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

just my 2 cents...but you might want to check out the new BMW 135i?

 

Get a Euro spec M6! They have a few more ponies and boy can they make you grin!

Stay far away from the 350Z. My old NSX NA2 was the same speed as it...when one gear higher! When both were in optimal gears, there was no contest. (ie punching it when I was in 4th gave the same acceleration as a 350X in 3rd...I know because one followed me home! We talked briefly and went for a drive. I can go into long detail but why bother )

Forgetting speed, with the fit/finish/interior appointments/quality/etc, there was no comparison. If you are seriously considering a NSX, let me know, I can relay to you everything I know about the car. I had one before (and for about 6 months after) I got my 328, and know the cars well. If you can, get a 97 6spd or the best of the US bunch, a 99 Zinardi. The former has a softer suspension though, and better for cruising with the top off, while the latter is a hardtop hard sprung semi-track car.

That said, the Z probably has more luggage room.

 

I think a decent Maser's maint will be well less than a Ferrari. I had an 04 that I daily drover for 3 years, great car.

Anyway, what about a Jag? They can be had well under $30k

-dsd

 

Dave,

One of my troops has a 350 Fairlady Z edition. The car is pretty fast and he has had no problems with it, and he puts it through it's course. The azz end will kick out when you stomp it in second so It has plenty of power.

If you get a Pantera you won't have to worry if it will be fast enough, and there will be NO depreciation.

 

I'll have to plug my new car, which is what you describe. A sports car with no worries (the drive train is Mazda, like Lotus uses Toyota). Not blazing fast, but it feels very fast due to the weight and height). The Ginetta! Nobody has 'em, there is still one (I think) at www.wirewheel.com . This is theplace I got mine in November. The one for sale looks more finished, with carpeting, wipers, heater, etc... but the price is right (around $20k). Pic of mine below. Just went to their web site, and they have a great looking Panoz AIV roadster. That would be really cool too!
BT
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Guy's asking $34K with 13K miles (it's an 05), car's on ebay.

http://www.thehueters.com:16080/lotus/

 

Here is an article Motortrend did on "America's Best Handling Car" which includes the S2000, Mini Cooper with Works GP, Lotus Exige S, etc etc. I have driven the Mini S and they are fun cars. http://www.motortrend.com/features/112_0706_americas_best_handling_car

 

Dave,you dont want anything that competes with the Dino. So here is my vote. Buy a Subaru STI 2004,2005. Remove the rear wing for a sleeper look.

Pluses: super fast,handle terrific and very reliable.Just a blast to drive and the turbo feel is an adrenaline rush every time. Four wheel drive. You can drive around in rain and winter weather and have some fun while your Dino is at Algar being winter serviced. They are very cute like a Pug dog is cute. Four doors, huge trunk...just an all around great car. We have two and they have been torchured by my kids and after 50k miles,Absolutely no issues.Great resale value. I bet you could buy one now at used prices,put 30k miles on it over a few years and sell it for 80% of the purchase price in a few years.

Minuses: The way it Looks take a bit of getting used to. Without removal of the rear wing people might think your driving you sons car!

Used prices: 2004,2005( best looking years in my opinion) 30k miles around $20k give or take.

Jon in Delaware

 

Here is a nicely restored red MGA:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/mg/a/452005.html

And here is a nice looking restored 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta:
http://www.hymanltd.com/search/Details.asp?stockno=3505&recordCount=0

I could see going for an ice cream run in either one of those convertibles.

 

Another vote for the Honda S2000 here.

I've had mine for over two years now, and I still find it a blast to drive.

 

you had to have more childhood dream cars than the dino! I'm rootin for a classic (anything), but in order to keep maitenance costs down...

Boxster S ('00-04)
NSX-T ('95ish)

gotta love the MR layout. will mrs. dm_n_stuff be driving?

 

Without the big rear wing he WOULD be driving his son's car!
(05 2.5RS)

 

Maser Cpe GT or one of those old Mini Coopers streched out 4" to hold in a 4 cyl VTEC Honda motor. 0-60 in 4.0 with power window and a/c.

 

A nice Lotus Esprit V8 '98/'99 could be had for around your budget. Very fast, great handling, and classic looks. I had the last of the 4 cylinder series(S4S) and it was a fun car.

 

I am surprised no one voted for an E30 M3. Other cars I would suggest are a boxster S, S2k, Elise and NSX

I think the Elise and NSX might be a little tought to find for the $30k budget.

 

I can probaly find you a nice sub 50k maser vert...shouldnt be too difficult...

 

i can too...

www.ebay.com

 

You know you can't lie.

I vote for the Elise. Those things are a blast to drive.

 

no corvettes??? what a shame.

 

C5 Z06 drive one youll love it. You can get a nice supra for that price and they do quite well on any track.

 

my 2 cents. miata's and s2000's suck(unless your >5', fun but that gets old real fast) how about some....american muscle.
the charger srt8, shellby gt500 (or the gt 500 kr but thats over 30k) or the z06 vette.

ALL FUN AS HELL!
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Mark your calendars for August 18th from 8AM-8PM. Location 12 Hadco Rd. Wilmington Delaware 19805. For the Benefit of the Boys and Girls clubs of Delaware I will be holding in conjunction with Fchat Midatlantic,Porsche club of Delaware,Dupont Motorsports and the BMW club a Dyno Day and Concourse training day camp at my shop. We will be taking reservations for the Dyno effective immediately. The owner of the Dyno, Dupont Motorsports, has donated the use(its not me it is just were I keep my cars) and 100% of the proceeds will go to our fifth annual kids Christmas party for the benefit of Boys and Girls club kids. We use 100% of the money to buy toys and deliver them to the kids. We bring Santa and throw a party. They love it!! The Dyno cost has been severely discounted to give you a break as well. $60 for three pulls. Normally a $100 value.
In addition our own Mid Atlantic FChat "DetailGuy" has agreed to travel from south of Washington DC to be the expert on hand. We will clear the shop out which can hold seven cars. The adjacent Dyno building is seperate.We will provide water,power,lights and buckets you bring your favorite products and detail away. "Detailguy" will be there to provide helpfull suggestions. He will also be bringing his own preferred products to demonstrate. He does not retail products so if you want him to bring something for you and then demonstrate its use send him a PM in advance. Dupont Motorsports the owner of the facility will be generously donating the Dyno,food and refreshments. There is no cost to use the facility for a detailing (do it yourself). You could make a donation to the Boys and Girls club if the spirit moves you. The only cost is the use of the two wheel Dyno and again its only $60 for three pulls. Space is limited and the Dyno runs are paid in advance. We can do about 16 cars in a full day.Send me a PM if your interested in the Dyno run and RSVP so we know how much food to order. Thanks in advance for your support!!
Special thanks to: Dupont Motorsports,DetailGuy (Chris Davis),FChat,Porsche Club of Delaware and the BMW club Jon in Delaware