Well after finalizing my autocross schedule last night my better half decided she wanted to autocross too. Excellent! Only problem is she doesn't want to share my car (1st Gen RX-7) and wants her own. I'm A-OK with that 
Here's the requirements:
Cheap (sub-$500 buy-in)
Small
NOT an RX-7
Automatic (I know, but she has good reasons and she can drive stick)
She prefers "cute" and/or purple, though I can paint it
I'm thinking 1st Gen Neon? I think she'd love a Miata, but I don't think that will happen at this price point. Her aunt actually has a white Miata she's owned since new that I would like to buy, but I don't think she's ready to give it up yet. Maybe an Escort hatch? What else is out there that we can fix up together and she can have fun racing?
Show her this picture and see if she likes it. 
Purple auto-x Neon
JFX001
HalfDork
1/26/09 10:46 a.m.
Older EF Civic?
Automatic miata?
*Edit....there was an auto one with a blown engine here in OH for $600.00
I see plenty of $500 Miatas down here. How much work do you want to do?
Not much? I'm pretty busy with work, college, an RX-7, and all the car work I do for other people. I'm looking for something that's going to be an easy tune up and tires away from a good car. I may even just start cycling through cars as I buy/fix/sell them.
Lugnut
Reader
1/26/09 11:22 a.m.
How about an MX3? Those had a cool girly raspberry color and I see 4cyl autos for next to nothing all the time.
RandyS
New Reader
1/26/09 11:23 a.m.
An auto Neon is dog slow. If she insists on an auto you really need to consider something with a V8 or a big displacement V6.
A Grannys V6/V8 swap FC RX-7 is a cheap and easy car to make with a $500 buy-in for a car with a toasted rotary engine.
Randy
I see lots of cheap '80s Camaros and Firebirds on Craigslist with automatics, both 6 and 8 cylinder versions. Lots of aftermarket parts and you can make them handle.
G73
New Reader
1/26/09 11:44 a.m.
Ford Probe w/ the GT nose, 4 or 6 cyl ...Not the best car for its class but many have automatics & they came in a color called "Wild Iris", a very dark Purple
civic, 240, f-body, mustang, sentra
Cotton
Reader
1/26/09 4:52 p.m.
A buddy of mine recently scored an 89 Camaro for 1250. Ran good, looked decent, 305, automatic, and the ac blew cold.
It doesn't need to be that fast, she's just starting out. Besides she can always move up to my RX-7.
MX3 sounds good actually, I'll keep my eyes out.
Camaros/Firebirds are neither small nor cute. I'd like one for drag racing, but I don't think she'll go for that.
So right now it's:
Miata, Neon, MX3
Anybody have a $500 automatic Miata?
