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I’m thinking about getting a new car and I’m leaning towards it being a completely non-practical toy. Here’s my situation… A couple years ago I bought a brand new G35S Sedan right when it was redesigned. I liked the car a lot because it blended the fun of a sporty car, with the practicality of a four-door and the comfort of luxury amenities. As an idiot enthusiast, I opted for the six-speed ‘S’ over the automatic AWD. I live in New England and then the 1st winter with the G hit. Much like the previous Mustang posting, I was faced with a decision: winterize my new baby or get a beater. I chose the latter and found a decent ZJ. I bought the Jeep for the winter and found (as a 2nd vehicle) an SUV is great. I use it for my mountain bike gear, my dogs and home depot runs. This combo worked well for awhile. Recently, partly because of gas, and mostly because I always wanted one, I bought a motorcycle. It’s been a lot of fun for the summer. Between the bike for commuting and the Jeep for the weekend, my Infiniti sits. The car really only comes out when my girlfriend and I go out, or when the weather isn’t suitable for the bike. I’m a young guy with no kids planned for a little while. Really I need a car for my single person commute, for days taking the bike isn’t reasonable, and when I don’t need something to haul my gear. I’d like something smaller and somewhat more fuel efficient. However it HAS to be fun to drive, have some luxury and look great. I saw a Wiesmann and fell absolutely in love! Modern tech in a super sexy package. The Crossfire is also appealing, so is an SLK or S2000. I’ve even been looking at old VW Ghias, but I don’t think they’d hold up doing 75 on the highway. So, can The Best and Brightest help me find a decent sized (I’m 6’2’’) coupe, roadster, or convertible that’s fun to drive, OK on gas and preferably saves me some money? It doesn’t have to be new, I’m even entertaining the idea of a classic. It does have to be reliable though. Thanks! LUNDQIK 73 Comments on “Ask the Best and Brightest: “Help me find a decent sized coupe, roadster or convertible that’s fun to drive, OK on gas”...”
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A Wiesmann would be awesome if you can afford it! However, it’s probably not that reliable or fuel efficient.
What about an Audi TT? It looks good, drives well, gets 30 mpg, comes with lots of toys. I’d get the 2.0T with the double clutch gearbox.
edit: 22/29 mpg according to MSN autos
Is there like a max price range we can work with or are you looking to spend what you paid for the Infinity?
Also what is GOOD gas mileage to you? That number can be all over the place depending on how much performance you are looking at.
Easy BMW 135i or for more practical terms 128i. Plenty of room for the driver, plenty of go juice and excellent road handling.
Is it dumb and obvious to say MIATA? Cheap, reliable, easy resale, and gigantic aftermarket.
Just look at the ten best list (on this site, but I also heard some magazine does one, too!) for validation.
Easy, BMW 135i or to save a little bit of gas and money upfront 128I with sport package. Good on gas I get 30mpg in my 128i. The 135i has world class acceleration and handling. Good looks and a fair bit of practicallity too.
Sorry bout duplicate first one didn’t show up.
Any late sixties, early seventies GM A-body with a big block.Some of them used regular, and still ran in the fourteens. Just buy good snow tires.
Take a long test drive in the S 2000. We just may have a used one for sale.
Except for the reliability requirement, I’d be asking, “How about a VW Cabrio?”
How about a used Volvo C70 convertible? They’re FWD but have a decent amount of pep. I’m not sure how fast they depreciate but the newer Volvos seem to fall off pretty quick, so you might find one that’s inexpensive. Although, they’re probably kind of rare. I happen to think they’re attractive. Fuel economy is probably decent. Probably pretty good in snow.
Did you check to see if you fit into a Miata? They’re reportedly fairly reliable.
I’m 6’8″ and went through this a while back. I’d probably have gone through with it if we didn’t have an, ah, suprise come along.
I’m assuming the requirements are efficient, sporty, reliable and good-looking. That cuts out the Z3 Coupe, 9-3 Viggen or RX-7 (reliable? wazzat?) and Supra or 350Z/300ZX (drinks gas).
If it doesn’t need to be rear-drive, the last-generation Celica GTS and RSX-S are quite good, if you don’t get the sunroof. They’re also pretty generic
If rear-drive is a must, you could buy a very cheap BMW 318ti and splurge on an engine swap and significant suspension changes. There’s also the 240SX, with the same proviso.
The ne plus ultra of practical sporty cars that get good mileage, fit big people and are reasonably reliable are, of course, the Corvettes. The early C5s are probably getting quite affordable now.
