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

[NWFRS]

Originally Posted by Brndn704

TL;DR

I don't know. Caster might have a point.
Not to mention there are loads of affordable secondhand RX-8s for sale right now with brand new engines.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Jegan_V

The Mazda 2 is as dependable as a Yaris the only difference is its quite a lot more fun to drive. Its got a light weight tossable feel to it, there's no question its really cheap and being a subcompact it will be cheap to run so hopefully you can save up to buy one of these cars at a later date. Of all the subcompact and to some degree even compact cars, the Mazda 2 was the nicest to drive. It doesn't have the RWD feel but it has a very light weight nimble feel, heck its actually lighter than the FRS/BRZ. From a driver's perspective I wish more mainstream FWD cars drove like this little Mazda does. The only flaws it has are the very low budget economy car interior, and if you get the automatic its quite slow. Its my choice for saving as much money while still retaining a enjoyable car to drive.

Completely forgot about the Mazda 2! I rented one for a weekend a while back and loved the way it drove. OP if you haven't driven one, I'd suggest you try it. Very quick turn-in response (like a Mini) and light weight. It's another car that's cheap, fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, and has decent cargo space.

[Muaddib]

E36 M3.

[fitcious]

2009-2012 Honda Fit

[nzer]

Might sound weird but maybe try nothing and get a bus ticket. No matter what car you get it will cost money (repairs, depreciation etc). If your goal is an 86/BRZ/FR-S then see if you can use public transport and save up for it.

Alternatively something reliable but cheap so it doesn't eat into your savings plan for your ultimate goal. Mazda 2, Yaris as others have suggested would be good options.

[FlamingRectumSyndrome]

Miata, and take up the piccolo or harmonica.

Lots of "practical" FWD options, but if you want a RWD sports car your options are pretty limited. I drove a '99 NB for 5 years, hauled everything from lumber to sacks of potting soil and charcoal briquettes in it. Total kick in the butt to drive (seriously, a go-kart, or maybe a motorcycle with doors). Mount some lightweight wheels and UHP tires and maybe upgrade the suspension a bit and laugh as guys in Mustangs and Camaros and Chargers run off the road trying to chase you in the twisties. Oh, and people routinely get 300-350,000 miles out of the engine before needing a rebuild.

Or get some FWD compromise.

[2much]

Originally Posted by fitcious

2009-2012 Honda Fit

this is a good shout. they are supremely underrated cars. full monocoque!

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by BlackJesus

Would you recommended it over a miata? (eclipse last gen) For a girl who has never own a car but tracked her uncle's integra type R. She wants something fun thats a blast to drive. under 10k budget tho

Bar none best choice for RWD fun on any budget $3k or greater, the only problem is practicality.

And the stigma is a feature, lets you know who the jackasses are.

Originally Posted by Brndn704

TL;DR

Sports cars cost money, maxing out your budget on the initial purchase is like some metaphor that implies failure.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by 2much

Im sorry but I have to say this about the fiat 500... one of if not the most unreliable car(s) of 2014

Too bad it's also so ugly. It's a hipster car. Hipsters don't care if it's unreliable, because disdain for reliability gives them hipster cred.

Originally Posted by soilent

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.

You will be hard pressed to find a car that meets all your expectations. No matter what you buy, if you are still comparing it to an 86, you will be disappointed.

What you need to do instead is completely reset your expectations and let reality guide you to the right choice. Instead of saying, "What can I find for $15K that is like an FR-S?," start with the $15K number and scour Craigslist to see what's in your price range that might fit your other needs.

Allow me to demonstrate: If I were looking for a $15K automobile that needed to be reliable and needed cargo space for musical gear, I would be looking for an SUV. If gas mileage were not a huge consideration, I'd be looking at something like a Tahoe. If it were more of a consideration, I'd be looking at smaller SUVs or maybe crossovers.

See, what I've done here is taken what you need and put it before what you want. You want a sports car, but a sports car doesn't fit the realities of your life right now. You might end up back at a decent compromise between space and sportiness, but you really should find that compromise from the opposite direction from what the FR-S offers. Otherwise you'll just end up dissatisfied.

[Futaba]

I'd say save up and buy the 86 you wanted at a later date instead, buying something "like" what you wanted, or just something differently entirely rarely ends up being anything other than a compromise and you'll end up wishing you had got an 86 instead.

[Brndn704]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Bar none best choice for RWD fun on any budget $3k or greater, the only problem is practicality.

And the stigma is a feature, lets you know who the jackasses are.





USED cars cost money, maxing out your budget on the initial purchase is like some metaphor that implies failure.

Fixed it for ya.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by BlackJesus

Would you recommended it over a miata? (eclipse last gen) For a girl who has never own a car but tracked her uncle's integra type R. She wants something fun thats a blast to drive. under 10k budget tho

For a nice road car yes. If interested it tracking it at all no.
Eclipses are a nice GT cruiser type car that you can sort of put 4 people in but still have some fun on the road. The Miata is great for 2 people and is really the only choice in that price range if tracking is planned.

[why?]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

The last couple of gens of the Eclipse is a great GT car but ya the weight takes out of any type of sporting class. The early gens can kick the ass of many RWD cars but most have been beat to shit or old age has taken it's toll.
The Ralliart or AWD GTs do not have the same system as the Evo (contrary to what the owners will tell you) and is not even remotely as high maintenance.
From what I read about the OP's needs these would fit nicely.

If I could find an 90 - 2000 Eclipse GTX in decent shape I would buy it in a heartbeat. Those things were awesome in every way. One of the greatest cars of th 90's.

Originally Posted by BlackJesus

Would you recommended it over a miata? (eclipse last gen) For a girl who has never own a car but tracked her uncle's integra type R. She wants something fun thats a blast to drive. under 10k budget tho

Miata is the answer.

Originally Posted by Jegan_V

If getting even a used FRS is a problem, I'd actually suggest something very humble.

The Mazda 2 is as dependable as a Yaris the only difference is its quite a lot more fun to drive. Its got a light weight tossable feel to it, there's no question its really cheap and being a subcompact it will be cheap to run so hopefully you can save up to buy one of these cars at a later date. Of all the subcompact and to some degree even compact cars, the Mazda 2 was the nicest to drive. It doesn't have the RWD feel but it has a very light weight nimble feel, heck its actually lighter than the FRS/BRZ. From a driver's perspective I wish more mainstream FWD cars drove like this little Mazda does. The only flaws it has are the very low budget economy car interior, and if you get the automatic its quite slow. Its my choice for saving as much money while still retaining a enjoyable car to drive.

Low budget economy interiors are great, because they are so easy to take out. Any subcompact is going to be lighter than the FRS, which is a good thing. I have never driven a 2, but I'd be shocked if it wasn't dun to drive.

[raven1231]

Originally Posted by why?

If I could find an 90 - 2000 Eclipse GTX in decent shape I would buy it in a heartbeat. Those things were awesome in every way. One of the greatest cars of th 90's.

Miata is the answer.



Low budget economy interiors are great, because they are so easy to take out. Any subcompact is going to be lighter than the FRS, which is a good thing. I have never driven a 2, but I'd be shocked if it wasn't dun to drive.

I'm assuming you mean the GSX? and they were awesome, but not as awesome as the VR-4 . Just wish the VR-4 was lighter