Car under $15k - Looking for input
#41
Automatic Miata is still more fun to drive than most other autos. But not the first thing that comes to mind for highway trips.
But with talking about an Eos or Mini... have you considered a GTI? An '06+ should easily be in your price range, and while it's more expensive to maintain, I imagine you can have more fun in a DSG than your average torque converter automatic.
I think the Vette is a great idea. The trunk is surprisingly big, and even the coupes have a removable top for when you're putzing around town. More drama than anything else on your list too, IMO.
If you go 350Z, may as well get a convertible. That rear bar in the trunk of the coupe eats a TON of space.
These may also present reliability concerns, but I think the BMW Z4 and 3-series coupe/convertible should be in the conversation. What about an LS2 GTO? Maybe a Subaru WRX if they come in auto?
But with talking about an Eos or Mini... have you considered a GTI? An '06+ should easily be in your price range, and while it's more expensive to maintain, I imagine you can have more fun in a DSG than your average torque converter automatic.
I think the Vette is a great idea. The trunk is surprisingly big, and even the coupes have a removable top for when you're putzing around town. More drama than anything else on your list too, IMO.
If you go 350Z, may as well get a convertible. That rear bar in the trunk of the coupe eats a TON of space.
These may also present reliability concerns, but I think the BMW Z4 and 3-series coupe/convertible should be in the conversation. What about an LS2 GTO? Maybe a Subaru WRX if they come in auto?
#42
My 99 Corvette fixed-roof-coupe was our beach and vacation car for 5 years. We also used it for weekend dates and shopping. On my days off, it was my runabout (often to Lowes).
It has great seats and is a very comfortable car for highway cruising. A couple can pack for a beach week with no problem; unless she's Princess Vespa.
I got a solid 32 - 34 mpg cruising US 13 on the Delmarva. The LS1 is nearly idling in manual 6th on the highway (raising the headlights knocks off 1 mpg).
The C5 has a few issues (rear diff seep) but they are tolerable and the LS1 is bulletproof.
And Shirley, you must know the interior materials are straight from the Cavalier.
Looking for an auto makes it easy. Plenty of gold-jewelry-dripping, confirmed bachelors favored the granny tranny and never flogged their polished baby. They just wanted to be seen at the nightclub.
It has great seats and is a very comfortable car for highway cruising. A couple can pack for a beach week with no problem; unless she's Princess Vespa.
I got a solid 32 - 34 mpg cruising US 13 on the Delmarva. The LS1 is nearly idling in manual 6th on the highway (raising the headlights knocks off 1 mpg).
The C5 has a few issues (rear diff seep) but they are tolerable and the LS1 is bulletproof.
And Shirley, you must know the interior materials are straight from the Cavalier.
Looking for an auto makes it easy. Plenty of gold-jewelry-dripping, confirmed bachelors favored the granny tranny and never flogged their polished baby. They just wanted to be seen at the nightclub.
#43
If you can find an automatic C5 Corvette for $15k that is not a bad deal. Late 1999 or better is good. They do get surprising good mileage and the drivetrain is close to bullet proof. It's fun to drive even in automatic and frankly, if you mod it to be a drag car, the automatic is much better for it.
#45
Yes hands down, a 99 corvette is respected more than even a 2014 Miata. Most people have no clue that an older Vetter can be had that cheaply and will always assume it cost more than a new Miata. Plus a Vette will smoke a Miata and the aftermarket world is huge. I know the Miata aftermarket is large, but the Vette has a larger following and more people doing mods.
#46
Yes hands down, a 99 corvette is respected more than even a 2014 Miata. Most people have no clue that an older Vetter can be had that cheaply and will always assume it cost more than a new Miata. Plus a Vette will smoke a Miata and the aftermarket world is huge. I know the Miata aftermarket is large, but the Vette has a larger following and more people doing mods.
And I've been in a '99 FRC several times. The car is built like it was finished at 4pm on a Friday and everyone was drunk.
#47
The C5 may not have the best quality plastics inside, but the interior is the last thing you think about when you mash the throttle. The C5 has very comfortable leather seats as well, which is probably the most important thing IMO. Another thing I like about the C5 is its "stance". Better than both the C6 and C7 IMO.
