Dear Oppo, Help Me Find My Next Car

"Tim (Fractal Footwork)" (fractalfootwork)
05/08/2014 at 15:59 • Filed to: Dear Oppo, Next Car, OppositeLock

So I'm looking at cars currently, and I feel I need a bit of help on finding/deciding on a new car. Here's what I've deduced so far. Help/Opinions/Advice would be greatly welcomed.

I'm not going to explicitly state my price range, but I'm sure you could guess. This will be my DD.

Cars I'm looking at (all manual trans, used):

Honda S2000

This is the only car I've test driven so far, and there aren't a lot to choose from in the area. I am not really a convertible person, but I do like the S2000 enough to bear it (I live in the Midwest btw).

All the S2000's I've looked at so far have 75k - over 100k miles on them, is that a problem?

Mazda Miata NC

I wasn't really looking at the miata, but since I tested the S2000, I though I should. I am currently looking at one with a folding hard top and one without; any pros/cons of either?

These also seem cheaper compared to the S2000, which may sway my vote.

Ford Mustang (V6 2011-pr.)

My family is big into Mustangs... okay, I don't really have a car family, but the last sportscar in the family was a '65 mustang back in the day and they all like to reminisce about it, and seeing as I liked the Genesis, I thought I'd try the classic.

2011 and newer because that's when the better engines arrived. Unfortunately, these are just a bit more than I want to pay at the moment.

Hyundai Genesis

I had the great pleasure of being able to drive one of these (3.8 track, to be precise) on a weekly/monthly basis. It was great, I loved it. It felt very industrial, something that is different from the first two on the list.

Looking at the 3.8

What Else Should I Look At?

Please ask any pertinent questions, and I will try and respond quickly.

DISCUSSION (25)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:02

What is your budget? Are you open to 5+ year-old cars/cars from Europe?

davedave1111 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:02

If you're in Europe, buy a Fiat Panda. In the US you don't have that option so you'll have to make do with a Fiat 500.

Next?

extraspecialbitter > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:03

370z seems to be along the lines of your examples.

Stupidru > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:04

BRZ?

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Stupidru
05/08/2014 at 16:05

They haven't come down in price enough for me to look at them

Nibbles > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:05

Out of the three; Genesis Coupe.

Jayhawk Jake > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:07

No need to look, just buy

Kinja'd!!!

They can be found for similar prices to what you are looking at. (C5 Z06 that is)

This is what I would do if I was you.

TheBaron2112 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:10

Easy. Fiesta ST.

ONE OF US! ONE OF US!

PheeNoIVI > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:11

I would definitely look into a Z. We seem to have the same ideas for new cars. I started off wanting a genesis. But looked at other things. The z is a good car. The only thing keeping me from it is a new smaller lighter one coming in the future most likely.

Also I would look at an FRS because of the miata/s2000 type of car but with a roof.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:11

Strange first 2 choices considering you're not a convertible guy. I'd lean Genesis Coupe in your case.

dogisbadob > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:13

Explicitly stating your price range is the most important thing we need when helping you find a car!

Why not a brand new 2.0T Genesis coupe? A brand new Hyundai gets you that awesome 10-year warranty (which is not transferable and does not apply to used cars, and I don;t think Hyundai has a CPO program, either)

How old was the 3.8 Genesis you drove? They upgraded the power by a lot in 2012 or 2013, so the new 4's have almost as much power as the old V6, and better fuel economy to boot.

100k is NOTHING in a Honda!!!! Are you used to European cars and pre-2005 American and Korean cars? :p

Why would you want a a heavy-ass folding hardtop on a Miata? The manual soft top is easy enough to operate and can be lowered/raised from the driver's seat with one hand. For the winter you can just get the regular one-piece hardtop :)

How about a Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky? They should also be on your list.

A Toyota MR2 may also be worth considering. If you're lucky, you can find one with the 2ZZ swap. The reason Toyota didn't offer a 2ZZ from the factory was to avoid stealing sales from the Elise.

A C5 Corvette might also be in your budget.

offroadkarter > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:14

get a used 5.0 mustang, 2011's should be in 2013 v6 prices

Saracen > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:15

You can get a brand spanking new Abarth for $16k.

Mosqvich > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:16

A BMW 135i or even a 128i.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:18

I wouldn't be concerned about the mileage of the S2000 - they are extremely reliable cars that ask for very little maintenance. Just make sure it hasn't been completely abused and neglected - also watch out for some known issues, like the valve retainers in earlier cars - small fixes, just want to make sure it was done/hasn't ruined anything.

But I would be concerned about DDing one...it's not the most comfortable/commute friendly. It lacks low end torque and revs very high at freeway speeds...and is loud and stiff. All very, very good things in the environment the car was intended for - just not ideal for commuting - which is what lead to me selling mine a few years ago.

I wouldn't really cross-shop the S2000 with the Miata - both great cars, but very different. The S2000 is a lot more aggressive in its driving characteristics, and is obviously more powerful. Given this, the Miata might actually be a pretty good compromise for you - almost as intense and fun as the S2000, but slightly more practical and DDable. But still you won't have much space.

I'd say the Mustang would be a great fit - I haven't been a Ford guy AT ALL, but the recent years have been very impressive. The Mustang has good power, economy, and is comfortable....and is quite a bit of fun to drive too. With the right specs/mods I think it can be a great all-rounder for a good price.

Deven > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:18

Don't get me wrong the v6 mustang is an ok car but honestly I wouldn't go that route with any of the muscle cars. If you look at mustangs you should buy a used GT from the same year models. It's just that I feel like if I bought one I would feel like I should have held out for the GT every time one pulls up next to me. Why not look at a used 350z or something of that sort?

Forgetful > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:28

Are you financing? You might find that with the lower interest rate you can get on a new car you could very well be playing close to the same for new as you would for used.

chuck07 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 16:38

I was in a similar boat recently. I was looking at NC's, NB's S2000, Solstice's, Sky's and SLK's. I missed my 81 Fiat and someone was looking at my S320, so it was time for me to move to the next one. I wanted a mix of both. Sporty convertible with some heated seats. My budget was $10k.

I ended up buying a 2007 Mustang v6 convertible with a stick and premium package. I wish it had 305 hp instead of 210. It is fun to drive. I got 30.5 MPG on a recent beach trip. Averaging around 23. I added an Airaid CAI, getting a tuner and dual exhaust next. I got this because I am still able to throw some golf clubs in the trunk and I can put people in the backseat. It is not as tight or nimble as a Miata would be, but for me it was a little more practical.

deekster_caddy > dogisbadob
05/08/2014 at 16:41

Completely agree - explicitly stating the budget is a very important piece. Are you working from a fixed amount of cash? Can afford X per month? Have a generous relative helping you for a flexible amount? These are must-know questions before you go much further.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 17:14

What are used Z4M coupes going for these days? Probably at least worth test-driving an old (first gen) Boxster S as well, just to know.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 17:19

Of the ones you've stated, the Genesis is the one I'd go for. But I'd also look at the Saturn Sky Redline if you want a convertible that can be DD and have ample amounts of power.

djmt1 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 17:51

Lotus Elise

N51fanatic > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 18:45

I'm guessing the budget is max 20k?? Probably like 18k?

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/08/2014 at 19:00

As a high mileage S2000 owner, that many miles isn't an issue, it has Everythinh the Miata has, plus the extra horsepower to be even more fun.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
05/19/2014 at 00:31

There are hardtops for the S2000. Although, it'll cost a pretty penny.