar's and put a chevy Camaro engine and drive trains in them, which would fix them.
11094DEREK RX-8s are getting pretty hard to find, and the Renesis rotary has pretty serious issues - most are also nearing the 160k odometer mark where they need their second engine rebuild.
lmao I wouldn't buy one well if it was LS swapped I would lol a few years ago I could of got a S2000 for $4500 it was wrecked but driveable and another $1000 would've fixed the damage
I liked your #2-5 :) I had a 1995 Trans Am, loved it. A friend of mine has a 2001 Miata which we just pulled the engine out of, very cool. But having seen your video of working on that Audi, HELL NO! :) I'm totally avoiding that car. HAHAHA. Thanks again for a good video. (I know it's an old one but still catching up on your channel)
My dad had a 2000 Mustang V6 Premium convertible for 11.5 years and everything was factory except the stuff you have to replace like brakes and trans fluid, even the nearly 20 year old alternator was still chugging along like it was new, the reliability of the old Mustangs gives old Toyotas a run for their money, he only traded it in because it had a little body rust (wasn't structural yet), and his replacement car is a 2011 Focus (2nd gen not the 3rd gen Powercrap)
Hello, new to your page, dry nice. I got a quick question, I’m in the market to buy another little car under $5000 and will put about 200 miles a week on the motor. If I find the Subaru with say 120k mileage “the runs strong , motor and transmission good” is that a good buy ? Or the Audi I’ve seen tons of the S4 or A4. I also found a few Lexus IS300 with around 120k and folks want around 3,300 to 4,500. I’ve always loved the Lexus however with a new kid coming along with one pre teen and a Jr (6 yr old) I’m wondering if the Lexus or the Subaru or even a Audi with such high mileage is worth my cash. Thanks again.
Please! I would like to know if buying a recent mini cooper would be smart and what could be the things I have to look after or issues I want to avoid. Could you help me out?
I'll hopefully be upgrading to one of those V8 Mustangs when it's time to move on from my new (picking up tomorrow) 1994 V6 Mustang. I currently drive a 2004 VW Passat GLS Wagon (fantastic, fun car), and had considered getting an Audi before springing for a Mustang which I'd wanted my entire life.
Are the Z28 the only way to get the LS1 engine and stick shift options? Are there other Camaro that you can get the LS1 stick shift in other than the Z28?
I know I know inflation and so on, but DAMN 2020 in Germany and all of these cars start at at least double the price you said they`d be. The cheapest S4 starts at 14k, the only S Models in that price range are 1.8T S3s` around 6k. WRXs start at around 12k cheapest..Camaros are only a few there for about 7k and 180k miles on them. Mustangs at 14k for the cheapest. Only the Miatas are indeed in that price range because they are fairly common in Germany. So you`ll have a good chance of picking one up for about 4-5k
I don't think I've seen a WRX for under $5000 unless it was pushing 250-300,000 miles.
My thought cheapest one near me on Craiglist Is 8k
Col. Angus LOL! A branded title, rebuilt after an accident, with mismatched body panels. Sounds like a real winner.
I drive a 1996 Impreza "L", cost me $3,200.
Therefore, I don't believe 5k could get you a normal condition WRX.
Ive been looking for a wrx or sti myself. I agree, i havent found a decent one for under 10k. You can still get a decent stock evo under 10. Probably the better of the 2 for racing, probably not road trips.
Can get em for £1000 in uk
I own two Audi’s and I tell everyone the same thing you said at the end of your video. “Don’t buy an Audi If your not prepared to do your own work or if you can’t afford the high maintenance cost”. Other than that, when maintained properly they run like a dream come true. Love my Audi’s!
I agree with you and my 4dr supposedly not sports car whoops a lot of 2dr supposed to be SPORTS cars. Of course almost everyone mistakes my S4 for a modded up A4😊
Last week I got a 2005 Infiniti G35 coupe with only 90,000 miles and very minimal wear and tear for $3,500.
Do you have to use premium fuel? And is it burning oil like crazy?
That's the model that is burning fuel a lot. I'll get the g37.
Did you have to put any money into it yet?
@@317ivory hating ass
Good catch!! Dang I woulda been in that to.
