car people - suggest a toy
- Thread starter mrfeh
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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.
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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SpinDr
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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.
SpinDr
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Great looking car Canoesmith! I think that design will remain fresh for a long time.
Ready2Go
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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.
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."
YoungSaver
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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.
C6 Corvette.
Porsche, only if it's over 300hp. Don't buy one of the slow turds.
Murph
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Fiat Spyder
scaubie
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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.
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.bigcmagor
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Details say "push start". I hope that's a button on the console rather than the other meaning of the phrase.
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!
You can't see how ugly it is when you are driving it!
sterlingmossy
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+1 for the miata
rick55
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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!
The trunk is bigger than a Miata!
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.
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".
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.
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.
One of the most amazing and awesome vehicles we have owned! Highly recommended a 2004 and newer Honda S2000!
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 fast
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-culture/a29245/bmw-2-series-comparison-test/
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-culture/a29245/bmw-2-series-comparison-test/
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Sopherdog
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That is a good read, thanks for the link. Looking on the bmwusa.com certified & used car website I found several 228i and even the newer 230i cars that meet the OP's price point. The classic answer to the OP's question, at least with regards to BMW, is the M3. Fast, fun, and practical (backseat, trunk, etc.) My own opinion is that their ride is tuned too flinty for the car to be a daily driver on my state's rough roads. But, I haven't driven a recent M3.
My own answer to the OP's question was a BMW 535i with RWD and a 6-speed manual transmission. I say was, because last Saturday the engine seized up in my car for no easily identifiable reason (the car had oil and coolant.) Given it's age I'm looking at scrapping it rather than paying ~$5k to put a new engine in it
It was not a very reliable car before this either, so I think buying an older, high mileage BMW is only a good idea if you like to work on your cars and have the time and skills to do so. There is a reason why something like half of all new BMWs are "sold" as leases!I am leaning toward a normally aspirated engine. I haven't driven any of these cars, but would be concerned about turbo lag.
pb4uski
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
If you're looking for something more practical, I had a Subaru Lagacy GT that was a bunch of fun to drive... but in your situation I'd look at a late model WRX... quicker and nimble and AWD traction are a fun combination.
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