I just realized I can't afford an FR-S :/ What should I get instead??
 

So, long story short, I was planning on getting an 86, but due to some personal circumstances I realized I won't be able to afford one. My first thought was obviously just buy a used one, but even those are typically too expensive. Anyway, I'd really like to get a car with a similar experience and setup as an 86- RWD (AWD is acceptable too), small, and has back seats and/or pretty decent cargo space (I'm a musician and have to haul gear pretty often). My budget now is around 15k and the suggested car HAS to be very reliable. I use my car for my job and drive upwards of 25k miles a year, so it can't be some 90s project 240sx or the like. Thanks.



EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm really getting some good stuff in here. A couple things I've thought about that usually don't come to mind in this situation are some older Lexus and Infinitis. Especially the used Lexus market. Those things are dirt cheap. What are your thoughts on an IS model or an Infiniti G?

brz...

In all seriousness I'd say Miata but you want back seats so Rx-8?

I also considered an rx-8 but the gas mileage and reliability crossed it off my list. Other cars i considered are a wrx or 2012-ish mustangs. Ive found there isnt much just like the twins that has been around for very long. Genesis coupes, audi tt, and infiniti g35s also fall into that price range.

If you are patient and stretch your budget a few grand over 15k I think it's possible to find an frs. Might be a high mileage, at least higher than average for a 2013 model year. It's well worth it but will take some searching on your part, probably won't be the exact color or what not but if you are willing to spend 15k + why not get the car you want. Are you financing or cash buyer? If cash buyer try lease to own maybe? You could possibly have some changes with finances over the lease time and choose to buy it when it's all said and done. Hope everything works out for you.

I know this is a little different but a WRX? maybe if you can find one with relatively low miles on them and can get one with the 2.5L instead of the earlier 2.0L. Or if you can live without the back seats.. how about an s2000? very very similar to the frs/brz and has a reliable honda engine in it. A friend of mine has a rx8 and he likes it but I don't know how reliable they necessarily are..

I know this sounds weird, but my car before the FR-S was a 2012 Yaris SE with manual transmission. It handled well, had gobs of space for my musical instruments (tuba, two euphoniums and 3 people!). I enjoyed driving it, though not as fun as the FR-S. It did get 37-40 mpg and was VERY reliable and economical. Better ride and a little quieter than the FR-S. My kids called it the "roller skate".

I vote for prius with a drop and stanced

What's your budget?

S2K bruh!

Miata. If buying new, the NC (3rd gen) is being replaced by the ND, and dealerships are giving them away.

Or just buy a used NA/NB/NC.

I wouldn't recommend a S2000 with a 15K budget. Mileage is pretty bad (20MPG) and any example under $20K will need work.

Subaru WRX Hatchback. You can easily find some within your budget and they are fun cars. They have the hatchback versions which are very capable of gobbling up your musical equipment. The EJ20/EJ25's are great motors with a few setbacks (Needs head gaskets replaced every 120k or so and if you think you're racing everywhere all the time it has a tendency to throw a rod). They hold their values very well so you should be looking at a blobeye/hawkeye (2004-2007) to stay within your budget range. This is definitely something you should drive and find out if you like it.

You're a musician and need to carry stuff and you were going to buy an FRS? Do you play harmonica?

I was going to suggest Miata for the driving experience, but doesn't fit your space needs. Then 240SX hatch for rwd and cargo, but you don't want something old. For the miles you are talking to put on a car year after year and be reliable - some kind of Honda. Maybe Toyota. A super low mileage WRX wagon/hatch - but those are $$. Otherwise you can look at BMWs (E30?) for a nice sporty rwd car - though if going newer you'll want at least an E46, and the maintenance costs can be quite eye opening.

Essentially if you can't afford a used FRS, there's not much in your budget that will be new enough and reliable with practicality space and cargo room and sporty.

A FRS. Gogo craigslist! ...or save another 3-5k and get a used BRZ.


BTW, if you have lots of gear... something like a PT Cruiser may help. I've seen many small indie musicians with PT's. Personally, I dislike them.

I'd buy a Tacoma myself for 'gear.'

Other reliable vehicles:

Tacoma <----fav Toyo truck in the world
Murano <----soso on gas and lots of room. Can always remove rear seats
Prius (V?) <---not sure of model but there's the one with better cargo space
Mazda 3 hatch <----imoe reliable, thus far @ 155k
Civic <---all round reliable
WRX <---sporty fun

That's the hard point to stomach about the 86. There simply are no lightweight RWD 2+2s for anywhere near the price. Everything RWD and cheap is either a piggish GT or a 2 seat roadster.

So I'd say give a Fiat 500 Abarth a good look.

Not RWD, but FUN and tunable with OpenFlashTablet for $500 to have very nice power (180 WHP/ 207WTQ) for a 2500 lb car. Lots of room for its' size. Good fuel mileage (30-40mpg depending on your driving). Gorgeous exhaust sound from the factory. Chuckable. Huge aftermarket. $15k will get you a decent used 2012 - 2013 one all day. Great owner's community and IMO it's more interesting than a Fiesta ST.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY6TYmdLrcc"]Fiat 500 Abarth Review (Tiny Turbos Pt.1) -- Everyday Driver - YouTube[/ame]