jaseman

One more vote for the Miata. Until last fall, I used one as a commuter for 4 or 5 years. (replaced it with the IS, only because I needed a back seat for the baby)

Mine was a 95 with about 70k on the OD, and I only paid $6k (US) for it in pristine condition. When I traded it in, it had 120k on it, and it was as trouble free as the day I bought it. Very reliable car. Consistently averaged ~35mpg as well, no matter how hard I flogged it.

Only two things I would suggest, if you consider one. First, invest in a good set of snows for it. With Blizzaks, surprisingly enough, I got through the worst of Pittsburgh winters. Second, if you can find one, invest in a hard-top. Like any older ragtop, the roofs tend to leak with age.

I'm 6'2", and 190 lbs, and fit just fine in the car. But if your very broad-of-shoulder (and gut ) it might be a little tight of a squeeze. Once you drive one though, you;ll forget all about that. It's more fun than most sportscars three times it's price!!

caddyowner

My wife used to have a 92 Miata and good snow tires with some weight in the trunk drove better in the snow than my FWD 626 I had at the time. It is certainly a big difference from a LS.

Another car to consider is the mid-90s Honda Del Sol. While it is FWD, it has a more roomy cabin than the Miata, a big trunk, and a targa top that stores under the trunk lid (still leaving plenty of space in the trunk). Be sure to get the five speed and try to avoid the riced-out units. I bought one for one of my sons as a first car. Like many first cars, it sacrificed it's body and let him walk away from a one-car accident.

mmarshall

The Del Sol had a number of body-integrity problems like cowl shake, rattles/squeaks/leaks, etc....(I hope that wasn't the case with your son's car). Honda, at the time, had little experience with that type of open-roof car with removable panels, even though it wasn't a full-convertible like the Miata. And today's computer-sourced structural enginnering, of course, has eliminated much of that.

jaseman

I can't recommend the DelSol either. Have known a few people who had them, and the only ones who liked them were non-enthusiasts.

Like mmarshall said, lots of structural integrity issues. Everything from minor leaks and squeaks, to the body flexing enough under stress to pop the targa panel loose. Some even had the rear windows break from all the chassis flex.

Though it was the replacement for the CRX, it was (in my opinion) a very poor one. Now the CRX would be a great car for your needs - FWD, great on gas, and extremely fun to drive. But your also looking at a car that's gonna be 20 years old, and hard to find with under 100k miles.

baddis es

iTrader: (3)

stock...definitely not the best

but i have driven a 1.5" lowered tC with upgraded sway bars and strut bars and it handles pretty well, definitely a good investment if he was to consider this route.

i had no issues or concerns when tossing it into the turns

LexFather

According to the internet fanboy forum video either a Miata, RX-8 or E30 BMW

mmarshall

Agreed. And the CRX will do more than 100K if properly cared for. I've seen even neglected ones go the better part of 200K. But the Miata, IMO, is still probably a better choice.......it continued in production long after the CRX was dropped, and there is a much better pool to choose from.

cliu92

iTrader: (1)

I would like to 2nd the 04+ impreza. I've been in my friends car with a vf-34 turbo upgrade. Thing is crazy fast. can't beat awd either

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

damn that 300c SRT8 woulda been fun.

I8ABMR

I would say go with the mini cooper. Its small, economical, tunable, fun to drive, fwd, and has German build quality. I would say the 350z would be my best choice but considering where you live AWD or FWD would be a safer bet

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

Miata!!

Sways + Coils + Roll bar

bigbwb

How about a early 2000's Honda prelude or even a S2000?

Both are fun, economical, and can be had relatively cheap depending on year & mileage. Trickiest part.....finding one not owned by some yahoo who put a shopping cart wing or stickers on it

MR_F1

Toyota MR-S/Mazda Miata/BMW E36 3-er.

CDNROCKIES

I can't comprehend how you could possibly go from riding in your LS on a regular basis to driving something under $10K as a daily. (I LOVE the LS btw )

Sure, go from a super reliable vehicle, to just about the least reliable, worst rated brand available.

memasterac

I’m a bit scared there are so many of you like the Miata… I might have to shave my head, trim my eyebrow, and paint my finger nails before I put down the top of Miata… (excuse me from SF Bay Area) j/k

Back to topic, I highly recommend the Mazda 3!!!