A lot of people don't know what they have, so you can find those deals. Just gotta be ready to snatch em up
Most fun car I ever owned was a RX7. And I met all kinds of nice people when sitting by the side of the road. Thank you for trip down memory lane. And I still want an
R & W shirt !!! 😎😎
Haha
My RX is still running but I'm thinking of selling it... Lol. The Miata is fun and no meeting strangers in the road.
Had fun in an RX7. Not so fun pushing it to the side of the road several times.
Same. GSL.awesome. nobody could repair the dang thing though. Lift hood, see rotary engine, slam hood.
Good luck finding a non modded kid driven Subaru...
I know Corvettes have a good motor, I'm always looking at vettes for under 5 grand. some good bargains out there
I realize your bias (which you point out) towards the audi, but it really should be 4 or 5 on this list, frickin nightmare to work on and parts cost a ton. When a car costs as much as those things did new and are now worth like 2500 bucks... there's a reason
Buddy of mine has one of these, and it is pretty much always messed up. All sorts of stuff like turbos, cooling, electrics, etc. Its fast and comfortable, but it will turn your pockets inside out. This car has no business on a list that reflects something affordable. There is no such thing as a cheap Audi, BMW, or Mercedes, regardless of purchase price.
Well we're talking specifically about the turbo models in this post, the N/A cars are too slow sorry :P
Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised a non-performance version of the car is working fine. A non-turbo version of an Audi(unless it's V8) is like Ford Mustang V6 vs V8.
I have said audi very very heavily modded i do all the work myself a just buy parts cars when a few things go wrong, ive rebuilt the engine and replaced everything that normally goes bad
HE did preface by saying he wasn't concerned about the repair costs.....did you even watch the video?? He also warned about repair costs of the Audi.
Got a 1997 BMW 540i v8, 137k miles. $900 cash. Drives like a dream and lays impressive rolling burnouts.
KE C, Amazing car to drive, but it will devistate your wallet rapidly. I've owned an '00 and an '03 540i. In 5 years of ownership of the '00, I spent $8,000 on maintenance, and most of that money went to parts, as I work on my own cars (I went through 3 radiators and 5 rebuilt alternators!... I'd just pay the $1200 for a new OEM alternator in hindsight). The '03 was better cause I bought the nicest low km example I could find, but it was still a wallet drain.
But nothing like an e39 V8 6-spd manual to put a grin on your face!
1. NB Miata LS
2. Camaro Z28
3. WRX Bugeye
4. Mustang GT
5. S4
I am a fan of your channel, but you only listed one sports car here. Thanks for all your work.
@buckets of rust I have no idea what you are talking about.
BMW E36 M3. I've been seeing a few of these sub-5 grand. 240hp, 3200-ish pounds. Surprisingly reliable.
That's probably better than that Audi. lol
Oh God , now I'm looking for a z28 😂. I'm 67 but still have the car addiction
I miss my 1999 black Camaro, with its deep tint glass T-tops (so deep, they look painted from the outside). I called it my "Batmobile"...
I had a 2001 and miss it a lot
a good running Audi is a thing of beauty, but your right about the cost when things go wrong
daddyandmaddie I love my 2.8 na b5.5 passat 4motion. It was a pain doing the timing belt, thermostat and water pump but it can be done diy. It's got the audi v6 2.8 engine and tiptronic trans
daddyandmaddie I know that first hand, had a sweet 2005 S4 cabrilolet, after spending $600 and they still couldn't figure out the problem I got rid of it.
I feel you on the Passat I’ve already dumped 2 grand in mine so far but this is the first time I’ve ever had any issues
All the plastic, from vaccum, those coolant flanges. They get dry , brittle and crack. Have to replace all of them at some point . I had a 1.8 and a 2.7 both same deal, got 274k miles out of the a4, sold it to my neighbor 3 years ago. He still has it
Wow right when I look at your older videos, this comes out.
You can't touch a WRX here in WA state for under $5,000. Even with a ton of miles it's hard to find one for cheap that hasn't been thrashed and treated like a doormat for stinky dogs.
Thx for the tips! You should do the same but with 80's and 90's sports cars. The golden era (at least JDM) of Sports Car production.
