Thanks for a global pandemic, everyone's selling their project car and if you're doing well enough to buy a $5000 sports car, welcome to the right place. Another side note. I do not pick cars that are just BARELY under $5000 like most car people. I'm realistic. Yes there may be other cars you can find for the same price, but I'm being safe here. These are cars you can realistically buy for under $5000 and have money left over. So there. Let's begin.
1. Mini Cooper R56
Having owned a cheap Mini R53 (2001-2006) Sooper, I've enjoyed driving the Mini Cooper S around, I was surprised at the power on can make, but not at part prices and repair, and maintenance is higher than a needy girlfriend. So get a slightly more reliable R56 turbo and enjoy the ride. You've still got 180 Horsepower, still relatively low weight and a nice street car for under $5000. Don't even bother making it faster, you want it to handle. upgrade the shocks, strut bar,engine mounts, IDK have fun just remember that motor is good enough with a tune and some reliability upgrades. I like how they are decent BMW's out of the factory that lose their value faster than they can take a corner. Take advantage of that and pick one up for real cheap. Quite a deal.
2. Fiat 500 Abarth
They've stopped making them now, but hey at least you can pick one up for cheap. They really are the definition of cheap cars due to bad parts and build quality, but at least you'll enjoy paying less than whoever bought it new, and yes, it's a fast run turbo car. Wow two front wheel drive turbo cars. Do I sense a pattern?
3. Any motorcycle.
No, I've tricked you. Let's pull a complete 360 and talk about bikes. A motorcycle is cheaper than a car, used. The money you save you can spend on lessons. Trust me I took the riding course twice and it's worth it. Now for the advanced course! Motorcycles are tough to ride in California streets, the streets are bad, rough and too fast for a bike, but... If you're responsible enough and you just want to ride... get a bike, you won't regret it. Unless you crash and die, then maybe..... at least resale value keeps, So long as you buy it used. All in all a bike is a must for anyone who's into cars, just to try out even. You'll feel more complete. What bike should I get? anything with 900 CC or less for a cruiser or 360cc or less for a street bike. Let's start small and cheap shall we? Maybe later on I'll make a bike post like this.
4. Nissan 350z
Yes these Japanese cars are getting cheap now! Finally, all my friends had one for a while and yeah, they're cool. Not much needed to be said, but due to the new 400z coming out, you can pick this up second hand, clean, for less than a down payment for a new car.
5. Ford Crown Victoria / Cop Car / Taxi car
Congrats Ford, you've snuck onto my list. Why? The crown vics are cheap cars made for comfort and the American Highway, guess where I live?! Having driven one around, you can't find a better road trip car, comfortable ride, with enough power to get moving, not fast mind you, but enough....and people just get out of your way! Paint it dark blue, all black, all white, but try not to be annoying about it. Just drive the thing and have fun on the last great American V8 car.
That's my list for now. Yes I've picked some lame cars now, but I'm older, wiser and honestly don't care too much about speed anymore. I'm also waiting for the Toyota 86 to drop down in value so I can buy one, but It's that Motor I just don't like... who knows how long that'll last, but i am looking forward to more cars losing their value because you know that's when we can afford them.
