If you dial back the convertible preference and dial up the "tinker with/modify" preference to add "upgrade while repairing", how about an FD? :)
If you dial back the convertible preference and dial up the "tinker with/modify" preference to add "upgrade while repairing", how about an FD? :)
Devilsolsi wrote: Buy my 911!!!!! https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/open-classifieds/1999-porsche-911-c2-coupe-20k/121414/page1/roninsoldier83 wrote:My dad has a C5 which I have driven many times. Never driven a C5Z, but I have driven a C6. I hate the C5 but love the C6. Much tighter and nimbler feeling. It would be worth your while to take a look at one.Desmond wrote: Late gen Corvettes maybe? They pretty much tick all your boxes. Lot of bang for the buck I think.I've driven a C5 Z06, and it was fun to drive, but felt a good bit sloppier than the cars listed above. Seems silly, but the lack of a removable roof was a mark against the C5Z. I'll have to take a C6 for a spin sometime. My understanding is that the convertible version is noticeably less stiff than the hardtop; I'm assuming the targa would be a reasonable compromise?
Nice plug! 
I looked at the 996, but unless the extra power or back seat is needed, I feel like the 987 would be a better fit for what I'm looking for.
Based on the above recommendations, I'll absolutely be taking a C6 for a spin. I'm assuming I should keep my eyes peeled for a Z51 package car. I'll report my thoughts and findings. Thanks for the C5 vs C6 thoughts!
dyintorace wrote: You mentioned that an e92 M3 is a bit too heavy/GT-ish, but what about an e46 M3 convertible? You could have a MINT example for $15k by this weekend, leaving plenty of money to make it your own. They are fantastic cars and that motor is incredible. I really enjoyed mine. For that matter, you could reach back to an e36 M3 convertible as well. I've owned 2 e36 M3s and LOVED them. Simply amazing cars. Fairly light, very nimble, great mod potential. $10k would buy a really nice one.
Good thought, but if I'm not mistaken, the E46 and Z4 are built on the same chassis/underpinnings, same motor, ect. In my mind, if I was going to go that route, I would probably just hold out for a Z4M Roadster, due to it being the lighter/sportier car to begin with. I've only driven the Coupe version, but would be happy to take the roadster version out if I could find one at a local dealer.
Driven5 wrote:roninsoldier83 wrote:What about starting with an NA/NB?KyAllroad wrote: NC Miata PRHT with an LS3.When you factor in the cost of the swap, I think that's a bit over my budget!
I've owned an NA and NB MSM. Fun cars, but for the money, I think I would like something else. I like the idea of the Monster Miata, but I would have a tough time justifying the cost to do it right.
oldeskewltoy wrote: I say stick with the S2000. It ticks all your boxes... and fits easily inside your budget. So far inside that you can get spares, and extra bits and still be inside your budget. And you already like it...
That's pretty much what I keep coming back to... There's quite a few advantages that the S2000 has long term, that are pretty tough to beat:
-If I blew a motor, the replacement cost would be a small fraction of what it would be for some of the others (CoughBoxstercough).
-Best gearbox I've ever had the pleasure of shifting.
-Makes great noises above 6000rpm.
-Easy to work on.
-Seem to be appreciating in value.
-Huge aftermarket. If I got the itch for big power down the line, it's easily attainable with the S2000.
Lots going for it. Although, there are a few negatives to go along with it:
-Low torque.
-Frequently stolen. It would be garaged nightly, but it's still a concern.
-Frequently associated with flat-bill hat wearing kids, aka the "VTAK, yo" crowd.
-Not quite as well styled as the others on this list. I've always thought it was a decent looking car and will age well, but it doesn't have some of the eye catching aesthetics as the others.
Overall, the AP2 S2000 is generally hovering at the top of my list, but I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit that the 987 Boxster S was just a bit more enjoyable to drive. And I have a feeling that I might feel the same way about an Elise if I could find one to drive...