This guy is awesome 💪🏾
Love your channel, but you missed out on some fine cars my friend. They are E46 330ci, E39 540i (eats mustangs of the era), Mazda RX8 (canyon carver), VW GTI VR6, Eagle Talon TSi, Volvo S60R, Saab 9-3 or 9-5 turbos and Merkur XR4Ti
Pls update us with your Audi project :)
Owning any Audi is a never ending "project"
Yes as previous ratchets and wrenches aficionados have mentioned, more on the Audi A6 project would be good. But anything you do is always informative and I never fail to learn a lot from it.
Next video should be how to spot junk cars or crash reconstruction cars
I got a 95 z28 and I love it lol but he is right I was inexperienced and I did lose control a few times lol
Excellent information coupled with some of the best editing on CZcams. Love the channel dude.
It was a good video for sure, but best editing you've seen on youtube? You need to broaden your horizons a bit :)
I said "some of the best". My wife says I spend too much time on CZcams. :)
Do you watch everyday driver?
wyattoneable I
@@wyattoneable it's not even in the league of some of the best. His videos are good yes but it's literally just photo slideshows over him talking. This is like breathing air in a metropolitan city and proclaiming it's the best air you ever tasted.
You picture an anniversary SS Camaro and an anniversary WS6 Trans Am and refer to the Z28. Those 2 cars are collector's items and have an LS6 and cost a ton more. No fair.
I recently bought a 04 Miata. For me, it’s a perfect fun, cheap, reliable second car. I don’t find it underpowered or slow. But yes I’m on back roads mostly, not in a major metropolitan area. Just keep it up in the higher rpm,s a bit. With higher revs, and the go cart like driving feel, it seems like I’m racing LaMans, working those gears! but, I’m only, maybe 5 over the speed limit! I go through the speed traps with a wave and a 😊
Perfect for all the twisty back roads we have here in Western Mass.
The Miata is awesome because there is a huge aftermarket community and LS swaps are cake on them, tons of pre-made kits.But they are small cars
It's definitely not gonna be a good WRX for under 5k. It's gonna be a rough one. Or one with 200k miles.
I keep seeing the Camaro z28 on these vids but I have not found one for 5k or under unless it needs a lot of work so I really don’t see anyone finding one for 5k or less in good condition.
The camaro comes with a 6 speed it's only a 5 speed if it's the v6
Josue Paz came here to say that
The camaro v6 is bs.. had one, I sold it to the first person who wanted to buy it
@@chusamusic1409 what is bs?
Bought a 96 Ford Probe GT automatic for 3k a few months ago with 32k original miles.
agruici lol that's not good
agruici
Nice, I like those but in manual transmission. 3k for a 32k mile car is a deal.
The Probe GT's are sweet ride, my fried had one back in the day. 3k is a deal
If the car is MT, could be a decent deal.
It's really a Mazda mx-6
Lincoln mark8 my favorite I smoked lots of mustangs and wrx on stock
Camaros come with a 6 speed not a 5 speed
Yes, the V8s did, also he's incorrect on the gearing (at least for the 6 speed). They come with a 0.5 overdrive and even with the 3.42 stock gears only turn 1800 RPM at 80 mph. You can toss 4.10s in these cars and still be under 2300 RPM at 80...
Sdmoparman in SD that's correct I have one myself so am pretty familiar with them, the only thing that sucks about these year Camaros is the differential broke mine twice
Doesn't make much the difference with a 6 speed. Good for fuel economy on the freeway but no benefit for performance.
Z28 of these years are way way under rated for HP. These z28's are scary fast. Not a good car for high schoolers.
