Beater sports car that's not a Miata?

[slugg]

This, this, this. Even a t-top with eccentric guides will do fine.

Also, for that sort of budget, you could easily get a hardtop and a Miata, or at least get a Miata and a new soft top, either of which would remove the 'deal-breaker' flaw.

FWIW my Miata has only a hard top, and my Mk2 MR2 has eccentric t-top guides. :awe:

I beg to differ. All Miatas leak, unless it's an NC with a fresh top. Even hard tops leak around the windows when it rains sideways, which is common in Florida. Been there, done that, it was fun, but I'm done.

I have a love/hate with Mustangs. They're like fat chicks; you gotta look at them at JUST the right angles... And I wouldn't want to be seen inside one, but I'm sure they're fun to ride. And apparently, they can take a beating. I wouldn't slam it, either.

On the radar at the moment: MR2, WRX, 350z...

Cars I want to be on the radar, but I'm skeptical about the cost of ownership: Audi TT, Audi A4, e36 with an LSD and manual (M or non-M, doesn't matter too much to me)

Unrealistic cars that would be cool: RX-8 swapped with an LS1, Porsche 944 that didn't need maintenance after every tank of gas...

I've always thought the Neon SRT-4 was decent, but I've never heard of one that didn't explode in the motor region. How about a Chevy Cobalt SS? Anyone have any luck or experience there?

 

[JCH13]

I beg to differ. All Miatas leak, unless it's an NC with a fresh top. Even hard tops leak around the windows when it rains sideways, which is common in Florida. Been there, done that, it was fun, but I'm done.

I have a love/hate with Mustangs. They're like fat chicks; you gotta look at them at JUST the right angles... And I wouldn't want to be seen inside one, but I'm sure they're fun to ride. And apparently, they can take a beating. I wouldn't slam it, either.

On the radar at the moment: MR2, WRX, 350z...

Cars I want to be on the radar, but I'm skeptical about the cost of ownership: Audi TT, Audi A4, e36 with an LSD and manual (M or non-M, doesn't matter too much to me)

Unrealistic cars that would be cool: RX-8 swapped with an LS1, Porsche 944 that didn't need maintenance after every tank of gas...

I've always thought the Neon SRT-4 was decent, but I've never heard of one that didn't explode in the motor region. How about a Chevy Cobalt SS? Anyone have any luck or experience there?

Unfortunate that you feel that way.

I'd steer clear of 944s. A friend of mine in college owns(ed) one (and his family owns several), they're a lot of fun, but plan on $2k-$3k in maintenance every year. It is a Porsche!

Of the three on your radar I would strongly encourage the MR2 for the following reasons: (1) the WRX loves to understeer like a bastard, they can be quick off the line, but their handling leaves much to be desired IMO; and (2) the 350Z is one of the most risky cars ever made, it has more deaths per passenger mile than any other vehicle (last time I checked), which means jacked up insurance rates and the concern that you can get yourself into a lot of trouble really quickly.

I wish you good luck in finding an RX8 with a V8 within your budget. You likely couldn't even get a V8 Miata for $6-9k that didn't need a shitload of work.

The Cobalt SS with a turbo-charged engine (2008 or 09 and newer) is supposed to be pretty awesome and really quick with a powerful engine and best-for-GM tuned FWD suspension, but it has a extra-sad GM interior.

 

[exar333]

Mr2, 240sx

This.

Both are amazingly fun cars and you should be able to get a great one with your price range.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I'm assuming you only care about a leaky top on a Miata because you don't have garaged parking for it. If that's the case, you could find one with a hard top and get a soft top for kicks. My parents have had a 95 Miata since 1998.... They've replaced the top once and it's not leaked much (a little around the window on the original top). Just treat it and try to keep it from dry-rotting (UV damage).

Otherwise, I'd probably look at Mustangs or something you know is plentiful on the road that depreciates fast with cheap parts.

 

[ballmode]

I'm going based on anything under $10k

Roadster - Any S2000 with a top that has no tears, basically pads/fluids and its good to track with decent rubber. Mazdaspeed Miatas and Solstice/Sky turbos, you might be able to find high mileage NC Miatas which I would get over the NA/NB if you want more interior space.

American - 1996-2001 Mustang Cobras or F-Body V8's, you MIGHT be able to squeeze in the GTO which I would put over due to being newer albeit with higher miles.

