What to Buy Next?

[lxpeery]

So, I'm in the process of cleaning house right now, and I'm working on what to buy next. Selling the Mustang and the Corvette this Friday, so I'll have a nice chunk of change from that. I'll probably buy a bigger truck, because I'm tired of second gear up 33 and getting stuck in dry grass with the Ranger. I'll then sell the Ranger and the Miata as soon as it's roadworthy, so that leaves us with the real question: what fun car comes next?

I was originally thinking about a C5 Z06 Corvette, but then a certain club member (*cough*Paul*cough*) beat me to it and bought the exact same car, down to the color and year. Don't really want to have two of the same car at meets and whatnot. I'll get confused. So now I'm thinking AP2 S2000 or perhaps BRZ. I feel like too many people have issues with a lack of power in the BRZ though, so I'm definitely leaning towards the S2K. Can anyone provide any valuable information about ownership of the S2Ks that would be good for me to know? Any alternate suggestions?

[SlimKlim]

In the real world I dont think an S2K will feel much faster than a BRZ, they don't put down 200whp until after VTEC hits at 6k, which can be fun, just depends on what you're looking for I guess.



They can be tough to find because BMWs are so option-dependent, but a 2005-2009ish Z4 3.0si w/6 speed and sport package/seats is a great buy right now, I've seen them for 11-13k. You definitely want the "si", the 3.0i had a restrictive manifold to choke the power out of it and it has a powerband like an old Ford truck, the 2.5 was just plain gutless all the way around.

Older NC Miatas are 7-9k now, could be a great starting point for a turbo build if you wanted that sort of thing.

[JustinG]

C5 Z06, who cares if someone has the same car. That's why they made more than 1. Why settle?

[RawrImAMonster]

You were looking at a c5 z06 and now you're looking at an S2000? Not exactly similar cars.

I felt that the s2000 was completely gutless when I drove one. I really wanted to like them, but it just didn't do anything for me when I drove one. I ended up getting an E36 M3 over the S2000.

If you want high-revving fun, there is always the E46 M3. Maintenance will be more than the S2000 most likely, but it also has a lot more power. I would probably let you drive mine if you haven't ever driven one.

Mid 2000's Evo's and STI's aren't terribly priced these days. Evo's have problems with transfer cases, STi's have motor problems, especially 2006 and up. If you know what to look for, you can find a decent one. I had a modded Evo that I daily drove for two years and it was perfectly reliable for me. Only thing I had to fix was a clutch, but that's a wear item. My Evo was probably the most fun car I've had. They get old as a daily driver though.

[lxpeery]

I guess my reasoning on the S2K is that I've really, really loved all of my Miatas, and it would be a similar car with more power. I'm over the Corvette anyway, I've had my fun with the 95. Hadn't though about the Z4, but it is indeed a compelling option. As is an M3, but I've had a harder time finding one that I'd actually want to drive for any reasonable price point.

As for a turbo NC, I'll get to that eventually. I'd rather wait until I have a shop and can really work on it, instead of trying to run back and forth to the garage in Charlottesville every time I need to work on something, which knowing how my luck typically goes, would be often.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep them up!

[*insertusernamehere*]

Go for the S2k considering how many miatas you've had and liked, I'd say its a pretty sure bet you'll like them. The only problems I ever hear of them having are the top tear at some place. Sullivan can elaborate on that.

[Mike]

ap1 is the only real s2k (yeah, i said it) and good luck finding one that doesn't have a bazillion miles without a "they don't make it anymore it's collectible" premium.

i loved mine to bits, but it was 5 years old when i bought it and low miles. from my understanding via the owner after me, it didn't age particularly well (needed a new top, some sort of vtec solenoid thing went bad, rear main seal something or other). too many revs, too many years... i wouldn't touch one at this point unless it had a brand new engine. it's not just a faster miata... parts aren't particularly abundant and they are a bit more fragile.

[rherold9]

Can't go wrong with either choice. Z06 would be sweet so would an s2k.

AP1's are more unrefined and thrilling, but have more issues. AP2's are more refined but you will pay out the ass for a 10 year old car with even 50-60k miles almost 18-20k.

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[Senor_Taylor]

Hey, buy a Boxster s!
FTFY

[D_Eclipse9916]

C5 Z06, who cares if someone has the same car. That's why they made more than 1. Why settle?

If you have to be different just throw an STS rear mount on it.

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No but seriously, it's a fantastic car. S2000 is fun...unless you come from torque. They also haven't aged well.

E46 M3s are a lot of maintenance, NC miatas are gorgeous in STR trim.

I love the hell out of my c5 z06, but I cant stop myself from modding it (sway bar and cat-back going on as we speak). Selling it because I am too young to hang on to one fast car for too long.

[WRXtranceformed]

Why not a new Miata?

[lxpeery]

Why not a new Miata?

I don't like the looks of the NCs and I can't afford an ND. Whatever I buy will be out of pocket, and I still am expecting to drop 10K on a truck.

Taylor, I can't stand how the boxster looks, though I guarantee that it would be a fun car.

[ScottyB]

i've sweated the BRZ/FRS hard for years now but at this point i have some reservations about their powertrain reliability after reading some real world reports. you get some good and bad things out of a joint venture between two big japanese rivals, such as one of the best chassis in recent decades...but that stupid port + direct injection system. some of the issues are probably exacerbated in part by the young abusive crowd that drives many of them so its a matter of perspective there.

with intake/exhaust + tune they can make the same power and better torque as an AP2 S2000 and the handling is in a pretty serious league....but if the automotive question you're asking isn't perfectly answered by a slow RWD hatch, then its probably not worth it for their price point.

[Senor_Taylor]

Honestly, no matter what any of us suggest, your best bet is to find one of these cars and drive it. Chances are you probably already have driven some of these.

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[Goodspeed]

If you loved your previous Miatas, ever consider a Mazdaspeed variant? A few bolton's and you're in the 200-225whp ballpark. I've often seen them for sale with said parts already installed.

[Jake]

E34 M5's are fun, although they're kinda big.

I've been looking hard at Boxsters for the past year or so, although if you hate the looks then don't bother.

E31 840 or 850ci with three pedals.

E24 635csi with three pedals.

[*insertusernamehere*]

E34 M5's are fun, although they're kinda big.

I've been looking hard at Boxsters for the past year or so, although if you hate the looks then don't bother.

E31 840 or 850ci with three pedals.

E24 635csi with three pedals.

Lol these options came way outta left field haha

[JPolen01]

E34 M5's are fun, although they're kinda big.

I've been looking hard at Boxsters for the past year or so, although if you hate the looks then don't bother.

E31 840 or 850ci with three pedals.

E24 635csi with three pedals.

Lol these options came way outta left field haha

This whole thread is out of left field. We have zero info to go off besides be likes miatas, wanted a c5, and likes the idea of an s2k. We don't even have a budget to work with.

[Mike]

The Ferrari 488 is a nice car.

[.RJ]

Boxsters

I really want one as a 3rd car. 1st gens can be had for dirt cheap, although they werent great when new and havent seemed to age well. The 2nd gen (2005-2012) seems like a much nicer car. $20k buys you a nice, lower mile S model.