Camaros are fuckin gay
Greetings from the philippines love your videos :) (can't believe im actually early )
TheLazy One kabayan!👍
can you do this again? these cars have gone up quite a bit in value
Two thumbs up. I spend hours looking at numbers and videos comparing cars. But I find that a test drive trumps all but reliability info. If you're not an average size, and the majority of us are not average, haha, then you gotta get yo ass in the driver's seat behind the wheel and take it for a spin! How does the car fit YOU, make YOU feel, do for YOU, look to YOU, and your driving style. Outside of total cost of ownership, YOU are all that matter! I drove around the Chicagoland area forteen years every time it snowed in the 90's, Mustangs and Camaros littered the ditches! I'm happy to see the Camaro edge out the Mustang, as it should! I'm only 5'4" and I cannot adjust the driving position to suit me in a Mustang, period. So I would have to replace the Mustang with my BMW 330 cic with removeable hard top on this list. I have a '95 Miata, and I couldn't believe that no one warned me that the pop up headlights seriously obstruct your view on twisty blacktop Virginia roads at night! My z3 2.8 manual, and my z3 2.5 automatic easily beat the respective Miatas for me. I don't drive on a track, and I can only go so much over the speed limit before I endanger others. So include the z3 for under $5k in my book. I agree on the S4, but are there enough around to make the list? Consider availability along capability. Otherwise, we could include a long list of AMGs and Ms. Probably more M3s around than S4s, but what do I know? Love your videos, subcribed.
Refreshing to see an honest mechanic video.
I agree on your choices and ethical presentations.
By the way, the Audi is one of German vehicles that I feel comfortable driving fast in horrible weather. German cars have saved my life more than once.
I do like the other choices in cars too as I've owned several of them.
Sad to see so many comments from people who don't listen to your disclaimer mentioned about possibly six times.
As the owner of Gen 4 Camaro Z28/SS with only 68K miles, I cannot recommend these cars. Working on them is a nightmare! To change the sparkplugs on the passenger side, you need to take off the header! There's so little room for the LT1 that's shoe horned into these overweight bodies. Also, if your in a state like California, getting it to pass smog is a multi-thousand dollar nightmare. A bigger bundle of leaky evap hoses, crappy EGR solenoid valves has never been manufactured by anybody else. Boo GM. My happiest day will be when I can unload this ungodly design lemon!...but as the video says, I'll be lucky to get $5000.
You should tell your views turbo engine are bad, because after 60-80 thousand miles the turbo will need replacing, and the car might never run the same again the new turbos.
These cars all seem very cool to me. They have the sporty appearance and reasonable power. But that Audi is technically a nightmare. If you can not maintain it yourself, I would not start too look for one. The WRX and Mx-5 are quite reliable and good cars. And the mustang or camaro will sooner or later be your dead. They are not steerable those things....😂
Actually the camaros and firebirds are great handling cars after better tires, springs and shocks. There is a guy that runs the Nurembergring in Germany with one with little done to it and went 8:03 and would have been in the 7:50s if a guy hadn't slowed down and blocked him in a corner. I have no idea about those mustangs though.
It's funny, I was just watching a compilation of mustangs trying to do burnouts and running into crowds of ppl.
Audi is the best, maintenance must be done
There are also several 300,000 mile LS1 camaros and firebirds out there. Also a man just donated his 773,000 mile LS1 powered 2000 corvette to the Corvette Museum. If you take care of things and keep up with maintenance, they can last. The same goes for almost any car out there. Of, course some just have bad parts from the start.
@Mona The DOHC engines of that era did not.
I literally can't find any camero 😢
I loved the 90s look personally. I see the Stangs all day, so maybe that an option, but I don't like those years look.
BTW..Should of included a second gen MR2 turbo on this list.. you can sometimes find those for 5k or less.
MR2s are hard to find though.
The Miata is only "slow" in a straight line. But, it's a sports car, so a road couse with corners is what it's for...in which case it's actually going to post faster lap times than cars with 3 times as much power.
The 5.7 L V8 in those Camaro Z28 produce about 305 - 310 horsepower, in order to get the 345 Horsepower you would have to step up to a Camaro SS with the addition of the SLP package that gave you an upgrades exhaust system and better air filter. Price will jump about $1,000 - 2,000 to get the SS.
if you can find a bugeye wrx for $5k or under I guarantee the ad will say those delightfully sketchy words.... "rebuilt motor".....you will probably never find one that wasn't manhandled and on its last leg for that kinda money
What a energetic start 0:00
I bought an 03 Audi A4v6 convertible for 400 US. Sure she needed some love but I am still way ahead of the game by doing the work myself.
i have a b5 s4 your videos have been great help for the maintenance of my car
As a former owner of a V-8 Thunderbird, I can tell you all about rear-wheel traction control, or the lack thereof. Pretty much became an expert in turning-by-drifting in the snow.
