Might get a new car,want it to be a fun toy ...maybe mini, S2000,WRX, any suggestions

[AF]

I want a fun car that handles very well, looks cool, has a good manual transmission and a backseat preferably or at the very least the ability to turn the front passenger airbag off (if my 7 yr old was to take a ride with me in it)

I am thinking a used car since I only want to keep it for 6 to 12 months or a new car that really holds its value well.

I was thinking about the Mini, an S2000, possibly an Evo though Mitsu's have terrible service departments which would probably rule it out or maybe a Subaru WRX STI. I was thinking of a used Corvette as well though that may be too expensive.

Any other idea's out there ...

[Desertnate]

Based on what you have mentioned about the rear seat and all, I would say an STI would be a pretty good bet. Another cheap pocket rocket might be a Neon STR-4, but well...its a Neon. :(

If I was in the market for a toy car, the STI would be at the top of my list...A bright blue one with the gold BBS wheels like the WRC cars. :eeps: :angel: I might even consider the WRX hatchback/wagon thing too, but the extra power in the STI would be hard to ignore.

A used R32 might be a good score, but VERY hard to find...

[AF]

A used R32 might be a good score, but VERY hard to find...
Great idea on the R32 ... this is why I love these boards, I would have never have thought of that car until you mentioned it ... thanks :thumbup:

[Desertnate]

:D

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~hooglaaj/cars/wallpapers/VW_r32.jpg

[bmw325]

I'm liking the S2000 idea. A Miata might also work. No rear seats, but I think the air bag can be deatvciated in both. I know you've had an Rx8, so I'm thinking that you want a car even more fun and chuckable than that. That's why I think you'll probably be happest with a smallish RWD roadster type car and not so much the 4wd rally-car type vehicles or even the mini.

[LmtdSlip]

Why not an E30 M3 :thumbup:

[AF]

I'm liking the S2000 idea. A Miata might also work. No rear seats, but I think the air bag can be deatvciated in both. I know you've had an Rx8, so I'm thinking that you want a car even more fun and chuckable than that. That's why I think you'll probably be happest with a smallish RWD roadster type car and not so much the 4wd rally-car type vehicles or even the mini.
I think I either want something that handles like a go-kart (mini,S2000)or something that is SUPER fast like the STI/EVO type ...

Why not an E30 M3 :thumbup:
I'm not into the older cars but thanks for the suggestion

[Test_Engineer]

...possibly an Evo though Mitsu's have terrible service departments which would probably rule it out or maybe a Subaru WRX STI...
I don't think Subaru is any better than Mitsu when it comes to service. It really depends on the dealer. I don't care what anyone says, I would take an Evo over an STi any day.

The Mini is a really good bang for the buck type of car. They are fun to drive, and you can park them almost anywhere. Pretty cool car.

[EdCT]

I think I either want something that handles like a go-kart (mini,S2000)or something that is SUPER fast like the STI/EVO type ...



The S2k has the best manual tranny I've ever driven - it's extraordinary really, but it's a single-purpose car - if you're not going to track it, you might find it tiresome quickly.

The STI's are nice, too, but don't have the same quality-feel as the Honda, but they have back seats and four doors.

Vettes are expensive.

The Mini might be your best bet, it's a real BMW - it handles, it looks good, it's fast and it's fun. It also has a rear seat (if a bit marginal).

Ed

[Betcour]

I'd say the Mini has the best fun/cost ratio. I drove a Mini Cooper (non S) vert. and a 645Ci and had a lot more fun in the Mini :eeps:

[Desertnate]

I'd say the Mini has the best fun/cost ratio. I drove a Mini Cooper (non S) vert. and a 645Ci and had a lot more fun in the Mini :eeps:
:thumbup:

I had a load of fun in a Mini ONE. Probably the most fun stripped down car I have ever driven. Its a hoot no matter how its equipped.

My only complaints with the mini is with the short wheel base the ride gets choppy and I always felt the steering was so direct, that if I sneezed I would fly off the road. :eeps:

[Mr. The Edge]

How about an RX-8?

[Desertnate]

How about an RX-8?

I believe he already had one and got rid of it.

Stick around here longer and you will realize how hard it is to keep track of what is in AF's garage. :p :angel:

[AF]

I believe he already had one and got rid of it.

Stick around here longer and you will realize how hard it is to keep track of what is in AF's garage. :p :angel:Good memory ... yeah I had an RX8 for I think a year ... currently have a 05 A6 with the 8 cylinder engine and an 05 Mazda 6 S with a manual transmission.

So far from hearing you guys, it sounds like the Mini is perfect ... I have always held back from getting a car that I might find uncomfortable as a daily driver but it would be an extra car just to have some fun with ... this is what makes the Evo and STI so enticing as well though I still think I would want a car with a sunroof :dunno:

[Betcour]

My only complaints with the mini is with the short wheel base the ride gets choppy and I always felt the steering was so direct, that if I sneezed I would fly off the road. :eeps:
I would say both are qualities :D

[Elwood]

I think I either want something that handles like a go-kart (mini,S2000)or something that is SUPER fast like the STI/EVO type ...

