Spending ~$25K on a roadster...

[dmw16]

So it is probably 6 months or so off, but once the warranty of my current car's transmission expires I will be in the market for a "new" car. I used to fancy myself an american muscle type guy, but after driving a few friend's german and japanese cars I see the fit and finish just doesnt hold a candle. Plus I want to do some weekend autocrossing. Anyway, I've narrowed down a few choices:

Porsche Boxster
Honda S2000
BMW M Roadster (Z3 based, not new Z4 based)

All of these can be had for 20-25k depending on mileage.

 

[Fenixgoon]

saturn sky:heart:

 

[swtethan]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
saturn sky:heart:

ooooh

but it looks like he wants performance

 

[Fritzo]

That Porsche is going to have some SERIOUS miles on it to be in the $25 range.

I'm gonna get me a Solstice. Sex on wheels- that's what those are

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Honda S2000 FTW

 

[dmw16]

I have a pontiac now, and I dont think I'd get another american car (expcet a Vette or VIper or FOrd GT).

The imports just feel much better built to me.


EDIT: Yes, I was thinking S2000 as well. It will have the fewest miles due to lowest MSRP. Only beef with the S2000 is it doesnt have a lot of torque (my car has about 325ft-lbs so it may take some adjusting). Of course, w/ gas pushing $3/gal a 4-cylinder would be nice.

Also, what the heck does FTW mean?

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
That Porsche is going to have some SERIOUS miles on it to be in the $25 range.

I'm gonna get me a Solstice. Sex on wheels- that's what those are

The grill is :vomit;. I like the Sky more.

 

[fbrdphreak]

What about a Miata+turbo? Not my style, but they're popular for a reason.

Out of those I'd pick the S2000

 

[dmw16]

The new miatas are ok. The old ones are ugly. Plus, one of my favorite single things on a car is a nice set of meaty tires...I've seen bicycles with wider tires than the older miatas.

If I wanted to spend more for more miles...an NSX would be sweet too

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: dmw16
I have a pontiac now, and I dont think I'd get another american car (expcet a Vette or VIper or FOrd GT).

The imports just feel much better built to me.


EDIT: Yes, I was thinking S2000 as well. It will have the fewest miles due to lowest MSRP. Only beef with the S2000 is it doesnt have a lot of torque (my car has about 325ft-lbs so it may take some adjusting). Of course, w/ gas pushing $3/gal a 4-cylinder would be nice.

Also, what the heck does FTW mean?

For the win.

 

[isekii]

Get the S2k and get a bolt on SC

You should be able to get a 2002 S2K maybe even a 2003 and have enough left over for a SC imo

 

[swtethan]

the quicket accel on those cars is the M roadster

 

[Ktulu]

I can't believe we're forgetting the Solstice GXP

260hp/ 260 lb-ft of torque

FTW!!!!

 

[SampSon]

You won't be getting your hands on an M roadster for 25K very easily. Or is that the M coupe. Either way they are about the same.
On top of that you'll most likely kill yourself driving it.

If you're shopping for a compact roadster and expect to get a car with torque then you're barking up the wrong tree.
Out of that list I would go with the s2000, or a miata. Boxter would be nice but you're not going to get much for 25K. Your price ceiling severly limits your choices.

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I can't believe we're forgetting the Solstice GXP

260hp/ 260 lb-ft of torque

FTW!!!!

Or the Saturn Sky Redline

I'm not sure when either will be for sale though

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I can't believe we're forgetting the Solstice GXP

260hp/ 260 lb-ft of torque

FTW!!!!

Or the Saturn Sky Redline

I'm not sure when either will be for sale though

the Solstice should be out sometime in the summer or fall, not sure about the Sky though

 

[MysticLlama]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
That Porsche is going to have some SERIOUS miles on it to be in the $25 range.

I'm gonna get me a Solstice. Sex on wheels- that's what those are

I guess if you call 68k SERIOUS miles... and I only paid ~ $16k for my Boxster.

It's not a stripped model either, has almost every option, sport package, 17" wheels, CD changer, windstop, CF trim, full leather, traction control, etc.

$25k can buy quite a nice Boxster if you look around long enough. Either an S with higher miles (70k+) or a standard down in the 30k range.

Maintenance isn't too bad as long as you avoid the dealer.

 

[dethman]

Originally posted by: MysticLlama

Originally posted by: Fritzo
That Porsche is going to have some SERIOUS miles on it to be in the $25 range.

I'm gonna get me a Solstice. Sex on wheels- that's what those are

I guess if you call 68k SERIOUS miles... and I only paid ~ $16k for my Boxster.

It's not a stripped model either, has almost every option, sport package, 17" wheels, CD changer, windstop, CF trim, full leather, traction control, etc.

$25k can buy quite a nice Boxster if you look around long enough. Either an S with higher miles (70k+) or a standard down in the 30k range.

Maintenance isn't too bad as long as you avoid the dealer.

68k is definitely waaay too many miles for me to buy that car.

 

[Caesar]

S2000 cuz its helluva fun and gonna be the next Supra/300z once its production stops. You will prolly be able to sell it for what you bought it 3-4 yrs down the lane.

 

[preslove]

Go for the porsche.

 

[dmw16]

My friends dad has a 03 Boxster w/ 28k miles on it and the carrera style wheels. He said he'd sell for 28k once he gets his 911 TUrbo. If Im ready to buy when he is selling im sure he'd do 25k. He also has an aftermarket exhust on his.

As for those saying soltice/sky...Im not going for an american car.

 

[BatmanNate]

Originally posted by: CaesaR
S2000 cuz its helluva fun and gonna be the next Supra/300z once its production stops. You will prolly be able to sell it for what you bought it 3-4 yrs down the lane.

Except that the Supra and 300zx were both FAST. My vote is for the Boxster S or a supercharged Miata.

 

[ponyo]

I've seen 01-02 Boxsters with about 25-30k miles go for $25,000 and under. It's not hard to find.

01 boxster for 25k

 

[Kenazo]

A girl at work has a '98 BMW Z3 M and it's freaking awesome.

 

[dmw16]

The only thing w/ the boxster is im not sure how i feel about the look. One day I like it the next day Im not sure. THe front end is great, but the backend Im not sure of.