Need help choosing first jap car

[2smoker]

Hi guys

Newbie to this forum as I'm basically after a non biased opinion on which car to go for. My criteria is it must be pretty fast (6 seconds or less to 60 as a baseline) not cost a bomb to insure, average 25mpg+, some tuning potential engine wise RWD or 4WD, reliablish & cheapish to service/repair. Budget wise I'd ideally prefer to spend 3-4k but looking to stretch to 6k for the right box ticker. So far my short list is;
Celica gt4
Mk2 mr2 turbo rev 3
200sx
Impreza 04 or older
S2000
350z

Don't think I'm being too unrealistic hence looking at jap lol. Open to any other suggestions.

Much appreciated

[daimatt]

I think you've probably listed better cars above, but you asked for other options so here goes

Mazda 6 MPS. Covers most bases and the fact it isn't well known makes it cheap(er) to insure than imprezas etc.

[stuno1]

As above, Mazda 3/6 MPS are great cheap performance cars that are very practical.

S2k/350Z etc will clearly be less practical but completly different dricve and more involving and fun. Do you need practicality? If not id go for S2k. If you do and need reliability then either of the Mazda's.

[2smoker]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Practicality is probably bottom of the list tbh hence why the others are mostly coupe etc. is the Mazda fwd too??

[GravelBen]

2smoker said:

is the Mazda fwd too??

The 3MPS is Fwd, 6MPS is 4wd.

[TotalControl]

Out of your list, the GT4 will probably be the cheapest to insure.

[2smoker]

wow the mazda 6 ups looks a very capable car on paper and does tick most of my boxes but I feel in the mood for a 2 door whilst i'm single with no commitments haha

my pal actually has a gt4 and loves it, tbh with insurance i don't mind paying a bit extra as long as its below the 1k mark which I believe all of my listed cars are bar the impreza so that rules that out straight away i suppose lol

Do you guys know of many pro's and con's to the cars in my list or is it a case of just swings and roundabouts???

thanks

[liner33]

Will a GT4 do 25mpg plus? Dont think a SX200 will and a 350 will struggle to get much over

[stuno1]

S2k has to the winner for me given you don't need a practical car.

[2smoker]

Pro's and cons for the s2k versus the rest??

[Riknos]

2smoker said:

Pro's and cons for the s2k versus the rest??

Pros:
Reliable
Fun to drive
Convertible
9000rpm
The gear box
Cheap to run

Cons:
Insurance cost
Practicality
VTEC personality not to everyone's tastes

Out of your list I've owned the GT4 and S2000 and driven a '53 plate Impreza a lot and I would say firstly the S2000 is the most fun / value for money.

The GT4 was very capable but boringly capable, too much grip and weight, not very fun, 100+ comes up and you barely notice it. But it's cheaper to buy and run than the Impreza (rarer too!)

They're getting on a bit now so even though they're fairly reliable, the Impreza will probably last longer.

[2smoker]

Some good points there mate

How bad is the vtec as a daily as I'm currently using a v6 which is so usable

Insurance wise the s2k is actually the cheapest for me lol

Only thing I'm worried about the s2k is the tuning potential vs cost but who says I'll even need to tune it lol

Hmm the weight of the celica could be it's only downfall.

What's the average price for a decent s2000?? I've seen the as low as 4.5k but they must be dogs surely??