86 Alternatives ???
 

G’Day Folks,

So I am almost at the point of cancelling my 86 order. I am new to fun car’s (used to have motor bikes as my mechanical toys) and still want to get a fun car. So there seems to be a lot of car enthusiasts here and I am wondering if anyone has suggestions of other cars to look at ??

I have looks a lot at RX8’s …. I like the way they look and the idea of the rotary engine is intriguing, but I understand they can have reliability issues and require a lot of maintenance.

This will be my daily drive !!

I got an 86 because I could find literally nothing else to compete against it.

BRZ. lol

Mx5...

I had to strike this one off the list .... We have a bunch of tools locally that drive them ..... So I just couldn't have one !!

I couldn't go mx5 as unfortunately they carry such a "female car" label. I also hate convertibles.
I'm sorta in the same boat as you. Even looking at second hand 370z and 135i but I just don't want them. BMW has scarred me from my mini in parts costs.

s15 autech

I think you are striking that off the list too early.

For $30k you can get an awesome example of an MX5 that you would enjoy for many years assuming you could live with the limitations of a 2 seater. I lived with a $7k MX5 for the last 3 years. Still love it and Im only selling it because of the 86 I have.

And I wouldnt want the local tools influencing what I drive. Imagine if one of them got an 86 just before you did. What would happen then?

I currently have a 2005 Renaultsport Clio Cup & have an order in for an 86 GTS, expected delivery March 2013. My impatience is getting the better of me and am giving serious thought to not waiting until March (or later) and just getting the newly released Renaultsport Megane RS265.

I looked at the 370Z, I didn't like the driving position.
I used to work for a B.M.W dealer a number of years ago, and the price of parts and servicing back then was out of control, it is a shame to hear it is still the same !!

this wait is doing my head in. thinking a wrx sti hatch >< but i love the look of the 86 and the bloody parts i bought already for it sitting here *face palm*

considering settling for a base model? would you H8r GTS? :(

I didn't really like the interior of the GT .... The A/C controls made it look to much like my wifes Corolla. I didn't like the look of them in the Corolla, I was glad when she got her Honda Accord Euro !!

true, likewise but its getting to the point where im reading on another forum that someone was talking about batch numbers and the specific numbers and saying that 586**** onwards wont get built til bloody next year. **** SAKE

In order

1) EVO X
2) R34 GTR
3) Lexus IS250 / 350 AND DROP A 2J IN IT

Dont bother wasting money on a 350/370 z , just my opinion

S15 IMO.......

Nice! I fixed some of the details for you though ;)

From a RX8 owner, if you get one, you will basically be getting a 86 with more interior room and less fuel economy. I think the 8 handles better and is more neutral, but that's my opinion.
Maintenance I check oil once a week and top up once a month or so (takes 5 min and checking oil should be done on ANY car) and redline at least once a day and I wait for my car to warm up before driving, but agai this should be done to every car
Things do die, not as much as other cars, and as long as you prepare ahead (preventative maintenance) parts are way cheaper than throu Mazda
If you are looking at buying one, compression check is a must to see the shape of the engine, also buying new coils leads and plugs (around $300-500, 20 min of work to change it)
Basically if you drive it hard, it will thank you for it ;)
I never bought Mazda parts when I serviced, I instead bought better, proven aftermarket parts and have been better off (financially and performance wise)
There is very little that will make me sell my 8, the 86 came close, but the similarities between the two, and the MUCH better fit and finish of the interior of the 8 made me never place a order (reason I didn't preorder was I needed to see the car)
As a reference to engine life, I have 130k now on the clock, afaik original engine, great compression and just pulled 175 something rwhp on a warm day. On a cold day 197ish
Previous owner looked after it as do I
I couldn't recommend another car more instead of the 86, but if you get a 8, and have some money to spend, the s2 has all the quirks worked out and is solid ;)
I couldn't afford it at the time and now dont want to upgrade

Sorry for the thread jack, but where did you read this?

Also I personally would like to get an s15 for an alternative

Can't think why you want to destroy an is350 with a 2j :( 350's go hard with a 233kw 3.5l v6.....

soo...

1) EVO X
2) R34 GTR
3) Lexus IS300

??

3-5 years old used Corvette, Audi TT, Porsche (few models). They all could be found for around $30000. Most of them are two seaters though, which may not fit you requirements.

Check the country. Used Porsche, corvette = over 100k. TT wouldn't be far off.

I think budget comes into it alot.....

The most immediate comparison (not money wise) is the Porsche Cayman if you want RWD.

Nissan 370z isnt a real sports car IMO as it just doesnt feel nimble and i dont think a V6 is a sporty engine unless it revs to 9000rpm ala CB32 out of the NSX...

Ive driven a current STI and it doesnt feel the same sharpness that an 86 brings.....

If you can get a low KM/Milage 2002 Model S15 Sylvia these are a nice platform to work with and you can get a million tuning parts too.

But take it from me an 86 is a million times bettter to live with as a daily than an Evo 9 i sold mine for this

Why's that? An Evo would be my other option, but I should be getting my 86 next month so cancelling is not an option.

dont give up yet buddy.

You could have bought my one owner S15 and I would have shipped it over to you!

It was a fun car and still sad to have it gone but I love my 86 even more. It just sounds so sweet.

I'd stick it out. 86 is one of the most fun cars I've ever experienced in the sub $100k price range. So much potential.

Remember, there is a reason they are on huge backorder.

I've sold my RX-8 for my BRZ.. Best thing I've ever done in my life. RX-8's just isnt as much fun or handles as good as the BRZ/86's and you can trust me on this one.

Renaultsport Clio/Megane?

My better half is going to get one of the two early in 2014.

If it doesn't look like my 86 will be ready by then, I'll get the Renault and she can buy the 86. We'll just swap :P

That was my next choice if i wasn't going to get the BRZ.
or a WRX Sti

If budget is not your issue, I would say 370Z is the best alternative!!!! IMO...it looks cool, more power than 86, engine sound of V6 is great as well....

Test drive a 370Z.