What car for $5k other than Miata

I think mr2 spyders are the best value in the automotive kingdom at the moment. They dont have to be ugly either. 

just try not to look up the prices for 3rd gen mr2 hardtops.

Here's what you need.  

It's only mostly Miata.  It's local.  It nails your price point.  Plus you've already seen it in person!

In reply to MrChaos :

Right? Jesus! 

On a more serious note.  I'm not all that well-versed with BMWs but that might fit your bill.  I'd be intimidated on repair costs relative to the Japanese counterparts on your radar.  I guess you have a Saab and a Jag though...so you're not scared of that.

C4 corvettes (that are worth having) aren't in your price range in our area (and certainly not with 3 pedals).

GTOs aren't that cheap yet, either.  

Hmmm...I don't have much to add, I guess.

singleslammer said:

Too bad I can't swing a bit more. 

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/d/mazda-rx-8-4dr-coupe-r3/6637701478.html

 

$9k RX8 R3

You can definitely find S1 RX-8s in your range. RX-8s are a bit of a risk though. Perhaps find one with a fresh Mazda reman engine? They're a heck of a car, especially for the money.

How much work are you willing to do to make the car "yours and reliable"?  Deals are out there if you're willing to find them.  I just bought a 2006 Miata with some goodies because the PO go part way through an engine swap and fizzled out.  $2,000  And then a 2004 RX-8 with a questionable engine (might be something simple, might be apex seals) for $1,000.  Worst case with that one I'll flip it to someone wanting to LS swap it.

240sx.

In reply to turtl631 :

I have had 3... pass.

Hyundai Genesis?  There are a couple of coupes within reasonable distance near your price.

I went and test drove the $6500 1988 SC MR2 listed here in Kansas City last weekend. It is awesome but also about 85% complete. It is likely the nicest SC car I have ever seen and top 3 first gens I have seen overall. It really needs an aftermarket ECU to fix cold start and fueling issues and it has some serious cams, which sound awesome but reduce cold drivability further. I am likely going to try to bring it home but figured I would post here for an update. 

Ooh!  This should be cool.

Pimpm3’s boxster in the open classifieds

In reply to Patrick :

Thanks for the suggestion. Now, I am torn.

Man, I should have looked at the forum more before putting up my post about replacing my Z4. You and I are looking for about the same thing. And I just noticed you're in the KC area too.
Look, I'm brand new at this fun car thing but I have never enjoyed a car as much as this 3 liter Z4 from 2003! You can find them as new as 2006 or so for $5k. I've found a few for less. The power top is usually not working but supposedly it's not a bad fix. But MAN it is a BLAST. Mine is an auto but in Sport mode it's not bad. I'd like to try a stick though. I can't vouch for the 2.5 liter and I can't vouch for the reliability. The interior quality is lacking on mine; little plastic parts are brittle, but when I get  to driving I just couldn't care any less.

Finding an affordable Z4 means a trip out of town for us though.

EDIT: since you're in the area you're welcome to take mine for a spin, too.

Maybe in 10 years people will be saying, do you want a Mazda Miata or Fiat Spyder Lolz, in all seriousness Honda Civic Si sedan sounds like fun to me.

clutchsmoke said:

2007 Civic Si sedan? I'll be listing mine for sale soon. 

Details?

singleslammer said:

In reply to Patrick :

Thanks for the suggestion. Now, I am torn.

You need to do this. Cheap Boxters are either going to be the best or worst thing you will ever do. Either way, they will affect your life WAY more than a Miata. What are we born for if not to balance our existence between the automotive tragedy and ecstasy of Porsche ownership? 

Ha ha, I have had a 944 before so I kind of get it. It was a reliable enough car but parts are insane compared to what I am used to. 

I showed the Boxster to my wife and she didn't like it any more than the MR2 which was a surprise. 

I LOOOOoooove my '85 MR-2. 

Cobalt SS turbo. The more I try to find a suitable replacement, the more I believe GM was ahead of the game. Very usable for everyday stuff, and it's very fun on the autox (and I expect track too).

In reply to P3PPY :

Next time I am in KC I mak take you up on that. I am over near Columbia 

zx2? Probably half your budget for a good one, decent aftermarket with cheap parts. I bought one for a commuter and can say they are pretty fun too.