I appreciate everyones responces so far!

As far as my intentions... well I would defenitely do things to the car as money comes available. A wife, an 8 month old, two dogs, and a 09 Borrego... money is something that doesn't come around to me a lot being last on the totem poll in my house it seems...

As far as 'trims' go on the 240 or the 300 because I, myself, like to get a base model and put all the "extras" in as I go. I feel more rewarded that way. Also, with the different motors and parts available it isn't anything to do a swap or mix and match, you know?
The years, there is a good mix of years. anything from an '84 300 to an '04 Sentra...

Jeremy, the Soul is still an option in the back of my mind. Depends on how everything works out in the next few months. If all these 'cheaper' cars fall through, then I'll either go for the Koup or a Soul!

 

If the sentra is a 1.8 you can expect to be doing a headgasket sooner rather then later. If its a 2.5 its the altima engine which is more reliable.

 

First, I'm gonna have to say Z. The Tib would be my next choice, but it's FWD FTWML!!!! That fact alone is what has me depressed. Once you go RWD, you'll never look back.

Now, for the Z. You won't find a good condition Z32 for $4k. And yes, they are a nightmare to work on and cost tons of money to mod. So that leaves you with a Z31. I have/had one, and I love it. I'm still crying over it getting totalled.

So which one? 1988 Shiro Special is the #1 Z31 to get. There were 1001 made and come with a VLSD and Recaro seats. It's not so rare that you won't be able to find one, but they will cost you $4k, which is slightly more than a standard 87-89 model.

Next on the list is any 88-89 Turbo Z31. You want these years due to the wider stance, fenders, newer look, LSD, and the bullet proof 30a transmission. These years are a rock solid foundation for a badass turbo build. It won't take much money at all to get 400whp out of it and running 11's. I was beating 13 second cars with a $5 boost controller and a homemade intercooler.

A collector may want the 84 50th Anniversary Edition. While it's a nice fully loaded car, it's not IMO a car to modify. It's something to restore and keep mint.

The 84-3/87 are not worth your time.

 

Give me a call man, I can tell you about what I'm paying for the soul, you would be paying less if you put $4000 down.

 

Jon... what does FTWML mean?

 

i put very great emphasis on NOT getting a 300. the onlly 300z worth getting is a tt. and you wont find one in even decent condition for 4k. and they are a nightmare to work on, and they cost a lot of money. my friend has had one since he was 16, and he just went out and got a passat wagon 1.8t cause he doesn't like his 300 anymore. i say stay with what you know, and go with the rd2. its fairly cheap, nothing really looks like it, and it can be quite solid.

 

And deal with FWD?

I don't think you know much about the Z31. To say the only Z worth getting is a Z32 TT is pure opinion on your part. Like I stated before, I beat 13 second cars in my very lightly modded Z31. And the VG30ET has the same capabilities as the VG30DETT with NONE of the mechanical headaches and cost.


I don't know if you've driven both FWD and RWD cars with powerful motors but I can tell you that the Tib sucks poe-tay-toes thru a straw for traction, while traction isn't a problem at all in a more powerful Z.

 

Z31's are easier to maintain, but pretty well aged and likely to have problems. Lets face it the VG engine wasn't their greatest triumph. If all RWD is all that matters go with a nice PS13. They are cheep to maintain, easy to come by, RWD, and like legos when it comes to parts. But I don't think the drivetrain is going to be a big selling point considered the cars on the list. Done both FR and FFs, it's down to matter of preference.

 

nah, sorry jon, once you go awd. i now i have a na awd drive but i've driven plenty of sti's and evo's. traction all the way. not to rip on anyone, but all year round there's traction. owning a subie has got me in traction lust.

no offense rwd drive is good but hobgobin if you're looking for a all season and family car awd is the way to go.

 

With a growing family, and getting that baby in and out of the back seat, I'd go 4 door. Traction all year round would also be a BIG selling point to me. So, my opinion: Sentra.