You have $5000 or less to buy not the fastest but most fun RWD vehicle you can get, what would you get?

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OGDirtDude117@reddit

Mazda RX8 Pros: RWD, 6 Speed, 9000rpm, funky doors, short gearing, CHEAP

Cons: Rennesis Engine will explode

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UnkillablePaseo@reddit

Hear me out.... 2005 - 2009 Subaru Legacy GT they're AWD though.

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evoltap@reddit

I bought an 09 GX350 for $5k. It’s not pretty cosmetically, but had 150k miles and it’s the fastest car I’ve ever owned with 300+ HP.

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NeverDidLearn@reddit

There’s a dude on TT that keeps fu king around with Geo Metros. He’s putting a turbo in it now and I want to drive it.

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onetenoctane@reddit

SN95, preferably a 5.0 car because those roller windsors sound fantastic

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fleeter17@reddit

For under 5 grand? Even NBs are getting harder to find at that price

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free_beer@reddit

NBs usually cost more, at least where I’m from.

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baconbro_@reddit

NBs are equal or less for me, obviously mazdaspeeds are more but thats different

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baconbro_@reddit

I've found some for under 5k in washington state

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Dzov@reddit

My neighbor has one that’s in rough shape and not moved in a year or two. It has to be rather inexpensive.

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SkylineFTW97@reddit

I bought my NA for $1250. Got kinda lucky, but it is possible.

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Floppie7th@reddit

As someone from the salt belt, I'd rather have a car from the dirty south than the salty north

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Miata is the answer has become a joke but in this case it is the actual answer. But that’s also assuming the person knows how to drive. If they just want to do burnouts there’s a clapped out fox body mustang calling your name.

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Unique_Wolf4513@reddit

M.i.a.t.a Is Always The Answer

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baconbro_@reddit

2002 miata

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RaiseOurAxesToTheSky@reddit

Third gen Toyota Celica, a few actually. I paid $600 for mine

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LoseyMcLoseFace@reddit

85-89 corvette C4 manual transmission. Even though the 4+3 is diabolical to repair.

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ididyourjessica@reddit

One of my gf just wrecked her car and she doesn’t want a car note. I just so happen to run into a guy selling a 89 c4 with GREAT mileage and I’m pushing her to pick it up. She’d be the coolest broad I know. 😂

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ProfessionalMark2196@reddit

Sn95 or new edge mustang

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No_Kangaroo_8713@reddit

01 BMW 330ci, it's as close to the e46 M3 as you can get without being a M3. So much fun to drive, I've had mine since 2005.

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KingKenny-777@reddit

MGB. Fun little car. Parts are cheap and they are easy to work on.

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FunRaise6773@reddit

I’m assuming OP wants to drive. MG’s don’t drive.., they just break. Checks all the other boxes though!

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KingKenny-777@reddit

I should have added ‘if you enjoy working on cars’ because ya you’re not entirely wrong. With that said it’s been oddly reliable over the last 7 years. It’s never actually died on me. I’ve done 1000km+ roadtrips and the little bugger does just fine.

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FunRaise6773@reddit

Sadly, It will break on you tomorrow. Just because you said “reliable”. You have cursed yourself.

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isNoQueenOfEngland@reddit

It's not that bad... Our MGB hasn't broken in days!

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twelfthfantasy@reddit

The post doesn't say, "most fun to drive," just, "most fun." Maybe the commenter above thinks fixing cars is more fun than driving them

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ImperturbableSUV@reddit

Slk230. 320 if you can find it

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averagemaleuser86@reddit

94-98 mustang gt

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Arrgh98@reddit

Same years Camaro and Firebird too

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KeepYourMindOpen365@reddit

Listen and feel for a pressure plate/flywheel problem if it’s a manual and looks like it was ragged on.

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Nippon-Gakki@reddit

I look at older mustangs and am always surprised at how cheap they are. I kind of want an SN95 GT just to relive the 90’s.

