I can't decide what I want to drive, looking for ideas (and the justification behind said ideas). I really don't need another car, but there's not a lot of other thigns out there that I'm interested in wasting my money on...and at least if I don't like it, I can turn around and sell it...
Anyway, here's the criteria: The smaller & lighter the better (more fun, IMHO). Partial to 2-seaters (smaller & look better) Affordable ($2k or less) Looks more important than HP - must be visually appealing. Hard-top convertible a bonus. Prefferably new enough to be fuel injected & not difficult to find parts for.
Currently I've found/am considering a '91 Miata (high-milage) and a '78 Spitfire 1500 - both with removable hard tops. I prefer the looks of the newer Miatas, but there's no chance of finding one of those under $2k. I like the classic looks of the spitfire (and similar things like MGBs), but I'd be concerned about finding parts. Both supposidly run well. There's also an '80 Fiat 2000 Spyder, but I don't trust a soft-top to not get broken into around here. I like the looks of the 2nd gen MR2s, Solstices, later RX7s, etc, but they're out of my price range unless they're totally trashed, but maybe there's otehr things out there like 'em that I haven't thought of. I also drove a '92 Geo Metro for a couple of months and it always put a smile on my face...if I came across a turbo version or a GTI Swift for a few hundred bucks, I'd probably jump on it. Whatever it is, it's just meant to be a toy for the amusement of driving and/or looking at it. What I really want is a Smart Roadster, but damned if I could find one on this side of the ocean, let alone find it cheap... Any thoughts/suggestions? Besides telling me I'm nuts, that is...I know that already!
I really can't think of anything you already haven't. But you said looks were important, then talked about a Geo Metro? I drove one for awhile... I DID love it. But I can't say it was visually appealing. I just admired Snowflake.
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12:20 PM
Raydar Member
Posts: 40728 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
Hard to go wrong with a Miata. If you can come up with a bit more funds, the decent ones begin at around $3K, around here. "Project" Miatas can be found for a bit cheaper, but that assumes that you have the time/skill/funds to fix whatever is wrong. Just the hardtops (minus the car) usually go for $700 to $1K, unless they're trashed.
------------------ Raydar 88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fastback Read Nealz Nuze!Praise the Lowered!
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12:23 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
I really can't think of anything you already haven't. But you said looks were important, then talked about a Geo Metro? I drove one for awhile... I DID love it. But I can't say it was visually appealing. I just admired Snowflake.
That's why I haven't gone and found another Metro - looks aren't there. Even in a converible version. However, I think the amusement of driving a peppier version - and a low price - would make up for it. I'd probably turn around and sell it as soon as I got bored with it though...
And yes, it DOES sound like a Fiero, but I already have one daily driver and one project Fiero, so I dont need any more!
[This message has been edited by Stubby79 (edited 07-26-2011).]
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12:24 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
Hard to go wrong with a Miata. If you can come up with a bit more funds, the decent ones begin at around $3K, around here. "Project" Miatas can be found for a bit cheaper, but that assumes that you have the time/skill/funds to fix whatever is wrong. Just the hardtops (minus the car) usually go for $700 to $1K, unless they're trashed.
As long as I can enjoy it for a while before I have to replace/rebuild the engine or transmission (to decide if I like it enough to do that), then I'll come up with the time/funds to do it. I have enough skills and tools necessary. The fact that this one comes with the hard top for the price asked is the main reason it's appealing. I can get a lower milage one for about the same price, but no hard top...
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12:29 PM
87antuzzi Member
Posts: 11151 From: Surrounded by corn. Registered: Feb 2009
That's it! That's exactly what I've been looking for!
Its so small, smooth and sporty looking...I think I'm gonna puke!
Have you ever driven a turbo Volvo? No? Have you ever been in a brick with suspension mods? They will run forever and make great power on stock internals. Not all volvos are bricks btw. The p1800 can be found cheaply and are a blast to drive and look good in my opinion. Or you could just get a Porsche 928 and call it a day. Also, people have different ideas of what looks sexy and what does not. No reason to be a sarcastic prick about it . P1800
[This message has been edited by 87antuzzi (edited 07-26-2011).]
