Wanting some advice...
 

OK, so I am in the market for a sports car.

My situation is pretty unique and good.

Wife is totally on board with me getting a sports car.

I currently have a brand new Toyota 4 Runner, so having a DD is not an issue.

Money, really is not an issue IF I KEEP IT UNDER $40k.

Here are the options that I have come up with so far...

1. Get an FR-S or a BRZ and use some of that leftover money to do some cool mods.
2. Hold out, be patient and get a nice Honda S2000 (low miles, possibly a mint CR)
3. Hold out, and get a Lotus Elise this winter (in the winter time, they seem to go down in price as they get "stale" on a certain exotic car lot around here...also with me having a solid DD...the Elise/Exige would not need to be a DD)
4. Hold out, and see what is added to the STI BRZ.

I have owned a lot of sports cars in the past (Nismo 350Z and an STI and a Boxster S).
I have owned a muscle car (SRT8 Challenger)
My favorite car(s) I have driven were my 2 MR2's (an S/C 88' and a N/A 89)

I tend to like "smaller cars" and speed really is not "that" important (but it does matter).

I really really like the styling and have looked through the "owner's threads". Swift's BRZ really is an inspiration. These cars can look amazing with some small things here and there (his is really tastefully done).

Anyway, what do you guys/gals think?

It's hard to give someone else advise on what car they want. A rule I try to follow is 'when in doubt do nothing'. I've had a few nice sports cars in the past and after one year I'm still amazed every time I drive my FR-S. Do more research and hold off till you're more certain which direction you want to go. What ever your choice is you won't be making a mistake and if you think you did, the fix is easy: sell the car and buy another.

What are your intentions for the sports car? Fun weekend driver, track once in a while, project car?

Dang, if you could squeeze out another $5k, you could find a really nice Exige after some good searching.

Based on what information you gave though, I would go for the souped up FR-S. I can confirm this, as it's exactly what I'm doing.

I'd get the Lotus, S2000 and FRS/BRZ are both pretty similar cars to be frank. Lotus is something else, more special yet more fragile as well.

Great advice from everyone...

I agree with you Whaap, if I am unsure...then I should do nothing. Heck maybe Nissan finally does make a smaller "Z" car and goes with a turbo in-line 4 and makes it similar to the twins. Or maybe Toyota/Subaru upgrade the twins a little bit and me being patient pays off.

The car would most likely be driven to work 1-2 times a week during nice weather...never during bad weather.

More of a weekend warrior...and yes, some AutoX and occasional track days.

If I wait a little while, could definitely squeeze out some extra money and possibly do the Exige thing.

Also, I do think that the BRZ/FR-S will become an instant classic and with the aftermarket support, I think they can be extremely capable cars (as in compete against cars that cost way more out of the box).

Why not Miata? There's a reason it's one of (if not the) most raced cars ever. Huge aftermarket and competitive classes I think it's the best weekend warrior possible.

Although it sounds like for your purpose the S2000 is the best bet since you're not into competitive and thrashing, you just want something fun enjoyable and with no hassle.

I would only do an 86 in your situation if you needed a warranty or a DD, it's not worth the cost of buying new IMO and taking the hit on driving it off the lot (~$2-4k at this point, plus taxes). I also don't think that there will be ANYTHING of importance added to either the FRS/BRZ in terms of performance for years to come, don't wait on that front, if you decide to get an 86 jump on it now (and try and snag a good deal on a '13).

Alternatives in your budget: Cayman (early ones can be had for ~$30k), a flawless RX-8 can be had for the same as an FRS, and as previously mentioned Miata.

buy a shitty miata and learn to drive

then get a lotus and murder everyone (at the track)

Ok, update on this thread...

Last week I bought a Limited BRZ in black.

Really love the feel of the car and look forward to doing some tasteful mods to it.

Good choice. Congratulations and let the grins begin.

Congrats!!!!

you should be looking forward to sporting your sports car.. not dressing it up

Oh very much so.

After the winter, I would like to put some better wheels and tires on it.

As I always say, Have fun. I have a smile on my face every time I drive my FR-s.