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LovinThis_Toast@reddit

Old toyota pickup. Not for drifting or going fast but for the off-road capabilities and they're easy to work on. Throw a bunch of pallets in the back bring it out to a bonfire. Tarp the bed and fill it with water you got yerself a pool. Need to go to town for something? It ain't a huge truck it's easy to drive around. Oh no something broke on it, EASY! You know someone who knows someone with an old Toyota you can pull parts from. Found a deer on your way to the bonfire, put it in the bed you got dinner for you and all the homies.

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strikecat18@reddit

You could probably get a really, really trashed 350z for that.

If you can find one, the Lincoln Mark VIII actually kicked ass. Looked like grandmas car, but had a big V8 and could handle.

Honestly for $5k, it’s just whatever you happen to stumble across on your local Craigslist. Someone might have a 90s mustang.

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Comfortable_East_358@reddit

Mazda RX-8

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APBpowa@reddit

Has to run though

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nopester24@reddit

4th Gen SS Camaro

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Fetusal@reddit

My current car: geo tracker

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Minimum-Function1312@reddit

Miata nc2

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gunsdrugsreddit@reddit

A rough-but-running 2wd pickup with a manual transmission. Hard to get more fun than something with no weight in the back.

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Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit

Miata this miata that fuck them they are fun but not half as good as the humble rx8.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

I may get banned from Reddit for saying this but I don’t love Miatas. Drove two and they felt like a toy. I can see why people like them, but they’re not for me.

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Peanutbuttersnadwich@reddit

Ive driven a handful of em they are great fun imo but it wouldnt be my first choice of a car. I own an rx8 and absolutly adore that tho. Genuinly one of the greatest cars in the world.

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Drunken_Sailor_70@reddit

3rd gen 4runner.

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Ok-Gazelle-4847@reddit

Buick Roadmaster baby.

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SkylineFTW97@reddit

I did this IRL this past October when I bought my NA Miata. As cliche as it is, I have my answer.

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NHDraven@reddit

C4 Corvette.

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Gen_Ecks@reddit

Good choice but under $5k is a fright pig with issues that will double the cost.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

I’ve seen ‘84-‘91’s for that in ok condition, but ‘92-‘96 LT-1’s are closer to $10k. Had a ‘92 and it was a feisty revver that gave the car a different feel.

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Majestic-Hunt-8113@reddit

Over 5k

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Nurkerman@reddit

I got one for $2600 with a 6 speed. Needed work (still does) but its doable. If you can settle for less power and a 4+3, then 5k is possible.

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IudexJudy@reddit

You’re not getting an LT1 C4 in today’s market for under $10k unless it’s in BAD condition

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Majestic-Hunt-8113@reddit

Yeah, you could get one for free if it needed enough work. I assume the post means drivable

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aspire1690@reddit

Starts at 10k in Europe

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lukeskywakka@reddit

Unbelievable that people are in here commenting anything other than an NA Miata.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

Fun doesn’t automatically mean a zippy little car.

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isNoQueenOfEngland@reddit

Yawn

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fleeter17@reddit

NAs are getting expensive

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lukeskywakka@reddit

They absolutely are but can still be had in various parts of the US for less than $5k.

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fleeter17@reddit

Oh to live somewhere that doesn't blast the road with salt 6 months of the year

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JollyGreenGigantor@reddit

Because older Corvettes are faster and speed is fun

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bigcee42@reddit

You're not getting any "fast" one for $5K.

$5K will be a bad model year and in poor shape.

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PracticableSolution@reddit

C3 corvette

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

C4 maybe, but a $5k C3 would be more of a parts car.

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iHaveLotsofCats94@reddit

I bought a crown vic for $500. 10 of those, please

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Practical_Taro5656@reddit

Muffler delete and you've got a great sounding slow as hell American boat. I love them.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

Depends on your perspective. 0-60 in 8.5, 130 mph top speed. Had three and while you won’t win any drag races, they have a great feel on the road.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

The good old days. $3k is the bottom of the market for those these days, and nice ones are $5-6k.