1:40 forget about 250, a quickly spooling turbo and 200whp can make a miata feel damn quick.
Do a video on the top 5 beaters under 1000$
It would be completely pointless because once a car hits that level, it's not the car make and model that matters nearly as much as the owner and maintenance. Plus, Top 5 At WHAT? I'd have to think all anyone can ask for at that price, is that it runs. However if you want a suggestion, get a '97 thru 2003 Buick Lesabre that was only driven to church and bingo by a little old lady and garage kept. It's going to be like new with under 100K mi. and you'll get sick of driving it long before it falls apart so long as you don't live in the salted snow belt.
Good stuff! Your top picked cars are good. I'm glad you stuck mostly to true sports cars that you can find easily enough in the US. That BiTurbo definitely has a lot of tech built inside of it. Can't wait to see how your project turns out.
"2001 to 2005 Mazda Miata" shows a picture of a 1999 or 2000, which are equally as good if not better years to own. I'll let it slide.
*Biased: The Audi is the worst on this list.* Cost-wise of course and repairs.
The *LS1/LT1* and *4.6L Ford* are the best engines in terms of reliability and repairs. Better performance as well.
FL33T WOOD did u even see the intro...
The Mustangs are a dime a dozen and are super reliable.. I used to have an 07 GT and currently drive a 2010 GT... When the 5.0 came out the prices on the 4.6s plummeted... Id get a 3 valve 4.6 though. Avoid the 2 valvers if possible... Those were the pre 2004 models... Either way both models are very well built cars despite what fanboys and haters say... The LS1 was a great motor but everything around it was poorly made... Youd have an easier time finding clean, good running Foxbodies over an early 2000s Camaro or Trans Am...
Cheaper yes better performance...maybe maybe not dependent upon which platforms you're referring to.
This is the first video from you that got me outraged, 3000GT should be #1. There is no room for that Audi.
Pls top 10 most reliable cars under 5000 or 10000$.. pls pls pls
Diesel cars
Toyota anything
Toyota MR2, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac Fiero... I guess it was difficult to shorten the list to only 5 cars
Always enjoy your vids
I've owned an Audi with the 2.7T engine, and the major risk with that engine is if you have a turbo go bad on you, the repair will be more than the $5,000 purchase price of the car, due to where the turbos are (many, many hours of labor). I love that engine, but buyers need to be aware of the turbo risk.
I bought a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria for $1,900. It has been so fun driving such a dominant car. I’m looking for a new fun standard coupe that’s great on gas under $4,000.
2001 Acura Integra LS
2000 Honda EJ8 Civic EX
2002 Toyota Celica GT
1995 Honda EG Civic EX
1999 Toyota Celica GT
Yeah, you can get a z28 for under $5000 without an engine.
I just found 4 for 5000cad or under.
Those ls1 camaros are cheap now, there is a black one manual by my house for 3500$ right now. Paint is a little faded, but runs
Down here in miami you find them in good conditions between 3500$ and 5000$
I don't have a miata but I wanna say it should be on number one. No interference engine, easy to work on, power to weight ratio, want more power easy bolt on boost. Only reason I bad thing is that I'm 6'2" so getting in and out is a pain.
That audi s4 was a beauty. I need one.
What about an E36 M3? :)
Love your videos, more about mustang GT s
Wow! That Mustang GT looks & sounds GOOD!! 👍
Good luck finding an 02-05 wrx for under $5k.. I bought my first subaru years ago (02 bugeye) for $7500 and kept it for 3 years, added 35-37k miles and sold it for $8200.. they are not cheap.. unless its rusted or beat up out the a$$. (Or high mileage)
2006 to 2009 Impala SS with 5.3L V8 with 100k miles. Dependable, but down oil quickly. It's pushing 313 HP
That damn "$cha-ching" at the 10sec mark had me reply check my Venmo thinking someone sent me money at 2am. Lol
I'd have to find room for the BMW 330i. There's also 330xi all wheel drive. The S4 is a low production number car and not easily available. Not so with the 3 series: 325, 328, 330 models in 4 door, 2 door, convertible, and wagon. : )
The gen-3 LS engines are beast and super reliable. Probably the most sought after small-block swap ever, and they fly with just bolt-ons. Now bolt-ons and cam swap they will take a bolt-on 03-04 cobra terminator
all your poll options are good, btw. please do all of them!
what i'd REALLY like to see, is how to increase the brightness in my headlights, with some of these aftermarket LED blue/white. i have an '05 towncar. would love to see how to make this super bright, as i go into work well before dawn.
