Five Fun Affordable Mid-Engine Rear-Drive Cars

"Satish Kondapavulur" (becauseCAR)
11/30/2013 at 12:54 • Filed to: MY STUPID LISTS

Being a millennial, there's nothing that I miss from the 1980s, mainly because I wasn't born yet. However, ever since I discovered Buzzfeed, I developed a nostalgia for that decade. This has involved watching Cosby Show reruns and any John Hughes movie, as well as hoping that Eastern European geography would be simpler. But the decade of Reagan, Walkmans, and Eddie Murphy starring in watchable movies had its good moments when it comes to cars.

There was the F40, which made speculating on hearing aid futures necessary. The Audi Quattro, a car which would make its driver the next rally champion, as long as there were immense turbos on the engine. And the Buick Grand National, which was promptly snapped up by individuals who steadfastly believe their cars are collector items and refuse to sell them under $20,000 even if they have 100,000 miles. But most importantly, there were affordable sporty commuter cars.

Cars like the front-drive Nissan NX and Honda CRX, front-drive and zippy in town, but most importantly, there were mid-engine, rear-drive cars called the Toyota MR2 and Pontiac Fiero. And they were under $20,000 (though that's maybe around $30K adjusted for inflation), meaning any yuppie, or more likely, any middle-class IBMer/GM car enthusiast/Pan Am employee could have a fun car.

For this list, affordable meant under $30,000. So that took out the Acura NSX, Ferrari 355, and the Noble M400, all very good cars in their own right, but not inexpensive enough to be Miata alternatives, which will be to the chagrin of most Jalopnik readers.

Author's Note: Buick Grand National owners, I mean no harm to your cars' monetary values. I'm sure millennials will eventually pick them up. Of course, this will be after the prices have dropped to $15,000, which'll be $10K below what you paid for them (and a bad investment). What can I say? Generation Y doesn't have that kind of money to spend on a 1980s GM vehicle.

Toyota MR2

Personally, I've never found the MR2 all that fun. In fact, I forget the MR2 exists more than I'd like to admit. But keep in mind that this is a Toyota from the 1980s, so maintaining it isn't much of an issue, and a good one can be had for under $7K. And one with high mileage and a ridiculous amount of mods can definitely be under $5K. It can also be used as a basis for a Ferrari replica. (This will become a common theme with MR cars on this list.)

In the end, the MR2 is a fine choice. Be aware that it may be difficult to find a first or second generation one in pristine condition (many of them have had a turbocharger slapped on or a more powerful engine swapped in), but I personally wouldn't hold the modifications against them, mainly because more power does make these cars more fun. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Lotus Elise

There are many nice Elises for $30K. But I will discuss the downsides first. People will think it's a lot more expensive than it actually is. They may approach you at the gas station simply to talk about Colin Chapman for a long period of time. The interior has no storage space. Making a quick getaway will be impossible with the top on. Also, be aware, these cars do snap at the absolute limit with little warning.

On the bright side, there is a Toyota engine, meaning engine maintenance costs will be reasonable, unlike, say, an Esprit Turbo, with its lethal combination of a high-pressure turbocharger and Lucas electrics. There's thankfully no Ferrari replica conversion kit readily available. And if I haven't convinced you by now, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Air your grievances to him if you disagree with this choice on the list.

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Porsche Boxster/Cayman (987)

I'll be honest. I'm a 911 person through and through and will probably never consider buying a Boxster/Cayman. But they're both excellent sports cars and even better for the money when a good used one is under $30K. Most importantly, the engine isn't hanging out at the back, so instead of spinning out on a winding road, you'll knock over a few cones at the autocross course.

So why not the even more affordable (read: under $10K) 986 Boxster (the one with the exact front end of the late 1990s 911)? Google "IMS/RMS failure" and you'll promptly understand that those cars are a money pit. Especially when the cure is buying a brand-new engine at half the car's value. In that case, unless you wish to be part of a class-action lawsuit against Porsche Cars North America, stay away from those Boxsters.

Pontiac Fiero

Believe it or not, General Motors did listen to car guys in the 1980s. Justified to the public (or more likely, the bean counters) as a mid-engined "economy" car with added sportiness, the Fiero was meant to show that GM under Roger Smith had a soul. There's no other way to explain the stereo speakers in the headrests. The Fiero also ended up being a godsend for Ferrari replica makers of the 1990s.