Japanese - 350Z or WRX/Saab 9-2X

Front Wheel Drive - Cobalt SS (turbo) > Mazdaspeed 3 > SRT-4 > RSX-S > build your own civic/intergra with engine swap


Dark Horses (rare cars that if available could be a ROI) - Although they may never be collector cars, these are cars that you could probably drive for a year or two and put 10-20k miles on it and sell it barely losing a dime or coming out even:

ANYTHING super low mileage like the owner not being able to drive stick anymore, divorce sales, estate auctions

Mitsu Lancer Ralliart's - Hard to find, might get your money back for somebody who can't find a clean WRX to own but just wants AWD turbo with stick.

Mazdaspeed 6 - Harder to tune than the MS3 but in all honesty I've seen these stay around 9-12k

E36 M3 Sedan or Coupe - It has an M badge before it was watered down, enthusists know this, as long as you replace all the normal wear items, expect SOMEBODY to want to own an M car.

SVT Contour/Focus - Clean versions hover between $5-8k they are harder to find as they were never really popular, but somebody out there will want it.

240SX - Good luck finding any clean S14 but if you can pick one up, I don't see this becoming second rate until BRZ/FRS's become less than 12k

GSX Eclipse/AWD Talon's/3000GT VR4 and the Dodge Stealth AWD turbo - again these cars might need some work done to them to keep them running in good shape... but a clean one is worth grabbing.

Early Gen Boxsters - I'm stretching but one day it will become the replacement to the 944/928 entry level Porsche money.

 

[ballmode]

I think the Cobalt SS to this date is fastest FWD car on Nurburgring.

 

[pauldun170]

I'm going based on anything under $10k


Mazdaspeed 6 - Harder to tune than the MS3 but in all honesty I've seen these stay around 9-12k

Highly recommend avoiding these cars. These have developed a bad rep for being poorly design with early failures. These might make an interesting project car but the amount of $$$ might not make it worth it. At least not for something in the beater catagory

SVT Contour/Focus - Clean versions hover between $5-8k they are harder to find as they were never really popular, but somebody out there will want it.

Contour SVT were pretty decent way back when with one weakspot being the oil pan. Stock oil pan led to oil starvation under cornering load if I recall correctly.


Pretty decent list...

 

[JCH13]

I think the Cobalt SS to this date is fastest FWD car on Nurburgring.

Mazdaspeed3 was 8:39
Cobalt SS was 9:02

FWD record-holder is Renault Megane Trophy-R at 7:54

At least according to wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nürburgring_Nordschleife_lap_times

But so much of this depends on the driver and conditions it's difficult to draw real conclusions.

 

[Railgun]

Mazda Rx7. I used to have one and really enjoyed it. Maybe a Fiero GT

2nd generation or earlier. 3rd gens are not beaters.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Are the S13 240 SX worth considering, or just stick to the S14?

 

[slugg]

I looked around for a 240sx and they're either complete junk *or* a show car with an asking price of ridiculous.

Supra? Same thing. Plus they're heavy as hell.

MR2? You can find them, but the snap oversteer has me a bit turned off. Is this blown out of proportion? I don't know anyone with this car, so I can't test drive one and try it out for myself.

As for the Corvette, I can't bring myself to like them. Same with Mustangs (not counting the new GT350, which is badass). The F-Bodies (Camaro et. Al.) make me want to poke my eyes out, too.

Damn. Maybe I don't like cars? I'm like one of those movie critics that hates movies, except for cars. LOL!

 

[jlee]

I looked around for a 240sx and they're either complete junk *or* a show car with an asking price of ridiculous.

Supra? Same thing. Plus they're heavy as hell.

MR2? You can find them, but the snap oversteer has me a bit turned off. Is this blown out of proportion? I don't know anyone with this car, so I can't test drive one and try it out for myself.

As for the Corvette, I can't bring myself to like them. Same with Mustangs (not counting the new GT350, which is badass). The F-Bodies (Camaro et. Al.) make me want to poke my eyes out, too.

Damn. Maybe I don't like cars? I'm like one of those movie critics that hates movies, except for cars. LOL!

Yup. JCH13, black2na, and I race(d) MR2s in endurance races. Plenty of seat time in 9/10ths driving.

 

[tweakmonkey]

MR2 Spyder is also very fun and can be found pretty cheap. But alas, it's a convertible and since this is about non convertibles... I bought one a couple years back for $3700. I sure miss that car.

