Car choices: what is he missing?

Replacing the miata in the near future
(I don't like - or fit - convertibles)

Off the top of my head, the short list consists of the following:
Lancer Evo (VIII/IX)
M3 (E36)
Vette (C5/Early C6)

and that's about where I run out of steam.
Subaru doesn't make the list because I already have a Scoob project, plus the part where everyone and their mom has one around here.

Evo gets points for being cool and rare around here... four doors arguably two too many though, also significantly more expensive to buy into than the others.
M3 and Vette have the douchebag stigma ... less than ideal.

What options am I missing?
Rough criteria: Not FWD, $10-20k, 20+ MPG, reliable, tall person friendly, not totally boned for autocross classing in near stock form.
Needs to be DDable, though I'm youngish and am coming off of several years of DDing an STR miata sans seat cushion... the bar is set pretty low on that front.

How about an RX-8? The mileage is possible, but not likely. I loved mine when I owned it. I think if you could find a really nice low mileage late model maybe even the R3 that it could make a great choice

Without knowing how they class up I'd suggest also looking at Nissan Z's and maybe the GTO. If you want more comfortable the Crossfire seems like a great bargain for essentially a Mercedes.

FRS or BRZ?

If you want a BMW that is not totally boned in near-stock classing, you have no choice but an M3.

I say drivr a vette and see how many duche berks are dying to show you how fast their car is, or just drive in your blind spot. I dont think I'll ever get a speeding ticket in that car, a 92 lt1 for the first reason mentioned, good luck and of course I would pick the vette.

A crossfire is not at all a tall person car. As far as rwd autocross cars that aren't miatas, a corvette, 350z, mustang, or Porsche 968 are the only ones that I can think of.

You can also look at an older Audi S4, a mid 00s Audi TT(the D Stock car), and also take a look at the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. You can also get a used 5th generation Camaro, and buy the 1LE performance package from GM Performance parts and still be in the stock class.

Used FRS or BRZ should be high in your list...ST classing is where these things thrive and are REALLY successful in autocross from all accounts I've heard.

FRS stock handling is like you take a miata and make it more precise and immediate in responsiveness... a much sharper scalpel than a miata.

And then there is also the nice sports car/mini exotic look of the FRS/BRZ and their rarity on the road compared to corvettes and miatas, right up there with the EVO's and Tesla's in my area.

I've been really happy with my 2005 C6, no one has tried to race me at a stoplight or purposely tried to annoy me. Plus, it tows a trailer really well.

Porsche Boxster/Cayman? Or a MB AMG model.

Reliable excludes all the German cars automatically.

Out of that list, I'd go Vette all the way. I've never heard of vette drivers being referred to as douchy. BMW drivers - yes, many times.

Alternatively, the FRS/BRZ is a great option. 3rd on the list would be a G35 or 350 but I think the 350 is pretty ugly and they are heavier and softer than the Vette or FRs/BRZ.

Boxster no, Cayman... maybe, not sure a healthy example is in my price range.
G35 huh... certainly not that many around these parts, that's appealing to me.
Frisbee? Huh, not sure how I missed that one
(quick CL search shows ... holy crap, they're all rebuilt titles around here)
FD RX7 would be cool, too bad I've already confirmed that I don't fit.
(plus possible reliability issues)

MB isn't really even on my radar, for some reason only Porsche, Audi, and BMW come to mind when I think German... despite one of the fastest guys I autocross with pedaling an AMG convertible.

How tall are you? Depending on your dimensions, the Miata may be a better fit than the BRZ/FRS. I am a little north of 6'4" and I don't fit. 33" inseam. With a foamectomy I fit in a NA Miata, my hair is grazing the roof of the FRS. No way in without modification could I have the seat in comfortable position or be able to wear a helmet.

I fit comfortably in the Boxer and the Caymen. The Audi TT is also one I fit well in.

Of everything everyone has listed, if you could find a GTO or a 911, those both would be very nice rides.

I was going to suggest a 911 also, but the repairs would likely get out of hand. I can also suggest an E46 M3, or a regular E46.

BRZ/FRS and the RX8 around here are usually on par with each other here in CS, and both translate well to STX as well, and I've gotten 24mpg on the highway with my 10 RX8 on trips to Maine a before.

As for bmws yeah the M is the only one classed properly (can someone please tell me why the 128i and the 135i are in FS together?!?!)

In reply to Flight Service:

I'm 6'3'' but all torso
(30'' inseam, yeah, sucks)

911 would be cool but afaik they're out of my price range regardless of model year.
GTO would be cool though heavy and ugly as sin
(Monaro-izing one would be cool though)

In reply to JtspellS:

Sorta like how my NA miata coming with a limited slip means it gets classed with newer miatas and S2Ks, yeah.

968? 944 Turbo?

Reliable if well maintained and can get relatively decent mileage.

In reply to turboswede:

Meh, front engine Porsches do nothing for me

In reply to SnowMongoose:

Driven one in anger? Or just going off the styling?

In reply to SnowMongoose:

I have found a few 911s on the Porsche Club of America's classifieds that seem to fit the bill. A few have replacement engines and others have IMS replacements, so they seem legit.

But with a few of the horror stories posted here. I can see why you are wary.

FRS/BRZ, or an RX8 and enough left over to pay for gas for quite a few years.

In reply to SnowMongoose:

For the same reason my lowly E46 325i is in the same FS, along with the E46 330i ZHP and M3. Idiots on the comp board.

FRC c5 vette would be my choice. Run it in A-street with a front bar and some koni's, or jump to STU if you want a few more bolt ons.