Fun street/occasional track car - $9K max
12-12-2009, 01:29 PM
#41
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One more thing.....I find n/a Miatas to be more than adequate for a fun time, you can hang the rear end out no problem, but you can still stay well within your budget with a turbo or s/c Miata. I have owned one of each and either would definitely fill your need for excess power 
12-12-2009, 03:44 PM
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I didn't want to recommend the S2000 because I wasn't sure of your height. Its not for tall guys, at all. Its also very razor sharp, and unforgiving at the track, so it would be hard for you being a novice to drive it and learn with it. You tend not to see novices at the track with an S. But good luck whatever you choose.
I am 5'11" - I test drove an 02 twice a while back and if I remember, the fit was OK
about the S2000 at the track, that is excactly what worries me - it may not be the easiest car to learn on - although I am 35 now and don't drive as crazy as I used to in the teen days, but still you never know - what would then be a good car to start with?
12-12-2009, 03:55 PM
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This makes me think you haven't DRIVEN many Miatas. Some of the purest fun you can have is in an early base model (manual steering) example, super light weight and it does not FEEL underpowered. Let me put it this way, for over 10 years now I have had at least one Miata alongside my other more powerful vehicles (Corvette, TL, Z/28, SC400 V8, etc etc), and no matter what other vehicles I have at the time, the Miatas are ALWAYS my first choice for a spirited drive. Try out a well-maintained example and find out why 
fair enough - I have driven a 1990 but back in 1991-1993 range so I can't remember anything other than the good shifter and the tiny door handle - also drove a 2002 auto 7-8 years ago as my wife was considering one
I would think that a 2001+ special edition model with a 6spd and LSD be a better car than the early ones - am I right??
12-12-2009, 04:06 PM
#47
この道は毛むくじゃらのマンコだらけ..
the 94 R Package Miata I heard is quite good. It came with the stock Blistens, a lsd, and beefed up suspension components if I remember right!
12-12-2009, 04:30 PM
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94 and 95 are great years for several reasons - the larger 1.8L engine - although many swear by the 1.6L and truth be told it's also my favorite - dual airbags - greater protection built into the door structure - real oil pressure gauge - no OBD II emissions (and at least here in MO, older than 96 gets no emission test)
12-12-2009, 04:38 PM
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fair enough - I have driven a 1990 but back in 1991-1993 range so I can't remember anything other than the good shifter and the tiny door handle - also drove a 2002 auto 7-8 years ago as my wife was considering one
I would think that a 2001+ special edition model with a 6spd and LSD be a better car than the early ones - am I right??
I would think that a 2001+ special edition model with a 6spd and LSD be a better car than the early ones - am I right??
Forget automatics - just kills the car, and it's one of few cars I wouldn't consider without a stick. Festiva might be the only other
I did have an 02 LS and the NB (2nd gen) is indeed more of a "real car". More grownup, if that's what you prefer. Smoother, quieter, more solid to a certain extent. Very nice cars, don't get me wrong, but I still missed my NAs so I sold it after a couple years. Stay away from 99s due to potential #4 bearing problems with the engine. An 01 SE (british racing green) would be my choice of NB, but they are still up there in price - the only one I found locally recently was 12k and the guy wouldnt even return my emails.
You can't go wrong with an NA, just be picky because many have started to have rust issues in the rockers and around the rear wheel arches. I had one of mine brought up from the south so I could be sure of zero rust in fact.
As for 5-sp vs. 6-sp, most would say there's no appreciable advantage one over the other. LSD is nice, though. The later Torsen is better than an earlier LSD.
PS - The engines are non interference, so that's one less worry as well.
Last edited by MiataNut; 12-12-2009 at 04:41 PM.
12-12-2009, 04:46 PM
#50
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Same with the S2000. I have a CTS-V with massive, explosive torque 
, but the S2000 sometimes feels faster, especially when I'm shifting at 9k rpm. Yes, I know the little guy would be left behind in the exhaust of my V, but on a twisty road, I'd rather have my S anyday. Same with the Miata. Both of these cars are little road scalpels, and who cares about a lack of power in these cars?
BTW, this is the video that finally caused me to buy the S2000 rather than the C5 Corvette I was looking into at the time:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...30688&q=s2000#
I can't get enough of seeing that video.
Gan-san 
! I watch it once a week during the winter. In fact, I just washed the S for the last time of the season today and finally put it in its car cover today. 
, but the S2000 sometimes feels faster, especially when I'm shifting at 9k rpm. Yes, I know the little guy would be left behind in the exhaust of my V, but on a twisty road, I'd rather have my S anyday. Same with the Miata. Both of these cars are little road scalpels, and who cares about a lack of power in these cars?BTW, this is the video that finally caused me to buy the S2000 rather than the C5 Corvette I was looking into at the time:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...30688&q=s2000#
I can't get enough of seeing that video.