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12:45 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
Have you ever driven a turbo Volvo? No? Have you ever been in a brick with suspension mods? They will run forever and make great power on stock internals. Not all volvos are bricks btw. The p1800 can be found cheaply and are a blast to drive and look good in my opinion. Or you could just get a Porsche 928 and call it a day. Also, people have different ideas of what looks sexy and what does not. No reason to be a sarcastic prick about it .
My bad. I assumed that's what you were being, since the volvo(brick) you originally posted is about as far away as you can get from what I described...from my point of view. But if that's what turns you on, then I take it back. Everyone's entitled to their own, be it in the bedroom or the garage...
I'd tap the p1800 too, though:
Edit: how ironic that you put up a pic of the same model while I was writing my reply...
[This message has been edited by Stubby79 (edited 07-26-2011).]
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12:52 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
Hard to go wrong with a Miata. If you can come up with a bit more funds, the decent ones begin at around $3K, around here. "Project" Miatas can be found for a bit cheaper, but that assumes that you have the time/skill/funds to fix whatever is wrong. Just the hardtops (minus the car) usually go for $700 to $1K, unless they're trashed.
How's the longevity on the miata engine & transmission, any idea?
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01:31 PM
cliffw Member
Posts: 35922 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
That's a purdy jeep, once I got past the "no hotlinking" bit, but not to my tastes. And no, I'm not looking for a chick magnet...just something that makes me want to drive it.
[This message has been edited by Stubby79 (edited 07-26-2011).]
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01:44 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 36404 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
I dunno about that. Here's a post of mine from an earlier Volvo thread.
quote
Originally posted by Patrick:
I can only comment on the 1986 Volvo 740 GLE Wagon that I bought for my girlfriend a couple of years ago. It had a LOT of problems to sort out, but once done it ran like a charm and rode very nice. However...
The wiring in Volvos (the older ones anyway) is biodegradable. I'm not kidding.
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01:53 PM
cliffw Member
Posts: 35922 From: Bandera, Texas, USA Registered: Jun 2003
I don't even know if its a 2 seater or not (don't think it is), but how about a Vdub Corrado? I don't think I've seen one in person, and they can look awesome with the right touch. I personally love small 2 seaters and sports cars, my list would be:
Miata 944 - out of your price range Mr2 2nd gen RX7 - late 1980s, possibly out of your range but what a sexy car
Notice that they are all RWD , all can be had for well under 5k.
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02:26 PM
PFF
System Bot
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
I don't even know if its a 2 seater or not (don't think it is), but how about a Vdub Corrado? I don't think I've seen one in person, and they can look awesome with the right touch. I personally love small 2 seaters and sports cars, my list would be:
Miata 944 - out of your price range Mr2 2nd gen RX7 - late 1980s, possibly out of your range but what a sexy car
Notice that they are all RWD , all can be had for well under 5k.
I like your list... Here's one that is both local and just within my price range, since you mention it...
The shape and angles look a lot like a Fiero, I notice...
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02:31 PM
TommyRocker Member
Posts: 2808 From: Woodstock, IL Registered: Dec 2009
Come, now... You're showing your ignorance. Miatas are kind of ugly, but they are great little sports cars. Basically the opposite of a Fiero. They are reliable, handle well, properly light weight, et cetera.
I'd second this. My friend bought one with a 5-speed in it for $500. Just a beater of a car, but it always ran and was fun to drive. Ended up selling it a year later for $500, after putting next to nothing into it.
Not much on looks, but that red one is pretty eye-catching in my eyes.
Love the fact that antuzzi brought up the Volvos, I'm a fan of those as well.
oh, and I'll stick with theBdub in ignorance-land, the Miata is girly convertible!
