Solo 1 car for $15k - Sentra Spec V?

[Braveheart]

Total newbie looking for recommendation for car to buy to compete in solo 1 and use as second road car. Condo lifestyle means no garage and no opportunity to fiddle around with stuff so it needs to be min maintenance, reliable, etc. Don't want to be spending lots on mods other than usual tire/brake upgrade. Also would want to resell in a couple of years without losing too much money.
Something that's fun/competitive as stock would suit me best so I can pick up a decent warranty with it. If something breaks, of course it didn't happen racing..........
Been thinking about Sentra Spec V, seems like I can pick up an 03 with decent miles still under manuf warranty for this money.
Anyone have exp of Spec V or can recommend something else based on my requirements?

[MastaDeeMon]

Buy a Honda if you don't want repair issues, and you want to win. Simple eh?
Type R's are going for around 15 now, you won't find a better Solo car for the money, IMHO.

D.

[Nissan Racer]

Two cars worth considering for running in stock:
1) If you like the Sentra, pick up an 2000/2001 SE it comes with most of the same performance parts, same brakes, limited slip, strut tower bar etc. but can be picked up cheaper and the engine is a hell of alot more durable. The 2.5L will give you problems.
2)Mazda Protege, good examples can be found cheap and their suspension is very good.

[Dave]

LOTS of potentially very competitive Solo 1 cars for $15k and a street car. Given your stipulations about low maintenance, reliability, no mods, good resale value, I think your idea of a Spec V or a SE-R Sentra like Nissan Racer is suggesting are good options. Other cars I would look closely at include the 1995-2001 Acura Integra GS-R or 1999-2000 Honda Civic SiR for relatively lightweight, nimble FWD fun, 1998+ (LS1 engine) Camaro Z28 for big horsepower RWD fun (or Mustang Cobra SVT of similar vintage), or a third gen (or at least third body style revision) Mazda Miata for great handling lower horsepower top down RWD fun (though it'll need a roll bar to be Solo 1 legal). Something like a '99 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS would be a good choice if power to all wheels makes you horny. Tons of options, really. a 97+ Honda Prelude wouldn't be a bad choice either. I enjoyed mine a lot when I Solo'ed it in stock form.

It all depends on what your definition of driving enjoyment is. If you love the growl of a big V8, go Camaro or Mustang. If the high rpm zing and nimble handling is more your cup of tea, try one of the Hondas listed above. If you want something with similar handling but a bit more torque and less revs, go the Sentra or Protege route. If you want top down RWD go-kart giggles, go Miata. If you want the all-conditions confidence and grip of AWD, consider the Impreza.

Hrm, tough to leave BMW off that list, BTW. The 3-Series are really good track cars, really solidly built, RWD fun. The 325is or 328is (preferably with the factory limited slip differential) seems to be the prefered choice among Solo 1 drivers.

Not sure if the Audi A4's are in that price range yet, but that could be quite a decent track car too. I'd go for the 1.8T over the V6 since it'll be less nose heavy.

[Whisper]

Hi Braveheart

You suggested my car! :D

I have an 03 Sentra Spec V and have been doing Solo 2 vs Solo 1 (tried once). As a second road car it's good, and fun to drive in the city.

BTW - You will want to stay away from (most) 02 versions of this car. Most problems seemed to have been sorted out for the 03. For more about this vehicle, check www.thevboard.com (warning - young board) or www.serboard.com.