Fun, Fast and Cheap Car (well, relatively cheap)

993 porsches look to be pretty fun.... reasonably quick....

Acura NSX.... 93 Mazda RX 7.

I saw a 76 930 turbo for 19k on craigslist.


Glad you are keeping the Dino... they are beautiful

 

04 Lotus Elise can be had for just over the $30k mark I believe.

 

hahahahaahahaha. I'd pay good money to watch him try to get in and out of that car.

 

how bout:

930 Turbo

993

Lotus Esprit

Austin Healey (dunno how much maintaining you wanna do)

Triumph (same as above)

E30 M3

Z3 M Roadster

MINI GP or a new MINI with tons of options(they are like fast go carts)

Caterham (the newish ones)

And I can think of more.

 

Congrats on the new hunt!

Are you looking for 2 seater, 2+2, Coupe, Convert?

Jaguar XK8/R
Maserati Coupe/Spyder (02-06)
Porsche Boxster
Honda S2000
Porsche 356 Replica (Intermeccanica or Beck)

Lotsa good stuff out there, so few garages...

More requirements and lets narrow this down and we can have a group vicarious new car

 

you can join the ranks of PeterS and get a Miata.

 

damn, that is an awesome idea. I forgot how cheap they are.

 

Dave, Algar has an AC Cobra replica. You should check that out.

http://www.algarferrari.com/carView.php?id=68#

 

what about post knee surgery? I'd be afraid of hurting something getting in and out.

 

good luck getting a nice 993 for 30k...the prices are ROCKETING...that being said, if you find one for under 30, then make sure you check that engine light as once it goes on, you get to spend a good 8k to get it off...no joke...



I would go for a 996 carrera though...much, MUCH more reliable and still really fun to drive...plus, you cacn have a nice one for 30k...maybe a 2002-2003

 

Z3 M Roadster - IF you can find one a 2002 model with the 3.2l. Over 300 hp in a little roadster!!!!

Edit: Found this on Carmax's website. Its located in Florida but they can transfer it for $649. I USED to work for the Carmax in Dulles next to FoW.

 

I am very happy to see this thread, Dave; I've been watching the guys pile on you in the 206/246 forum and I was saddened to see a mid-atlantic vintage owner giving up that status.

Since it looks like you may likely be keeping the Dino, I went thru this issue last summer; what to get next, but for not too much $$. I looked at Elises as well as other vintage cars (Austin Healey, Alfa 1750GTV, etc.) and ended up going w/ a 1960 MGA. I'm glad I have it, but at this stage I don't recommend going old british (doesn't sound like you were anyway except for the mention of the Sunbeam). It was partly sentimental since dad raced an MGA in the late 50s, and all the parts are available and ridiculously inexpensive. On the other hand, they perpetually need tweaking and because the parts are so cheap, while-your-at-it syndrome quickly takes over and next thing you know you've rebuilt the car.

So now I'm looking for a modern sports car, but blew half my budget on the MGA. I am taking my commuter car, a 2003, Mini Cooper S, and am going to give it the Dinan treatment; engine, exhaust and suspension. I think you could also pick up a John Cooper Works package car for just under 30. Tons of fun.

If I hadn't done the MGA, I'd have an Elise parked next to the 68 Ferrari. Nothing else moves me in that price range. One of the first cars I ever drove was the Lotus Europa twin-cam we used to have; always had a soft spot for Lotus.

 

Dave,

So you have the restored Dino, and you need something that is fast and reliable and not a Ferrari.

You've already done Porsche, I'm not going to mention Lotus because they require upkeep. You have the Dino, you don't need an Elise. I'm thinking Older Viper, or Pantera.

Jim

 

It's great to hear that you are keeping your keeper.

Depends on what you want out of it. Even though you said sports car not sporting car, I would think about the E30 M3. Whithin your budget you will have the best. Track star to tourer. The 944 Turbo S is my DE car and is also amazingly versatile. 168mph, 30mpg. Then again I did spend $10K in the off season. Again though for $30K you get the absolute best.

Both of these cars are hard to find with few miles. People drive them alot.

I like the idea of the Tiger too. The engine seems appealing compared to the smaller displacement somehow. I sold my Turbo S once in part because it gets going slowly. I replaced it at the time with a V8 in a 500SL. I wanted torque in a convertable.

I've always wanted an Acura NSX in Keyser Gray too. That would be real handsome next to the Dino.

 

Elise. Elise, Elise, Elise.

 

I'm thinking a full convertible would be a nice alternative to driving the Dino.
I've always liked the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce cars. There is something great about riding down country roads in an open car on a sunny day.
Maintenance won't be as expensive as on the Dino but, unfortunately, the Alfas have a reputation for needing TLC on a regular basis.
Here is an interesting 1994 Alfa on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alfa-Romeo-Spider-1994-Commemorative-Edition_W0QQitemZ190129009335QQihZ009QQcategoryZ84154QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The buy-it-now price is $16,500 for a car that has 31k miles on it.
Here is a pic of the car:
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Great cars, but maintenance is about the level of a 348+ Ferrari. As it is so expensive, it is often deferred by owners, leading to even larger bills.

 

not exactly exotic, but VERY underestimated, how about a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 or VR4 Spyder? You will find them under 30k, porbably around 25k for the VR4 Spyder, but they are truely insane cars. Twin Turbo V6 engine making 320HP and 300 lb.ft. They are AWD and they even look exoitc in a way.

 

If you want fun but very reliable, what about the EVO/STi option? Are those considered "sports" or just "sporty"?

 

I will make a pitch, how about a E24 M6?

If it you want more refined, then the NSX is the way to go.

 

Exige S.

The Elise is fun and all, but you need to feel the torque that the blown version offers. COMPLETELY different car and it has a surprising amount of bottom-end. Huge pull at low RPMS.