So much to my disappointment, I have finally decided to part out my TSX. She has been my baby for the past 7 years and I still love her, but I've reached the limits of what the chassis can handle and I'm ready to move on.

I have learned alot with this car, not the least of which is that the next project car I buy will have to be one that I keep for ever. For this purpose, I have chosen an NSX. The dilemma I'm facing is that I want a 02+ NA2 which I can't currently afford due to a recent house purchase. However, I also can't be without a fun car to drive on the weekends as that is what keeps me sane.

What I'm looking for is a weekend toy that I can drive (and not mod beyond wheels/suspension and exhaust) for the next year or two which won't depreciate all that much when I have to sell it for an NSX. The car has to have/be:

1) RWD (might consider AWD if sporty enough)
2) fun
3) light
4) reliable
5) holds value

My budget will be about $20-25k. In that range, the only cars I can think of that meet my criteria are an S2000 and Miata. I'd also have thought about a FR-S/BRZ, but I have no idea how well they'll hold their value since they're so new. Is there anything else out there I'm forgetting?

Also, keep in mind that my TSX had 350whp so for me...the more power, the better .

 

I can only think of an S2k or early model Boxter or Cayman. Power might be lacking a little bit. Sent you a PM too.

 

E46 M3? Or just save your pennies to get a newer NSX

 

I have an 08 S2000 and love it as a weekend/track car.
The price is right, has Honda reliability. Power is fine as you are 600# lighter than your TSX.

All in all I think that an S2K is a great choice, it was for me. Hit up S2Kidotcom forum to get other opinions.

 

Nothing says more fun than a convertible.

There is literally no way you can go wrong with an S2000 or a Miata. That being said, you can get a brand new Club Miata for right around 25k that will have cheaper insurance, cheaper mods, get better gas mileage and have more features than a 5 year old S2000. If you know you want to change the suspension/tires/wheels, it'd be silly not to go with a newer MX5. However, if I choose the S2000 I probably wouldn't change a thing...as it's pretty much perfect from the factory.

 

If you find one of those cars that hardly depreciate... let me know!!

I'm thinking an older S2k would be your best bet. They seem to depreciate a bit more slowly then the others once they hit a certain age. From what I've seen though... if you're spending that much on a car, you'll see pretty significant depreciation over a year or two. If you're worried about that, pick up a cheap high mileage S2k or Miata ($10k or less) that has depreciated quite a bit already.

Honestly though... if your end game is an 02+ NSX I would just enjoy your daily for the next 12-24 months and not even bother with something for now. Just focus on the NSX and pick one up that much sooner then if you were messing around with a $25k Miata or S2k in the interim...

 

I agree with JB. Anything else is an unnecessary detour.

 

S2000

you will not regret it and you will not lose $ when you decided to sell it, which i highly doubt you would want to sell it if it is your weekend car.

If you want a 06+ With low mileage, expect to pay $18k-28k.
the price of s2000 has not dropped much for the past 3 years.

 

Just had a thought...wondering if I should just pick up a higher mileage NSX in the interim. They can be had for $25-30k and at this point I don't think they should lose too much value in the next year or two.

Then, when I'm ready to trade up, I can sell that NSX and buy a newer one when I'm in a more favorable financial position.

Thoughts?

 

My daily is a 2011 VW Tiguan. It has an APR flash so it's actually surprisingly quick, but by no means is it all that fun to drive.

I do understand your point, though. Just gonna be hard 12-24 months to stomach without an automotive outlet .

 

BMW 135i

 

If you buy two cars, you pay 2 sales taxes and eat depreciation. Wait it out...

 

From what I have seen high mileage early years 1991-1992 particularly can be had in the low 30s but not really into the 20s. I have researched this a bit as I was going to sell the F to get one and a beater civic to daily. Instead I have just settled on waiting for the time being to get my prefered year of a 1999-2000.

 

Pick up something cheap and fun. 90's Miata or something. You can rip around on it and it will only cost you a few grand. When you go to sell it in a year or so you can sell it for a few grand. Good cheap fun.

Or you can do the older NSX idea. That's not too bad and they do hold their value. You never know, you may end up liking it and saving yourself a few thousand dollars by not having to buy 2002+. But if you really want the 2002+, I'd keep my eye on the prize if I were you...

 

if you can afford 25-30 now, why not just put that as a down towards the car you want and finance the rest???

 

97-02 Camaro/Trans Am... LS1 V8, should be in the low teens...

 

I feel like most BMWs depreciate like crazy. I had thought about going with an E92 M3, but figure I'll wait for them to drop a bit more in price now that the M4 has been announced.

Good point on the sales tax, didn't factor that in.

House has eaten up all my savings (things are fawking expensive) so I can't tack on another monthly payment right now.

Sorry, never been a fan of those cars.

 

S2000 if you are going to do this. It is fun, especially above 6000 rpm, and it will depreciate minimally if you take care of it. The Miata is OK too, but the S2000 is a truly unique driving experience, not just a car.

However, as JB said, if your endgame is for an NSX, save your pennies. He gave solid advice.

 

I think the rest of your answer is right here. Save your pennies. If you JUST got the house, keep the money in the bank. The expenditures never end. Let things settle a bit from the house transaction which will also allow you to save. A year from now you can re-evaluate and who knows... you may be that much closer to your 2002+ NSX instead of spending needlessly now...

 

especially since a 2002+ NSX can easily equal that new kitchen that the significant other is pestering you about...

 

Don't consider a weekend car during the 3-5 years you will be "house poor" after a new purchase. Get your house straight first. I waited 8 years after my last house purchase before even thinking about a third/weekend car.