How about a S197 Mustang GT convertible? They are solid, reliable, easy to set up for go-faster, and they make the right gurgly-noises while also providing good thrust. Specifically I'm talking the earlier cars like 2008-2009.
While coupes have often suffered a beating by this point but it's amazing how many nicely kept 2 and 3 owner stick convertibles are out there in good shape. They can fall into your price range for sure and you get a lot of go for not a lot of dough.
While I'm on a roll, why not a C5 Corvette? They are absolutely into your price range and are an absolute weapon compared to an early Miata not to mention they loaf along on the highway like a Caprice. I'm not sure a convertible would meet your target price but since the coupes have a removable top anyway and they do, I would think it could satisfy the need.
In reply to Loweguy5 :
Both are good suggestions, but I'm looking for something smaller and more tradtional-sports-car-like.
Thanks!
That budget cap is hard... I would have said Corvette but ^^
Seems like you are limited to:
- NC Miata
- Boxster
- BMW Z car
- FRS/BRZ but no convertible...
- MR2 spyder
Maybe a 350z convertible but probably doesn't fit your requirements
In reply to RX8racer :
The budget will vary depending on how much I recoup from the Manic Miata, but I'm trying to set reasonable expectations there.
One thing I would recommend if you get a Boxster is to get one with good headlights even if it's a significantly more expensive one, because the headlights don't hold up well and are very expensive (like $1k for eBay junk and $3500-$5500 for new factory ones).
I don't think they came with manuals and I'm not very familiar with them, but what about something in the Mercedes SL line?
Edit to add: 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-500 AMG $12,900
Tk8398 said:One thing I would recommend if you get a Boxster is to get one with good headlights even if it's a significantly more expensive one, because the headlights don't hold up well and are very expensive (like $1k for eBay junk and $3500-$5500 for new factory ones).
Also beware of the fact that Boxsters can occasionally eject a headlight while autocrossing, particularly with a spin. I've seen that happen a couple times. I remember the first time, the car was coming across the finish and I went "Huh, it looks like Gregg's car is missing a headlight. How did that happen?" and then I see a worker running back to their station with the headlight under their arm.
In reply to NickD :
I've never heard of that happening... sounds like gaffer's tape is important race prep.
I have an exceptionally nice Z4M coup in triple black that needs a new home. I have been told it is the car for those who outgrow their Miata. Unfortunately, the 10K limit will only get you about 1/3 of the way to ownership.
In reply to ekauppi7 :
I like the 128i and they are in budget, but they are 500 lbs heavier than a Z3.
Z3 3.0 looks like around 255 hp in a 2900 lb package. That's about 10% more HP and 20% more weight than the Manic Miata.
But I look at this and read a story:
Maybe it's time to try the modestly powered mid-engine mighty mite.
But wow, prices on the MR-S vary all over the place.
In reply to Duke :
Yeah. $7500 was what I paid for mine, but I knew it needed a top. And then discovered it had a noisy transmission. But it was an all-original, one-owner, garage-kept, 98k mile car. Beware of ones that use oil. They do the same thing as the Nissan QR25DEs and suck up the precat. Easy way to check the precat is to remove the two 02 sensors and look down in. If the catalyst are intact, you're safe, just knock them out ASAP. If they're missing, they were likely already deleted. If they're partially present, then they've crumbled and that engine is probably a smoker. Deletion has zero effect on noise or performance and doesn't set a CEL
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