$15k budget thread

I'm looking at the 986 or BMW 1 series M.

I want to have fun but would I be happier buying a new jetta? For DD and hopefully fun too.

I could get a 986 from 8-15k depending on miles. basically any year is the same price these days. That leaves me plenty of room to fuck around with repairs and possibly even throw a hard top on the thing.

The BMW is newer but takes a bigger chunk out of my budget which makes it less appealing. Money won't be an issue at all in a year however I need a car in 6 weeks and I refuse to finance.

My wife says 'you dont need a sports car, blah blah be practical'. Is she right? Should I buy a newer econo car?

fuck your wife

are you literally trying to tell me that you can buy pic related for $15k?

If you're getting a 986, get an S. They can be found for like 15k and you get a bigger engine, better brakes, better suspension, a 6-speed sourced from the 911 instead of a 5-speed sourced from Audi, a better cooling system and more equipment standard.
Make sure the IMS bearing has been replaced or do so ASAP (and put in a new clutch while you're down there) and it's one of the most reliable mid-engined sports cars money can buy, and surprisingly practical because it has two trunks.

This

The 986 is an extremely practical sports car, I get groceries for a family of 6 in mine

I assume he means M135i

>hurr durr money won't be an issue in a year
Fuck outta here with that shit. If you don't have the money in hand it doesn't exist. Just finance a cayman s.

>you dont need a sports car, blah blah be practical
Yeah but it's your money, and what if you WANT a sports car?

I do mean the M135i

I'm not sure what you mean. I have a 15k budget with more in the bank and i'm moving from an expenisve city to a cheap as dirt midwest suburb while doubling my income.

If I waited or financed I could get the Caymen but I need a car right off the bat.