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BoogieBeats88@reddit

I’m buying a Crown Vic. It needs to run to be fast.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

Had three! Comfortable cruiser in civilian form, but the cop suspension tightens it up considerably. They have a great feel.

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OldVermontHippie62@reddit

Another Crown Vic Interceptor. I miss my other three. Not especially powerful, but in cop form they have a beastly feel and hold the road amazingly well. So fun.

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dodadoler@reddit

Rx7

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PutNational7415@reddit

Hayabusa

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Nicegy525@reddit

Miata hands down. NB if I can find the right one for $5,000

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tierangst@reddit

Motorcycle

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shitty_advice_BDD@reddit

BMW i-3 or Mitsubishi i-MiEV

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Practical_Taro5656@reddit

The i3 drives pretty well when it's not broken down but the i-MiEV is a piece of junk straight from the factory.

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Tickles-The-Octopus@reddit

DRZ400.

Fun on the streets, wicked fun in the dirt and you don't give a shit if it gets scuffed and scratched. Trust me, not cariing if a vehicle is pristine and being able to shrug off visual blemishes is extremely liberating.

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arbakken@reddit

Specifically the sm

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motofoto@reddit

Seriously those are a hoot. You have to ride it regularly though or the carbs gum up.

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Confident-Option-207@reddit

Really pushing off the rwd there lmao

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Tickles-The-Octopus@reddit

OP said most fun rwd vehicle.

In my opinion, a bike is more fun than any car in that price range and really almost any price range.

I've driven Ferraris, Lamborghinis, 3000hp dragsters and more. The most fun car I've driven is a Radical SR1 but a motorbike beats it. Car guys are always want stuff like a manual transmission and no abs/traction so it's you controlling the car... Well, a bike you just control more than any car can.

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rcheneyjr@reddit

Bike is rwd!

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ly5ergic@reddit

Caterham 620

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ElectronicAnthony@reddit

Miata is always the answer.

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pfroo40@reddit

Nissan 350z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe can be found for as low as $5k in some markets.

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pickandpray@reddit

There's an nc Miata near me going for about $5k, needs an engine though

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IudexJudy@reddit

Think this posts proves a lot of people here don’t keep up with current pricing trends for enthusiast cars

Unless you’re getting a pretty bad shape auto Miata you’re not going to get one for under $5k that’s worth buying unless you REALLY want a project car

You can find L98 Firebirds for around that or even 5.0 third gen F bodies with the manual sometimes for less than $5k but the market blows en

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RelationNo9374@reddit

I don’t understand the BMW fanboys chirping about a $5,000 E46 like that’s what a running E46 costs.

Realistically, for a running RWD car that’s under $5,000, you’re in a SN95 Mustang GT, a Crown Vic, a Miata, an old Ranger V6, or a first gen Charger/300C.

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fknenigma@reddit

BMW e39

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seeker-0@reddit

6-speed 128i.

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tumourtits@reddit

986 Boxster

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Munster19@reddit

Older wrangler from the south that you pray isn't 83% rust

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SailingSpark@reddit

I know they are not as pretty as the NA and NB, but the NC miata is still a miata with all its goodness baked in. Elven nice ones can be had for cheap.

The answer is always Miata. What was the question?

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rcheneyjr@reddit

I’ll take an elven one…and my axe!!!

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PrinceXizor@reddit

NCs that run are consistently $10k+ in my area. $5k is welded diff and needs an engine at the absolute best.

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giantj0e@reddit

BMW Z3.

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Rich_Celebration477@reddit

Fuk’n Ford Ranger bub! Send it.

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EventHorizonHotel@reddit

I got my NB Miata for under $5k. RWD? Check. Fun? Hell yeah. Fast? Not so much.

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a_piginacage@reddit

Beat up fox body

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Tommy2slow@reddit

Datsun B10

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snipsuper415@reddit

In this economy? You ain't getting anything that isn't a project car. That being said 1994 MR2 manual

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The_Real_NaCl@reddit

New edge Mustang. Won’t light your hair on fire, but they sound great and run forever.