Add to that the fact that finding part is never a problem because of the numerous 1980s GM vehicles in junkyards across America and you have a winner. And that Fiero forum guys (and gals) are among the most helpful people on Earth. They will talk you through the cooling system issues and how to properly maintain your mid-engined, GM parts bin MR sports car. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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Ferrari Mondial

Admittedly, the owner of a Mondial won't have fun of the driving experience sort. This is because these cars can easily be beaten on any track by a new Honda Civic. Fast Ferraris like a 348 (it's fast relative to a Mondial) or 355 go for much more money. So all of you Ferrari fans can get ignore me from here, because the fun I'm about to propose will perhaps not be to your liking. (I suggest sending letters of encouragement to Stefano Domenicali.)

Instead, you'll have an in with the local Ferrari crowd who need to showcase their cars at every Ferrari owner event, every Concours d'Elegance, and every local upscale shopping center parking lot. It'll be fun parking next to that Enzo and insisting you're as much in favor with the factory as the Enzo owner. Bragging to the 355 owner about how you got a Ferrari for under $30K. And most importantly, telling the F40 owner that your Mondial is a better car because no passenger has ever requested a hearing aid afterwards, lowering your cost of ownership. Who needs Ferrari replicas?

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! runs !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , named because "Clunker.com" was $82 at auction and would've taken 30% out of the balance of his Eagle Vision for LeMons fund. In between contemplating cross-country runs, he spends much of his time attempting to convince others that his MkV Jetta 2.0T Wolfsburg is indeed a sports sedan.

All images courtesy respective manufacturers.

DISCUSSION (100)

daender > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:00

Came here for the MR2 and Fiero, left happy by the Mondial.

I'll add the Factory Five 818, the website states a fully built 818 S should run about $15k. 20k if you decided to score a Porsche-6 or STi-4 over the recommended WRX engine. It weighs under 1800 lbs so it'll go really, really fast.

Kinja'd!!!

duurtlang > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:04

I'd pick a Matra Murena.

Kinja'd!!!

And just look at that practical (for a MR car) interior!

Kinja'd!!!

dogisbadob > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:05

Actually, you probably *can* get an NSX for 30k.

Also, you forgot the Toyota Previa, with its engine right underneath the driver's seat :)

The Mondial is awesome, the coolest Ferrari ever.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:08

I'll also throw in a Fiat X1/9 and a Porsche 914 if you want to go towards the 'cheap' rather than 'affordable'.

Satish Kondapavulur > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
11/30/2013 at 13:19

I really considered those two. But the X1/9 has rust problems I can't overlook and I've never really liked the styling. The 914 is a good choice though, despite the 1970s VW bits.

Satish Kondapavulur > daender
11/30/2013 at 13:22

I didn't even consider the kit car route. Is a turnkey one of these about $15K? Though I don't think I'll ever attempt building a kit car. I will get it wrong.

Satish Kondapavulur > duurtlang
11/30/2013 at 13:22

Seriously considered that one actually. But finding on in the US (or in general) wasn't easy!

Biapilotaceman > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:24

I actually just stumbled upon a really awesome solution for the IMS bearing problem last night—which is exciting because I'm planning on getting my hands on a Boxster again soon. For anyone interested in a permanent solution to the IMS Bearing failure worries, check this out: http://www.theimssolution.com/

It works by "replacing the factory sealed ball bearing with a pressure fed oil-lubricated plain bearing".

duurtlang > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:29

They only built slightly over ten thousand, 1980-1983. They needed the production capacity for a minivan of all things.

Satish Kondapavulur > dogisbadob
11/30/2013 at 13:31

Even I thought NSXs could be had under $30K. Then I tried finding one under $30K. It's next to impossible when even heavily-modified, high-mileage cars are going for $35K.

I was thinking about the Previa, but then I realized I'd have the MR2 contingent coming after me. They're like Miata owners, but with increased mechanical know-how and the most outlandish how-to-go-faster ideas I've ever heard.

daender > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:31

https://www.factoryfive.com/kits/project-8… And the very bottom of the page,

Sub 10 grand kit price, REAL complete car price under 15 grand, 1800 lbs. completed vehicle weight, World Class performance AND looks, and Engineered to be BUILT.

Satish Kondapavulur > Biapilotaceman
11/30/2013 at 13:33

I love how someone made a website specifically for that problem. But what have the Pelican parts and other Porsche forums thought of it?

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:36

X1/9s don't rust much worse than 1st gen MR2s (from what I've read from their respective buying guides, and the experiences of people looking for them).