Gan-san ! I watch it once a week during the winter. In fact, I just washed the S for the last time of the season today and finally put it in its car cover today.
Last edited by neuronbob; 12-12-2009 at 04:49 PM.
12-12-2009, 04:56 PM
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My own personal experience with Miatas has my favorite being the 1.8L '94-97 models. The second gen ones just don't give me the same happy factor for some reason, even the supercharged one a buddy of mine had.
I think it was Grassroots Motorsports that ran a feature with Brian Redman driving a Porsche 962 back to back with a Spec Miata. His reaction on the Miata was that it was the most fun he had had in a long time, grinning ear to ear. Understand, this was a guy who won races in 1000hp Porsche 917's when they were new.
I think it was Grassroots Motorsports that ran a feature with Brian Redman driving a Porsche 962 back to back with a Spec Miata. His reaction on the Miata was that it was the most fun he had had in a long time, grinning ear to ear. Understand, this was a guy who won races in 1000hp Porsche 917's when they were new.
12-12-2009, 07:26 PM
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I can't get enough of seeing that video. Gan-san ! I watch it once a week during the winter. In fact, I just washed the S for the last time of the season today and finally put it in its car cover today. [/QUOTE]
that video will be increasing my chances of getting an S2000 - only if I can drive like that in 3 years time!!
Gan-san ! I watch it once a week during the winter. In fact, I just washed the S for the last time of the season today and finally put it in its car cover today. [/QUOTE]that video will be increasing my chances of getting an S2000 - only if I can drive like that in 3 years time!!
12-12-2009, 11:32 PM
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What are the schools of thought between the 1.6L and the 1.8L? Why do some folks like the 1.6L better? I imagine its maybe a little smoother and has some extra fizz up top.
12-13-2009, 03:41 PM
#54
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
How about these:
Mitsu Evo IV or V
Subaru Imprezza (think 1998 - 2002)
Early S4 (as noted by someone else)
The AWD would be a bit easier to learn on. Just a thought...
Mitsu Evo IV or V
Subaru Imprezza (think 1998 - 2002)
Early S4 (as noted by someone else)
The AWD would be a bit easier to learn on. Just a thought...
12-13-2009, 07:07 PM
#57
I am 5'11" - I test drove an 02 twice a while back and if I remember, the fit was OK
about the S2000 at the track, that is excactly what worries me - it may not be the easiest car to learn on - although I am 35 now and don't drive as crazy as I used to in the teen days, but still you never know - what would then be a good car to start with?
about the S2000 at the track, that is excactly what worries me - it may not be the easiest car to learn on - although I am 35 now and don't drive as crazy as I used to in the teen days, but still you never know - what would then be a good car to start with?
12-13-2009, 09:32 PM
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Exactly. Having owned 1.6's alongside both NA and NB 1.8's, the 1.6L is just "sweeter", that's the best way to sum it up. It comes off as more rev-happy and a bit smoother, and doesn't FEEL one bit slower. Bearing in mind every time Mazda has added HP to the Miata, they at the same time added more weight. Something else to consider, in other markets they continued to offer 1.6L versions even with the NB...
12-13-2009, 09:36 PM
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The Boxster is close, though - on the recent Kit Car show on Speed channel, they built a Porsche replica out of a Boxster donor that was complete and very decent looking and cost around $11k.
Last edited by MiataNut; 12-13-2009 at 09:39 PM.
12-14-2009, 12:23 PM
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Indeed, awesome shifter and real dainty lil chrome door handles
Forget automatics - just kills the car, and it's one of few cars I wouldn't consider without a stick. Festiva might be the only other
I did have an 02 LS and the NB (2nd gen) is indeed more of a "real car". More grownup, if that's what you prefer. Smoother, quieter, more solid to a certain extent. Very nice cars, don't get me wrong, but I still missed my NAs so I sold it after a couple years. Stay away from 99s due to potential #4 bearing problems with the engine. An 01 SE (british racing green) would be my choice of NB, but they are still up there in price - the only one I found locally recently was 12k and the guy wouldnt even return my emails.
.
Forget automatics - just kills the car, and it's one of few cars I wouldn't consider without a stick. Festiva might be the only other
I did have an 02 LS and the NB (2nd gen) is indeed more of a "real car". More grownup, if that's what you prefer. Smoother, quieter, more solid to a certain extent. Very nice cars, don't get me wrong, but I still missed my NAs so I sold it after a couple years. Stay away from 99s due to potential #4 bearing problems with the engine. An 01 SE (british racing green) would be my choice of NB, but they are still up there in price - the only one I found locally recently was 12k and the guy wouldnt even return my emails.
.
