Car Shopping - What am I missing
 

Which cars am I not thinking of?

Time for some car shopping and here are some criteria:

MUST: Have a 6 speed manual transmission, Be relatively small (under 3200lbs), handle very well, be around/under $25k, Be a hardtop

WANT: Rear Wheel drive, coupe, be somewhat ‘fast’

Here is my current list of candidates:

1. 14’ BRZ
2. 13 Focus ST
3. 14 Fiesta ST
4. 03-04 Z06
5. 09-12’ BMW 135i
6. 11-12 Genesis Coupe r-Spec
7. Cayman S
8. 370z

Am I missing any obvious cars? Don’t Say Mustang/Camaro, been there, played that game, those are ‘big’ cars.

If you're considering used, you should throw in a used Porsche Cayman S or Boxster S. Might also consider a 370z.

S2K & MX5
 

How about the Honda S2000 or Mazda Miata MX5? Those are the only two obvious choices of cars that come to mind that you haven't listed. They are both excellent and fit what you are describing.

Edit: I think S2K has a 5 speed, not a 6 speed, but I don't see why you need a 6 speed so badly. Could you elaborate your needs?

Edit: Apparently S2K is a 6 speed, thanks WWShehan

Excellent points, however I forgot to say that I will never own a convertible. Sorry, should have mentioned that.

Ive driven a 2009 Miata and loved it, except that the roof was made of napkins.

Didnt think of the Cayman S, figured it was out of my price range...

370z seems big, but I havent driven one, I will update my list, thank you.

Lotus Elise?

Hard Top
 

Do consider the hard top convertible version of the MX5 :) I think the price range is still around 25k, probably a little higher like 28k.

If you're even remotely considering a 135i then you should also go look at an e46 M3, ZCP if possible.

M3 is a whole order of magnitude better than a 135 even though the turbo I6 is faster in a straight line. Don't let the curb weight deter you from at least test driving one.

Thanks guys, didnt know the MX5 had a hardtop option, I will research a bit.

I did drive a 02? M3 once, amazing car.

All good advice...still leaning towards the BRZ. Go figure.

S2K's prices have super increased recently.

Went from 8-9kish to 15k now. :l

Something about... "Being a classic" I remember hearing...

It's probably borderline, but a few could probably be found in that price range. Don't discount the 2.7L Cayman either (the non-S version) it's a bit cheaper, a bit lighter, and still a blast to drive.

If you're going to get a genesis definitely go for the 13-14. Huge improvements. Also the s2k is a 6 speed not a 5 to housecat. If you want power you can certainly find slightly used 370z for that, more space and a bit newer if a bit less sharp? Genesis. Handling? The brz would be great. The rest idk about really..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The upcoming Mini cooper!! 1.5L turbo base, 2.0L turbo for the S.

a used wrx sti