JB, I would hold off, save up, convince the wife, and get what you really want: A C6 Corvette.
Another tip: The time to buy a Corvette is the winter. You will see prices go up a couple grand across the board once spring/summer arrives.
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juniorbean (02-25-2014)
#48
As I'm sort of in a search similar to juniorbean, I'm currently looking at an A4 2.0T or an E90 328i/330i.
Last edited by F23A4; 02-23-2014 at 10:49 AM.
#49
This is a car for a dude and his wife. That's why I'm saying the '99 doesn't make sense. It's a huge car with a long hood. How many women are going to want to drive it?
And I've been in a '99 FRC several times. The car is built like it was finished at 4pm on a Friday and everyone was drunk.
And I've been in a '99 FRC several times. The car is built like it was finished at 4pm on a Friday and everyone was drunk.
#50
#51
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#52
Mentioned before though, GTI would also be a solid choice and with the DSG you're going to be maxing the fun factor for an auto.
Last edited by MarbleGT; 02-23-2014 at 12:28 PM.
#53
I'm wondering the opposite: Who the hell would take a Miata over a nice clean C5 Corvette?
The C5 may not have the best quality plastics inside, but the interior is the last thing you think about when you mash the throttle. The C5 has very comfortable leather seats as well, which is probably the most important thing IMO.
The C5 may not have the best quality plastics inside, but the interior is the last thing you think about when you mash the throttle. The C5 has very comfortable leather seats as well, which is probably the most important thing IMO.
I have to agree with this.
I can't imagine a reason for buying a Miata over a Corvette. There's a reason Chevy sells so many. Cheap, fun, beautiful, fast, comfortable, good MPG, large trunk space, etc.
My cousin has a C5 ZO6, and it is mental. One of the most exhilarating rides of my life was in that car. Not to mention he brings it to our family reunion every year with all the luggage he and his wife needs.
#54
I have to agree with this.
I can't imagine a reason for buying a Miata over a Corvette. There's a reason Chevy sells so many. Cheap, fun, beautiful, fast, comfortable, good MPG, large trunk space, etc.
My cousin has a C5 ZO6, and it is mental. One of the most exhilarating rides of my life was in that car. Not to mention he brings it to our family reunion every year with all the luggage he and his wife needs.
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00TL-P3.2 (02-24-2014)
#58
Oh no? Go out to dinner with a Valet service, see which car they run to first. Go to a car show with both Miatas and Vettes. See which ones people are drawn to. How about the New York car show or the one in Detroit. People go to the Vettes, not the Miatas. The only time people flock to Miatas is at a Miata meet or when one has a Vette engine shoved in it at Englishtown. If you see a 2014 Vette or a 2014 Miata on the street which one is going to get your attention. Come on now your comment had to be a joke right ?
#59
Your comment compares a 99 Corvette vs a 2014 Miata, not a '14 Vette....I think it's safe to say everyone would pick the 2014 Vette, even myself.
I'm not going to sit here and say your opinion is wrong and mine is right, neither of our opinions can be wrong. I could care less about how many pimply dudes swarm my car at meets and at the valet, and if that's what your basing your opinion on you might outta go to somewhere like Jalopnik and just search "Miata." There's a reason why it has been the best selling two seat convertible since its debut in 1990, the most common choice at road courses and auto-x, has such an enormous range of people that are attracted to it, and has it's own dedicated racing series.
1) Both are wildly popular.
2) Both are best sellers in their own category.
3) Both are excellent cars.
So no, my comment wasn't a joke. The two are as far apart as you can almost come when it comes to comparing cars. With the '14 you're talking about a $70K~ car vs a $25k~ car. Also, if I may brag just a little, there aren't many cars that can pull up beside me, this side of a Lamborghini, that will get more looks and points in it's current state.
I'm not going to sit here and say your opinion is wrong and mine is right, neither of our opinions can be wrong. I could care less about how many pimply dudes swarm my car at meets and at the valet, and if that's what your basing your opinion on you might outta go to somewhere like Jalopnik and just search "Miata." There's a reason why it has been the best selling two seat convertible since its debut in 1990, the most common choice at road courses and auto-x, has such an enormous range of people that are attracted to it, and has it's own dedicated racing series.
