Recommend a small sporty car

In My Humble Opinion
1

I will shortly be in the market for my first car since the old junker I drove in high school, and realized that, while I know the style of car I like, I really don’t know much about cars and how to select them, and even less about what models are available.

I want a two-seater (probably a convertible, but I’m interested in looking at hard tops too). Price range probably maxes out around $30K, with lower price being an important factor. Milage and other such considerations are factors, but not as important as how the car looks and feels. Basically, I want a car that’s fun to drive.

A few cars I like (that I’ve noticed in the week or so I’ve been thinking about this) are the Mazda Miata and the Audi TT. Please tell me what you think of these and suggest other cars like them for me to look into. I’m probably going to buy a used car (I understand it’s much cheaper, even if it’s only a year or so old), so don’t bother telling me about the awesome feature #4 only available in the '05 model.

Thanks in advance.

2

Check out the Pontiac Solstice, a gorgeous car, sporty, ragtop, cheap, quick but I don’t think that they have been released yet.

Unclviny

3

A Honda del Sol jumped right to mind…

4

I’ve had a 1966 MGB, two 1977 MGBs, a 1977½ Porsche 924, and a 1979 Porsche 911SC. I have a '66 MGB undergoing restoration now.

1966 MGB (Mk.I)
A chrome-bumper classic. It wasn’t fast. “Book” top speed was 105 mph. Yes, it would do it; but it was most comfortable around 60 mph. Handling was great, and the exhaust note was splendid. It got some attention, even shortly after the end of the MGB’s 18-year run in 1980 (which is when I “inherited” it). Could have used an overdrive (which is available.)

1977 MGBs (Mk.III)
One of them had an overdrive, which made it much nicer to drive on the freeway than the non-overdrive ones. The '77s didn’t handle quite as nicely as the '66, and they didn’t have much power due to attempts to meet EPA regulations. (The '66 had 98hp.) The '77s also did not sound as nice as the '66. On the positive side, the convertable tops were nicer.

1977½ Porsche 924
Everybody hates the lowly 924. Actually, it was a good car that only suffered by comparison. Had it been badged as a VW or an Audi, everyone would have been singing its praises. The 924 was well balanced, and it was faster and (IMO) handled better than the MGBs. The rear area was handy for carrying stuff, too.

1979 Porsche 911SC
This car was a blast to drive. Gobs of power, and great handling with its Bilstien Sport Suspension. The only problem with it (aside from expensive routine maintenance and the occasional – expensive – repair) was that it lacked space. True, it had more space than the MGBs; but my needs had changed, and I needed something bigger.

All of these cars can be had for a reasonable price. I’d avoid the 924 and get a 944 instead, if you’re so inclined. But there are plenty of 911s in your price range.

A classic MGB is fun to drive, but in a different way from the Porsche. Got for a chrome-bumper for full effect. A Triumph TR6 might be fun, too; and it has a 6-cylinder engine.

The Mazda Miata is often called “The MGB that works”. (Actually, MGBs aren’t as bas as I and others jest.) I’ve never driven one, myself; but I hear they’re good little roadsters.

5

Lord o’ mercy. I was skeptical, since for my sense of aesthetics, American car makers can’t make a pretty car to save their lives, but that Solstice is gorgeous! Too bad they don’t ship til '06.

drool

6

Whoa. Maybe that’ll be my next car.

Johnny L.A., I’m somewhat apprehensive about getting a car that’s as old as the ones you mentioned, and as old as a 911 would be for me to afford it. How reliable are the ones you mentioned, and how much would I expect to spend in repairs? Bear in mind that, while I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, I’m not a mechanic (and do you really want to be answering all my “How do I do x” questions?)

Thanks for all the responses so far.

7

For reliability I would only recommend only Toyota or Honda. Im not too familiar the Toyotas, so I would recommend a Honda S2000 if your budget allows it and it doesnt snow where you live. Otherwise the Honda Del Sol does sound like a good choice.

8

You want a small roadster with great handling?

Check out the Lotus Elise. Fan-damn-tastic car! 190HP, but because it weighs less than 2000 lb it does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds!

9

Well, as long as you’re going up to 30k (wow) and don’t mind used, you can definately find a porsche for that.

10

Ok, so I know this doesn’t quite meet what you’re looking for. The Subaru WRX. Yup! Less than $25k (US), and comes standard with 227 turbo-charged horses. It does have 4 doors, though (which, I suppose, means you won’t have any excuses for not taking your in-laws out for a spin).