I’d like to plug a business run by a neighbour of mine: http://www.realminicoopers.com. A not-huge sum gets you something that, while not exactly attractive, is unique, handles like a go-kart and can be modified into something truly evil. Don’t you just want to go tooling around in a vintage Mini with, say, an B18C or 2ZZ-GE shoehorned in there?
Hmmm so many excellent options. First question is do you want rwd for the summers only? Or awd so you can play all year round? Both the BMW 128i roadster and the Honda S2000 offer 21mpg overall according to the EPA. A more efficient and overall less expensive option is a 2008 Miata. It gets 24mpg overall. However, in my opinion the best Miata for an enthusiast is the 2005 Mazdaspeed version which gets 20mpg overall. The only reason to get a TT is the AWD version. Why buy a fwd two-seater? While 2008 TT quattros arwe VR6 only and rather thirsty at 19mpg overall for the roadster, 2009 brings the excellent combination of awd and the turbo four to the TT allowing for 24mpg overall.
I’m 6’1, 280 lbs, big built because I played football for a long while. I never have had problems fitting in a Z4 droptop or roadster. Get the 3.0si version, it can haul, and gentle driving will return good miliage. 135i is a good call as well, though I don’t think I would get one, just not my deal when I can get a 335i coupe for not that much more. Z3s are slightly more cramped. Also, the Z4 has a redesign coming out, so you can get one of the curents for a little less cash, or a new one if you like the new design. If you have serious coin, pick up a 507 and be real class, lol.
MX-5 I don’t have wheel time on, but I have sat in a few when I’ve had my Speed3 in for service, and they are cramped. Very tight feel around my shoulders, but like I said, I’m built bigger, and I dunno your build. It also felt somewhat chincy.
I wouldn’t recomend a Solstic GXP for the simple and single fact I odn’t like the way they look. However, I think the Sky Turbo is sex. From sitting in a Solstice GXP, it is somewhat roomy. Not sure on milage though.
I would suggest one of the many Lotus kit cars, but you said your girl might be passenger. How about an Elise/Exige? You can’t beat the driving exerperience, nice solid Toyota motor, light weight so easy on the loud pedal will return good milage.
I’m no fan of the S2K, but then again, with only 3.2lbft of torque, and all the ponies only available from the eight million RPM redline, eh, not my game. Can’t speak at all on the Crossfire, and the SLK is a nice little roadster, but only been a passenger, never a driver.
Used Boxster?
How much are you looking to spend?
Caterham
this is an easy one. Mazda MX-5. duh.
A 97 or newer base model Camaro/Firebird rag top with a 3800 V6.Cheap to buy,easy to fix bullet proof engine easy on gas and a blast to drive.
Forget about driving it in the winter.When its clean and detailed they can turn heads,if thats your thing.I get compliments from the BMW crowd and even a few Ricers have given me a nod and a thumbs up
I am living proof that you can own one sans the Mullet.
Since you have a winter car I’m sticking to convertibles.
The TTAC 10-best-list current generation MX-5 is your best bet – no question, but it might be a bit too obvious.
If that is too boring then you could consider an MR2 Spyder (it’s a Boxster that you can have serviced at a Toyota dealer), or a first generation Miata, which are starting to become classics. Don’t buy a Miata made before ’96 or a Spyder made before ’03. Although the 1993 Miata Special Edition in Black with Red Leather is pretty hot, so if you are going to deal with the reliability and safety issues of an early Miata get that one.
If you want more seats look into an E30 BMW convertible, but get one made in 1989 or earlier so you don’t have to deal with BMW’s early attempts at putting airbags in cars.
There is also the Nissan 240sx convertible. There may be two or three in the country that are stick-shift and unmolested.
Crossfires are selling very cheap, but they suck gas and the weird tire thing annoys me.
An already-built Factory 5 Cobra replica would be very reliable, relatively cheap and be beautiful, but you’ll have to get it inspected well to make sure it was built properly.
If you can sacrifice the reliability get a Mondial.
M coupe
MX5 hardtop
TT quattro
350Z
OR why not just keep your car and commute with it. No sense in adding a 4th vehicle to the fleet when it does perfectly well for driving in comfort. Get some snow tires and you’ll do fine, otherwise you’d almost need the Jeep if a car w/ good tires can’t get you to work.
