Cheap car to learn on for a few months?
#11
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Thanks for the help. Again, I really appreciate the thoughts. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to swing an '02, even next december. I'm pretty much in the market for a used '00, or '01 if I get incredibly lucky on price. By next august, will prices be fluctuating that much for the older models based on seasonality, or is that generally only for new models that dealers are trying to get rid of in preparation for the next MY? Thanks again!!
#12
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I don't know anything about price seasonality but I do know that there are some similarities between my current S and my former 87 MR2 - clutch feel, RWD, size etc. The MR2 clutch is more finicky than the S, so it'll make you really learn how to work it right. You can pick up an 89 or newer for less than $5K and sell it a few months later for practically the same amount.
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I like all the cars mentioned but my 1st choice would be the Miata, my 2nd choice would also be the Miata, my 3rd choice would be the Miata or MR2.
I'm a big fan of the Miata and the old ones are cheap and generally reliable.
I'm a big fan of the Miata and the old ones are cheap and generally reliable.
#14
I love my Miata and think that they are great cars, but if you want dirt cheap sportscar practice you can get a 1st generation MR2 for around $2000.
I think you'd have to get pretty lucky to find an S2000 used for $25,000, but I haven't checked the market out lately. You could just shorten the process by buying a '99 Miata for around $15,000 and keeping it...
I think you'd have to get pretty lucky to find an S2000 used for $25,000, but I haven't checked the market out lately. You could just shorten the process by buying a '99 Miata for around $15,000 and keeping it...
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I've been keeping my eye open and have seen a number go for around $22.5K and many more up to $24k. The reason I don't want a miata is because I think they're really ugly. I'm not trying to bash anyone here, I just don't find the car attractive at all.
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I've heard those are really nice, but I can't seem to find one within my price range. As i said, i'm not trying to start a flame war or put down miatas in any way, they just don't do it for me.
#19
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OK- you can count on me for an unusual point of view.
How about a used Nissan or Toyota pickup with a 5-speed and a V6 or a Chevy or Ford with a V8 and a 5-speed?
You could learn all about oversteer created by too much gas, too much steering input, trailing throttle oversteer or standing on the brakes in a corner. You could pick one up for not much cash. It would serve as a second vehicle/winter vehicle when you got the S2000 and might even reduce your insurance on the S2000 if you claim you drive it a lot. And if you own a house- who could live with out a truck, and believe me an Explorer is much less tail happy than a pickup with an empty bed!
How about a used Nissan or Toyota pickup with a 5-speed and a V6 or a Chevy or Ford with a V8 and a 5-speed?
You could learn all about oversteer created by too much gas, too much steering input, trailing throttle oversteer or standing on the brakes in a corner. You could pick one up for not much cash. It would serve as a second vehicle/winter vehicle when you got the S2000 and might even reduce your insurance on the S2000 if you claim you drive it a lot. And if you own a house- who could live with out a truck, and believe me an Explorer is much less tail happy than a pickup with an empty bed!