Go-kart and fast = Elise

Such a totally impractical car, but ohhh so fun to drive >:]

[indyzhp]

A friend of mine was going through the same thing. He had a miata, but traded that for an immaculate S2000. Still wanting more, he got a smokin deal on a new 6.0 GTO. I would be temped by a GTO if it werent for the cramped rear seats and lack of rear doors.

[Test_Engineer]

I always felt the steering was so direct, that if I sneezed I would fly off the road. :eeps:
:thumbup: HELL Yeah... That's what makes that car so fun! :D

[AF]

A friend of mine was going through the same thing. He had a miata, but traded that for an immaculate S2000. Still wanting more, he got a smokin deal on a new 6.0 GTO. I would be temped by a GTO if it werent for the cramped rear seats and lack of rear doors.
I have a friend that leased the GTO for $100 a month for 2 yrs ... it was a once in a lifetime deal where they had rebates and the gm card offered double something or other ...
I made the guy fax me over the lease agreement because I couldn't beleive it was true ...

Once I got the agreement I called a dealer but I was 2 days too late so I couldn't get the same deal. I figured for $100 a month might as well have a GTO

[mtbscott]

I just picked up an '06 MINI S coupe Tuesday after wanting one for years. I am highly impressed with the build quality, etc. for a car in this price range. The fun-to-drive ratio is as high as others have suggested and that's even observing break-in instructions. It is so easy to get in over your head in the M3, the MINI is completely different, you always feel like you're racing along even at 40 mph. I'm not planning on selling the M3 anytime soon, but I do think it's going to languish in the garage for awhile.

[bmw325]

I have a friend that leased the GTO for $100 a month for 2 yrs ... it was a once in a lifetime deal where they had rebates and the gm card offered double something or other ...
I made the guy fax me over the lease agreement because I couldn't beleive it was true ...

Once I got the agreement I called a dealer but I was 2 days too late so I couldn't get the same deal. I figured for $100 a month might as well have a GTO


:yikes: Wow. I think we all would've done that. How much, if any, did he have to put down (as in cap cost reduction-- nnot talking about sec deposit, acq fee or first month payment). Back when GM had all those rebates i kept thinking to myself that there are probably some really incredible lease deals availbale.

[hts]

used boxster s? would hold its value well i'd imagine, and was the most fun i've had on 4 wheels (including driving a 3rd gen RX-8 twin-turbo, gs-r, STi, S4, Vette, etc.).

Not sure about the airbag-off switch.

[equ]

Good memory ... yeah I had an RX8 for I think a year ... currently have a 05 A6 with the 8 cylinder engine and an 05 Mazda 6 S with a manual transmission.

So far from hearing you guys, it sounds like the Mini is perfect ... I have always held back from getting a car that I might find uncomfortable as a daily driver but it would be an extra car just to have some fun with ... this is what makes the Evo and STI so enticing as well though I still think I would want a car with a sunroof :dunno:

I didn't like my mini testdrive much but oh well...

I'm having some rx-8 thoughts (currently a 330ci perf pack owner). I know I'll be giving up some luxury and practicality, but it seemed sweet to drive (on a very short drive) and a lighter, purer sports car. Their resales (or sales) don't seem that strong. Any comparison with the 330 would be appreciated...

[Chris90]

I just picked up an '06 MINI S coupe Tuesday after wanting one for years. I am highly impressed with the build quality, etc. for a car in this price range. The fun-to-drive ratio is as high as others have suggested and that's even observing break-in instructions. It is so easy to get in over your head in the M3, the MINI is completely different, you always feel like you're racing along even at 40 mph. I'm not planning on selling the M3 anytime soon, but I do think it's going to languish in the garage for awhile.

Yeah, I felt the Mini was more fun than the 330i ZHP I bought, but I felt the 330 was a better overall package.

For a toy, I'd look used, definitely - S2000, used Porsche, even an NSX if $30k is in budget.

[DaveH]

Hi AF:
Another car for you, huh?
Is it Monday already?

Based upon your past history of automobilia, I would suggest you try some dark and nasty rear engine fun....

Porsche 996

The prices have bottomed out pretty fast on these since the newer 997 model is so well received by Porsche-nistas. The 996 is a relative bargain and you can most likely get what you paid in 6 months since they are more stable now.

My second recommendation is a new Mustang GT. Lots of fun through the glorious torque of an American V8 and cheap, too (relatively speaking).

[Desertnate]

:thumbup: HELL Yeah... That's what makes that car so fun! :D

NOT DURING ALLERGY SEASON!!! The fatal sneeze could come at any minute :eeps: :D

It was a hoot on British B-Roads.