 

[JCH13]

I looked around for a 240sx and they're either complete junk *or* a show car with an asking price of ridiculous.

Supra? Same thing. Plus they're heavy as hell.

MR2? You can find them, but the snap oversteer has me a bit turned off. Is this blown out of proportion? I don't know anyone with this car, so I can't test drive one and try it out for myself.

As for the Corvette, I can't bring myself to like them. Same with Mustangs (not counting the new GT350, which is badass). The F-Bodies (Camaro et. Al.) make me want to poke my eyes out, too.

Damn. Maybe I don't like cars? I'm like one of those movie critics that hates movies, except for cars. LOL!

Yes. Speaking as someone who has spun them, you do have to be cognizant of how to drive the car, but it's not too hard to stay on top of if you're driving within your abilities (I got a bit cocky on cold tires once and got off into the marbles a second time). If you feel the back end stepping out, give it more throttle! I got one for my wife and she's never spun it, even at autox school and autox races.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Damn. Maybe I don't like cars? I'm like one of those movie critics that hates movies, except for cars. LOL!

No, it just means you have a preference and narrowed your list of possibles. Seems like 350z or WRX are it. I haven't seen anyone mention G35 coupe. I like them better than 350z and the prices are in budget.

 

[Zargon]

the g35 is much better looking too


3rd gen fbodys are a great beater...cheap to modify

most of the cool 80's stuff is going to be 'showroom quality overpriced' 'heavily modified overpriced' or run down rusty junk

otherwise the Nissan 200/300 s/z cars, 3rd gen surpras, star/clar's, are all great cars.

even DSM's are almost beyond that point now

 

[Carson Dyle]

Get a WRX. You can race 17 year-olds on the weekend.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

Well, I scratched the Gen 3 Supra off my list. I had no idea they were that heavy. Completely pointless for what I'm looking for. Maybe MR2 is the best bet. Which years are best to look for?

 

[Mermaidman]

Miata :awe:
Hear me out - Find a high mileage 2007 model with the retractable hard top - No leaks! Here's an example in Texas:
2007 Miata MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top PHRT - $8995
"2007 Miata MX-5 power retractable hard top, also known as PHRT, 5 speed, black with tan leather interior, 151k miles, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, ABS, Ipod hookup, two remote keys, excellent 18" tires, brakes, recent struts. Full factory appearance / aerodynamic package (front, rear, side skirts), rear spoiler, carpeted and weatherproof floor mats. Magnaflow muffler (NOT loud, just looks nice) or will swap back to the original muffler if that is your preference. Clear title is in my name, in my hand. Just inspected today."

 

[Kelvrick]

You guys find me an NB Miata in the Northern California area. I've been looking for a while and these pleebs want 5k+ for their salvage title, 150k+ mile cars that are 15 years old.

The ones that are 10 years older are often only 4k.

 

[ringtail]

the "better" sports car

begins with a "P"

ends in "e"

comes out of Germany

Driving (piloting?) one is a whole other thing than a Miata

 

[YBS1]

Mazdaspeed3 was 8:39
Cobalt SS was 9:02

FWD record-holder is Renault Megane Trophy-R at 7:54

At least according to wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nürburgring_Nordschleife_lap_times

But so much of this depends on the driver and conditions it's difficult to draw real conclusions.

Cobalt SS ran 8:22, I remembered it being in the 8's simply because I was surprised it was only slightly behind the Camaro SS.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

MKV GTI? Skip the DSG and they are decently reliable. Only problem with the 6 speed manual is that it isn't as beefy as the DSG and won't take to an APR tune as well if you wanted to go that route.

Yeah, my Supervisor has a MKVI Golf R with the 6 speed manual with a Stage 2 APR tune. Clutch is slipping under full throttle. :awe:

 

[QueBert]

Saturn Sky Redline or the Pontiac Solstice GXP. I <3 my Redline and people always comment on it. Pretty fun to drive, fairly quick stock. And for like $200 you can get the Trifecta tune and it becomes pretty beastly.

 

[JCH13]

Well, I scratched the Gen 3 Supra off my list. I had no idea they were that heavy. Completely pointless for what I'm looking for. Maybe MR2 is the best bet. Which years are best to look for?

I'd suggest a MK2. MY 1991-1998 or 1999 in NA.

Cobalt SS ran 8:22, I remembered it being in the 8's simply because I was surprised it was only slightly behind the Camaro SS.

Cite your source.