Can you buy MG Fs over in the States? Those and the later TFs are a good way into MR ownership, so long as the head gasket has been uprated. The old K-Series engines can be pretty barmy with a bit of tuning.

How about Lancia Beta Montecarlos (Scorpions over in the States)? In the same category as X1/9s, but a bit bigger in all respects.

Over here you can also pick up Matra Bagheeras and Murenas for under 10k, the later Murenas having a galvanised chassis.

Satish Kondapavulur > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
11/30/2013 at 13:49

No, we can't get MG F's unfortunately. And any Lancia and Matras these days are tough to find here and they always have an owner who'll only part with it for an insane amount of cash regardless of the condition.

PRBot II > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 13:58

there's nothing that I miss from the 1980s, mainly because I wasn't born yet.

Kinja'd!!!

In all seriousness, this is a great write-up man. Cheers.

AthomSfere > dogisbadob
11/30/2013 at 14:24

Agreed. I have had about the same luck finding an NSX under 30k as an Elise. Crap the last time I looked Elise prices were going UP for used. If that trend sticks around soon a used Elise will cost more than a new NSX (Slight exaggeration, but not much).

Vie Ventar > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:25

Kinja'd!!!

Did we forget somebody?

Gothmog3VZ - Twin AW11's > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:26

DAMN RIGHT WE ARE!!! :p

RX > AthomSfere
11/30/2013 at 14:33

The Elise might be the best investment Ive made. I got mine for $26k in 2010. Had 14k miles, like new. Now it has more than double the miles and is in not in as good condition, I do DD it April - Nov. But it is worth $5-10k more than what I paid.

jmitch356 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:43

9x6 cars did have IMS/RMS issues but the current RMS typically don't leak unless you don't drive it and the IMS won't fail again if you drive it. If you are going to by one and you have a choice between two 2000 boxsters, one with 20k on it and one with 80k on it go for the one with 80k. The engine will last and more then likely the seal in the intermediate shaft bearing is gone so it actually gets lubricated. Yes Porsche used a sealed bearing inside an engine because there isn't any lubrication in there...

EmotionalFriend > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:44

Kinja'd!!!

Why did you snub the MR-S? You addressed both the Mk1 and Mk2, but no Spyder. You don't have to buy one with high mileage or mods for it to be affordable either. Just picked up a bone stock one with 80k for 7 grand. Before you say "pre-cat failure" it's not like the stock 1zz is anything special. In fact it gives owners the perfect excuse to upgrade to the far superior 2zz that came in the Lotus.

MTY85 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:45

"Affordable" by what standard? An Elise? Thirty grand for a Toyota Celica engine is "affordable?" A MONDIAL? Ferrari repair bills are "affordable?"

Scrub this article before too many people read this idiocy.

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 14:53

Why are there no mid or rear engined FWD cars? Now I want to build one dammit.

Satish Kondapavulur > EmotionalFriend
11/30/2013 at 14:53

It's a good car, but you're probably right in that the 2zz swap would be better. But the first and second gen cars were a lot of fun to drive and are plenty of fun to modify.

Satish Kondapavulur > jmitch356
11/30/2013 at 14:54

You're absolutely right. Buy the Boxster that you know has been driven, because garage queens have many unforeseen problems from sitting so long.

Satish Kondapavulur > Vie Ventar
11/30/2013 at 14:58

Not available in America unfortunately. Though I'll drive one the next time I'm in Europe.

Satish Kondapavulur > PRBot II
11/30/2013 at 14:58

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

eldo500 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:11

Ran across this straight, running $450 MR2 on my local CL earlier this morning and was tempted to have a look.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/422081…

Satish Kondapavulur > eldo500
11/30/2013 at 15:16

Honestly, that's a really good deal if the engine fires up.

NoahthePorscheGuy > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:30

The key with the 986 Boxsters is to find one where the engine already blew. Porsche put in revised engines for those owners free of charge.

eldo500 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:31

Ain't it, though? If only I had a place to keep the damn thing.

PurpleGryphon > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:32

Kinja'd!!!

I have this one with aftermarket, 17" wheels. It's a blast.