If $25k is too cheap, go for the STi (Subaru Techa Internacional) for $30k. 300 horses.

Both have all-wheel drive, too, so no slipping and sliding when you put the petal to the metal.

As soon as my current Subaru dies, I’m gonna go for a WRX (I think). That might be a while, though, since my car’s at 190k miles and still going strong (See! Subaru’s also quite dependable!).

11

You could browse a Toyota MR2 Spyder, A small 2 seater convertible:

http://www.toyota.com/mr2/

12

**iamthewalrus(:3= **: As I said, I joke about the reliability of British cars. In fact, the MGBs were pretty reliable. I don’t remember any problems with the '66 MGB except for an oil leak (the oil filter was put on wrong after an oil change). One of the '77s had a problem where the electric cooling fan would turn itself on and run down the battery. (No such fan on the '66! ;))

Porsches are very reliable cars. The 911 engine has been called “bulletproof”. You do have to be aware of the timing chains, however. They should be inspected and/or replaced every 50,000 miles.

It’s true that older cars need more maintenance than new cars. On the other hand, I find them much “cooler” than new ones. It doesn’t take much imagination for someone with a lot of bucks to go out and buy a new 911/996. But when I see a nice example of a chrome bumper 911 or a Mk.I MGB I take notice.

As Alcatraz points out, you can get a relatively new Porsche 911 for under 30 kilobucks. And as I said, the handling and power are phenomenal. I’d venture that the 911 is the best combination of power, handling and comfort until you start getting into the really expensive cars. (Which I haven’t driven, BTW.)

13

I’ve driven the Honda S2000 and I gotta say it’s a super fun car! Plus it’s a Honda with all the reliability therein.

If I had 30K and was in the market for a fun two seater, a well made Shelby Cobra replica such as the Factory Five Racing would be near or at the top of my list. Sexiest looking car EVAR.

14

Oh, fer Pete’s sake. The all-around best sports-car value isn’t a 30-thousand dollar used Porsche, or an oil-dripping MG, or even a Studebaker Avanti; it’s the Miata. I’m gonna repeat that again: the Miata is the best sports car value around. To buy anything else is foolish.

Dead reliable, inexpensive, fun to drive, easy to maintain, easy to get parts for. The only drawback is the small trunk. Otherwise, it’s the car to get.

15

I have got a horrible feeling that the production line for this car was closed down a few weeks ago. At present there are no plans for a replacement model so you will have to go for a second-hand model

16

A slightly used Honda s2000 goes for $25k. For what you are looking for, you should not even THINK about anything else. (Miata??? Lets see… 142 hp vs. the Honda’s 240 hp - NO CONTEST) Plus the s2000 is widely recognized as the best handling small car available - the Miata is pretty good too.

Both cars have very nice interiors, but I like the Honda’s a little better. The s2000 will run a 1/4-mile in about 14 seconds while the Miata will take about 16 seconds. That is a BIG difference.

17

Miata! Miata! Miata! :smiley:

Well, I’m a bit biased, since that’s what I drive. Not the biggest engine, not the most horsepower, but a great power-to-weight ratio. Besides, how could you resist this?

You’ll want to check out miata.net for TONS of info on Miatae: good stuff, bad stuff, annoying stuff, etc. Lots of links to vendors so you can get a ballpark idea of how much maintance will cost, etc.

My reccomendation if you get serious about a Miata is to do an extended test drive in one. If you are big in any direction (up, out, across) the Miata may be too cramped for you.

Also, if it is a used one approaching (or has passed) the 60K milage mark, check to see if the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. (In order to do the water pump, you have to essentially do the timing belt, so may as well do both at once. It can save you time/money later on.)

<< Putt-putt! >>

18

I used to think these were pretty cool looking, until I took a closer look at one at an auto show. There was NO trunk. None. Not even a place in the middle of the spare for a tool box. None in front, none in back. Not even a glove box to lock your sunglasses in when the car’s parked.

19

If you want to take small sporty to extremes take a look at the
Smart Roadster Brabus.

smart brabus

You can’t have more fun with 698cc

or if you can strecth your budget a bit check out the other stuff that brabus do
with a maybach

20

For $30k, you can get a real nice, gently used BMW. Can’t get more “quality for the dollar” if you ask me.

Drive one. You’ll see what I mean.

Actually, for $30k, you can get a BMW ($20K), a Porsche ($6k) and a small mini-van ($4k) to haul around all the women you will attract. :smiley:

“But I’ll always regret that Rwandan thing.” --Bill Clinton