RWD/AWD Coupes for under 8.5K

Updated: 09 Dec 2024

First off, I know I already made one of these but I would like to get as many ideas as I can out in my head before I go off and buy my first car. My budget is $8500 USD and I’m looking for a car that fits my requirements. Also I’ll be leaving two of my current choices below so.

Requirements

RWD or AWD
Coupe (or super sporty sedan)
Reliable (it will be a daily)
Quick is a preference, but not a requirement
LHD (Parents won’t let me go RHD)
JDM is another preference, but not a requirement

Go ahead and shoot your ideas, thanks everyone

1998 - 2001 Subaru Impreza 2.5rs Coupe. This one definitely falls into the not so quick section (Unless it’s WRX swapped of course) but it’s a great looking car that I’m really considering.

Next/last up is the G35 Coupe. These things are really starting to get cheap where I live, and as a good looking coupe this one is up there in the list.

Thanks to everyone who leaves an idea down below and I’m hoping to reveal the purchase in the next couple of months.

Comments

Audi S2 coupe

A Z.
A Mustang.
A 3 series coupe.

Thinking a little different here but Porsche 944, simple old car, relatively straighforward to fix and with a gigantic after market for it and it’ll fall well below your 8.5k budget

I realise they’re generally not AWD , but a 6th Gen Celica would be a great choice. Cheap to buy, fun to drive, and reliable as hell.

The Impreza all the way

You could find a 2002-2006 wrx for under 8.5k and use the rest of the money for gas and or insurance. However I would not not recommend because insurance will murder you because it is turbocharged.

I can almost guarantee that there will be issues. These cars are driven hard, and they put up with a lot of abuse. He won’t just be spending his money on gas and insurance, he’ll have to spend more money to get something fixed. You’re right about insurance too.

I’d look for a 350z imo instead of g35 but whatever is cool. Also look out for Honda S2000s, you can get lucky and find one in good condition for 8.5k

First gen porsche boxster.

I know Subarus are seen as reliable vehicles, but there are plenty of issues that fly under the radar. If you are going for the Subaru, be sure to check absolutely everything when you go and look at it. Maybe you could bring somebody with you to look at it. If you end up with a bad one, be prepared to spend a little bit more money than you would anticipate. All I’m saying is, don’t go for the Subaru unless you know for sure what you’re getting yourself into.