"Suggest me" a fun DD for summertime.

On Sunday, I went to the Detroit Auto Show. I'm really actually starting to hate it because it seemingly gets more crowded every year. Regardless, I never miss it and enjoy the chance to see and possibly sit in vehicles that I will most likely never own or even just drive. I used to absolutely despise Subaru's, but since 2012's show, I've learned to like them and then actually bought one... I don't think I ever even took the time to check out their stuff at the Auto Show in years passed.

This year however, was different. I visited Subaru's set up at the show and was immediately drawn to the newest version of my own vehicle, a 2013 WRX wagon. While checking it, my GF wandered off. Changing the subject, I'm not sure what to label it but my GF "likes" cars. I don't want to call her an "enthusiast" just yet, but she picks up things that I teach her and odd facts about strange cars. She likes them so much that I was able to get her out of her trans eating money pit Grand Am, and into looking for something sporty. She literally test drove everything under the sun on the used market. Her insistance on checking out WRX's is what gave me the change of heart about Subaru's. She ended up settling on a 2007 Civic Si, which she is now bored of. Her flavor of the month lately has been between buying a used Evo VIII or 2004-2007 STi, or a brand new Focus ST.

Anywho, back to the story... I didn't have to look very far, because she was sitting in the BRZ parked infront of the WRX wagon. I thought nothing of it at the time, but she was absolutely in love with the thing. Thinking that the BRZ/FR-S weren't for me, I've generally looked past them. However her interest in them sparked one for me, much like she had done WRX's in the past. This is probably a bad sign.... I decided to look into them and for some reason I love the idea of a basic sports car that can return 30+ mpg's on the highway.

In the last 36 hours, my research on the car has even caused me to look into the maturity of my automotive "enthusiasm". As of now I'm a meet attending hard parker who engages in some highway bakery racing, has been handed a few forgetful drag strip time slips and has moderate mechanical skills. I've also been commending for being somewhat of an encyclopedia for automotive knowledge no one cares about... I used to buy and judge cars based on their stock quarter mile times, which is how I ended up with a value plummeting Ion Redline and used to have a Jim Jones like devotion to anything LSX powered. I probably lost friends during some angry rants I used to have trying to convince everyone that it was useless to make try to make anything fast that wasn't an LS1 F-body. Let's just say I don't miss those days...

Lately, I've tossed around the idea of relagating my rusty WRX to winter beater, and getting something fun and more fuel efficient for the summer. The more I think about it, I'd like to get something that I could maybe use to mature my auto "enthusiasm" and try to branch into Auto-X or something related. This is where I thought an FR-S would fit very nicely.... Then reality set in. I'm a cheapskate and would never be caught dead buying a car for $25k, let alone brand new. Basically, I wrote out this whole story looking for suggestions on this summer car. (And out of boredom.)

What I would be looking for is something that I could buy for $2-3k (or less), although I guess I wouldn't be opposed to stepping into the $4-5k range if it was for something newer. I would want it to be something that would return MPG's in the upper 20 range and be a pleasure to work on, when the need arises. What I mean by that is for it to be like my old Geo Prizm, where working on it was like playing with legos and was a real joy to tinker with. I want it to be something that is fun to drive and could make an easy transition into a nice novice auto-x vehicle. Space and seating doesn't matter, since I will still have my WRX wagon and have access to a pickup truck and a minivan. Placement of drivewheels doesn't matter either. I also don't need it to be fast, as I've been slowly convincing my project DSM to abandon the Occupy Jackstand movement.

I've been told that I am in the right place to get into Miata's and E30's but I've looked into other vehicles as well. AW11/SW20 MR2's, B/D-series Honda's, Prelude's, Mazdaspeed Protege's, Focus SVT's, XR4Ti's, Escort ZX2/GT's, Corrado's/Scirocco's and others have sparked my interest as well among others...

What would you guys suggest I go with, and also are there any that I should avoid altogether?

I look forward to you replies.

Miata.

Miata is probably the best choice out of the above.

You need a C4...

Nothing more specific? All are good suggestions...although AW11s and SW20s aren't easy to work on due to being mid-engined.

No corrado in your price range should be considered. Period.

docwyte wrote: No corrado in your price range should be considered. Period.

I should've been more specific. I've heard that the G60 cars should be avoided at all costs, but SLC cars are quite the gems.

Why don't you finish your DSM project?

Or buy a Jeep...then finish your DSM project.

JFX001 wrote: Why don't you finish your DSM project? Or buy a Jeep...then finish your DSM project.

My DSM has been sitting for years, and needs lots of work. It's merely turned into a rainy day boredom killer. However, it's DD priveleges have been revoked... for good.