I actullay looked at the weight difference between a 97 M-edition and an 02 SE and it was less than 100 LBS difference and you get more hp and torque - so it seems like an 02 is more suitable for me as it is newer
12-14-2009, 12:31 PM
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also turbo lag is a big turnoff for me - the only 2 turbo cars I really liked were the 05+ Legacy GT and of course the 335i due to the unnoticebale lag
12-15-2009, 05:00 AM
#64
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
True about the split, but
the beginning. If you can afford the upkeep, I hear a Boxster is a very well balanced car.
12-16-2009, 05:10 PM
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As the saying goes, "Add lightness". I'm sure I can make my Miatas drive even better by cutting some weight.....from their driver
12-16-2009, 05:12 PM
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12-20-2009, 10:58 PM
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01-02 IS300 Manual would be a fun car, and the motor has a lot of potential. I certainly miss mine 
The 240SX or even older S12 200SX if you can find one, I always liked those in 3 door form.
The 240SX or even older S12 200SX if you can find one, I always liked those in 3 door form.
12-21-2009, 08:47 AM
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getting old
it looks like I am really getting old
I am having second thoughts about owning a selfish car (2 seater) - it's sad but it is a reality - also I am not a fan of convertibles at all - if there are two things I can't stand in cars, it would be turbo lag and convertibles
so why on earth am I considering an S2000/miata?????
back to the drawing board!!!!
fun car for occasional daily driving beside the TL-S, occasional track time to learn - 2 back seats (for 6&4 year old) - fixed roof - $9K budget - manual rwd - as light as possible - I like torque so more torque than the TL-S would be nice but not necessary
the two cars that come to mind are a porsche 911 (way more than 9K) and a 97-99 M3 which I had before
what else??
I am having second thoughts about owning a selfish car (2 seater) - it's sad but it is a reality - also I am not a fan of convertibles at all - if there are two things I can't stand in cars, it would be turbo lag and convertibles
so why on earth am I considering an S2000/miata?????
back to the drawing board!!!!
fun car for occasional daily driving beside the TL-S, occasional track time to learn - 2 back seats (for 6&4 year old) - fixed roof - $9K budget - manual rwd - as light as possible - I like torque so more torque than the TL-S would be nice but not necessary
the two cars that come to mind are a porsche 911 (way more than 9K) and a 97-99 M3 which I had before
what else??
12-21-2009, 09:56 AM
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For most of us, they are best appreciated from afar.
-Mirror
Last edited by TheMirror; 12-21-2009 at 09:58 AM.
12-21-2009, 10:37 AM
#72
I roughly quote some poster I'm not too fond of on here, but why are German electronic devices among the best appliances, yet when they implement them in a car, they turn to utter 
?
I'd consider myself a backyard mechanic at best. While the 300ZX and MR2 Turbo are great cars, they are nightmares to work on if you're doing anything other than regular maintenance work. And if you're not going to do your own work, you'll probably need to find a specialist shop. The NA versions of them are more reliable at least and somewhat easier to work on.
I haven't worked on an E36 M3 but you can probably attest to it as well that that the engine bay is cramped as hell. You really need to expand what you're looking for or raise you price range because it'll be hard to pick a car that suits your needs.
Right now all I can come up with are S14 240SXs, Foxbody Mustang, Third gen F-Body or if you're lucky you may find a decent NA RX-7 but reliability is an issue.
?I'd consider myself a backyard mechanic at best. While the 300ZX and MR2 Turbo are great cars, they are nightmares to work on if you're doing anything other than regular maintenance work. And if you're not going to do your own work, you'll probably need to find a specialist shop. The NA versions of them are more reliable at least and somewhat easier to work on.
I haven't worked on an E36 M3 but you can probably attest to it as well that that the engine bay is cramped as hell. You really need to expand what you're looking for or raise you price range because it'll be hard to pick a car that suits your needs.
Right now all I can come up with are S14 240SXs, Foxbody Mustang, Third gen F-Body or if you're lucky you may find a decent NA RX-7 but reliability is an issue.
12-21-2009, 12:04 PM
#74
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
AP1, if not, Miata.
12-21-2009, 12:28 PM
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I think Costco has it pretty much nailed down above. With the criteria the OP sets up, I only see the S14 240SX, '98+ V-8 Camaro or Firebird, non-turbo 300ZX or MR2. All of those are reliable, easy to set up for track work, and have good chassis and brakes. Track cars don't really need rocketship horsepower IMHO, its better to have a lower powered "momentum" car to start off with. That's why Miatas are so popular.
I'll omit Mustangs from the list simply due to the large amount of suspension work needed to make them behave correctly on the track.
I'll omit Mustangs from the list simply due to the large amount of suspension work needed to make them behave correctly on the track.
12-21-2009, 03:37 PM
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12-21-2009, 05:43 PM
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coolant flushes require 2 gallons of $30 coolant. plugs are about $10 each. pads are about 125 for front and 125 for the rear. complete rotor/pad replacement is about $700. Tires $600-1500
oil change $90-200
etc etc etc,, oh and pray the ims doesn't go....