Right now i'm in the process of looking for a nice sporty summer car. I have about $17,000 to spend so obviously it's gonna be used. Just wondering what some people thought would be the best buy. Avoiding domestic cars.
what i've seen around and liked are:

Lancer Evolution 9
Honda s2000
Nissan 350z
Mazada RX8
Subaru wrx sti

but welcome to all other suggestions

 

Thrill wise i think an s2000 would be an awesome choice over any other of your choices imo... rest are nice but for some reason, the s2000 sticks in my head as a sportier, funner summer car than the rest of your choice

 

STi or the Z imo

 

i would have to say (in order) s2000, lancer, STI

but i would really have to say, look at all of those choices that are for sale locally and get the best deal, least amount of miles, etc...you've narrowed it to 5 cars and they are all fun, so look for local value now.

 

well all those cars generally cost the same in my area with about 50,000 miles for the 03-05 models

 

If you want a shot at being able to afford the insurance on those cars at 18 y/o I'd eliminate the STI and EVO right off the bat and go from there. If you even like torque in any way, shape, or form, drop the RX8. S2000 would be fun, but keep the RPMs high.

So that leaves you with a decision between the 350z and the S2000. Drive them both and see which you like best!

 

Either an STi, S2000 or a 350Z. Evos have weak trannys and take a lot of money to make power. I believe 2004+ 350Zs were improved but my friend's 03 has synchro and alignment problems. His car only has 50,000 miles but his tranny grinds and he goes through tires pretty quickly, especially since he can't rotate them (stock staggered setup)

S2000s are sorely lacking in torque though. And its pretty much impossible to make power with bolt-ons. Some STis have synchro problems too, but I actually haven't heard any of my friends complain.

I wouldn't touch an RX-8 with a 10 foot pole. It, like the S2000 has a great shifter and great handling. But if you drive the S2000 and think the torque issue is bad.... you don't even want to know what's up with the RX-8. Add on to that, poor gas mileage and poor reliability - even if the rotary doesn't blow up, you need to replace the apex seals every 2-5 years or else it will.

 

If it's a sports car, and you need no practicality, the S2000 should work. Just keep it on boil for the most fun.

But if you are willing to at least "consider" a domestic, what about a used Saturn Sky? They do look good, and would be pretty fun. Plus Saturn dealers should be giving them away by now.

Oh, I forgot to my ride.... not in the same category.

 

S2000

 

You'll probably think I'm crazy but if you can find a Mazdaspeed Miata that might be a good choice too.

 

can you get a used mazdaspeed3 for that price?

 

Is that snow in the far background of the picture in your avatar? If yes go with EVO, or STI

 

I'd take a Miata over any of those for price per fun-times. Otherwise, S2000 or STi. Don't touch the RX-8.

Snow is irrelevant for a "sporty summer car".

 

Honda Fit

 

Z

 

Z

 

Didn't see that.....

 

Acura TLS 2008, I love mine :-)

 

i recently purchased an s2000. fun little sucker. oh and it seems to have plenty of torque past 3500rpm. AP2 BTW!

 

+1 for an S2000... but if snow is an issue pick up an STi or an Evo.

 

350z. However if snow is a big problem in your area, go with the Evo. I think that an Evo that hasn't had the crap beaten out of it will be harder to find than a 350z that hasn't been abused.

 

1. S2k
2. WRX STI
3. Z

 

I'd get the S2000 if you want a convertible, otherwise get the Z.

 

1. S2000
2. 350z

 

although the s2k looks fun to drive, i'd go with the Z

 

I concure (maily because I'm too fat to fit in an S2000) that the Mazdaspeed Miata would be a really fun summer car. Plus you just don't see them very often and they can be bought for less than the ones listed with comparable mileage/condition.

 

Good luck finding a good condition EVO or STI under $17,000, that's all I'll say, I've tried to find one but had no luck.

Personally I'd go with the 350Z or the G35, nice interior, great sounding exhausts, fairly reliable, availible in A/T or M/T, whichever you prefer, they get pretty good power and bolt-ons will make a difference.