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I love the Cosmo - power & cruisability is awesome.

However - I miss a manual car. So the bike is for sale (hardly used it , ha ha)

So now I am researching my options for a second car. Something I can use daily (Yes 20Bs are VERY thirsty).

What do you reckon I should get ?

Here's the criteria:

Budget - around $12.5K

Manual

Rear wheel drive or All wheel Drive

Practical

Quick

Something I can get back into track days in occasionally.

Options:

* GTiR

* R33 (would be a 4 door or a bit clapped out for the budget)

* R32

* Mitsu Legnum / Gallant VR-4

* BMW 323/325 - an older one

* MX5 (89/90)

What do ya reckon ? Have I missed something I should be looking at ?

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Series 2 Stagea RS4S (or series 1 converted to manual)!

The series 2 might be a touch beyond budget though, but is supremely practical, powered by the RB25DET (R33 s2 power in the s1 Stagea, or R34 Neo-spec power in the s2 Stagea), is at least easier to work on than the V6 Legnum/Galant (and probably more reliable), has huge aftermarket support (mostly Skyline running gear).

...but I'm biased.

I thought you were going to say FC RX7 Ryan :P

Your right - leave the RB20DET in - unless it came with an RB25DET.

A reasonable condition R32 = 10K plus engine & gearbox, plus labour = over $15K <-- over budget

You need to get out more mate. I'd spend the 12 grand at the pubs and clubs of sydney as well as a few weekends away in Melbourne and Brisbane. Should be able to stretch it out to November with careful budgeting. :P

Nice one!! I agree

Stageas (to me) look to much like a Volvo :P

That's the beauty of the Stagea - who really expects to see a brick launching off the lights (thanks to ATTESA), and the cops don't even give you a second glance (except in a "WTF is that thing?" kinda way).

Take the 12k and spend it on fuel - problem solved and you wont be driving a f*cking haridresser car as a result.

Will you please just RACE THE COSMO'S ARSE OFF!??!?! PRETTY PLEASE?!?!?!? NOW WOULD BE GOOD!!!

/yell

>_<

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