Quote:
Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger
I don’t know if this is something you guys might be able to help with.
I want to buy a summer type car. I’m not gonna be commuting by car anymore so I thought I might sell my current car and buy something more fun.
My priorities would be around $20k price (so obviously used), nice exterior aesthetics, manageable maintenance costs.
Now, here’s the thing, I am NOT a manual enthusiast. A manual V8 is of absolutely no concern to me. Blasphemy I know.
A Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ being the types of vehicles that interest me.
G35? Genesis coupe? 370z? (even if it makes Silver angry)
I’m afraid of any lower priced, high end cars with older model years due to maintenance. Is that a fair assessment?
Now, I do currently own a Scion TC, which I like, but is a little too vanilla. I could keep it and just pimp it out. But I have no skill myself so I’d need a mechanic to do it. And I don’t know the first thing about it (Think homer when he buys Snake’s car on the Simpsons). Thoughts?
All suggestions welcome. Even v8 manuals, as long as it meets my criteria for price, looks and maintenance.
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First thing that popped into my head:
C5 Corvette. It is a ridiculously good performance bargain. The LSx engines are very reliable, parts are a dime a dozen and plentiful, huge owner community, rich aftermarket, they're fun to drive, you can actually fit things in them, and -- despite being a V8 -- you can get 30+ MPG on the highway with them. All of them except for the FRC/Z06s have the targa roof (or a convertible top), making it a superb summer car option.
And if it does need repairs? It's a Chevrolet, every mechanic you've ever met can probably work on them, and none of the tools or fasteners are proprietary. Want to upgrade the stereo? It's your standard issue double-DIN head-unit, buy whatever you want and a harness and trim kit and you're done. You can go from AC Delco tape deck to touchscreen navigation with bluetooth streaming in an afternoon if you want. There is no "I have to get down to the dealer so they can code this thing" when you buy a battery or install something aftermarket. My dad picked up his dream car (a 2001 C5 6MT Targa) and he loves it. If he needs to do anything to it, he can.
Other things I'd consider, S2000 was already mentioned as was the newer Miata. I would say older Porsche Boxster except for the lack of access to the engine giving future repairs and maintenance the potential to cost a lot of money in labour, but those cars handle like a dream and aside from the IMS bearing issues in some cars which has mostly been resolved by now (get proof), Porsche is known for being a very reliable marque.