Rebelscum_65 > Union of Smog Techs of CA
11/30/2013 at 15:43

I can't think of a single advantage in that layout lol

Biapilotaceman > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:50

They seem to be more interested in this, which is a similar direct oil feed solution that retains the ball bearings. http://tunersmotorsports.com/?page_id=103

jessi86643010 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 15:57

My roomate's aunt makes $83 an hour on the laptop. She has been fired from work for six months

but last month her income was $18472 just working on the laptop for a few hours

Read more on this web site http://www.wow40.com

mcseanerson > dogisbadob
11/30/2013 at 16:03

There was a time not long ago when this was true. Not anymore, they bottomed out a bit back and have been climbing back up since then.

mcseanerson > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:08

I love the idea of a Cayman with a gt3 motor. Someone make this happen, for YouTube, for Chris Harris, for gearheads everywhere.

M54B30 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:14

Of that list, the MR2 is the only one I'd want. And I want one hard.

David > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:23

So I Own Both An Mr2 And A Miata, What Does That Mean?

Peter Lemongello > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:23

Since when is 30K affordable? That is what I make a year working 5-6 days a week.

Satish Kondapavulur > Peter Lemongello
11/30/2013 at 16:30

I was going for the median price of new cars sold in America and went from there. It's around $30K.

Satish Kondapavulur > NoahthePorscheGuy
11/30/2013 at 16:32

You're absolutely right. But those come at a premium.

goldstandard > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:33

WHERE'S THE MUSTANG?!

Satish Kondapavulur > M54B30
11/30/2013 at 16:34

There's one in San Diego right now for peanuts. Honestly, they're incredibly cheap.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/422081…

Satish Kondapavulur > goldstandard
11/30/2013 at 16:37

Where can you find the engine in the Mustang?

sixcharlie > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
11/30/2013 at 16:39

I came here to say 914, X1/9 and Scorpion. What a wonderful little stable that would be, and you could get your Fiat/Lancia parts from the same vendors.

jasonfifi > dogisbadob
11/30/2013 at 16:40

can confirm. the previa is the best 2-piece band van in the history of band vans... my drummer isn't a "car guy" but loves how it feels like a space ship.

it trucks down the interstate at great speeds while gently sipping fuel like it was the first few a hand-pulled cuban macchiato. even with a load of amps in its rear, it handles like a delicate ballerina with worn-to-shit struts. it looks like a big stupid egg, and i love it. i love my big stupid egg.

Satish Kondapavulur > David
11/30/2013 at 16:43

You spend way too much time pondering which car will have a better autocross time. :)

jmitch356 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 16:50

As most of us Jalops can agree wit at the end of the day it is a car and it should be driven. My favorite customer at my dealer has an 89 Carrera 4 that he daily drives. I have no idea of the mileage but it is his only car!

goldstandard > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:05

Clearly, I did not read the entire title/post.

Vie Ventar > Union of Smog Techs of CA
11/30/2013 at 17:06

Kinja'd!!!

You rang?

Also a guy from Rover had a patent on a front transaxle design with a flat rear engine design. But it never went anywhere.

shle896 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:09

Reminds me of how lucky I felt when I somehow managed to convince my dad to buy me a Fiero GT when I turned 16. It sure was cool looking, but in the summers, I always had to turn the air conditioner off if I wanted to pass a car or not feel like I was driving a Chevy Chevette. Hey, at least it wasn't a Geo Storm!

Satish Kondapavulur > shle896
11/30/2013 at 17:16

Exactly! Did yours have power steering?

ejp > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:16

I know that affordable is a relative term, as it includes cost of ownership...but there is a certain amount of audacity when including a Ferrari Mondial in the equation and leaving out a Lotus Esprit . Not my favorite Lotus, but they're mid-engine, (presumably) fun as hell, and can be had for under $30k.

Kinja'd!!!

Satish Kondapavulur > ejp
11/30/2013 at 17:19

Esprit is definitely a good buy as long as it's driven and maintained with many service records. But the Mondial was included just to say you owned a Ferrari. If I had a Mondial, I'd probably pay the bare minimum when it comes to service costs.

Union of Smog Techs of CA > Vie Ventar
11/30/2013 at 17:21

No, no, no...I want a reverse 911...a 116 or something.

Satish Kondapavulur > goldstandard
11/30/2013 at 17:21

It's all good. Every other automotive website has the Mustang on their obligatory "cheap RWD car" list.

DatHoonDoe > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:35

*Thinks the MR2 isn't fun.
*Says he'd never consider a Cayman.
GTFO of this site you disgusting creature.

VivaLaManual > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:38

How many miles would a $30k cayman have? 70k or so?

BigGatorChris > mcseanerson
11/30/2013 at 17:40

Pretty sure they have, and it's faster than the donor.

