Semi-Revised Car/Bike Waffle

Jason C · 06-27-2005, 05:11 AM

A little while back I was wondering if I should split my car budget up in favor of getting a lesser-priced car and a bike. I was thinking about a daily beater (Hyundai Sonata), which is an exceedingly competent car but not exactly one that begs to be driven on a Sunday morning.

I just realized that for about the same price as the Hyundai, I could get the 6-Speed 2006+ Miata with the nice sport pack they're offering (bilsteins, sport suspension, LSD). The NC will be coming out in August. Isn't that an interesting option? I know it'll be highly involving without breaking my back in the process. And it's not like I'll be moving to it from a Z06 or the like, so I doubt I'll be too disappointed with the power.

I'm still waiting to hear more on the Solstice/Sky, but this is something I'm going to be keeping an eye on.

Downsides to this? Chance are good that I'll be accused of copying Roadstergal.

:tongue:

*clyde* · 06-27-2005, 09:02 AM

Is there a reason that you have to buy new? For the price, there's a hell of a lot of interesting used cars available.

Jason C · 06-27-2005, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

Is there a reason that you have to buy new? For the price, there's a hell of a lot of interesting used cars available.

I'm considering used too. It's just a question of what I'm willing to deal with (from a servicing standpoint). For example, I'd never buy anything powered by an S54.

EDIT: That's an issue with new cars too, but with a factory warranty, it's less of a concern.

lip277 · 06-27-2005, 10:43 AM

On that same thought - A used Miata can be an excellent value.

I'm sure RG can fill you in on the pertinent details.

ff · 06-27-2005, 11:02 AM

I'd be 1175% more likely to choose the Miata over the Soltice. The reasons are too numerous to list. The only advantage the soltice really has over the Miata, IMO, is the styling. Not that the Miata has bad styling. It's just that the Soltice looks pretty damn cool.

I can't even imagine owning a first-year GM. Talk about asking for trouble.

rumatt · 06-27-2005, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

Is there a reason that you have to buy new? For the price, there's a hell of a lot of interesting used cars available.

What he said.

Especially since you actually know how to work on cars. You should be ashamed of yourself, lemming.

Jason C · 06-27-2005, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumatt

What he said.

Especially since you actually know how to work on cars. You should be ashamed of yourself, lemming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

I'm considering used too. It's just a question of what I'm willing to deal with (from a servicing standpoint).

Techs are usually quite busy fixing other peoples problems. We rarely have the time or the patience to come home to more shit. I don't see many current or former techs driving complex/unreliable cars, and I think there's a good reason for this. I'd be less picky with a weekend car, but we're talking daily drivers here.

rumatt · 06-27-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Morgan

Techs are usually quite busy fixing other peoples problems. We rarely have the time or the patience to come home to more shit.

Yeah, I know. I was mostly kidding. :P

But the option of a 2-3 year old car is still something to consider. It will most likely be fine in terms of reliability, and on the off chance you did have a problem you would know how to handle it.

Jason C · 07-11-2005, 12:36 AM

New MX-5 is better than the old one around the 'Ring by 15 seconds.

After some dealership visits this weekend, I'm thinking it's either this or the S2000. But I reserve the right to waffle.

rumatt · 07-11-2005, 10:01 AM

Do you fit in the miata? I sure didn't.

06-27-2005, 05:11 AM	#1
Jason C Carmudgeon Join Date: Jul 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: Invalid Carriage Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,932	Semi-Revised Car/Bike Waffle A little while back I was wondering if I should split my car budget up in favor of getting a lesser-priced car and a bike. I was thinking about a daily beater (Hyundai Sonata), which is an exceedingly competent car but not exactly one that begs to be driven on a Sunday morning. I just realized that for about the same price as the Hyundai, I could get the 6-Speed 2006+ Miata with the nice sport pack they're offering (bilsteins, sport suspension, LSD). The NC will be coming out in August. Isn't that an interesting option? I know it'll be highly involving without breaking my back in the process. And it's not like I'll be moving to it from a Z06 or the like, so I doubt I'll be too disappointed with the power. I'm still waiting to hear more on the Solstice/Sky, but this is something I'm going to be keeping an eye on. Downsides to this? Chance are good that I'll be accused of copying Roadstergal. :tongue:

06-27-2005, 09:02 AM	#2
clyde Chief title editor Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 26,599	Is there a reason that you have to buy new? For the price, there's a hell of a lot of interesting used cars available. __________________ OH NOES!!!!!1 MY CAR HAS T3H UND3R5T33R5555!!!!!!1oneone!!!!11 Team WTF?! What are you gonna do?

06-27-2005, 10:43 AM	#4
lip277 The old cranky SOB.... Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: several cars... way too many.... Location: Near Seattle Posts: 4,798	On that same thought - A used Miata can be an excellent value. I'm sure RG can fill you in on the pertinent details. __________________ *Kevin* 1970 2800CS - - 2001 740iL - - 2006 997.1 - - 2012 Escalade 1968 Mustang GT Convertible - - 2003 Ford F250 PSD - - 1985 728i

06-27-2005, 11:02 AM	#5
ff . Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 13,514	I'd be 1175% more likely to choose the Miata over the Soltice. The reasons are too numerous to list. The only advantage the soltice really has over the Miata, IMO, is the styling. Not that the Miata has bad styling. It's just that the Soltice looks pretty damn cool. I can't even imagine owning a first-year GM. Talk about asking for trouble.

07-11-2005, 12:36 AM	#9
Jason C Carmudgeon Join Date: Jul 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: Invalid Carriage Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,932	New MX-5 is better than the old one around the 'Ring by 15 seconds. After some dealership visits this weekend, I'm thinking it's either this or the S2000. But I reserve the right to waffle.

07-11-2005, 10:01 AM	#10
rumatt Mugwump Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3 Location: NY Posts: 17,475	Do you fit in the miata? I sure didn't.