1) Both are wildly popular.
2) Both are best sellers in their own category.
3) Both are excellent cars.
So no, my comment wasn't a joke. The two are as far apart as you can almost come when it comes to comparing cars. With the '14 you're talking about a $70K~ car vs a $25k~ car. Also, if I may brag just a little, there aren't many cars that can pull up beside me, this side of a Lamborghini, that will get more looks and points in it's current state.
Last edited by MarbleGT; 02-23-2014 at 05:45 PM.
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#60
Oh no? Go out to dinner with a Valet service, see which car they run to first. Go to a car show with both Miatas and Vettes. See which ones people are drawn to. How about the New York car show or the one in Detroit. People go to the Vettes, not the Miatas. The only time people flock to Miatas is at a Miata meet or when one has a Vette engine shoved in it at Englishtown. If you see a 2014 Vette or a 2014 Miata on the street which one is going to get your attention. Come on now your comment had to be a joke right ?
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charliemike (02-23-2014)
#61
used sc430 sounds like a great fit.
what I see here is a comfortable car for 2 that is accommodating for 3 hr drives, twice a weekend, every other weekend...reliable...good for a woman to drive...and a hardtop vert.
sc430 seems to fit the bill well. I wouldn't want to spend 6 hours in a Miata every other weekend.
what I see here is a comfortable car for 2 that is accommodating for 3 hr drives, twice a weekend, every other weekend...reliable...good for a woman to drive...and a hardtop vert.
sc430 seems to fit the bill well. I wouldn't want to spend 6 hours in a Miata every other weekend.
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Crazy Bimmer (02-23-2014)
#63
Yea I was born in 79, sorry that I compared a 2014 to a 2014. Also IMO a 97-04 corvette looks better than any Miata. I know the Miata when set up right is a nice auto cross car. But that's not what we are talking about here. Yes a Vette is more respected, there has to be a reason there are more on the road than Miatas. And Marble GT, don't take this the wrong way but if that's your car in your avatar of course it's going to get points and stares. The majority of people will notice something painted out of the ordinary. I could paint a Kia bright pink and of course people are going to notice it and point at it. Your point is moot on the paint scheme.
#64
Only someone with the mentality of a 12 year old would even come up with a comment like that. At least try to add to the conversation instead of making useless brain dead comments that have nothing to do with the conversation.
#65
#66
#67
#68
I'd choose miata over Vette, but thats cause I'm not into old Vettes, and honestly I wouldnt get a new one for myself since I just can see myself driving it
But going back to another car you mentioned. Is the Boxter really that unreliable? I'd assume normal maintenance would be high, but I thought Porsche's, after a certain year, became pretty reliable. I dunno what that year is, but my neighbor back where my parents live bought an 02 boxter off of my uncle a while back and he hasn't had any problems that I know of. This is assuming those fit the price range.
But going back to another car you mentioned. Is the Boxter really that unreliable? I'd assume normal maintenance would be high, but I thought Porsche's, after a certain year, became pretty reliable. I dunno what that year is, but my neighbor back where my parents live bought an 02 boxter off of my uncle a while back and he hasn't had any problems that I know of. This is assuming those fit the price range.
#69
I'd choose miata over Vette, but thats cause I'm not into old Vettes, and honestly I wouldnt get a new one for myself since I just can see myself driving it
But going back to another car you mentioned. Is the Boxter really that unreliable? I'd assume normal maintenance would be high, but I thought Porsche's, after a certain year, became pretty reliable. I dunno what that year is, but my neighbor back where my parents live bought an 02 boxter off of my uncle a while back and he hasn't had any problems that I know of. This is assuming those fit the price range.
But going back to another car you mentioned. Is the Boxter really that unreliable? I'd assume normal maintenance would be high, but I thought Porsche's, after a certain year, became pretty reliable. I dunno what that year is, but my neighbor back where my parents live bought an 02 boxter off of my uncle a while back and he hasn't had any problems that I know of. This is assuming those fit the price range.
