So, the answer is usually Miata. If not Miata, it is often E30. However, I really don't fit into either very well. Headroom is the challenge, especially if I have a helmet on. I get to recline the seat, and have to really reach for the steering wheel, which isn't the safest way to get around the track. Also, I am a fairly WIDE individual, and am most comfortable with my arm sticking out the window of the Miata, also not the safest, and not allowed on the track.
I will be keeping one Miata as a fun toy, but need something that is better for road trips, and even general use.
Would prefer 30+ MPG highway (in town is mainly on motorcycle, so I am not worried about that)
Reasonable running costs
Good handling (the Miata has ruined me in this regard).
No more than $13,000 to buy and fix any issues that are common to the model.
Be something that I can work on myself.
Someone suggested Corvette, but if they are anything like a Camaro in terms of headroom, they are a no go. I can barely get the tips of my fingers on the wheel while wearing a helmet.
MINI (without a sunroof) and WRX both have good headroom, though you probably won't find a huge selection of MINIs in the $13k range.
mtn
SuperDork
11/13/09 11:50 p.m.
At least try a Corvette. I'm damn near 6'0'' with a 30 inch inseam (actually, thats being generous) and I fit in one with a helmet.
Porsche 944? Not sure about the headroom or price, or gas mileage though. Kinda talking from my a$$ here.
A miata or an E30 with a different seat?
mtn wrote:
At least try a Corvette. I'm damn near 6'0'' with a 30 inch inseam (actually, thats being generous) and I fit in one with a helmet.
Porsche 944? Not sure about the headroom or price, or gas mileage though. Kinda talking from my a$$ here.
A well running 8v 944 should get damn near 30 mpg on the highway if you're cruising. I often got 24-27 mpg on a tank. I'm 5'8", and thought there was plenty of head room. You sit pretty low in the car.
But for 13k, you could get an S2 or a 951, which would be solidly middle 20's for mpg, but hella fun and hella fast.
ddavidv
SuperDork
11/14/09 6:44 a.m.
You can't fit in an E30??? You need to do one of two things if that is the case...different seat, as suggested (not hard) or ditch the sunroof casette. The latter admittedly a track-only mod.
Maybe a 5 series? I seem to recall the similar vintage 535i as having a pretty tall greenhouse.
I know you said $13k but how good are your negotiation skill?
That could be negotiations with the seller or negotiations with yourself the buyer;)
All your isues would be solved with this:
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/ctd/1461553167.html
Well, most of your issues. Not the 30 mpg and debatable on the maintainace costs.
Want
I love E28 M5s and that's the best colour IMHO.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:
A miata or an E30 with a different seat?
The whole different-seat-in-a-Miata thing isn't all that easy.
MINI Coopers are in the 10k range in FL
Dorsai
New Reader
11/14/09 6:34 p.m.
Has your Miata had a foamectomy?