I’d recommend at least taking a look at a Corvette, either coupe or convertible. I’m 6’3″, have (ahem!) a football player build and don’t have any problem fitting in or driving one. With the 6-speed manual they get very good gas mileage on the highway (I saw 30 mpg in my ’03 at times during steady highway cruising). GM’s offering them under their employee pricing schitck right now, so you could probably get a pretty good deal on one.
I currently drive an A4 Cabriolet which is also a nice car for highway cruising and daily use. Yeah, it doesn’t have a tin top like BMW and Volvo, but it DOES have a trunk you can use with the top down. It’s also available with quattro, a bonus for winter driving. If you really want to haul ass check out the S4, or if you’re really looking for a wild ride, the RS4 Cabriolet.
And before everyone starts in with the Audi horror stories, this is my third A4 and I’ve had nothing but great service from them. So save your anecdotes for another day, please.
Tesla
Definitely not practical….
No gas….
….Oh, what’s that you say? You want to actually take delivery of one before your too old to get in and out of it?
Miata, definitely! I’ve had my 1996 M-edition from right off the truck. Close to 100,000 miles now with just regular maintenance and garaging in the winter.
For sheer value for money and fun I’d pick the Miata – looks good, easy to live with, reliable, frugal and decent resale values.
For a used buy I would look at a Boxter S. I would also consider a pre-depreciated Z4 – you can get a low mile 2006 model for around $25K.
I’d shy away from the MX-5. A friend got one at the same time I got my Jeep and we both had to check out eachothers’ convertibles. The MX-5 was an amazing car and I could sense its quality before I even sat in it. Then I sat in it, or tried to. I’m also 6’2″ and I could not ever fit comfortably in the car. Look at an RX-8. It is a very comfortable car for taller folks and it’s still got all of the Mazda quality you’d ever want in the Miata.
Is that Citroen SM for $9000 still available?
Seriously though, if your drop the “OK on gas” bit, and do your shopping out west or down in God’s Waiting Room, I bet you could find a late-run Mercedes-Benz R107: 380sl, 450sl or 580sl. Those old Merc V8s were bullet-proof (especially if they had the factory-mandated replacement double-timing chain) and the chassis was from the days when Stuttgart built panzers. Convertible, optional removable hard top… both seal up tight and do not leak a drop. I’ve had several thousand miles in a ’79 450sl (several hundred of those at very high speed) and they are wonderful to drive… even with a slushbox. I even took it out on a track and did pretty well against some stiff competition. These were very expensive “Doctor’s cars” back in the day and many have had just one, obsessive-compulsive owner. They can be found for very cheap these days.
I’ve thought about buying one a few times. I’d even go for a 60’s era 2X0sl, though they are even more expensive and built in far fewer numbers than the V-8s of the 70s&80s.
Truly practical classics. Plus they star in this famous quote:
“There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL.” — Lynn Lavner
Gotta love that!
–chuck
http://chuck.goolsbee.org
How mechanically inclined are you?
If you can wrench on your own car, then a used Boxster is fantastic.
If you tend to defer to a mechanic with issues, stick with a used S2000. BTW in stock trim, the S2000 is quicker on track than the Boxster.
It looked to me like the list included used cars. In which case I’d probably avoid the VW/Audi products unless you can wrench on your own car. And if you can, why not just get the Boxster.
So I’m guessing that with your 6’2″ frame (as well as most other people here of similar height) the MX-5 wouldn’t suit you.
So the perfect solution would be the 350Z (Coupe or convertible).
I’m 6’3″ but the follow cars I enjoy driving that should fit your requirements:
– C5 Corvette (gets decent mileage and the Chevy small block is indestructible)
– M Coupe (these are just a blast to drive and thoroughly designed)
– S2000 (probably the best value out there in smiles per miles with sun in the face)
– Mazdaspeed Miata (Mazda finally injected the power this chassis really needed – though a little cramped for the taller drivers – nothing a nice set of Sparcos with adjustable mounts for height, etc. can’t fix)
Z3/4’s are a blast to drive, throttle induced oversteer is a snap. How about an SLK 320/55AMG, or even a CLK, 3 series convertible even.
In addition to the choices I listed above I would throw out the current generation Mustang V6 convertible with a 5-speed. The mileage isn’t great but it runs on regular, looks good, seats 4, is cheap. Also, although it is a Ford it will still be under warranty and easily serviced. With a pushrod V6 and a live axle in a body designed for significantly more power it’s pretty bulletproof.
