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Old 05-16-2019, 07:45 PM   #101
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Anyone mention Miatas
Let me read back posts and check.
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Old 05-17-2019, 06:56 AM   #102
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I’ve always owned a sports car toy. They all have quirks and issues. It really depends on how much work you WANT (not have to) to do as to whether it is worth it. Z3s (owned them)have rear subframe mount in the trunk issues on the Ms and more powerful non-Ms. unless you like to weld and repaint, something to watch for. Lots of niggly little things (rocking seat rails, suspension bushings, RMS & tranny/engine seal, crappy stereo) none of which are per se really difficult to take care of if you are handy and enjoy wrenching. Owned mine for 9 years and loved it.

Currenly own an ‘02 Carrera with 62k on it. Replaced the Z3 and it is a better driver in every way. Replaced the IMS, RSM, AOS, WP, TSTAT, oil filler neck, oil pan ....yeah, if you have to pay to get work done, then run. I’ve done all my own and also upgraded to struts the Bilstein Coilover PSS9s + ROW beefier sways, bushings, strut bearings and it is a serious smile maker. Another crappy stereo, though, despite all new speakers. Bought it in ‘08 with 30k on it for $32k. Love to drive it. Fairly bullet proof now, and would sell it for about $23k today. So has held it’s sweat equity value quite well. $25k is a tough price point for newer and reliable sport fun like a Porsche or BMW from a dealer. Like the old joke, any two out of three, cheap, fun, or reliable. I’m 5’11”, easily fit in any of them.
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Old 05-17-2019, 07:39 AM   #103
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I loved my S2000 when I had it!


To this day I still miss the S2000. Also, it looks like the depreciation slowed dramatically after I’d sold. Clean versions are challenging to find now.
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Old 05-17-2019, 07:43 AM   #104
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Mine is a 2002. Best car of its type out there. And it’s a Honda so it’s going to run reliable. Mine is like new and now has 39,000 miles on it. Redline is 9000 RPM. Only a few cars in the world can do that. No turbo, not many bells and whistles, just raw 6 speed RWD fun.



Unmolested ones like mine are hard to find, but possible under $20k.


Great looking car Canoesmith! I think that design will remain fresh for a long time.
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Old 05-17-2019, 07:53 AM   #105
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My "toy" is a 66 Chevelle SS. Strictly good for straight lines but I love rowing through the gears and hearing the thunder of the V8. To me, nothing sounds as good as an American big block V8. I'm 6'4"....so Miata, S2000 and that ilk are no go for me. If I was looking for a fun RWD car to drive a lot, I'd look at the late model Pontiac GTO with the LS engine. You can get a manual transmission with those. Very budget friendly. I also like the Cadillac CTSV. It's a beast! might be FWD....not sure.
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Old 05-17-2019, 09:40 AM   #106
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My "toy" is a 66 Chevelle SS. Strictly good for straight lines but I love rowing through the gears and hearing the thunder of the V8.
I was just explaining to my son this morning why I'd like a more recent sports car that has great handling, and not a muscle car. My exact words: "60s muscle is great at one thing - going fast in a straight line."

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Old 05-17-2019, 03:30 PM   #107
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lol, not a Miata, a Civic or an RX8.

C6 Corvette.
Porsche, only if it's over 300hp. Don't buy one of the slow turds.
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Old 05-17-2019, 03:56 PM   #108
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Fiat Spyder
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Old 05-17-2019, 04:46 PM   #109
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Mazda Miata hands down! It’s affordable, nimble, low maintenance and pure fun to drive. You’ll feel like a 14 year old kid again driving a go-cart but it’s a powerful little thing. I bought a new 2008 power retractable hard top and treated her well. Sold it last summer and miss it every day. Entering early retirement, we needed a car that can haul more than two people (special needs adult son living at home). The six speed manual transmission was electric to drive!! Good luck.
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Old 05-17-2019, 04:48 PM   #110
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A used Lotus Elise?

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1e322443

Head turner and fun... best if you are handy.
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Old 05-17-2019, 04:52 PM   #111
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A used Lotus Elise?

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1e322443

Head turner and fun... best if you are handy.
Details say "push start". I hope that's a button on the console rather than the other meaning of the phrase.
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Old 05-17-2019, 04:57 PM   #112
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2019 Civic Type R. It is a little out of your budget. Yes, the style is a bit boy racer. It is absolutely loved by anyone that drives it. It is constantly setting records. A friend who owns one loves it better than his Porsche. It has stock the "Honda Sensing" drivers assist package, which is wonderful. It it faster than most of the cars mentioned here and will be very easy on the pocket in terms of maintenance.

You can't see how ugly it is when you are driving it!
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Old 05-17-2019, 05:26 PM   #113
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+1 for the miata
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Old 05-17-2019, 05:29 PM   #114
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DW is thinking of buying an suv, perhaps a CRV or Rav4 . Her 2007 Accord EXL sedan will be available! Only 63000 mi, runs mint! Its not a convertible but it has a sunroof.
The trunk is bigger than a Miata!
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Old 05-17-2019, 06:25 PM   #115
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Just visit, BAT, Bring A Trailer bringatrailer.com/ This is a unique car auction site with some really cool calls. You can limit your view to cars below $20k. Vehicles are typically well documented with extensive descriptions and photos...minimal fees.
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Old 05-17-2019, 06:35 PM   #116
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To this day I still miss the S2000. Also, it looks like the depreciation slowed dramatically after I’d sold. Clean versions are challenging to find now.
You can drive mine if you ever come to Dallas. By the way I am 6'2", 225 pounds and fit great. I did install some seat rails on the driver side that lower the seat almost 1".


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Old 05-17-2019, 07:18 PM   #117
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Saw a new Miata for 28k today.
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Old 05-17-2019, 08:56 PM   #118
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Depends on how you intend to use. If it is a fun weekend, nice day car, me, I’d look for a nicely restored Triumph TR6 or MGB. Both can be had in the sub$25,000 area.

As to Porsches, my experience has been if you take care of them the maintenance isn’t particularly bad. I've owned my 1997 993 C4S since new and it has been cheap to own. That said mine is a low mile example.
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Old 05-17-2019, 10:05 PM   #119
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One car not mentioned so far. A Honda S2000. This was one of my favorite cars ever and am still sorry I sold mine. They have a bullet proof engine and a great manual 6 speed. Look for one that has not been overly modified and you’ll have a very fun car. I like Miatas as well but the Honda is a bit more engaging.

Oops. Just re-read and saw another mention. Great car.
One of the most amazing and awesome vehicles we have owned! Highly recommended a 2004 and newer Honda S2000!
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car people - suggest a toy
Old 05-17-2019, 10:43 PM   #120
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car people - suggest a toy

I have a very fast $25k sports car that is fully loaded ..gps, sports suspension, harmon speakers, rear wheel drive, also got brand new tires from BMW dealer. It is faster than a Porsche. Get the used 2015 BMW 228 M Sports which can do 4.9 seconds 0-60 mph. I added a Burger Chip boost for $190 .. and it can do 4.4 - 4.5 seconds 0-60. It’s a rocket. No lag .. just instant back of the seat fastIMG_6811.jpg

You,can read why it is better than the more expensive M2 and M235.
It is cheap and a blast.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...mparison-test/
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