[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by MuseChaser

I'm going to go in a TOTALLY different direction in answering the OP's question. I bought the FR-S because it was the first car I've driven in a VERY long time that reminded me of the go-kart, light-bodied handling of the first car I owned that really excited me. That car was a Fiat Spider.

Yeah, they're finicky mechanically, and yes, they're old. VERY old now. HOWEVER, find one in good shape, and you're still well under your $7500 ceiling. Easy enough to work on if you like working on cars. If you don't, then stop reading now. They handle wonderfully, very much like the FR-S albeit with a bit more body lean but not much, and with a little less acceleration, but they have that low-to-the-ground solid feeling, and 100mph in them feels wonderful and very well controlled. The real wood dash and styling.. well, it's just a gorgeous little fun car. I'll eventually buy another one. Loved that car. Just didn't have the mechanical skills at the time to keep it running in tip-top condition.

I drove a few BMW Z3s. Meh. I liked the handling of my 325i better. The Z3 felt too heavy for a small roadster to me. I like Miatas, and would have bought one rather than the FR-S except I need to carry gear at times so the Miata was out. In hindsight, I'm GLAD I bought the FR-S, even from purely a driving standpoint.

If you have a chance, comb Craigslist and see if you can find a late 70s Fiat Spider to test drive. You may fall in love. Of course, it'll require a long-term commitment like any other kind of love.

Have fun..

Barry

I will keep this in mind