I’m 6’2″ and fit completely fine in the current generation MX-5 and in the MR2 Spyder. The first generation Miata is tight but manageable, I would stay away from the 2nd generation Miata for size reasons.
Mx-5 (although I’ve never sat in one, so can’t vouch for size)
MINI Cooper S (I’m 6″2′ and fit comfortably in one)
Mustang perhaps?
A word on warranty. I just bought a car that is 50 weeks and 11000 miles old and now has a 5 year 100000 mile factory CPO warranty – substantially better than new warranty. You could do something similar with a TT or other car you might otherwise shy away from with reliability/repair concerns.
Caution – I’ve owned two Fiats, two Alfas and two Saabs, so you can imagine I place fun over reliability – your tolerance level may be different than mine. I hope my new-to-me Cayman S does better than all those combined. Incidentally, look in the phrase dictionary under “completely impractical toy” and you might just find a picture of a Cayman.
My vote is for the Miata, the Mini Cooper, or yes, the Corvette.
I’m 6’3″ and really love and appreciate my 9-3 Aero convertible with the 6-speed. The fact that you’re in NE where there are actual Saab dealers (as opposed to Texas – few and far between) is a bonus. It’s certainly more of a cool/cold weather car…..
You can pick up a good low mileage early Boxter for under $15,000 and expect better than 25 mpg on the highway. Great handling and no excuses to your girlfriend.
You guys are picking out Boring Cars,
RX7 Conv, Triumph Spitfire, 1st gen Miata, Toyota Supra (80’s style), VW thing, Eagle Talon TSi (its not every day you can take your crank for a walk), VW Carrado, Dodge Omni GLH turbo (4drs can be cool).
Wow, thanks everyone! These are some awesome suggests and there are a lot of cars here I didn’t even think of.
To answer some questions and provide more details:
1. I’m thinking 25k used with some cash in reserve for repairs and up to 35k new.
2. RWD is perfered, though not required. This car will be my garage queen and it’s a toy I’d like to have for the next 10+ years AND still have it look good in that time. I.E. I car with some presence and a desing that will stand the test of time.
I’ll definately post more when I can get to a PC….the iPhone isn’t great for typing!
Thanks again for all these suggestions!
-Ken
Personally I’d opt Z4 with the 3.0, especially if you’re not looking for new. It gets very decent mileage for the power and compared to an SLK for instance its 200+ lbs lighter.
The TT is too much of a fashion item and not so much of a car, especially if you’d be dealing with the ’99-2006′ model (maybe I’m off by a year or so, but I mean the 1st gen model). The SLK isn’t a great driving machine and will be more expensive than the Z4. The Boxster is only ok if it doesn’t have the ‘spiegelei’ headlights. An S2000 is great fun but not so much for a daily commute and a Miata…meh.
The Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70 soft-top convertibles crunch and twitch over bad pavement because they have subpar chassis rigidity, as does (to a lesser extend) the previous gen 3-series convertible by the way.
As for classic options;
an Alfa Giula coupe maybe…how (un)reliable is a classic really going to be?
A Ferrari 308 GTS with carburetors (if those were sold in the US)?
’75-’90 Porsche 911 (at least that will be reliable and from 81/82 they don’t rust either)
Miata
Aston Martin Vantage – seriously! Just look at that thing! Do what ever you have to – sell the house, jeep, etc. Move in with your parents. ;-)
I would keep the G – I’m cheap like that. Buying a new or used whip to save money is just silly. Also, your concern about mpg is unwarranted if you are going to drop $30,000 on a car. The difference between a 25 and 20 mpg car (@10,000mi/year and $4.50/gal) is $450/year. This is really a drop in the bucket compared to depreciation, insurance, and maintenance. Even 25 vs. 15 mpg (w/same assumptions as above) is “only” $1200/year. Maintenance & insurance tend to be higher than average on a performance/sports car, so again, mileage should not be a major concern.
So, with that out of the way, my recommendations:
~Miata – new/used – relatively inexpensive, drop top
~350Z – new/used – great performance for price, ugly (IMO) as a roadster
~Boxster – used – it’s a Porsche :-)
~Mustang V8 coupe – used – I’d buy it for the exhaust/engine note alone
~Corvette – used – great performance
~Mini Cooper S – new/used – small = fun
~S2000 – used – if it’s just a toy, I’d say get one of these – more “hard core” than a miata, @same or lower price than a new miata
~E46 M3 – used – coupe or convertible – sure, it’ll be in the shop every other week (at least my friend’s was), but it looks and performs great; oh, and don’t get the SMG version
If you are interested in comparing cost, try edmunds.com’s TCO (true cost to own) tool at: http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController – it will give you an idea of the cost/mile, which is really what’s important here …
Also, look at True Delta for reliability.
