I would rather have a fun DD. I get by with a MINI Copper S. I had a Miata that I was able to DD for years, but had a full size truck.
Now that I have kids, I would get lucky to drive a Miata 2 times a month.
If it were a vintage 2nd car, I could see allowing it to sit, but nothing modern should have to sit unless there is more then 1 foot of fresh snow.
But if you heart was set on two, I would sell the appliance and buy a truck or a jeep. they will be as fun to drive and at least it will look like you haven't totally given up and went beige.
z31maniac wrote:
sanman wrote:
Well, it seems like most people are suggesting option 2 with some suggesting a version of option 3 (more entertaining reliable DD and a fun project car). So, keeping in mind the recent project failure at GRM, any suggestions on how to make the Camry more fun on a small budget. I was thinking the Camry SE strut brace, larger wheels, and maybe a mild suspension upgrade. I figure that is most of the difference between a Camry and a mazda 6 anyway. The other reason I like the change in DD is a hatch/wagon for utility appeals more than the sedan. Tough decisions
I would go 2 or 3 as well.
I have a '90 Miata track rat, and an '06 Miata for a DD. Only problem is I would like to do some light mods to the '06, but that takes away money from the play car.
You have two Miatas? Dang. 
carbon
New Reader
8/21/13 10:24 a.m.
I see vehicles like I see clothing, you dont wear a suit to the beach, you dont wear swim trunks to a meeting. Try and mix the two and you end up being the guy with the t-shirt with the tux on it.
sanman wrote:
z31maniac wrote:
sanman wrote:
Well, it seems like most people are suggesting option 2 with some suggesting a version of option 3 (more entertaining reliable DD and a fun project car). So, keeping in mind the recent project failure at GRM, any suggestions on how to make the Camry more fun on a small budget. I was thinking the Camry SE strut brace, larger wheels, and maybe a mild suspension upgrade. I figure that is most of the difference between a Camry and a mazda 6 anyway. The other reason I like the change in DD is a hatch/wagon for utility appeals more than the sedan. Tough decisions
I would go 2 or 3 as well.
I have a '90 Miata track rat, and an '06 Miata for a DD. Only problem is I would like to do some light mods to the '06, but that takes away money from the play car.
How do you like the 06 miata? It was on the top of my list as a fun car now that I have started to see them fall into the 10-15k range. Still cheaper than a new compact car and I can replace the Camry with another reliable beater for bad weather and more space.
I like it a lot. It has a few niggles that bug me. It's an '06 Grand Touring with the Sport Package.
- The BOSE stereo is quite mediocre.
- The stereo has no aux input so I can use Spotify from the iPhone in the car.
- The stock is under-sprung and underdamped.
I'd love to do the FM Suspension setup, a more aggressive alignment and some sticky summer tires. Make the stereo sound better and it'd would be a near perfect commuter for those who like convertibles. I've heard Clearwater speakers go a long ways, but spending $500 on door speakers on the DD is hard to stomach when I'm trying to the track rat ready.
My commute is mostly highway, ~30 miles a day, I routinely knock down 26-27mpg over the tank in the car. Slightly less for in town, slightly more for all highway.