I have looked into getting into some off road fun, but probably wouldn't suit my needs at the moment. My workday commute is literally 97% city and I can't see any Jeep being very efficient for that. I think down the road I'll grab a beater 4x4 compact pickup and play with that.

miiata, to throw in some classic style - fiat 124, x 1/9 or alfa spider - drivers, not projects.

Blah. MY SW20 is easier to work on than my turbo forester. It's just a mater of going at things from different angles than you would expect and having a good blanket.

GameboyRMH wrote: Nothing more specific? All are good suggestions...although AW11s and SW20s aren't easy to work on due to being mid-engined.

I'll argue the mid-engine point a bit. While the turbo sw20 has some particularly difficult jobs due to the packaging (google "hose from hell"), my aw11 hasn't been any harder than any of the fwd Hondas I've had. Some stuff is a little more difficult to reach, but not it's really not that bad. I've heard the same line from professional mechanics only to complete the job myself in my carport using jackstands and hand tools. As always your-personal-aggravation-may-vary.

Now that rant is over, a Miata is definitely the easy button here. Although I like a lot of the other cars you mentioned as well. Before I'd make a meaningful suggestion, I'd ask where your comfort level vs. autocross/spirited-driving threshold is?

Obviously your screen name has already answered your question.

I'm a lot the same way, and went through an ion redline.....I don't have a soft spot for ls1 vehicles, boy racer Scooby/evo's, nor miata's. As I am a glutton for punishment, I returned to sho's.

If you want something cheap, mostly reliable, easy to work on, bottom of depreciation, etc.......your answer is probably an SVT Focus. cheap parts, autox's well, only down on "power" a bit and will turn decent economy(better than a Wrx)

A year ago, I'd have said the answer was the ion redline I sold for 5k.

shelbyz wrote: I love the idea of a basic sports car What I would be looking for is something that I could buy for $2-3k (or less), although I guess I wouldn't be opposed to stepping into the $4-5k range if it was for something newer. I would want it to be something that would return MPG's in the upper 20 range and be a pleasure to work on, when the need arises. What I mean by that is for it to be like my old Geo Prizm, where working on it was like playing with legos and was a real joy to tinker with. I want it to be something that is fun to drive and could make an easy transition into a nice novice auto-x vehicle. Space and seating doesn't matter, since I will still have my WRX wagon and have access to a pickup truck and a minivan. Placement of drivewheels doesn't matter either. I also don't need it to be fast, as I've been slowly convincing my project DSM to abandon the Occupy Jackstand movement. I've been told that I am in the right place to get into Miata's and E30's but I've looked into other vehicles as well. AW11/SW20 MR2's, B/D-series Honda's, Prelude's, Mazdaspeed Protege's, Focus SVT's, XR4Ti's, Escort ZX2/GT's, Corrado's/Scirocco's and others have sparked my interest as well among others... What would you guys suggest I go with, and also are there any that I should avoid altogether? I look forward to you replies.

An AE86 GT-S

Matt B wrote: Now that rant is over, a Miata is definitely the easy button here. Although I like a lot of the other cars you mentioned as well. Before I'd make a meaningful suggestion, I'd ask where your comfort level vs. autocross/spirited-driving threshold is?

Spirited driving threshhold? Maybe a 1 on a scale of 0 to 10... My spirited driving expeience is very limited. There aren't many roads around me that I can play around on and I've never had enough confidence in my ability to control any of the vehicles I've owned or own to take them to any of the parking Auto-X's that pop up in my area. I went on a road trip to a Subaru meet this past summer that was in northern Michigan. On the way, the people I was caravaning with decided to hit some twisty roads going through the woods. Needless to say, I probably looked pretty foolish going through turns with my right foot firmly planted on the brakes with another car 5 feet behind me. That's about the extent of my spirited driving experience...

moparman76_69 wrote: Obviously your screen name has already answered your question.

Turbo Mopars are definitely still on my radar as well.

yamaha wrote: I'm a lot the same way, and went through an ion redline.....I don't have a soft spot for ls1 vehicles, boy racer Scooby/evo's, nor miata's. As I am a glutton for punishment, I returned to sho's. If you want something cheap, mostly reliable, easy to work on, bottom of depreciation, etc.......your answer is probably an SVT Focus. cheap parts, autox's well, only down on "power" a bit and will turn decent economy(better than a Wrx) A year ago, I'd have said the answer was the ion redline I sold for 5k.

I loved my Ion Redline. It was fun to drive and dead reliable. I drove it like I stole it and it never once left me fstranded or had any expensive failures. However, I wanted some more utility and got a deal I couldn't pass up on a WRX wagon. I still have the IRL and have tossed around the idea of keeping it around, but it's paid off and has low miles and by selling it I could have a decent chunk of change to put toward a down payment on my first home.