2006+ Miata would be my number one choice, but I’m 5’8″… it is worth your while to try one on for size. If you like to drive, they are sublime.
Used Boxter or S2000 would be great options.
Used 350Zs are surprisingly affordable. They’re on my short list.
Fuel economy in the Cooper S (manual, of course) is excellent for the amount of zippy fun you get out of it. Easily fits 2 people of any size. However, reliability is sub-par, so the question is, how much anxiety are you willing to live with for all-out frugal fun?
C5 Vette is my next choice, especially if most of your driving is highway. Decent mileage for the power. Long-proven powertrain reliability. The knowledge that you could whup almost anyone out on the road (especially w/ the Z06), if you really wanted to.
I don’t know much about the Z4 coupe or ‘vert, but they seem to fall somewhere in between, in both fuel economy and reliability. I’ve lusted for a Vette for a long time, but the wake-up call of recent gas prices has pared me down to the S2000 as my upcoming toy, as its fuel economy is better in city-driving, which is where I live. Plus typical Honda reliability, but I’m only 5’ 8″. That might be a tight squeeze for you.
I doubt a hand-built rare German sports car is the best place to start for this idea, even though I LOVE the Weismann
Umm, how about a Miata? That seems to fit your bill pretty well.
Or a Z3 M Coupe or Z3 3.0i Coupe?
I’m not sure how well you’d fit in the coupe, but my understanding is that tall folks fit OK in Crossfire convertibles.
no_slushbox above suggests that Crossfires “suck gas,” but my readings at CrossfireForum.org suggest that this simply isn’t true for manual transmission Crossfires.
Crossfire drivers routinely report getting high twenties in everyday driving, and often mention getting over 30mpg on long trips at mildly extra-legal speeds.
For a model that Chrysler dealers are virtually giving away these cars still turn a surprising amount of heads.
(Disclaimer – I’m only 5’8″ tall, and my supercharged Crossfire SRT-6 Coupe, which all came with automatic transmissions, does indeed suck gas. 19mpg city, 23 highway.)
If that is too boring then you could consider an MR2 Spyder (it’s a Boxster that you can have serviced at a Toyota dealer), or a first generation Miata, which are starting to become classics. Don’t buy a Miata made before ‘96 or a Spyder made before ‘03.
Actually, don’t buy a Miata made before ’94 or after ’94. It’s the sweet spot – bigger engine and no OBDII to worry about when upgrading. And it has a real oil pressure gauge, unlike later models. Mine has a manual rack, which keeps my wife from wanting to borrow it. You should go with power steering (or a “depowered” rack) for autocross, but for the street, the manual rack just feels right. The car is so uncomplicated I’ll be able to keep it running forever, and so much fun that I plan to do just that. It has been my daily driver for almost 14 years and I plan to stick with it for at least five more.
As others have said, the 1999-2005 version feels smaller than the first generation Miatas for tall drivers (I’m 6’1″). The current version is sweet and more comfortable, but it doesn’t have the same driving feel. Basically the current car is almost too good. It’s more fun to drive my old and “slow” car hard. I don’t know any other way to explain it.
A) Life is too short not to have a cool car. We’re all in agreement here.
B) Depreciation. Make it the first guy’s problem. Everyone’s nodding their head in ditto sentiment.
C) The usual supsects have already all been named above (and they’re good ones): TT, Boxster, S2000, Miata, Cooper S…
D) Let’s now consider a car that hasn’t been mentioned already. One with the added benefit of…
E) Appreciating in value if bought right and maintained correctly… yes, old metal on its way back to being precious once again. Consider…
The Porsche 911, air cooled era.
First, consider the 911 SC (82-83 ish). They’re available in numbers. The 3.0 engine (if the chain tensioners have been upgraded) is fairly bulletproof. And they’re a hoot.
Second, the 3.2 Carrera (87-89 ish). Some say these are the last of the real 911s. Plenty quick, very reliable, and come (in the year’s mentioned) with the outstanding G50 slushbox.
Third, the 964 (skip early versions and find a 92 or 93). Again, air cooled so it is a “proper” 911. But mind the new (then), integrated bumpers. Stylistically, these are somewhat off-putting to purists and values have not yet climbed, accordingly.