Something about MR>RR or something.

kirker > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:48

Okay, I'm confused. The Previa? It's a minivan!

Btw I like your choices except for one: the Fiero is, and always was, a colossal, unmitigated piece of complete shit. And unlike you, I was not only alive in the '80s but also driving cars then (albeit only at the end of the decade), so I know of which I speak. GM's entire car lineup of the '80s (and the '90s) was comprised of nothing but crap, and the Fiero was no exception.

Also, why did you go with the original MR2 and not the second-gen version? To me it's superior in nearly every way, plus it's considerably easier to find ones that haven't been ragged to death.

Cebu > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 17:48

Huh... the Fiero.

Aside from that god-awful styling (from my perspective)... huh.

Didn't know that the Fiero was any good...

fivepointnine > Biapilotaceman
11/30/2013 at 18:13

Yes there are fixes, but they cost a significant amount of change, and most of the 996/986 out there do not have the fix. I paid $2500 for my LN IMS bearing replacement, kind of a large chunk of change when I bought my Boxster S for 15K, and it was to fix an inherent design flaw.

PureSilver > duurtlang
11/30/2013 at 18:13

TIL. I have never seen one of those before - but I like it! A very clean design.

PureSilver > EmotionalFriend
11/30/2013 at 18:14

Much love for these, will pick one up eventually. Rated by evo as even better than the MX5 for budget roadster thrills, with benign handling traits and enough power to get you into trouble but not prison. What more could you want? (A boot, maybe.)

fivepointnine > jmitch356
11/30/2013 at 18:16

my 986 S IMS seal was still intact and it was bone dry inside, caught it just in time.

SpeedSix > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 18:17

There's a 1981 Lancia Beta Zagato listed on Hemmings for sale for $10k .

Kinja'd!!!

PureSilver > Vie Ventar
11/30/2013 at 18:21

No. A crude, cramped and dated design, unreliable and badly made. If you've got some time, get a look underneath one of these and an MX5 from the same era, and admire the MX5's neat pressings over the T/TF's ugly, rusty and shoddy underpinnings.

Bytemite > kirker
11/30/2013 at 18:26

The first gen and third gens are the real MR2s. The second generation kind of drifted away from the philosophy of lightweight, economical sports car and landed itself into GT car territory. The first generation has the famous, undying 4A engine and the best stick shift in the world. Along with its 2300 lb, taut, chassis with double wishbones all around, the AW11 MR2 is the best performer out of the 5 cars on this list.

Bytemite > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 18:58

Am I the only one that thinks a 4 seater mid-engined Ferrari is a godsend? I never thought a midengine could have a back seat.

Satish Kondapavulur > Bytemite
11/30/2013 at 19:01

So does the Lotus Evora, but that back seat is cramped. Actually, even the front two seats feel cramped.

Satish Kondapavulur > SpeedSix
11/30/2013 at 19:03

How is this not on Bring a Trailer?!

^shiftBowling > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 19:10

Did someone mention an NSX for under 30k? Sure, Ill take mine in black.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthre…

M54B30 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 19:16

Yeah but I live in a high snow area and have a baby coming soon. My wife probably won't care to see me kick her 530i out into the elements for her to scrape every morning so I can have an MR2 parked in the garage. :(

She's a buzzkill.

Satish Kondapavulur > kirker
11/30/2013 at 19:21

I should've explicitly mentioned both first and second gen MR2s and was trying to get at that. Both are excellent buys.

And I've been getting a lot of flak for the Fiero. However, it is fun to drive once the right fixes are made.

Bytemite > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 19:22

Well yeah, its a Lotus. Space needs to be sacrificed for weight savings.

Satish Kondapavulur > Cebu
11/30/2013 at 19:24

Once you realize you know better than the GM engineers, you can make the Fiero good. It's not that bad!

Satish Kondapavulur > VivaLaManual
11/30/2013 at 19:25

Figure 10-12,000 miles a year. Though I've seen one with under 30K miles go for less than $30K. With 70k miles, the private sellers should sell for around $25K.

Satish Kondapavulur > ^shiftBowling
11/30/2013 at 19:30

Wow. It seems like forums are the only place to find these under $30K. Jump on it!

