I road in an SHO once in college. A friend of a friend of a friend was taking a group of us to a party. I got into the back seat via the rear door. Then as he pulled away with a fairly sturdy shove it clicked that I'd gotten into the rear seat of through the rear door of something with a manual trans and decent power, but I had no idea what the hell I was in. I was pretty thoroughly impressed, and by a Ford Taurus no less. I would think that would be the ultimate sleeper / family hauler if you could find one in good shape. And for non-motor stuff, if it's not available new, there are a million of them in junk yards.
Yeah, but what's wrong with it? Blown motor? Besides, he did say he wants a back seat for the family. A Coxster does have lots of storage, but I'm not sure he wants to put the family in the crumple zones.

That mustang would really do the trick. I can do burnouts on Saturday , and plow my lot monday morning !
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Here is a remnant from my SHO days. A local indie car dealer used to buy them broken at auction and he would have me put them back together for him
I put quite a few motors in and various other large jobs, transmissions , etc.
I saved this intake from one motor , just because it was so cool and unusual for the time. I have had it hanging on the wall in my shop for the last 20 years .

Prelude/Integra/CRX?

I think of the late 80s-early 90s as the golden era for Honda. Lightweight, well built, reliable and fun to drive.

We just picked up a 91 Prelude SI with original paint, garage kept, no modifications, maint records and 122k mi. Paid $3k. It's our "6th car" to be used a fun car during the winter and a car for my parents to use when they fly in to visit.

OP is leaning towards a Mustang...and I get it. We have a Mustang also. But the everything that is bad in a mustang is good in a prelude. Everything good in a mustang is bad in a prelude. These two cars are complete opposite experiences. So it's great to have one of each.

Good suggestions again, I already have had every iteration of crx si, and civic si imagineable. + an 89, and 91 Prelude SI, a few accords, civic wagons, ( Before I was into German cars, I was into asian imports ) + a few MX6 turbo, mr 2's , rx7's , etc... I have owned some cars over the years . As good as they all were, I'm not looking japaneese

2000ChevyMalibuLS?
Very good car until it slow cranks but does not turn over. Then you will need the best mechanic.

Seems like in that price range there's lots more Mustangs than Camaros or Firebirds, especially if you want to find one with a V8. The Thunderbird is an interesting choice, a coworker has one as his weekend car, loves it.

I've heard those SHO motors could spin to 8K with no drama.

AMERICAN muscle car circa 80's and 90's ? = Oxymoron.

Ford SVO Mustang
Saleen Mustang
Buick Grand National
Corvette ZR-1
Dodge Viper
Pontiac Turbo Trans Am

An aborted salvage attempt is perhaps the biggest red flag in the car market apart from the car actually being on fire when you go see it.

Miata.

Cheap American muscle car circa 60' and 70's = non existent.

I believe he is looking for a back seat and while I would agree Miata is a lot of bang for your buck absolutely no back seat.

Once my dad's business took off he bought mom a new Cadillac every year (her dream), some were fun to drive (some were not) but it fits the budget.

The problem is, while you can still get a cool and fun 1980s or 1990s Japanese car for under $5k, the vast majority of American stuff in that price range is CRAP. A 4.6L Mustang is really about the only thing in this thread that isn't a pretty big turd.

Hmmmm....how about a Nissan 300zx?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...fdf40c00c2.jpg

Yes please! Love those things, came close to buying one in 2015 but I already have too many projects.

Hmmm. A 300zx is a car that I have always loved, but never owned. My only problem is that I would want the boosted one, and that will be well out of my range.
I am going to put that one on my radar screen anyhow. Thanks !

GT in Logan Ohio, looks pretty clean. Asking $4500

86 GT

You made me laugh my tail off.

I think 86 is my favorite year. One of my friends got one brand new when he graduated high school. It was maroon, and looked so sexy with the flat black decals, and accents against the color .

Have you driven one? Not much power but they are light and Ass happy!

I'm blown away with what 2 k will buy you in a mustang ,
I grabbed this up today for $2100.00 113,000 miles, new motor from Ford at 104, check engine light on ( easy fix) one noisy wheel bearing, and rust on the rear quarter lip .
Guy bought it brand new, and really took good care of it, interior is perfect . Runs perfect . Killer audio system, new tires. wow.
I am not overwhelmed with the power, but still fast enough to be fun .
If you need me , I will be at the pool hall tonight . Paul really was onto something .
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I would have been hard pressed to get a rusty camry for that money .
I feel like I'm 20 years old again, looking out over a hood scoop while holding a shifter in my hand