Lastly, the 993 (95-98). The most beautiful of all 911s and the very last of the air-cooled models. However, these will not be cheap as collectors are now on them like flies on stink.
I’d steer away from turbos, unless you really like fiddly engines. And regular maintenance dates with your Porsche specialist. Besides, early 911 turbos have lots of turbo lag, then they come on like gangbusters. Not nearly as much fun to drive in everyday circumstances.
You can pick up a well-maintained SC (records — you must see the records) for well under 20k.
3.2 Carreras just a tad more.
And 964s just about the same.
993s sneaking into the high 20s, low 30s.
One final note. The coupe will be the most collectible ten years from now. Followed by the cabriolet. Lastly, the targa.
Check out past issues of Excellence magazine for values (I’ve found that Black Book and Blue Book and NADA rarely get these cars figures right).
You’ll find that you can buy a 911 now, enjoy it, and watch its value increase. (Ask anyone who picked up a ’73 911 RS ten years ago.)
Whereas the Miata and its contemporaries will sink to a baseline and stay there throughout your ownership.
Oh, and I forgot to add…
A 3.0, 3.2 or 3.6L aircooled H-6 will deliver 28+ mpg hwy all day long if you mind your right foot.
When you do choose to hoon, the electric-nanny free 911 has few peers.
Mx-5
Lotus Elise
Boxster
Most of my initial ideas have already been mentioned, so I’ll just float one that hasn’t come up yet: what about a Jag XK8? Fast, reliable, gets decent mileage, comes as a drop-top, and looks stunning.
Cooper S
People who bash the Audi TT for not being a car just dont know what theyre talking about. Ive driven, owned, and obsessed over many cars over the years 325 M-cars 911 944 968 Boxster XJ XK Miata MR2 etc. The complaint that it was expensive new is legitimate when compared with VW on the low side and BMW Porsche for more. The 944 after the 924 got the same bad rep in the 80s. People called it a VW not a true Porsche etc etc. The fact is the 944 was an amazing balanced performance car. It only got attention when the turbo arrived and all the race boys decided it was “fast” and therefore ok. I would certainly not buy a TT if a Cayman were 5k within reach. The fact is, its not. A boxster is another fine option if you can find one for a reasonable price. As I recall when it comes to performance the original TT 3.2 had a top gear track time the same as the Lotus Esprit V8. To me thats serious performance, and this for a car you can buy for 20k. In this price range nothing can touch this car when it comes to quality materials design and simplicity. People who hate it are simply koolaid sipping “homophobes” who insist on riding with the pack.
You sound like you want to spend a bit, so depending on how much you want to spend:
– miata, mx-5
– s2000
– elise
that’s if mileage is really an issue. I’m not sure why someone who would spend so much on a new car would care that much about mileage. If you just want to save money, buy a used car.
Early 90’s Acura NSX? Looks like sex, designed by Ayrton Senna, it’d be brilliant.
There are a ton on Ebay for $25-30k, many in great shape.
The mileage is not great, but the RX-8 would fit the bill in your price range as a new or slightly used car. For the money, nothing really comes close to the fun potential of the RX-8. The downsides are mediocre gas mileage and low torque. First of all, the RX-8 is much less expensive than any comparable car and that will pay for the relatively poor gas mileage. Second, the torque is a problem only when you try to drive the RX-8 leisurely. This is a great handling car and you should drive one and then decide.
The M coupe’s were made in small numbers and are a bargain. The non-M’s are cool as well. For the BMW roadster, I would stick to the M’s because of the look, and I suspect, better depreciation. Any of the 2.8’s or higher are plenty fast though.
If you are comfortable with your manhood, you might try the cooper s. It’s a hoot to drive. I have considered a clubman because I hear they are just as fun to drive.
Are the aircooled porsche’s really that reliable? That isn’t the rep I have heard, but I never liked them that much because they just didn’t fit my body type well. The Miata is just is fun, and less trouble anyway.
Also if you decide you want something to replace your jeep and still be fun to driver, the Mazda6 5-door is a good call. It has as much storage capacity as a CUV and is much more fun to drive.
06+ Miata.
I own an ’06 Miata and absolutely LOVE it. I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a used S2k when I took the Miata out out of curiousity. The price difference between the two is not justified IMHO. The ingenious top alone is worth the price of admission.
The newer Miata is more roomy than previous models. I’m 6’2″ with a larger build (235 lbs, 36 inch waist) and I fit fine after finding the “sweet spot” seat adjustment. Also, headroom is infinite with the top down.
