D4V1D.TL

Something that I have been thinking about only recently - weekend "non-winter" car/toy.

I'd like to hear your ideas about what you would consider a great weekend car. Some parameters and my choices to start the discussion:

1. Something realistic at a price range that a working class person like myself can afford - I'm thinking 15K-20K price range ( if that's possible )
2. Maintenance cost is not out of this world
3. Don't mind spending time and money over the years of ownership to improve the car
4. Trigger a second look maybe

Cars that come to mind:

1. Used S2000
2. Dare I think of a used NSX at this price point? I'm hoping maybe yes
3. Used porsche boxster/corvette?

What are your thoughts?

Crazy Bimmer

S2k or vette would be a good choice. Vette would be fun car to mod over time with easy gains.

I say save up just a tad more and get a NSX thats worth $25k.

Then save up more and get the lovefab turbo kit. Oh gawd... i need alone time now.

Costco

^

There's a stupid amount of things you can do to a Corvette. If you love toying with cars, it's the perfect car to get. If you just started off with a bare chassis Corvette with just the windshield, dashboard, center console and carpet you could put the rest of the Corvette together yourself.

You could mod an S2000 too but the effects aren't as pronounced unless you go F/I. Both cars are a lot of fun, and relatively cheap to maintain. An NSX would be sweet too.

d-townhakuzo

I say save up to 25k and get the NSX. They are amazing. Then again...I've seen a 91 NSX for 19k and had 60k miles on it...

1StGenCL

something so exotic and cool looking with the NSX. That being said for whatever reason I always think of fun, weekend cars to be convertibles

I never liked the vette until i drove an ex's Z06, pure raw power. Amazing. Really depends what is most important to you, top down experience or a big V8

Costco

Your ex had a Z06

most of the time when I see a girl behind the wheel of a Z06, its a hot blonde, and me and my friends usually assume its her boyfriend's..... wow. I don't even know what your ex looks like, but that's insanely hot.

.... unless you're into the male persuasion

1StGenCL

She was indeed a hot, tall, thin blonde. Her dad got a new car and she had it for a bit before getting another mini.

Edit - God, I loved driving that thing. It was black and super low, super loud, and you couldn't unstick the thing. It was almost scary how flat it stayed at insane speeds on ramps and stuff and this is coming from a guy used to riding a sportbike. You could spin the massive tires in a few gears too. Dammit it, now I want one

Pete2010

s2000 - all the way. Although I still dream for the day I can get a NSX...

achenator

early e46 m3

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

i've seen numerous early 90's NSX's go for right around or at 20k in good condition.

hell i bid on one not too long ago that sold for $18k... had 80k miles and in nearly mint shape.

my bid was 16,500 so of course i didnt win.. but i was [ this close ]

tmnhs81

+1

mrmako

I agree with the S2K or Vette. As long as there is a nice garage to keep them in. The NSX is also not a bad car for this purpose.

dallison

you can get a used base or s 200-2002 boxster for under 18k. There are a lot of well taken care of examples out there. You can also get a 99-02 carerra for well under 30k with decent miles. Some are as low as $20-24k

maintenance really isn't that terrible, but the prices for replacement parts are a little higher.
these cars can be worked on by you if you are handy.

CocheseUGA

NSX will always turn heads. Can't disagree with that one.

If you get a Vette, you should make it a super awesome Dragon Vette.

myron

iTrader: (4)

what about a 350z?

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Mine is a long list, but it includes both the Vette and S2k. The NSX and Boxster are also on it. As is the Lotus Elise. I've even looked into Factory Five Shelby's. There are probably a few more I'm forgetting.

Told you it was a long list ...

D4V1D.TL

This is great - keep them coming. I was wondering if there were other cars that would be considered an affordable weekend car.

Someone mentioned a 350z, that would be nice too - something I missed.

Although, I'm thinking if it's a weekend car for me and the wife, it'll probably be more fun to have a convertible one.

R*D*X*

gr8ness97

iTrader: (5)

S2000 for the cheapest thrills.

1islandparadise

Im actually looking for a toy but something more along the lines of a GT/Cobra Mustang, SS Camaro, WS6 Trans Am. I seen an S2000 not to long ago on the ATL craigslist for $15K turbo'ed. Haha and seen plenty 2000+ boxsters for about $10K everywhere. If you got the $$$ and a nice place to store it, the NSX would be insane to have. G/l on the search.....

Costco

If you're looking for a CHEAP toy an LS1 F-Body is great. It is too raw for most and basically follows the muscle car way of thinking - big engine in a somewhat bare bones car. I've seen some in my area for around $8,000. Put $1-2k into cam/heads and supporting mods and you'll have a car that puts down 400+ at the wheels (RWHP & RWTQ) that's still very reliable and driveable on the street. $1,500 into suspension (stock suspension is garbage on those cars, from the shocks to the control arms to the bushings) and you'll have a pretty bitching autocross car too.

dallison

x3-z4 or a 3 series

the z3's are a bit cramped and you hear more orad noise.

also a miata is pretty trouble free.

dallison

cadillac allante

solstice

saturn sky

saab 9-3

Bdog

2001 Corvette Z06 45k miles $19,980

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

CocheseUGA

How did we go from NSX and Z06 to a Crossfire?

dallison

we do like our options.

1slo23

C5 Z06 all the way

R*D*X*

i thought price range was 15K-20K

ANC297

iTrader: (2)

Vette all the way baby....

And yes, chicks driving performance machines are incredibly hot, I was actually just driving next to this really hot chick in a black Viper, the plates read BLK SRT....It was love at first site...

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

all the options are nice, nothing will turn heads like the NSX though

D4V1D.TL

hahahha - this is so typical of forums - by the time there are too many posts, the whole thread changes direction - it's becoming a "dream car" on a budget

Moog-Type-S

C5 z06

SpiderX1016

C5 FRC or Z06 is what I'd get.

but if you want something on the weekends, maybe a Convertible Vette?

n3o

iTrader: (2)

I've driven dozens of cars in this class. Honestly, if you can afford the NSX get it (25-30k) for a good example though. Your best bet, get yourself an S2000. AP1 is more aggresive and more of a weekend warrior, AP2's were softened up considerably and are much better for long drives or daily commutes. Either one you go with, you will not be disappointed I guarentee you that.

pmptx

I got a leftover/new 2008 S2K in December. mid 20's and it is a blast. Benn on a few drives and track events, and it was a great choice.
I didn't want t power monster, just a fun tossable weekender.
The S2K fit the bill and it is easy maintenance.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Thread appears to be on point. An early 90's NSX would be right around the budget. Also seems like the Z06 is within the budget to me as well.

CLSpeedster

Even better, an E36 M3, with a GT28 and track optimized suspension!

D4V1D.TL

Yeah - the S2K has been on top of my list for the longest time now. Thanks for sharing your first hand experience with the car. I somewhat recall reading somewhere that there is a refresh coming in late this year (S2010?) - that may be a good time to pick an S2K then.

MarbleGT

Not to sound like a broken record...but there is a reason why the MX5 is BY FAR the most popular roadster ever built. Out of the box its GREAT on twisties and on the track.

Mods are inexpensive, for the most part. On freeway trips I can get 37-40mpg. Fairly good amount of options available from the factory as well as a retractable hardtop.

Even in stock form, there werent any S2k's "killing" me at the track or on drives. As it sits now with the suspension goodies on and sticky tires I've got Elise's in my sights.

Just a thought.

CLSpeedster

Yes, Miata MX5's are not to be under-estimated on track day.