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The RX8 is a big disappointment. The best buys are on modifiedcartrader.com. You can save a ton of money on a hot car that is perfect with a ton of money into it.

Toyota Supra Turbo Widebody with 600hp is in your price range. Shock and awe!  

Go for the Musatang GT or the Nissan Z. The 2005 Mustang GT brought the "CLASSIC 60's MUSCLE" to the franchise. So as the Nissan 350Z, lot of enthusiast thought that it recaptures the Datsun, with your budget you can also customize it to your preference.


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Autopartswarehouse.com offers great deals!

I don't know about the rest of your list, but I do know a thing or two about Porsches...

Your budget will make a Type 993 ('95-'98 911) purchase tougher, but it's still  possible. Unless a great deal falls in your lap, expect to be looking at a higher mileage Carrera 2 (C2), one that's got 75k miles and up on the odometer (yes, 75k on a 10 to 13-year old Porsche is actually considered a LOT of miles). From what I've typically found, the usual asking price for an AWD C4 tends to be a little more expensive than the RWD coupe, but some sources say that they're more or less supposed to be equal in value to the C2. Generally, comparable condition cabriolets actually sell for less than the coupe; they're not seen as being as sport-oriented by the typical 911 enthusiast. The Targa is sort of hit or miss; they're known for roof leaks and their current owners tend to be delusional about their actual value. In a nutshell: real Porsche guys buy 911 coupes, and don't need no stinkin' AWD--unless it comes in Turbo-flavor--to hold their hands. Or keep their shorts clean.

Even if you find one, there are things to watch out for. Please make note that the fixes aren't cheap; a recent major tune-up, a couple of minor cabin repairs and new front brakes and rotors set me back close to $3k--and this was from my much more affordable mechanic, not a factory Porsche store. Worn valve guides will start to show up in this mileage range; expect to be out your car for about two weeks, and out $5k to $6k for the privilege of its downtime. There WILL be seal leaks. Your VDO instruments may start having glitches and their itty-bitty bulbs will have begun going out. None really affects day-to-day operation, but the error fault for the valve guides will fail your vehicle emissions test every time (though there are ways around it, as long as the valve guide wear isn't too far gone).

The seal leaks range from the simple-to-replace to it's-time-to-pull-the-engine. You learn to live with them, particularly those expensive-to-fix ones...and learn to buy the oil you'll need for replenishing in bulk down at Costco. Electric motors such as cooling and ventilation fans tend to start showing wear; their bearings will start squealing as they operate. The engine and oil cooler fans are particularly crucial to the well-being of the car, and both can take a not insignificant bite to have to fix. There are other issues, but generally the 993 is a pretty dependable car. The only problem is, it's also getting to be an old car, so plan on having a BIG repair fund for when the **** hits the fan. Or reserve lots of room on the credit card(s).

Boxsters make for a decent alternative...as long as you can trust the water-cooled engine not to tank on you. They're great driver's cars, with excellent handling and chassis balance and nowhere close to the wayward tail that even the relatively tamed 993 has lurking behind. The early Boxsters have really come down in price, but beware any low mileage examples coming up for sale. Early first year Boxsters are known for engine failures (cracked cylinder liners), which usually show up before 30k miles. Problem is that a lot of new Porsche buyers quite often put very little miles on their cars (Porsches are often purchased as 3rd or 4th cars, and treated as weekend playthings). Heck, for instance I have a friend who just bought a sweet 1974 914 with only 49,000 miles on it.

Given this mentality, there are quite a few early '98 Boxsters that show up in the used-car marketplace with really low miles, and no way to tell short of tearing open the engine if the motor's going to blow up on you and become a financial disaster. A month or so ago, I actually found a couple listed on Yahoo! Autos. Even later Boxsters have their share of problems, just like its sibling--the Type 996 911--does. For instance, there's the dreaded rear main seal leak(s) which too often can be an indicator of more serious problems that can only be remedied by a complete engine replacement (seems to be an all-too common theme with these water-cooled flat-sixes).

I mentioned the 996 ('99-'04 911s); many of the early generation ones (Boxster-like scrambled egg headlights vs. the later modified scrambled egg headlights) are now priced at or even lower than their comparable 993 model. But as I described above, they're known for some serious engine problems, particularly those made in its first U.S. model year, 1999, though the RMS problem affects all models except the Turbo and GT-2/GT-3, which are still out of your price range anyways. But there are deals to be had, as long as you're willing to take a chance on the consequences.

You also have some really great 911 options if you look further back. The Type 964--the predecessor to the Type 993--are quite affordable these days. They're more of a handful to drive than the 993 at speed, but they're also a more direct link to the classic 911 than even the air-cooled 993 is. The even earlier '80s vintage 3.2 Carrera is another option. Still really affordable and great fun, though the better condition cars are starting to hike up in price. And many even come with the whale tail as standard. With either, you'll potentially be facing some hefty maintenance bills given their age, but that's just the way it is with a Porsche...ANY Porsche.

I currently own a 993 C2 coupe, and even with the maintenance I can't imagine myself ever selling the car. It's great fun, which is why I own it, but the 'look-at-me' factor wears a bit thin for me. I'd be a little leery of cabs, especially high mileage ones; there have been reports of actual structural member failures on the 993 cabriolets, which given the ravages of time, hard driving and an equally unforgiving suspension, doesn't surprise me. As for the C4, AWD is nice but keep in mind that all it ultimately means is that there's a bunch more parts that can go wrong.

Now that I've probably scared you off, it'll be interesting to see what car you DO choose...  

Great Digest on Porsche.

I do hate to say it, but I bought an airplane because of all this.  I swore to buy crummy cars and faster airplanes after not getting satisfaction from modern sportscars.  I do love cars, but for the same maintenance effort and cost, you cruise at 160 mph and 3500'.  
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Graduate, Rodan School of Automotive Design

taildraggin:
Great Digest on Porsche.

I do hate to say it, but I bought an airplane because of all this.  I swore to buy crummy cars and faster airplanes after not getting satisfaction from modern sportscars.  I do love cars, but for the same maintenance effort and cost, you cruise at 160 mph and 3500'.

Hey, I've done an indicated 157 @ 4000' feet. But I will concede that at least you don't have to keep glancing an occasional eye in the mirrors...  

At 4000' 157 is like 20mph on the road. Try 70mph on a jet ski  

At 4000', 157 is like 157 on the road. I never said I left the ground. That would've been scary.

It's a mountain pass at el. 4000' (4100 or something, actually).  

The Honda S2000 will meet your fast and frugal needs.  The folding top, high-revving four-cylinder engine, and unique look will help grab the attention of pedestrians.

I recently saw a slightly used (around 5,000 miles) one sell for under $19,000.  Owning two other cars will help you survive with only two seats.  

I owned an '03 G35 coupe which has and identical engine as the Z, minus the different air intake. It had okay power, but nothing like my Honda S2000. Next to the S2k, it seemed sluggish. And the fit and finish on the G35 wasn't great (soft paint, mystery rattles). If you're looking for a faster car, take the Audi off the list. The 911 might be hard to come by in your price range. I've seen some 99-00 911's in the higher 20's, low 30's but it's rare. Your list seems pretty far and wide- are you looking for a coupe, convertible, 2 seater? Narrow it down a bit for us.  

We would choose the infinity g35 coupe  We think that the top car in your list is the Porsche 911 but you will get a very previous car for your price range.  
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