EmotionalFriend > PureSilver
11/30/2013 at 19:56

Shhhh.... I don't think you're allowed to use the words "better than the MX5" on Jalopnik. I'm pretty sure we're both at the top of some kind of Jalopnik hit list now for even discussing such heresy. For the record I agree with EVO. The MX5 (at least the NB that the MR-S would've competed with) never felt like anything special to me.

ejp > Bytemite
11/30/2013 at 20:36

The Mondial is aging better than I thought that it would. I thought that it was destined to be terrible...but it's actually growing on me. I've been seeing more and more of them around.

Also, Scent Of A Woman. Hooaah!

Kinja'd!!!

(Additionally, I forgot about the F40 that was sitting in the showroom - how many of those really sat in showrooms? I was under the impression that they were built in such limited quantities that they were all spoken for before they were built...but this is mere conjecture on my part)

Kinja'd!!!

abgwin > SpeedSix
11/30/2013 at 20:48

Though not mid-engined, of course.

Obruni > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 20:51

what, no Smart car?

/i keeeed.

Satish Kondapavulur > Obruni
11/30/2013 at 21:04

Rear-engined. I checked, otherwise it would've been on here.

SpeedSix > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 21:10

I don't really know, and also, it was listed on Ebay a week or so ago with the same price as Buy it Now, but I guess nobody noticed.

Chris Dyer > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 21:14

You're bit about the 986 Boxster is uninformed. I've had a 986 Boxster—specifically, 1997, the first year model—almost four years now. It has never had a single mechanical failure, has not had the IMS replaced, and I paid a whopping $5,000 for it. If you Google anything, you'll find negativity. Try talking to people who actually own the cars. The 986 is also a better looking Boxster than the 987. If you actually do your research, you'll find not all Boxsters are affect by this IMS thing, and the cars that are affected by this failure, well, it bleeds right into the 987 model as well.

Chris Dyer > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 21:15

The Ferrari 308 GT4 would have been a much better choice than the Mondial. Better design, fun to drive, and a lot more rare.

Satish Kondapavulur > Chris Dyer
11/30/2013 at 21:35

I considered 308, but ended up with Mondial because it was more fun to write about.

33matt > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 21:54

The second gen mr2 is a fat pig compared to the first gen, and the mods for the turbos are horrible, to turn up the boost with an actual tuned afr you need big bucks in a standalone and wiring, so everyone buys the cheap box and runs horrible tunes
First gen has a horrendus gearbox but is monumentally fun to drive as a an inertia car, or fun with the supercharger, the mrs is the best version by far
The boxster and cayman are fun, even the later cayman s I wish had more oomph though..there is a turbo kit available ;)

33matt > 33matt
11/30/2013 at 21:57

Getting hard to justify a cayman or boxster that's expensive when the carrera 4 is getting so cheap drool there's several for 20-22 here

jmitch356 > fivepointnine
11/30/2013 at 22:26

The IMS seems to leak more the the RMS does especially if the updated flange and seal aren't in there which is increasingly rare as they have all pretty much started to leak at this point. Ran into one the other day on a 2000 Boxster with something close to 70k on it.

SpeedSix > abgwin
11/30/2013 at 22:39

Oh, oops, must have confused it with the Scorpion.

RMadden > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 22:55

You don't necessarily have to settle for a Boxster/Cayman if your budget is 30K or less :)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/422197…

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/418355…

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/417491…

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/418985…

And that's only just a select few from the many in my area.

404 - User No Longer Available > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:07

Expensive can still be done cheaply. Great thing about a mid-engine car is when you crash, the expensive car engine parts are protected by your passengers.

chriswhotakesphotos > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:09

That and the Grand National has an unapologetic porn mustache.

Jeb_Hoge > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:21

From everything I've seen, turnkey probably comes in around $20K, depending on how "finished" you want it to be cosmetically. This car is on my shortlist. I'd have no problem outsourcing the build for $5K.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:25

This list is missing the MGF/TF. I would have one over a Miata. Yes I would.

Kinja'd!!!

These are cheap. Extremely cheap. Early Fs can be had for less than £1000, good ones for less than £2000.

VivaLaManual > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:32

That's too much mileage.

Justin M Bevier > Satish Kondapavulur
11/30/2013 at 23:49

and what you mean by "know better than gm engineers" is a motor swap, be it your favorite flavor of GM 60* v6, a N/A 3800, or supercharged 3800, an ecotec would even be a riot. all very cheap to buy with not alot of work going into any of the swaps.

gromy21 > Satish Kondapavulur
12/01/2013 at 00:02

Kinja'd!!!

Am I the only person here that likes the MR-S?