I have a 2002 Camaro z28. I love it. with a 150 dry shot... and cant run a 12.2@118mph.cheap and fun!
Since I don't the knowledge, my #1 would be the good old Camaro, since is also the one with most power in the list. Thanks for the video.
Remember, back in '08 when that one nice S4 sold for 5k? That could totally happen again.
good stuff! how about a video on best cars to flip or buying at auctions??
Super info, man! I like the value of the Mustang.
Why is the Toyota Celica is not in your List???
Noooooooooooo!!! Audi-shit!!!!!!!!! I have personally worked on the 2.7 bi-turbo engines and drive train... great if you’re a mechanic and have your own lift (I have full access to a garage with lift and modern computer diagnostics - and still won’t buy an Audi). But if you’re a regular Joe, stick with the Mustang and Camaro. Love your channel but hate your Audi choices.
Agree on the ponys easier maintenance BUT they become dead regular joe's
Because murica 🤢
The one in this video he got for $500 at an auction.
It's one of his project cars.
What a great vid and also entertaining. I tend to buy more expensive German cars because I like quality but this view was informative for the purists.
I like your channel and find it refreshing you talk about engine longevity (particularly the mention of whether its a timing chain or belt, or interference engine if belt- Nobody else mentions that glaring fact!). In my experience, Honda's and Toyota's are very overrated due to that fact (Honda- timing belt/interference, serious automatic transmission issues), (Toyota- deceitfully well-disguised oil sludge issues, and largest recall in automotive history where people died over electronic throttle glitches). GMs ignition switch recall was a joke compared to that- wouldn't happen if people didn't have 10lb keychains! Back to topic, I prefer GMs tried-and-true 'old-school' engines with just the 'right amount' of modern technology for superior power-MPG-reliability ratio- and no timing belts! Give me an LS-whatever engine any day! They bash GM reliability, but I don't care about an occasional squeak or rattle, or having to replace a bulb, piece of plastic, or something trivial- how does it run!? I've owned 35 vehicles (Japanese, euro, and domestics), and for the $ my most dependable vehicles have always been GMs (often high-mileage examples). I enjoy a good Japanese sportbike though- America needs lessons there! Some of the favorite engines I've owned (not in order)- 1994 and1995 LT-1 engines (Roadmaster,Corvette), 2002 and 2003 LS-1s (both Corvettes 😁), 2002 Duramax 6600 Diesel (2500HD- yeah I know the 2006 LBZ version was better!), 2000 3800 V6 (Bonnevilles- 1had 275,000 miles and drove perfectly with no squeaks or leaks, and over 30mpg on highway), 1998 Vortec 454 (Heavy Class-A Motorhome), and finally the 1300cc Japanese beast (Suzuki Hayabusa!). Every one of these engines (and transmissions backing them) were very capable, if not ridiculously powerful in performance. Everyone of them has very impressive fuel mileage for the performance, all of these that I had/have been 100% trouble-free. Yeah, all my vehicles have been low-budget cash cars (well under my ability- David Ramsey style!) but how much more could you want? Do you agree with this 'unique' example/definition of quality engines?
I would not consider a few of those cars a "sports car" and especially the sedans like the Audi. I had an uncle that was a foreign car ecpert and his specialty was with German stuff. He loved VWs and Audis. For the high end stuff he said they were overrated and said that Ferraris always ended up back in the shop even with low miles.