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Aman (02-23-2014)
#71
#72
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From: The QC
Don't you still own this or is your garage so big you forgot you had it?
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/another-new-addition-garage-851172/
That's the ultimate beach cruiser?
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/another-new-addition-garage-851172/
That's the ultimate beach cruiser?
used sc430 sounds like a great fit.
what I see here is a comfortable car for 2 that is accommodating for 3 hr drives, twice a weekend, every other weekend...reliable...good for a woman to drive...and a hardtop vert.
sc430 seems to fit the bill well. I wouldn't want to spend 6 hours in a Miata every other weekend.
what I see here is a comfortable car for 2 that is accommodating for 3 hr drives, twice a weekend, every other weekend...reliable...good for a woman to drive...and a hardtop vert.
sc430 seems to fit the bill well. I wouldn't want to spend 6 hours in a Miata every other weekend.
Agreed as well, but no comments on either the SC300/400 or the SC430 (except for Thermon).
Last edited by juniorbean; 02-24-2014 at 08:30 AM.
#73
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From: The QC
Thanks for the replies so far guys. Definitely a lot to think about. For those who know me, know I'm not really worried about what people think, so I don't really care if one car is "viewed" better then another. If it works for us and we like it, we'll buy it.
That said, this weekend was my first race in the new class and I LOVED it! So much so I am going to likely be selling my other kart. Depending on how much I get for that (should be between $5k-$6k or so) the wife kind of gave me the OK to wait until after the summer and pick up a C6. And at that point I'd be able to get a lower mileage example. So there's another twist.
I do like the recommendations mentioned here (and have thought of a GTI with a DSG as well)... so we'll see.
Keep the opinions coming if you have something I (or the others) haven't though of. Thanks again
That said, this weekend was my first race in the new class and I LOVED it! So much so I am going to likely be selling my other kart. Depending on how much I get for that (should be between $5k-$6k or so) the wife kind of gave me the OK to wait until after the summer and pick up a C6. And at that point I'd be able to get a lower mileage example. So there's another twist.
I do like the recommendations mentioned here (and have thought of a GTI with a DSG as well)... so we'll see.
Keep the opinions coming if you have something I (or the others) haven't though of. Thanks again
#74
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charliemike (02-24-2014)
#75
Personally i would like something underpowered and very tossable in the corners. I am a big fan of a lot of cars and couldn't give two shits what someone thought about what i drive.
I would to have a vette and be able to mash down the pedal, but i like turning as well. I don't think that you can go wrong with anything you choose.
What about a crossfire?
I would to have a vette and be able to mash down the pedal, but i like turning as well. I don't think that you can go wrong with anything you choose.
What about a crossfire?
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juniorbean (02-25-2014)
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juniorbean (02-25-2014)
#77
Originally Posted by XLR8R
Plenty of gold-jewelry-dripping, confirmed bachelors favored the granny tranny and never flogged their polished baby. They just wanted to be seen at the nightclub.
#78
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From: The QC
Thanks again for the replies guys. Had some time this AM to really go through the replies.
Guess at this point I am between the Miata and the C6. If/When I sell my buggy and one of my racing karts I can make a move on the C6 later in the year. I could go for the Miata sooner as it would not cost as much. I'll have to do some research on each and more importantly, test drive each, and see what we like better.
Guess at this point I am between the Miata and the C6. If/When I sell my buggy and one of my racing karts I can make a move on the C6 later in the year. I could go for the Miata sooner as it would not cost as much. I'll have to do some research on each and more importantly, test drive each, and see what we like better.
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juniorbean (02-25-2014)
#80
I'll go with a used Lexus. You can get some good ES deals if you go down to the early 2000's or mid 2000's. High miles is not an issue, trust me on that. It's an issue for BMW/AUDI obviously, but not for Lexus.
My friend's old Lexus is on her 250,000th mile and still purr like a kitten. Still drive like it's floating on water.
But if you can't get a used Lexus, I guess Miata is a cool little go cart.
My friend's old Lexus is on her 250,000th mile and still purr like a kitten. Still drive like it's floating on water.
But if you can't get a used Lexus, I guess Miata is a cool little go cart.