02-03-2014, 09:59 AM | #11 |
Vicarious Twitterer
Join Date: May 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: 06 330 cic ZHP
Location: CT
Posts: 7,566
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I'd throw in a pre-owned 1 series convertible as closer to the spirit of the Miata than some of those others ... not "cheap" per se, but good value - particularly if you find a basic 128 with a stick.
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02-03-2014, 11:14 AM | #12 |
No more BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8
Location: Glenwood, MD
Posts: 14,753
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I dig the BRZ, but if I'm going to drive something that is that underpowered, the top had better go down, which means I'd pick an MX-5 if I had to choose between only those two cars.
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02-03-2014, 11:26 AM | #13 |
redefined
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,903
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no MINI on the list?
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02-03-2014, 12:10 PM | #14 |
Crotchety
Join Date: Aug 2007
Carmudgeonly Ride: 22 Tiguan, 11 328i
Posts: 912
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I still like my FR-S, but it's been relegated to basically autocross-only. I always end up taking my old CRV or the gf's Civic everywhere because I do mostly city driving and the roads are terrible, stop-and-go, dog-hauling, etc.
I don't plan on selling the FR-S anytime soon, but I am very curious to see what the finished product for the IDx turns out to be. I really liked the looks of the Kia Stinger too. If only Honda would jump into the fray with a RWD affordable coupe... I think a 128i with a diff and a few other mods would be a really fun car, but so would a 135i. I think they look okay enough to consider. |
02-03-2014, 12:55 PM | #15 |
Carmudgeon
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,253
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Funny - was recently going through this exercise in my head last night. Comments here echo my sentiments. The brz seems like the best on paper but I'd probably sacrifice a little handling and lightness for a nicer interior and a little more usability and get a used 128 or 135. Then again there's something very appealing to me about the GTI even thogh it's fwd, not as fast, not as fun.
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02-03-2014, 01:40 PM | #16 | |
Jeeped
Join Date: Sep 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: Modified Jeep Tj and '07 Miata
Location: Seattle
Posts: 10,214
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Quote:
The issue for me is that while the NC has been derided for its 4x4-like ride height (or wheel / fender gap) I'm not sure I want to lower the car. After 2 years it doesn't look that bad to me anymore and for my area I'm digg'n having enough ground clearance and approach angle that I don't have to worry about curb cuts and speed bumps. . . . but I'd just like to tighten the suspension a tad bit. I'll look into it in another 20k miles or so and see what's available. The BMW 1 series looks great but, eh, even if it was affordable used I don't think I'd want to get another BMW. Been there, somewhat scared to do that again. And our BMW experience I don't think was horrible. It's just, I dunno. . . not something I want to do again until we can more comfortably afford it. As far as the MINI. . . . They look like they'd be a pretty fun car to drive, particularly the R56 S's. But . . . they're another BMW product and I don't want to go there again.
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. "Jeep is the only true American sports car*" - Enzo Ferrari * Or something to that effect. |
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02-04-2014, 01:11 PM | #17 |
Western Anomaly
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca
Posts: 16,648
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it's neither cheap nor sporty?
once you escalate to the S or JCW models, then they're sporty, but they're not cheap.
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02-04-2014, 01:16 PM | #18 |
redefined
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,903
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all of the cars listed are between $23000 and $26000 or thereabouts. Same as an MCS.
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02-04-2014, 01:30 PM | #19 |
Hello.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5
Location: Downingtown, PA
Posts: 5,540
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Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3 |
02-04-2014, 01:34 PM | #20 |
Old Fart
Join Date: Oct 2005
Carmudgeonly Ride: T4R,GTI
Location: San Diego
Posts: 8,579
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