Looking for a cheap RWD car
05-05-2006, 09:29 PM
#21
Registered User
Originally Posted by Bboy AJ,May 5 2006, 09:03 PM
I, too, really think the Miata is my best bet. But man, that stigma!
Thanks for the help, guys. I'm going to look strongly into the Miata and try to get over it. Isn't there anything to make it look less effeminate? Hopefully I can find a nice one in black. It doesn't look too girly with a hardtop, either.
Afterall, it is just to learn on cheaply. And then onto the S2000!
Thanks for the help, guys. I'm going to look strongly into the Miata and try to get over it. Isn't there anything to make it look less effeminate? Hopefully I can find a nice one in black. It doesn't look too girly with a hardtop, either.
Afterall, it is just to learn on cheaply. And then onto the S2000!
05-05-2006, 09:43 PM
#23
Registered User
Originally Posted by geoff2005,May 5 2006, 09:35 PM
and miata are nice daily driver, except the one i had i wish the AC was better lol. had a hardtop for miata also
miatas are such simple cars. 
05-05-2006, 10:01 PM
#24
Originally Posted by VTEC_Junkie,May 6 2006, 12:29 AM
c'mon, dude. if you're confident in your masculinity, then that stigma wouldn't bother you...
05-05-2006, 10:58 PM
#25
Registered User
mr2 turbo is very very fun. however it's mid-engined and turning in that baby takes some getting used to.
miata hands down for u; sounds like it suits all ur criterias.
240sx is good too. basically jsut these 3 cars..
300zx is fun, but too heavy, and i dont think u're enjoy cars taht are too heavy....are will u?
just go test drive all these cars and see which one u like best. if i were u i'd go for the mr2 turbo (for looks and fun-to-drive factor)
miata hands down for u; sounds like it suits all ur criterias.
240sx is good too. basically jsut these 3 cars..
300zx is fun, but too heavy, and i dont think u're enjoy cars taht are too heavy....are will u?
just go test drive all these cars and see which one u like best. if i were u i'd go for the mr2 turbo (for looks and fun-to-drive factor)
05-05-2006, 11:04 PM
#26
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Walnut/Diamond Bar, SoCal
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bboy AJ,May 5 2006, 11:01 PM
I am! But that doesn't mean I'd drive a New Beetle, either
05-06-2006, 07:40 PM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Vacaville
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've gone from a '99 Miata to an '02 S2000 and now drive a '93 Miata that has quite a few modifications.
You can buy a decent NA example for roughly 3.5K, spend 1K in suspension mods and you're good to go.
I highly recommend going over to Miata.net and ask questions. The search feature is very helpful too.
Enjoy!
You can buy a decent NA example for roughly 3.5K, spend 1K in suspension mods and you're good to go.
I highly recommend going over to Miata.net and ask questions. The search feature is very helpful too.
Enjoy!
05-07-2006, 06:10 PM
#29
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you think Miatas are girly, go borrow someone's Z06 or Viper and go to your local autocross and sit back and watch the Miata guys hand you your ass on a platter The Miata is a hell of a car for the price and a lot of fun to boot.
Oh, and as Steve mentioned, stay away from the ole "$5k 944!"
The Miata is a hell of a car for the price and a lot of fun to boot.Oh, and as Steve mentioned, stay away from the ole "$5k 944!"
05-08-2006, 04:36 AM
#30
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Palo Alto
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone suggested the Miata yet? 
Really, the Miata is likely your best bet... or a small RWD mini-pickup. Your $5k price tag limits you to generally cars from the 90s. You might find a reliable euro car for that money but I suspect you are more likely to find an old car with lots of miles. Remember, most of the RWD sports/sporty cars from the 90s were premium cars. Even used they have a higher price tag. Miatas can be had very cheep. At $5000 you are probably looking at a fundamentally sound car that is due for a lot of scheduled maintenance. Things like belts, plugs, brakes, shocks (the factory shocks die a quick death) etc. The up side is most of those parts are cheep. Most Miatas came with 14" tires so rubber can be had for $60 a corner or less. There is a lot of web support so you will have access to lots of advice for free. No, the car won't be maintenance free but if you are mechanically inclined it should be inexpensive to own and reliable in the sense that it won't leave you on the side of the road.
Finally, the car really is a joy to drive. The steering on the earlier cars is far more lively than the S2000. Reputation aside the Miata is easy to fall in love with.
Really, the Miata is likely your best bet... or a small RWD mini-pickup. Your $5k price tag limits you to generally cars from the 90s. You might find a reliable euro car for that money but I suspect you are more likely to find an old car with lots of miles. Remember, most of the RWD sports/sporty cars from the 90s were premium cars. Even used they have a higher price tag. Miatas can be had very cheep. At $5000 you are probably looking at a fundamentally sound car that is due for a lot of scheduled maintenance. Things like belts, plugs, brakes, shocks (the factory shocks die a quick death) etc. The up side is most of those parts are cheep. Most Miatas came with 14" tires so rubber can be had for $60 a corner or less. There is a lot of web support so you will have access to lots of advice for free. No, the car won't be maintenance free but if you are mechanically inclined it should be inexpensive to own and reliable in the sense that it won't leave you on the side of the road.
Finally, the car really is a joy to drive. The steering on the earlier cars is far more lively than the S2000. Reputation aside the Miata is easy to fall in love with.