Lots of great cars in this price segment!
codrus wrote: If you dial back the convertible preference and dial up the "tinker with/modify" preference to add "upgrade while repairing", how about an FD? :)
I've looked into the FD several times over the course of years! I honestly don't know if I'm prepared to take on the constant needs of the FD, and I do really enjoy the convertible factor.
I've had a few issues with the FD that are hard to look past:
-The newest one I could buy is still 21 years old. Significantly older than anything else I'm looking at. To me, that translates into: it will need considerably more TLC.
-Twin-turbo rotary= lots of attention to keep it running right and on the road. Years ago I was a moderator on a local Mazda board... I knew several FD owners, and they seemed to constantly have problems. To my knowledge, every FD owner I knew years ago, sold their car on account of the constant cycle of problems.
-Most of them are modded to hell and have been through quite a few cycles of abuse.
-No convertible. Not a deal breaker per se, but I'm yet to find a hardtop that gives me the same raw, connected feeling as a good drop top car on a nice day.
I would honestly love to drive one, but it would take one hell of a great driving experience to overlook the above mentioned issues.
Another vote for the S2000. For all the comments about lack of torque, I don't get it. Keep it I the proper gear and it pulls really well. Even at relatively low rpm's it is smooth and easy to drive. Mine is an AP1, but I've never felt it had a lack of torque. It's just so smooth you don't notice it. Of course' when the vtec kicks in' it's a whole other story.
Don49 wrote: Another vote for the S2000. For all the comments about lack of torque, I don't get it. Keep it I the proper gear and it pulls really well. Even at relatively low rpm's it is smooth and easy to drive. Mine is an AP1, but I've never felt it had a lack of torque. It's just so smooth you don't notice it. Of course' when the vtec kicks in' it's a whole other story.
I think the short gearing in the S2000 really helps. I didn't notice any real lack of power/torque in the last AP2 I drove.... but compared to the 987 S, or aforementioned C6 Vette, the S2000 will likely feel pretty down in the torque department.
For that money I'd buy a already swapped ls Miata like this
http://www.v8miata.net/cars-sale-4/1996-ls1-miata-2947/
You are forgetting all about one of the most fun to drive, smiles per mile cars on the planet. A Triumph TR8. Good examples are in the$8 to $12K range. Just saw one with a bunch of mods making around 300 wheel HP sell for $16K. Personally I think $16 was too much for the car, but the buyer really wanted that car. The buyer was a lady from Pennsylvania. She drove up alone in a Mini to Cape Cod, bought the TR8 and drove it home last night. Still not sure how she plans on getting her Mini back home. If you ever get a chance to go for a ride in one, I suggest you take it. You will be hooked. There is a ton of room inside them for a "small" car. Lots of TR8 owners much bigger than you. Lots of people daily them in the Summer. Stock TR8s are boring. Make sure you get one with engine and suspension mods or plan on doing them. Those mods transform the car into something special. Leave the stock ones for the guys with the tread jackets and leather patches on the elbows that like to go to British car shows.
Turbo exocet
Also cool to see another person owned by a border collie here on the board.
captdownshift wrote: Turbo exocet
I came here to say this
I think the S2000 is the no brainer here. 
Flyin Miata currently has 3 turbo cars for sale on their page. The first is a NB that looks really nice for 1/2 your budget.
icaneat50eggs wrote: For that money I'd buy a already swapped ls Miata like this http://www.v8miata.net/cars-sale-4/1996-ls1-miata-2947/
A few years back, I had a couple of buddies with V8 swapped Miata's, although neither of them had an LS in them (one had a supercharged Ford 302 and the other had a home-made Chevy 350). Cool cars. Although it's hard for me to wrap my brain around spending $25k on an NA Miata, even a swapped one.
It sounds like the O.P.'s heart is set on a Boxster S--- so go get one. They are cheaper than they should be, wonderful fun to drive, and they feel "special". When buying a "toy", get whatever turns you on. If the S2000 doesn't thrill you aesthetically (It doesn't do it for me either) then go with the Porsche. Chances are your lady will prefer the German as well, as it's much less frantic, and has more space inside.