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titanicdiamond@reddit

BMW E46. Great platform for anything car related, parts and support everywhere. They will teach you things about cars you didn't know.

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phtevieboi@reddit

Easily the e46.

I see so many cheap ones for sale online. And well maintained ones for $5-10k

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BudFox_LA@reddit

Dude, I don’t, I feel like decent ones cost of fortune. Like low mileage and well maintained.

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jrileyy229@reddit

For 5k? In a manual? That is turnkey road worthy and doesn't need a bunch of work?

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AnotherIronicPenguin@reddit

At this latitude? Located entirely in your kitchen?

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Leland8118@reddit

…may I see it?

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Autobacs-NSX@reddit

Yeah that’s an insane comment

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racinjason44@reddit

$5000 gets you a 2000s era liter bike in good shape. Sure, new stuff is faster and better and has more features but the first tune you hold a 2006 GSXR1000 wide open... WOW.

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135is@reddit

Ducati hypermotard

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HighInChurch@reddit

Motorcycle.

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0peRightBehindYa@reddit

V6 Pontiac G8, Crown Vic, Ranger...

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TheVoidListens@reddit

I just got an 84 Fiero for 600$ all it needs is 40$ of parts. And..uh undetermined about of time itll take....lol.

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KingChuffy@reddit

Ratty old ranger/S10/Colorado, RWD only models are dirt cheap, easy to work on, cheap to run, and you can absoloutely thrash them mamma jammas

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OppressorTron@reddit

Mid 80's C4 Corvetter that's ragged out and trashy.

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corporaterebel@reddit

MR2, Miata

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lrbikeworks@reddit

Volkswagen based fiberglass dune buggy. There is no runner car in that price range.

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thefavoredsole@reddit

91-96 Lexus SC400 all day!

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HDauthentic@reddit

2003 Chevy Trailblazer (it’s rear wheel bias)

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lukeskywakka@reddit

Yes. Because a fucking Chevrolet Trailblazer is the first thing I think of when fun and rear wheel drive both come to mind.

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HDauthentic@reddit

You ever own one?

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surfanddrinkcoffee@reddit

NB MX5

It’s gonna be a bit shit, but relax, it will be banging like a champ 10 years from now

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MojoGojo04@reddit

Another SN95 lol

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YesterdayExtra3208@reddit

3rd gen camaro / firebird. Assuming you mean under $5k for a running driving car.

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ana1monger@reddit

I hate that the only two rwd cars Honda made are so expensive

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jrileyy229@reddit

Everybody thinking so close-minded... A motorcycle is also a vehicle... You can get like a 2006 gsxr600 for 5grand.

You'll have way more fun on that thing than any car... Which goes right back to why these open ended questions are silly... "Fun" is subjective. I'd rather get an old ranger and go off roading than buy a Miata to drive on the street... That's more fun to me.. but I'd still get a Miata to go to track days. Or you can define fun if you're a teenager by having a bedroom on wheels for you and your girlfriend.... Soo you buy an old RWD Tahoe.

If we're talking street cars, then Miata or 350z are the obvious answees

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Nervous_Hurry_9920@reddit

The question is phrased appropriately.

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jrileyy229@reddit

Cool, I'd take a CBR or GSXR as the most fun... Just happens to also be the fastest.

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FANTOMphoenix@reddit

1992-1998 Subaru Sambar KS3. 1999+ of you could actually find one for under 5k

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Brixmis51@reddit

Easy. E46 bmw. Turn traction control off. Laughs for days.

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Bubbly-Pirate-3311@reddit

Old triumph. Not very fast but they are cheap and you can add a bit of power pretty easily (emphasis on a bit)

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Chemical-Pressure282@reddit

Try a Daytona 675

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PurpleSausage77@reddit

Beater FRS/BRZ. Found a couple banged up 130k mile ones during the winter around $5k that were fit for beater duty.

I got my 17k mile 2013 clean title for $10k last summer with $5k of mods on it. Some damage that was drift-stitched up, but basically brand new car otherwise.

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