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

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You new here? Of course I do (if warranted of course). Mind you it often puts me well within a punch zone so I have learned to duck after I do it.
What you see here is what you get in person I am afraid. No internet warrior, reality coward from me.

GWB shoe-Matrix level ducking skillz

[zc06_kisstherain]

I say get used civic,corolla, camry, accord.
Life > car

don't starve or get kicked out of your house, job,school whatever because of CAR

[venturaII]

BMW Z-Coupe, better known as the Clown Shoe. If your requirement for a back seat is just for carrying stuff, then this might do the trick. I was on the fence between the 86 and an M coupe, but I need an actual seat... Their styling can be a little polarizing, but personally I love how they look. The early S52 versions aren't quite as powerful, but they make up for it with better reliability than the S54 motors.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by soilent

This. I'm actually a pretty relaxed driver, BUT I do want to have something that's fun when I feel the urge to get on it. I have no plans whatsoever of racing or autocross.

You confused yet? So far pretty much every smallish car made in the last 15years has been recommended.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by venturaII

BMW Z-Coupe, better known as the Clown Shoe. If your requirement for a back seat is just for carrying stuff, then this might do the trick. I was on the fence between the 86 and an M coupe, but I need an actual seat... Their styling can be a little polarizing, but personally I love how they look. The early S52 versions aren't quite as powerful, but they make up for it with better reliability than the S54 motors.

Those are a little out of budget for him in North America, we got fewer of them than Europe did, it's pretty much on par with the S2k in that one with the S52 motor is $15k-$20k depending on the condition and will need a good once over and thorough servicing at 15 years old. And being driven 25k miles per year would be quite an expensive yearly maintenance budget.

We got fewer than 700 S54 powered units, they still regularly fetch >$40k.

Awesome little car though, would definitely be a contender as a replacement to my FR-S (although I can't justify the money for an S54).

My vote for OP is an RSX and save up.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPIRpK-A_AA"]If The Shoe Fits, It Must Be A BMW M Coupe - YouTube[/ame]

[mscamp02]

series 2 RX-8. You can get 22 or so mpg, 24-25 if babied. and Mazda fixed the oil injector issue on the revamped 13b-msp by adding in an additional injector eliminating the issues experienced with the early series 1 with apex seal failure. Either way mazda warranties them for 100k/8 yrs regardless of ownership.

[why?]

Originally Posted by MokSpeed

Because you can fit band equipment in a S2000. Got to read OP's entire post.
Says the guy that drives a Yaris?
As you can read, OP stated he wants something roomy, very reliable, and within his budget of 15k. A brand new Fit starts at ~$15k MSRP. You get a car that's mildly fun to drive, new under warranty, gets close to upwards of 33MPG, and plenty of space to haul things.
There's no point in settling for an older sporty car that may have potential problems and end up costing more in the long run. The point many of us are trying to get across is sometimes you need to be practical in order to get what you want. Grab a Fit to DD the hell out of it. Save up some money for a couple of years, and get that FRS!

Yes, I drive a Toyota Yaris. I get 41 mpg and I can out handle many cars with just $1000 coilovers. At 2200 lbs stock, and close to 2000 lbs with the rear seats and crap removed, you are going to look long and hard to find something lighter. Buying new is dumb if you are not getting your dream car. The Honda Fit is so overrated it is amazing, and while there are people that love it, it is a car that is really easy to despise as well. And honda as a company is really easy to hate, as they have bitch slapped the enthusiasts that made the company in the US repeatedly.

You can spend 7 or 8k on a used econobox like the Mazda 2, Yaris, soul, etc and get a great car that will last forever, and be able to save the rest of the money for a fun car.

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You confused yet? So far pretty much every smallish car made in the last 15years has been recommended.

lol. Even you didn't mention the mirage.

[Frs x3]

For 15k you can find an c5 corvette z06. That's the best bang for your buck right there. Of course it won't be easy finding one.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

You confused yet? So far pretty much every smallish car made in the last 15years has been recommended.

Originally Posted by Frs x3

For 15k you can find an c5 corvette z06. That's the best bang for your buck right there. Of course it won't be easy finding one.

I stand corrected there was at least one more.

[Mr.Impreza]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Well she was leaning toward a Mitsu Mirage because she could get pink so she may be fine with the yellow.
Was trying to steer her away from the Mirage because even though she doesn't need a race car those things are so underpowered I was actually scared when we test drove it. Don't think you could avoid a rampaging tortoise if your life depended on it.

This is a great Canadian review from Motormouth Canada regarding the Mirage.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmODzB_yMRc"]2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Review - YouTube[/ame]

[why?]

Originally Posted by Mr.Impreza

This is a great Canadian review from Motormouth Canada regarding the Mirage.

that guy is just an asshole. Um guess what imbecile? People buy those cars for gas mileage, they really don't care about anything else. Some auto reviewers are total morons when it comes to anything that costs less than $25k or so.

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by why?

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.

The subcompact class is gaining in weight due to increasing safety standards. The Hyundai Accent is passing the 2500 lb mark, the new Honda Fit has passed 2500 lbs and can get well into 2600 lb range. The Chevrolet Sonic sedan is the pretty much the same weight as a manual FRS, the hatchback only slightly lighter.

[burdickjp]

IS300?

Sent from my XT1045 using Tapatalk

[ashtray]

Originally Posted by Frs x3

For 15k you can find an c5 corvette z06. That's the best bang for your buck right there. Of course it won't be easy finding one.

C5Z6 are over $20k around here. (mid $20's for a nice one). Maybe a regular C5 for $15k - but then you're getting in to maintenance, especially at 25k miles/yr - and gas costs (newer Vettes can get decent gas mileage ON THE HIGHWAY ONLY, but the C5's were a bit thirsty). If he can't afford a used FRS, then a Corvette of any year would be out of the question.


Honda Fit? Fiesta? Hot hatch is probably the best solution to space requirements, fuel requirements, low maintenance cost, still reasonably fun, price, and ability to pile on miles.