Where are you finding a WRX under 5k? After Baby Driver (the movie) most of these cars shot up in price
Hey man love the videos! I think a great video that would at least be beneficial to myself would be something like "Best Work Vans Under ****". I'm currently looking for a good work van but obviously budget is a concern. Thanks and keep it up
How's it going? I subscribed a while back and have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. I am really enjoying these new review videos. I was really hoping that you could do a set of videos on car Manufacturers. Such as the US car manufacturers, like GM: which brands they own, historical reliability, common issues, most people's opinion of the brands vs your professional opinion. Thanks
Your top two choices are blah. The 2nd one looks like a box, and Audi? Same maintenance cost of a Porsche. I've heard more horror stories from Audi owners than just about any other car. Reminds me of the days people would give up on Jaguar's and put a chevy Camaro engine and drive trains in them, which would fix them.
Surprised the RX8 didn't make the list
11094DEREK RX-8s are getting pretty hard to find, and the Renesis rotary has pretty serious issues - most are also nearing the 160k odometer mark where they need their second engine rebuild.
Because reliability is an issue with the Rx's
Col. Angus I know but at the beginning of the video he said we're not going to be focused on reliability lol
11094DEREK
You're right but he does mention it further down the video and what good is a sports car if it won't start. hehe ;)
lmao I wouldn't buy one well if it was LS swapped I would lol a few years ago I could of got a S2000 for $4500 it was wrecked but driveable and another $1000 would've fixed the damage
👍🏼 thanx for sharing your experience and expertise.
I liked your #2-5 :) I had a 1995 Trans Am, loved it. A friend of mine has a 2001 Miata which we just pulled the engine out of, very cool. But having seen your video of working on that Audi, HELL NO! :) I'm totally avoiding that car. HAHAHA. Thanks again for a good video. (I know it's an old one but still catching up on your channel)
My dad had a 2000 Mustang V6 Premium convertible for 11.5 years and everything was factory except the stuff you have to replace like brakes and trans fluid, even the nearly 20 year old alternator was still chugging along like it was new, the reliability of the old Mustangs gives old Toyotas a run for their money, he only traded it in because it had a little body rust (wasn't structural yet), and his replacement car is a 2011 Focus (2nd gen not the 3rd gen Powercrap)
realimbored668 thats true ive had my shelby for about 6 years and counting lol.
silvafox07 that's something you can't say about a challenger because FCA reliability is garbage
silvafox07 my 2010 Focus has a timing chain so I expect it to last well over 200k, maybe to a million if I keep it long enough
I don't like mustangs but I like the 99-04 ones
Hello, new to your page, dry nice. I got a quick question, I’m in the market to buy another little car under $5000 and will put about 200 miles a week on the motor. If I find the Subaru with say 120k mileage “the runs strong , motor and transmission good” is that a good buy ? Or the Audi I’ve seen tons of the S4 or A4. I also found a few Lexus IS300 with around 120k and folks want around 3,300 to 4,500. I’ve always loved the Lexus however with a new kid coming along with one pre teen and a Jr (6 yr old) I’m wondering if the Lexus or the Subaru or even a Audi with such high mileage is worth my cash. Thanks again.
I wanna try and find a WRX and a Camaro. Just because I remember the GT LM Cars from Gran Turismo lol
Please! I would like to know if buying a recent mini cooper would be smart and what could be the things I have to look after or issues I want to avoid. Could you help me out?
Almost every WRX out there is completely clapped out and ready for the grave, especially cheap ones.
I just found out there was a Maxima with around 200hp, but I don't know how hard it is to find one. lol
I'll hopefully be upgrading to one of those V8 Mustangs when it's time to move on from my new (picking up tomorrow) 1994 V6 Mustang. I currently drive a 2004 VW Passat GLS Wagon (fantastic, fun car), and had considered getting an Audi before springing for a Mustang which I'd wanted my entire life.
Are the Z28 the only way to get the LS1 engine and stick shift options? Are there other Camaro that you can get the LS1 stick shift in other than the Z28?
Another great video. Thanks
I know I know inflation and so on, but DAMN 2020 in Germany and all of these cars start at at least double the price you said they`d be. The cheapest S4 starts at 14k, the only S Models in that price range are 1.8T S3s` around 6k. WRXs start at around 12k cheapest..Camaros are only a few there for about 7k and 180k miles on them. Mustangs at 14k for the cheapest. Only the Miatas are indeed in that price range because they are fairly common in Germany. So you`ll have a good chance of picking one up for about 4-5k