bigez96

So, I currently have an 05 Cobalt 2.2. It's fun to drive, but even with it having a manual, it's painfully slow. About 10-11 sec 0-60. I need more power, simple as that. I know this isn't the place to say it, but no, I don't want an SS. Preferably nothing GM or Ford that is Mid 90's to 2010. I feel American cars during this time were just built kinda cheap (not saying other brands were better, but I think GM and Ford were some of the worst). I would prefer a turbo 4-cylinder or V6 with a manual transmission unless it's a VW/ Audi dual clutch, that's ok! I'm looking to stay under $10-11k. So far I'm kinda looking at a Mk V GTI, or possibly an Audi A4 from that time period. Otherwise, I've looked at mid-90's M3's, but I'm kinda worried about reliability. I figured I might has well ask around and see what other people think as well!

DFZ24

iTrader: (5)

Godzilla?
LOL sorry I had to

In all seriousness,
I would say an early 2000's S4?

Bass_Waves

iTrader: (24)

You went from somewhat reliable car to something that is a ticking time bomb on wheels. Yeah. If u want something faster get a brand new car.

hawkssoccer11

iTrader: (13)

Audi and VW with higher miles are def ticking time bombs. B5 S4 the turbosngo at around 100k and so does the timing chain. Only way to replace the turbos is to pull the motor. BMWs are great cars but for your price range another ticking time bomb. Maybe look into a Mazda speed3, f body Camaro, infinity g35s, 350z, civic si (FA5). Just some options for you lol

Canadia

Anything in that price range is going to either be slow or unreliable. Pick one.


Or you could buy a turbo SS and enjoy the cheap power.


Only thing that comes to mind that's kinda reliable and you can have some fun in would be an older 350z but to find one not beat to hell might be hard. Even then they're slow as ****.

royce777

iTrader: (29)

LNF sedan

Sl0wbaltSS

Cheap is never reliable...

Unless it's a civic.

bigez96

Thanks everyone for all your responses so far! So it kinda sounds like I should steer clear of higher mileage European cars and should possibly look at more Asian cars in my price range? I'd love to hear more suggestions! Also, I'm not afraid to do some basic modifications, I just can't go crazy because this car will be my daily driver, and I can't afford it to be out of commission for days at a time.

no_ss

iTrader: (2)

Keep your base model and go for a 2nd car for the weekends.

bigez96

I've thought about that, but I don't want to pay for insurance on two cars, and I don't really have the space for two cars at the moment

no_ss

iTrader: (2)

Really tho, an Audi A4 or a GTI isn't going to perform like the cobalt and the lnf is a sturdy engine.

hawkssoccer11

iTrader: (13)

id say a mazda speed6 but those have lots of issues too lol. im sorry man but for the money, power, reliability, a turbo ss is the way to go. the drivetrain and everything under the car were not put together cheaply. thats what makes the 08-10 ss so good. interior, yes its cheap but so what. if its a daily driver you can put a double din touch screen in it and wrap your trim pieces lol. or like i said an FA5 or FG2 civic si. they are nice and reliable as all hell with that K20Z3 motor. super easy to mod and decently quick but still nothing like the cobalt

bigez96

hawksoccer11, thanks for the good suggestions! Honestly, if I could find an 08-10 Cobalt SS in my price range, anywhere near where I live, I would defiantly look into it. For some reason they seem to be a fairly rare car up here in Minnesota. I will also look into the Civic Si as there are quite a few for sale around here.

hawkssoccer11

iTrader: (13)

check out cars.com and autotrader to see whats around you. you should def be able to find one in your price range esp on craigslist too. the turbo cobalts make great power with just a tune and youll have traction control for winter time as well. i guarantee you if you go drive a turbo cobalt youll want it right away esp if its tuned lol

Kolt

You could go with a mid 2000's manual v6 accord or acura. Decent power and good reliability.
sadly your price range doesn't open many doors to somewhat fast and reliable, esp if your not willing to travel for it.

bigez96

I will def look more into getting an SS.

Evilfrog

2000'ish Porsche Boxster.

bigez96

I'm sorry but I feel like that just screams unreliable.

no_ss

iTrader: (2)

And slow and lame

Evilfrog

You're looking at A4s and GTIs, but are worried about reliable?

They're fine. Even more so if you find one with the IMS barring already replaced.

the S had 250 horsepower in a 2,800 lb car. They certainly are not boring to drive. Slow? It's faster than the LNF Cobalt stock. But that's all relative.

The non S has 217 horsepower, and is more on par with the SS/SC. 0-60 was 6.6. Nothing world beating, but still a lot faster than the 2.2 he's moving up from.

Lame? Matter of opinion, but they are generally considered one of the best handling cars out there. If you want to get over the stigma of driving a roadster, the Cayman is always an option. But a lot harder to find one in that price range.

no_ss

iTrader: (2)

Sounds pretty close to the cobalt but then again don't know about gearing in the boxster. If you ask me, I wouldn't know what a completely stock cobalt feels like. Gms1 is considered stockish in a cobalt and makes 290/320ish so yeah.

Evilfrog

Straight line preformace is about the same as a stockish LSJ (for the non S) and LNF (for the S). Only in a better handling plantform and rear drive, and you're down two seats.

The OP is upgrading from an 2.2, he wanted better performance but didn't want to consider another Cobalt, or even an american product.

Personally, I besides the FWD and the interior, I don't sure his reservations about the cobalt. I've had my car since July of 2005. It's had a few quarks, but I don't think it was any more than most imports in the price range.

Though I didn't think it was very funny when my doors stopped working.

jmix

iTrader: (2)

I know a 350z and g35 were mentioned but another option is an Altima Se-r. Has the 3.5 but is FWD. It's hard to find them in manual though.

gropingpriest

+1 on the G350/350z

Also, a new edge Mustang GT might fit your bill. My last car was an 04 GT and with full bolt-ons it pulled pretty hard, and sounded amazing.

Better yet, look for a mach 1 (2002-2004 I think). That 3v motor is awesome and you can find them fairly regularly since so many people are upgrading to the new stangs.