It's a shame the Redline gets the rap it does. I recommend them to friends looking for a reasonably priced fun car and have offered to sell mine to a few for a good deal and they all pass. They usually end up with headcase Subaru and SRT4's that they can barely afford to fix and I just shake my head.

oldeskewltoy wrote:

shelbyz wrote: I love the idea of a basic sports car What I would be looking for is something that I could buy for $2-3k (or less), although I guess I wouldn't be opposed to stepping into the $4-5k range if it was for something newer. I would want it to be something that would return MPG's in the upper 20 range and be a pleasure to work on, when the need arises. What I mean by that is for it to be like my old Geo Prizm, where working on it was like playing with legos and was a real joy to tinker with. I want it to be something that is fun to drive and could make an easy transition into a nice novice auto-x vehicle. Space and seating doesn't matter, since I will still have my WRX wagon and have access to a pickup truck and a minivan. Placement of drivewheels doesn't matter either. I also don't need it to be fast, as I've been slowly convincing my project DSM to abandon the Occupy Jackstand movement. I've been told that I am in the right place to get into Miata's and E30's but I've looked into other vehicles as well. AW11/SW20 MR2's, B/D-series Honda's, Prelude's, Mazdaspeed Protege's, Focus SVT's, XR4Ti's, Escort ZX2/GT's, Corrado's/Scirocco's and others have sparked my interest as well among others... What would you guys suggest I go with, and also are there any that I should avoid altogether? I look forward to you replies.

An AE86 GT-S

I'd love one if I could find one! Seems like decent examples command a premium, and if one pops up around me, father time usually has not been kind. I had a buddy who owned a Prizm GSi with a small port 4AGE. I drove it a few times and that motor was a delight!

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3551590374.html

Then start trolling around message boards for-sale sections to find stuff like subframe connectors (or make your own) and other rear suspension bits.

In reply to shelbyz:

Mine was dead nuts reliable aside from catalyst and the steering recall......50k miles for only those issues. I sold it mainly to get out of the payment. Granted, my '91 sho feels pretty close to it.

That said, the redline is your answer.....its paid for, it autox's well, and returns close to 30mpg. Just have fun with it, unfortunately they don't seem to hold value too well unless they're '05 comp packages.

If you were closer I'd sell you my CSX. Ru s/ drives just needs some cosmetic love (typical fading clear coat, bumps and bruises from being a DD)

yamaha wrote: In reply to shelbyz: Mine was dead nuts reliable aside from catalyst and the steering recall......50k miles for only those issues. I sold it mainly to get out of the payment. Granted, my '91 sho feels pretty close to it. That said, the redline is your answer.....its paid for, it autox's well, and returns close to 30mpg. Just have fun with it, unfortunately they don't seem to hold value too well unless they're '05 comp packages.

Mines an '06 comp. ;) With only 57k miles to boot. I really want to get of it while it still retains a good amount of value. It's still worth enough for me to have to keep full coverage insurance on it, which is excess for me. Plus at the end of the month I will have had it for 4 years and want to try someting new. I even returned it to stock this past summer in anticipation of selling it.

My only wish is that my '05 were a comp......I wanted blue though. And they were hard enough to find when I happened across mine. My first experience with them was unfortunately Tibbett's up powered to hell '05 comp at a traffic light though.....I'll eventually own another redline, but that'll be after I thin the herd. I want to get down to the '91, ti, truck, and maybe an svtf to replace my '01 first. Just a word of warning though, don't damage the IRL side skirts.....they're unobtanium.

yamaha wrote: My only wish is that my '05 were a comp......I wanted blue though. And they were hard enough to find when I happened across mine. My first experience with them was unfortunately Tibbett's up powered to hell '05 comp at a traffic light though.....I'll eventually own another redline, but that'll be after I thin the herd. I want to get down to the '91, ti, truck, and maybe an svtf to replace my '01 first. Just a word of warning though, don't damage the IRL side skirts.....they're unobtanium.

Lol my comp. is blue. I had to have it when I found it. Blue wingless (not even the thumbnail) comp with no mods and 27k. Got it for a steal too. I never went for huge power, but did end up making 248hp/233tq on the dyno with a 2.9" pulley. I wouldn't be against owning one again, but I want to get rid of this one so I can get some return while it still has value. Then I can start scratcing some more cars off of my "automotive bucket list".

I've als always wanted to own an MTX SHO...

I really wouldn't mind an FSVT. They're getting cheap. They get a bad rap, but all of the people I know that own or have owned one had no complaints. I also worked at a Ford dealer for a short time back in 2005 and never saw any come for service other than routine maintenance.