I’ve already done a few mods, with plenty more planned. The Miata is almost as moddable as a Civic. If your interested, that is.
At the very least, take one for test drive before you dismiss it.
I’d like to have for the next 10+ years AND still have it look good in that time. I.E. I car with some presence and a desing that will stand the test of time.
Ok now we are talking, you don’t want something everyone else has.
How about a Porsche 944 Turbo or the sexier looking IMO 968 cabrio.
I would suggest the 968 Turbo but they are kind of rare and hard to find and very pricey, but fast does not even begin to explain it.
You could also find some nice 928’s from like 1990 on. I think the 80’s examples are starting to look dated. My uncle had one exactly like the one in the auction and the color and car were simply awesome, color shifts from green to blue to violet depending on the light.
928 GTS
I know there are many more cars that aren’t coming to me right now.
You might consider one of theose Cobra kit cars, of course gas mileage goes out the window with that.
Cobra Replica
S2K for the win!! Just an outstanding car, it’s like a Miata with (slightly) less feminine styling and more power. The lack of torque sucks for daily driving, but DAMN that redline is fun when you wind it out. And it handles like a go-kart. Probably like an Elise but more reliable and comfortable.
I would say you have to go with a Volvo C30. The car is a blast to drive and gets decent mileage. Plus there is enough aftermarket supplies for the T5 engine to really make it a “hot hatch” with style.
Alright, forget what the rest are saying about the MX-5. I’m 6’3 and I own and ’08 with the power folding hard top and I fit in it just fine. I’m also as skinny as a beanpole so that might have something to do with it…
That said, I’ve driven most of the cars that they’ve named: the Boxter, Solstice (GXP), Sky (normal), Z4, S2000, 350Z, and the Lotus Elise. My money went to a topped out Miata, but if you can do without the hard top (and the snickering from your friends), the S2000 is an excellent choice. and if you don’t care about your girl’s comfort (or about living with British engineering) the Lotus would be a good pick too. Hey, at least its engine is reliable.
You can buy an ’06 Crossfire convertible with less than 20k miles for $17k. This was not worth $40k but for the price of a new Corolla it’s a pretty good deal.
Also, the MR2 is a great car. Bulletproof toyota reliability in a (cheap-ish) roadster.
You should just ask Karesh as I have done. His advice is spot on.
I’ve owned a Ghia and a couple of S2000’s. You are “right-sized” for both and would love them both for different reasons. The Ghia will go 75 miles per hour (downhill, tailwind.) I suggest finding some dynaply tires to accentuate the experience. So equipped, 60 mph will feel like triple digits.
You’re too big for a Miata. You also have a girlfriend which makes me assume that you’re straight, also ruling out the Miata. To have both a Jeep and a Miata would require quite a bit of security with regards to how the rest of the world perceives you.
You’re too big for a Crossfire or an SLK. They are also faster than they feel which is undesirable in a sports car. The seat experience of the Z4 is too much like driving a bathtub. The Z350 is another bathtub and it doesn’t smell good.
You wouldn’t have much more fun in a 135i than you do in your G and it’s ugly. I’m not sure that it would look better with time either.
If you look hard enough, maybe a Dodge Stealth, Mitsubishi 3000. I’ve seen a few good examples for sale.
Or, even harder to find, the Mazda MX3 with it’s little V6.
You’re too big for a Miata. You also have a girlfriend which makes me assume that you’re straight, also ruling out the Miata. To have both a Jeep and a Miata would require quite a bit of security with regards to how the rest of the world perceives you.
That’s very true. Only you can know if you’re cool enough to drive what you want instead of what you want to be seen in. Maybe you’re not Steve enough to drive what you like.
I am over 6’2, and I owned two of the older, smaller interior, miatas. Ergonomics is a VERY subjective thing. You have to get in it.
Also, I think the Jeep being a chick car is a regional thing. If you live in an area where a guy is supposed to drive a pick up, large SUV, or a big engined domestic and nothing else, then sure, where you live a jeep is a chick mobile. But, so is anything without a V8.
Since our OP is out of high school, and not married, I suspect he doesn’t live in an area like that.
I would be inclined to agree with the other poster who suggested that you not bother with getting another car. You already have a small fleet of vehicles as is, so unless you get some cool collectible that is destined to get only occasional use, there isn’t much point in buying another car that you’ll hardly drive, anyway.