Just be sure the IMS issue has been dealt with, or plan on doing it yourself.
If the Elise was out of the question, I'd be looking for a Z3-- M Roadster, or M Coupe----I'm a sucker for those rear haunches, and I like lively handling. ( ie. oversteer)
tr8todd wrote: You are forgetting all about one of the most fun to drive, smiles per mile cars on the planet. A Triumph TR8. Good examples are in the$8 to $12K range. Just saw one with a bunch of mods making around 300 wheel HP sell for $16K. Personally I think $16 was too much for the car, but the buyer really wanted that car. The buyer was a lady from Pennsylvania. She drove up alone in a Mini to Cape Cod, bought the TR8 and drove it home last night. Still not sure how she plans on getting her Mini back home. If you ever get a chance to go for a ride in one, I suggest you take it. You will be hooked. There is a ton of room inside them for a "small" car. Lots of TR8 owners much bigger than you. Lots of people daily them in the Summer. Stock TR8s are boring. Make sure you get one with engine and suspension mods or plan on doing them. Those mods transform the car into something special. Leave the stock ones for the guys with the tread jackets and leather patches on the elbows that like to go to British car shows.
Cool idea! Although I would rather have a more modern car. A car like the S2000 is similar in size/weight, but has a good bit more power (stock), increased reliability, would be easier to sources parts for, better weight distribution and more modern suspension (double wishbones all around).
I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a 4 wheeled Triumph on the road...
captdownshift wrote: Turbo exocet
I've lusted after the Exocet more than once! Honestly, I think I would prefer the Exocet over the Caterham's and other "kit" type cars. The little lady is pretty understanding of my "car addiction", but I don't think I could talk her into riding inside of an exposed metal cage on our way to date night! I might be able to slide an Elise by here, as she would likely overlook the spartan interior in favor of the gorgeous exterior; but I think most of the stripped down cage cars are probably off the table.
One of these days maybe I'll have the money to buy both- a fun street/sports car and some type of caged track machine.
captdownshift wrote: Also cool to see another person owned by a border collie here on the board.
He's my little buddy, and the best dog on Earth! That is, if you can overlook the slightly obsessive tendencies.... No matter the time, day or night, he wants nothing more than for me to throw the tennis ball! All day, every day!
KyAllroad wrote: Flyin Miata currently has 3 turbo cars for sale on their page. The first is a NB that looks really nice for 1/2 your budget.
I've owned a turbo NB Miata before- '04 Mazdaspeed Miata. Just normal bolt-ons, nothing crazy. I had a lot of fun in my MSM! Although I drove it back to back with a bone stock S2000, and the S2000 felt like "more car"- fit my bigger frame better (especially in the leg room department), made better noises, better shifter, better seats, better engine, a lot less cowl shake and everything just felt more solid inside. With bolt-ons I think my MSM was a bit quicker, but I actually had more fun in the Honda. Not looking to go back to an NA/NB.
There's a 911 turbo in New York for $26k:
http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp?listingId=676180594
2010 Boxster S with manual and less than 30k miles in CT. IMS issue supposedly ended with 2008 model year.
Joe Gearin wrote: It sounds like the O.P.'s heart is set on a Boxster S--- so go get one. They are cheaper than they should be, wonderful fun to drive, and they feel "special". When buying a "toy", get whatever turns you on. If the S2000 doesn't thrill you aesthetically (It doesn't do it for me either) then go with the Porsche. Chances are your lady will prefer the German as well, as it's much less frantic, and has more space inside. Just be sure the IMS issue has been dealt with, or plan on doing it yourself. If the Elise was out of the question, I'd be looking for a Z3-- M Roadster, or M Coupe----I'm a sucker for those rear haunches, and I like lively handling. ( ie. oversteer)
I agree that the Boxster is cheaper than it should be, but I think the maintenance/reliability factor is what has driven the prices down so low.
Here's the problem with the IMS bearing issue:
-On the 986 S cars, the IMS is serviceable. They changed the IMS design somewhere in the middle of the 2005 (first year of the 987) model year, and it's no longer serviceable.
