If you're really just looking to go fast for cheap with an import. Get a used DSM for under 10k and drop 5-10k into it and save 10k for all the stuff that will break

 

Ok, do you need it to be LHD? or RHD is fine? if so I can help you import some R32/R33 for under $30k. Or $12k for used S15 R-Spec 6 speed turbo. but you have to do your own DMV paper work.


R33
R32
S13
S14
S15
FC3S
FD3S
JZA80

Type in these codes in google if you need.

If you are looking for something isnt Jap... well, you are actually looking for something over $30k. wait, you can get TVR for less than $30k used.

 

I think of sport compact when someone says import, besides it's got a td04 on it =)

 

crx

 

+1 Don't know why people still give the SRT such a hard time. I've followed one at Gingerman last year and couldn't do much more than match his speed. Eventually he dissapeared ahead of me. Of course the guy was a very good driver, but still the point is that it's a cheap car that can hold it's own.

Then again, the srt isn't an "import" like you wanted. But if I decided to start competing...an SRT is what I would buy.

 

Chuck Norris on a Horse

 

Ummm, the NSX is a ***** to work on, although you could pick one up for about 25-30 thousand it will cost you some bucks for the usual bolt on's. The Evo is the way to go for sure.

 

I think people give it such a hard time because IMO it's ugly and also because it's a neon. Also it wasn't bred for racing like evo/sti, but bred to compete with evo/sti in consumer market.

 

Ah interesting thread, I too am in the market for a new or used vehicle for under $30,000. The EVO is my far and away favorite car and I'm 99% sure it's what I'm getting, but just in case Mitsu tries to f*ck me or something I like to keep my options open with other possibilities. So I've looked at some other vehicles, but I haven't limited it too just Imports, also some European models and you would be surprise what you can get.

I'm not sure if anybody has noticed, but the author of this thread has a 2004 WRX. Honestly, do you think a SRT-4 is much of an upgrade, if any? I wouldn't even consider a SRT-4, nice car, but going from a WRX to SRT-4 is not really a big jump in performance in my opinion (AWD to FWD, please, LOL).

For under $30k Imports, the EVO in my opinion is far and away the champion, you can purchase a brand new 2006 EVO IX RS for just under $30k and a used 2005 EVO VIII RS/GSR/MR for under a $30k. Also a 2006 EVO IX GSR is not that much more expensive than $30k. If you choose the IX RS, what you will get is quite possibly the most awesome EVO platform date. On the right track, with a good driver, the EVO IX RS will run high 12s@105-106mph in the 1/4 mile. The handling and braking of this car is on super car levels, it's truly an amazing vehicle.

Another option, and one you may be more comfortable with since you do own a WRX currently, is a 2004 or 2005 WRX STi. In my opinion stock for stock, the WRX STi is near equal to the EVO in performance, but once you throw mods on the car, it's really no contest. Yes you can make power with the STi, but your not going to make it as cheaply and easily as you do with the EVO VIII and definitly not the EVO IX.

The Supra is another choice, but good luck finding one with low miles and under $30k. They are out there, I did a search and found a 1995 Supra Twin Turbo with 27,000 miles on it going for under $30k, but other than that all the Supras I found were over 70,000 miles. So my point is yes you can find a Supra TT for under $30k, but it depends on how used of a vehicle do you want and how far are you willing to travel to purchase it. Is an over 10 year old Supra really that much more attractive than a brand new vehicle?

Now the NSX, great car, but not a great car to modify on a budget. Also do a search and if your looking for a NSX under $30k, the newest models you are going to find is a 1993. If I remember correctly, that is the 270HP version, that ran very high 13s/low 14s. With around $3,000 worth of mods, you can get that thing to run mid to low 13s, wooooo, watch out now. that's a beast, just kiddin. It can handle nice and the brakes are alright, but sorry in pure performance it is no EVO or STi. If it was a newer NSX version I'd say a good choice, but 1993 and lower NSX vs. 2005/2006 EVO or 2005 STi, sorry the EVO and STi is a better buy.

Some other choices I thought might interest you a little that can be had for under $30,000 (Imports and Euros)-
2006 Mazdaspeed 6
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera
2001 BMW M3
2001-2002 BMW M Roadster
2000 BMW M5
1998-1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
2002 Mercedes C32 AMG
2002 Mercedes CLK55 AMG
2004-2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2003-2006 Nissan 350Z
2000-2005 Honda S2000

 

check out the GTO, it's not really an american car... it doesn't look or feel like one anyways. Very fast car and can handle fairly well, i've been beaten by a GTO in my 03 so don't underestimate them.

 

^GTO is a nice car, and while it originates from Australia (spell check) it still a GM product. It may be faster in straight line (2005 and newer) but it isn't overall a better performance car than EVO IX. But it does have a kick *** interior.

 

Personally I would say the EVO because of the fact that the cost to hp ratio is great. To make a supra a track monster would cost you an arm and a leg, yet with the evo you can make the same 1/4 times for much less money. One of the main reasons for this is the AWD. I know many SRT-4s that have plenty of HP, however with Drag radials and suspension work can just barely hit the high 12s. The F-bodys and similar RWD cars all have the same problem. A some point you have to dump a load of money into the rear and suspention just to get traction.

AWD is the way to go, and therefore I would stick with either:

Evo
Talon Tsi
WRX Sti.......eh


Hope this helps

 

then I would get a used 1989 MITSUBISHI STARION and get a 4g63 engine swap!

 

Very good write up! Thanks!!!

 

You know your BMWs. That is the correct version to look for as it comes with the E46 M3 engine

M Coupe would be fun too