Elrick

I have an LT4 that I have redone everything except the engine. It runs great, 100k. I love the car but my wife and kids would like something with a back seat. I can keep it if I want but I would rather spend time with them right now. So I dont have much car experience other than the 2 corvettes I have owned. I am looking at BMW's, Jaguars, WRXs. I like the thought of all wheel drive so I can drive it all year. I am looking to spend what I can sell the vette for so lets just say 10k. Just wondering what you guys have driven that has decent horsepower and handling in that price range. Obviously I expect it will be somewhat high mileage and older. I am sure you guys have a few in mind. I know the c4s are pretty cheap for the performance you get as long as you can do some of the work. I hope I am not violating any forum rules here by asking about other cars. Thanks guys

1993C4LT1

If you go the Jaguar route, get a late 2001 XJR. Why? Because the 1998-early 2001 cars had tensioner problems due to nick-a-sil. My dad had a 98 with the upgraded tensioners, damn thing was fast! Then there's the E36 M3, WRX already listed, I don't know what other 4 door car to be honest. Maybe a 1st gen CTS-V? Not sure what they cost.

JC316

WRX or CTS-V if 4 doors are required and GTO if you only need a back seat.

kimmer

Find yourself a nice Pontiac G8, get the big motor and cruise away.

3JsVette

If you want all wheel drive really only one choise the WRX.
If not the G8 or CTSV would be a nice choise.
I think with a 10K budget you're looking at higher mileage cars so shop carefully.

murraybob

They are great looking cars too. I saw one in my town recently and I spent some time trying to rationalize my way into buying it.

ricasso

I had an XJ8 some years ago, I just managed to get the plastic tensioners changed in time, they were already starting to crack, the later Aluminium ones are a straight swap.. the Nikasil refer's to the coating on the lining of the cylinders, it had a tendency to peel off after a while.
Nice cars but I much prefer the Vette!

lt4obsesses

If it really doesn't need to be four doors, and you want something decent in the 10K range, then a 98-02 F-body would be the way I'd go. The only trouble is finding one that hasn't been modified and abused.

If it has to be four doors, then the '05-'08 CTS-V is your car. LS6 powered, parts availability, and obtainable in the $15K range for a decent one.

Dodge Charger RT's can be had in your budget also.

JCrock

Look at a few 2005 and up STS Cadillacs. Don't laugh. 325 HP Northstar V8 and all wheel drive is available. Look for the sport package so you can get the magnetic ride suspension and the bigger brakes. Used Caddies just don't hold resale value so you will be surprised at what you can get one for. The only problem I have with mine is getting it away from the wife so I can drive it now and then.

Fed Up

Love our 2006 BMW 550i. 360HP/360TQ, 4.8 0-60 and very reliable. Just make sure that the valve covers and alternator gasket seals have been done, and its a bulletproof beast with room for 5 that gets 27MPG. 2006-2007s are less than 15K now. Avoid the 2004-2005 545i- Major coolant valley and seal issues.

ch@0s

If you only

have to have 2 door the GTO is awesome as a DD and my kids 2 and 11 love it.

Elrick

Thanks for all the replies. I will look into the caddies and GTOs. would prefer 2 doors, 4 is just wrong but we will see. what about mustangs. My 86 c4 was only 245 hp and I thought it was pretty fast until I got the LT4. I think handling and torque are the things I most want. I am going to start driving some of these cars and get the LT4 ready to go just in case but its pretty hard to part with. If it was an LT1 I wouldnt blink but I really dig the LT4. I recently drove a friends mustang and while it was nowhere near as quick as the LT4, it was nice to drive around without all the bumps and bangs of my car. any other possibilities let me know. also any thing to look out for in these cars would also be appreciated. Thanks again

lt4obsesses

Funny you mention these. I have an '06 with the 3.6. Lately, I've been obsessed with the idea of trading it for Gen 5 SS. Until I drove one yesterday. Don't get me wrong, the SS is a nice car, and of course on a test drive I didn't push it, however, raw power put aside, it failed to make my STS look bad in any way.

JCrock

Indeed, I've looked too and will just hang on to my 2006 with all wheel drive for while longer. You really do get a lot for what you have to pay for them. I'm hoping the ATX with the 400+HP engine losses value as quickly as the old Caddies because if they do I'll have one of those in a couple of years.

gdl2165

A 2005+ Mustang GT could be a good option. My wife has an 07 GT California Special with the automatic trans. I swapped the rearend to 3.73 gears and did full exhaust. That thing will run right with my LT4 now.

Lloyd Smale

camaro, firebird, gto. All ls powered and will give your lt4 a run for the money and all can be found at reasonable prices.