What is a fast car for under 5k?

I'm looking for a fast car awd or fwd (snow and mountain passes) that has a large aftermarket. No hondas. I have 5k.

First, rear wheel drive is far better in snow than front wheel drive. You just have to know how to drive, but it gives you more control. That's the same reason front wheel drive cars suck for performance.

With that said, for under $5000, you aren't going to find anything that's actually fast. You'll be stuck with cars like the Eclipse GSX/Talon TSi AWD/Laser RS Turbo AWD, non-turbo Subaru's, 87-98 mustang V8s, 85-97 V8 Camaros/Firebirds.

The Eclipse/Talon/Laser are all wheel drive and turbo, and respond well to mods, but their reliability is garbage.
The non-turbo subarus are SLOW…
The quickest of the group would be a 5.0 mustang or V8 camaro. They also have the largest, cheapest aftermarket.

For $5000 you could get a clean fox body mustang (90-92) for about $3000, spend $1500 on a top end kit (heads, intake, cam) and make over 300hp in a car that's about 3000lbs. Better than you could do with any other car.

Can you give us more info?

With only 5k to spend you don't have many options for a fast car. You have alot of choices if you want a fun car. Go for a f-body mustang, Mazda Miata, Mazda rx7, mustang gt, BMW 3 series, Toyota mr2 turbo, porche 944 or 928, 1998 z28 Camaro, Mitsubishi eclipse gsx( its awd and turbo), and the list just keeps growing.

I have a Pinto sitting in my yard. I'll gladly sell it to you for five grand.

The Subaru Impreza is a good start. It has everything that you listed. They're quite rare for $5K tho since they hold their value well. You just eliminated Honda which was your best bet. The Acura Integra and Toyota Celica is also good

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