Honestly, I would suggest that you take a weekend and detail the G35. Not just wash it, but really do it up, inside and out. If it is looking its best, you might just feel better about owning it, and remember why you bought it in the first place.
If this is a toy I’d think about going more classic. There are lots of GREAT new cars out there — most included here. If you go classic don’t grab that SM! I agree with Chuck about a M-B, we still see lots of ’em here in Seattle. A Jag, and Alfa, a BMW 3.0 Csi, Lancia — THESE ARE NOT PRACTICAL but ooze sex.
The Crossfire is an interesting option. It’s smallish (I should talk – I have a Miata) but it does have M-B guts. (This is a car like the Miata that you can’t care what others think)
Easy.
Porsche Boxster. Get the S if you can swing it. Buy a used 987 (’05 on). Fun. Fast. Reliable. Etc, etc.
Great car.
I’m going to have to agree with the Miata (er, MX-5 now thanks to Mazda stupidly killing off one of the most recognized names in the US market). You just can’t go wrong there, no matter what year it is.
But if you want to spend some more cash (40k ish), get a used Lotus Elise. You get Toyota reliability in a British sports car package. With the small Toyota 1.8 (Yamaha designed heads actually) you should also get about the same fuel economy as a Miata.
Another option is the last gen convertible Toyota MR2. Great fuel economy, fun, and quite affordable.
That was all modern. Going older will seriously limit your reliability. But I would consider either an old 964 or 993 Porsche 911. The fuel economy won’t be as great as the above mentioned cars, but its not terrible. They are pretty reliable, but try to get one that was recently serviced to be safe. The cabrios and convertibles are usually cheaper than the coupes also. The 993 gen is better looking(IMO), but will cost you more.
Another older option, with about the same fuel economy as the Porsche, would be a second gen RX-7 convertible. The NA engine will have reasonable fuel economy, and if you found one that was cared for would be quite fun. But I won’t guarantee reliability. It is also getting harder to find unmolested examples.
I can’t fault the Z3/Z4 and Boxters as mentioned above, but never could get exited about them personally. The S2K would also be a good choice, but you have to drive it like you hate/stole it to have fun.
My .02
Boxster vs Toyota MR-2
Having owned both these cars, go for the Boxster. The MR-2 has so little storage space that the only picnic menu you and your girlfriend can carry will be a six-pack. The car is underpowered, and above 60 mph the engine noise is pretty intrusive.
OTOH, the Boxster has made more shop visits.
Ford Focus CC with the diesel – reasonably fun to drive, only a bit heavy, and economical.
BMW 120d convertible. Quick, frugal, big fun. Make it a 123d for even more fun.
Audi TT TDI
Smart Roadster, if you can live with the gearbox – there’s nothin else even remotely wrong with it
All of these are not available in the US, but so is the Wiesmann.
I’ve read through the whole thread and all I can say is: wow, there are really some awesome suggestions here!
To answer some posters this would replace the G and be just a cool toy that would do some light daily driver duty. (Though per some suggestions I did clean up the Infiniti over the weekend and remember how much fun it can be.)
My short list, in order of preference:
A5
Acura NSX
Cayman S (If I can find one)
Volvo C70
Boxster
An M Coupe
The 968 Cab mentioned above
Z06
Considerations:
S200 (Fun, but the look doesn’t do it for me)
Crossfire (Might be too small)
The Sky (Looks awesome, though may be too small as well)
The Miata (MX5) is too small for me, my parents have a new one and I really am not comfortable in it. It is fun as heck to drive though. I find that the Z car is also a lot of fun but isn’t unique enough for me to want it – unless we’re talking a 70s version. Also the ‘Stang is too big and everyone has one.
A5 – Cool car, very hard to find.
NSX – I find it hard to imagine this would be any more comfortable than a Miata.
C70 – Boring, underpowered, impracticle, FWD.
Boxter, M, Z06 or Cayman would be my picks out of that list.
BMW Z4
Dedicated roadster, not some bimbo chop top cowl shaking chassis flexing 4-seater (4 seat convertibles are for housewives and people with heart problems)
Lots of room – built for big Germans
Tons of fun to drive, competes in SCCA A-stock, has lots of power, great handling and some neat options (Sport-M seats, sport package)
20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway
’nuff said
So I went and checked out a couple cars on the list and in the back of the dealer lot I saw a 1968 Chevelle. Am I crazy for even considering this car? It just looks so friggin cool. They want $9,500 for it.