It should be $20k out-the-door after putting Termignonis on...

 

1. vette coupe 6 spd..power + handling, pretty reliable
2. 350z coupe 6 spd..power + handling, pretty reliable
3. S2K..quick, great handling, rock solid


I'd avoid the Boxster unless you're prepared to pay hig $$ for maintenance + parts. I've heard horror stories on having to replace the entire motor!

Miata is fun to drive but I would want something a little faster, like the Mazdaspeed version that's not out.....yet.

 

Philip is right! get a bike!

 

S2k or a E46 M3!

 

If you want a new, or almost-new car, to minimize the risks of buying a used one, the Miata is the obvious choice.....that's the way I'd go. It has proven to be extremely reliable, according to Consumer Reports.

Yes, you can get some older, more powerful sports cars for the same money, but, IMO, there is more risk, probably higher insurance premiums, and some of the German ones can be very expensive to service. The Mustang GT could be a viable choice, though, if you can find one that hasn't been abused by some teenager.

 

I agree, the Japanese machines are the safer bet. All the German cars require either sufficient cash reserves or warranties to be on the safe side.

Insurance cost is not a problem for any of these cars if you have a clean driving record, your are using it as a 2nd or 3rd vehicle and you are married and/or middle-aged.

 

This is a pretty entertaining video on this subject:

Top Gear: Boxster vs. S2000 vs. Z4

 

I don't remember seeing that before, thanks for the link

That was actually a nice change of pace. Seeing them talk about cars instead of all the challenges they've been doing recently.

 

I am going to go with "other". I am not a huge fan of convertibles, but I would choose a 3000GT Spyder if I were in the market. It is an automatic hardtop so you do not have to worry about softtop. Performance wise you can get 220HP SL or go with twin turbo VR-4 with 320HP. The VR-4's are also AWD which make it a very quick street car. A few upgrades can get you over 400HP pretty easily. Bad part, they are heavy and only produced in 95/96. Of course, I am biased because I own a 3000GT VR-4 coupe. By far the funnest car I have ever owned and have enjoyed it for over 9 years.

Top Up:



Top Down:

 

Miata...for fun per dollar it's unmatched. inexpensive to insure, maintain, to fill up. does not waste gas. strong cult following. vast aftermarket. has it's own category in the SCCA. PURE SPORTS ROADSTER.

-S2Ks get broken into all the time and attract cops.
-350z attracts cops and burns oil and gas.
-Porsche is expensive to maintain and to insure
-MR-S is wayyy too small
-Mustang GT has the worst interior and handling of all that's listed
-Z4,SLK,TT are girly cars
-Corvette wastes too much gas, expensive to fill, expensive insurance and has the 2nd worst interior of all that's listed

 

i only like porsche boxster s 2005+... i think these cars look and drive great.

 

Are you serious? What other 400hp car can get 30mpg? please do your research before spewing nonsense.

 

I saw a pair of super clean yellow Honda S2000's today....which would be my choice for a "fun" car out of what you have listed.

 

I think both have stereotypes. My decision was tough, I am a huge fan of both and both follow their executions brilliantly.

S2000 will cost less to mod and to maintain, something to think about. Also the later the Boxster the better.

 

I will vote for my next car, the S2k...the ones with 9k rev limiter