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04:52 PM
TommyRocker Member
Posts: 2808 From: Woodstock, IL Registered: Dec 2009
Come, now... You're showing your ignorance. Miatas are kind of ugly, but they are great little sports cars. Basically the opposite of a Fiero. They are reliable, handle well, properly light weight, et cetera.
I just don't like the look of them. He said looks were the most important.
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05:02 PM
Finally_Mine_86_GT Member
Posts: 4809 From: Hyde Park, New York Registered: Sep 2006
I've had a honda del sol and been happy with the mileage and "punch" till of course i got bored of it and had an h22 with turbo installed. SOOOOOO Worth it! (sample pic, wasn't mine)
Sold that to come back to fieros a long time ago.
The 3rd and 4th gen preludes are super fun and can be made to look good without going rice. The 944 is usually not out of your price range but it will beat you up with insurance. It's a fun enough car i guess...
Last but not least... Fox body mustang.
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05:17 PM
$Rich$ Member
Posts: 14575 From: Sioux Falls SD Registered: Dec 2002
Originally posted by theBDub: Anything but the Miata...
You appear to have never driven one. The Miata is supremely easy to drive hard. Much easier than a Fiero. Our stock '97 with 100K on the odo is nearly as quick as the built 3.4 Fiero that I sold last year. And way easier to drive.
And not only is it easy to drive hard, it's light. Nimble. And still quick. (Heck... there's an entire SCCA class dedicated to the Miata.)
As for longevity... They redline at 7K. They kind of expect to be driven that way. Like all DOHC engines they require timing belt maintenance at ~100K, but that's not a show stopper. They'll occasionally require a top to be replaced (unless you run the hardtop exclusively) but it's only around $400. Other drop tops will have the same issue, at considerably more $$$.
As long as they're not just beaten to death, all they'll require is regular maintenance, and replacement of "wear" items.
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 07-26-2011).]
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11:08 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
Adding: stick with the del sol. If I remember correctly, the Beat was a sub-liter (.9L) engined car. Do they even sell them in the states?
Yep, it's a honda Beat. I've liked 'em since first stumbling across 'em years ago. 656cc 3-cylinder engine putting out 63hp @8100rpm. Same weight as a geo metro. Sounds like fun to me! They never sold in north america, but there's one for $4500 just over in Vancouver. That'd make it a very unique car to have...
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11:13 PM
Stubby79 Member
Posts: 7064 From: GFY county, FY. Registered: Aug 2008
You already have a sports car; why not think Jeep, pickup or even motorcycle?
Was my Fiero 500lbs lighter and a convertible(and prefferably an '88), I'd not be intereted in a little roadster. I don't like jeeps (or SUVs for that matter). I have a pickup, and it has crossed my mind to replace it with something better looking/more fun, but I haven't seen anything better than what I have for what I'd be willing to pay. And as to the motorcycle...well, I got out of motorcycles a year or two back. The lack of freedom I used to have on a motorcycle is probably why a little roadster appeals to me as much as it does. That and I had a convertible 10 years back, and loved having the top down...
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11:25 PM
Patrick Member
Posts: 36404 From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Registered: Apr 99
Del sol is heavy and boring. Even with the biggest engine they came in they are a boring slow. And heavy and dont handle all that well either. What about a Mk3 supra?? They are heavy but handle pretty good and are cheap. Even the turbo models and mods are cheap. Just gotta keep an eye out for a leaky head gasket or re torque the head. They have a ton of power and targa roof. The seats are so comfortable too.
What about a Mk3 supra?? They are heavy but handle pretty good and are cheap. Even the turbo models and mods are cheap. Just gotta keep an eye out for a leaky head gasket.
Nothing like a design flaw that can be exploited by knowledgeable people... a friend of mine got his spending money in high school from flipping cars with blown head gaskets. Supras are an easy find around here - people don't take care of the cooling systems and everything goes all wrong when you have a day nearing the triple digit temp range.
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