-Allegedly, the IMS failure rate is considerably lower on the late 2005 to 2008 cars (987.1), but there's no way to "fix" the problem on those cars.
-In 2009, they introduced the 987.2 cars with the new 9A1 direct injection engine. This engine is considered to be significantly more reliable than the old M96/M97 engines in the 2000-2008 cars. They eliminated the IMS design entirely in the 987.2 cars. Unfortunately, the 987.2 was released during a major economic downturn. As a result, Porsche didn't sell a lot of them, and the market really reflects this; there aren't nearly as many 987.2 cars (2009-2012) on the market and they command a premium over the 987.1 cars. Most of them are outside of my budget. 
I drove both the 986 S & 987 S, and there was no question, I preferred the 987 hands down. I thought the 986 S was fun, but the 987 simply felt like an improvement in every way. If I'm being honest with myself, the 987 S was one of the most fun cars I've ever driven, edging out the AP2 S2000; but I actually preferred the S2000 over the 986 S.
So, with the 987 S, I'm left with choices:
-Buy a 2005 and roll the dice on it if has a serviceable IMS or not. Early 2005's can use the aftermarket IMS to "fix" the problem, but you're then left with other "first model year issues".
-Buy a 2006-2008. Assume the lower IMS failure rate will translate into "it won't happen to me". Be prepared to spend big money ($15k-$20k) if I'm just that unlucky. I would also have to take into account that the larger (3.4L) 2007-2008 engines have a higher likelihood of bore scoring and other potentially disastrous (and expensive) engine issues.
-Wait for prices to drop on the 987.2 S (2009-2012) cars.
Or, there's always option #4- buy a different car and not lose any sleep over potentially wallet breaking engine issues. Enter the AP2 S2000. For me, it was only a smidgen behind the fun factor of the Boxster, but doesn't come with nearly as many potential headaches.
The Elise isn't out of the question, but I can't remember the last time I saw one at a local dealer that I could take for a spin. I should probably join an Elise forum and ask around to see if I could find a local owner that would be willing to give me a ride! Due to my size, I have to make sure I'm comfortable and can actually drive the car without issue... if so, I would then have to try and find one within my budget, which isn't easy, as they seem to be going up in price here lately.
The last time I was inside of a Lotus, was about 3-4 years ago, riding in the passenger seat of an Exige. It was incredibly uncomfortable. However, I know the passenger side has a large metal bar in the passenger side foot-well, that really limited leg room. That bar doesn't exist on the driver's side, and it looks like there's a lot more leg room. I really need to find one and convince someone to let me take it for a spin!
Link to the 2010 Boxster was broken above. Perhaps this one works:
Mitchell wrote: There's a 911 turbo in New York for $26k: http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp?listingId=676180594 2010 Boxster S with manual and less than 30k miles in CT. IMS issue supposedly ended with 2008 model year. http://m.cars.com/vehicle detail/#vdp?listingId=669405388
I saw that 2010 Boxster S! Non-mobile link:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/669405388/overview/
I scoured the Internet looking for a 987.2 Boxster S manual and that's the only one I found below $30k. Although, at $27,900 it's priced far below what the rest of them are going for, which makes me suspicious of the vehicle's history. The next cheapest 987.2 S manual listed is going for $38,500 which is about what they've been going for.
On average, the 987.2 S cars are going between $38k-$43k. With a price that low, it makes me think the car might have a storied history- accident(s), salvage titles, warranty problems, multiple owners, poor maintenance, ect. Most dealers on Cars.com have links to Free Carfax reports; this car does not. If I was a betting man, I would be willing to wager why they're not posting a free Carfax history!
On the listing, they wrote the following:
"we specialize in buying and selling vehicles paid off in insurance claims due to water related incidents or recovered theft with little to no damage."
^^^I'll translate that into "salvage title".
Honestly, I think you have a pretty comprehensive list. I would add a c6 vette on there and gen III viper as suggested. These are all good cars, you'll have to find the one you like best.
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