The driving enthusiast's struggle

Kinja'd!!! "Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
11/01/2015 at 20:00 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!3 Kinja'd!!! 87

I’m bored with my Sonic. There, I said it. The car hasn’t done anything wrong, I just feel that I’ve grown past its performance. I want something more capable, something actually meant for driving spiritedly. With winter approaching I’m certainly not planning on doing anything right now, but next spring I might make a change.

But what do I change to? That’s the enthusiast’s struggle

The Dream

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I want a Corvette. You probably know this by now. They are such amazing performance cars, and not bad outside of the performance spectrum. C6s look great in my opinion and from a driving experience perspective it’s almost impossible to beat.

I really want a C6 Grand Sport, but they’re still too expensive. The lowest prices I’ve seen are in the upper $30k range. That’s a bargain for sure, but too rich for my current position.

Standard C6s are much more affordable, and coming in under $30k is certainly something I think I could swing, but alas I don’t think it’s going to happen.

As practical as the Corvette is with its spacious hatch and shockingly good gas mileage I don’t think I can have one as my only car in Kansas. We do get ice and snow and the C6 with all its power, torque, and non-existent ground clearance would be a real challenge through winter.

I know what you’re thinking: just get a winter beater. While that works for some people, it’s not really for me. I can’t be happy in a true beater, and anything that I would be willing to drive as a second car would add too much to the overall cost of replacing the Sonic.

The Compromise

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Of course, there’s always The Answer. Obviously it’s no Corvette, but Miata’s are undeniably fun to drive. With autocross as my driving sport of choice it had to be an option. But why am I considering one when I really want a Corvette?

NC Miatas are SO CHEAP! A low mileage NC can easily be had for $12k-$14k. That’s a bargain, and the NC is nice enough inside to be liveable for someone like me. If I could get one with the PRHT then it’s absolutely doable as a winter car, but even with a soft top it’s reasonable. With relatively low power and a short wheelbase I’m not nearly as nervous to drive one through ice and snow, and with such a low cost of entry it’s an attractive option as a hold-over while saving up enough funds for a Corvette and a second car. Plus the longer I wait to get a Corvette, the nicer a Corvette I can get. C7’s will start getting cheap soon....

The Wildcard

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Rear wheel drive, manual transmission, and the cabin of an entry level luxury car, the Cadillac ATS ticks a lot of boxes. They look fantastic, but not really much like a sports car.

I drove one today, it was a 2.0L Turbo with AWD. The car feels great to drive, but the power was a little disappointing. And while they are affordable (~$25k used), the interior frankly leaves a bit to be desired. It’s not bad, just not as nice as you’d like in a Cadillac.

It’s a car I find intriguing and would certainly consider, but it’s not the top of the list

The New Kid on the Block

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It’s an ATS with the skin of a Camaro. And it’s damn fine skin in my opinion, though many disagree.

The 2.0L turbo variant should cost about the same as a used ATS turbo. But could I be happy in a turbo Camaro when there’s one available with a Corvette V8? I know I can’t afford a new Camaro SS, so that’s off the table, but the turbo might not be.

The Not-a-sports-car

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The last option I’m considering is not getting a sports car at all. This option is a bandaid. Get something different to replace the Sonic, something inexpensive enough to get financially ready for that Corvette.

Yes, inexpensive. Have you looked at used Volt prices lately? They are under $15k with reasonable mileage, and surely ready for another dip as the significantly better 2016 model hits the market. I’ve driven a Volt and while they certainly aren’t a sports car they are surprisingly fun to drive thanks to the instant torque of the electric drivetrain.

The Reality

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Ultimately, I’ll probably end up stuck with the Sonic. Chances are none of these options will actually make any sense to go through with, and I still like the darn thing even if I am bored of it. But it’s fun to dream, even if the decision is ultimately difficult. And that’s the enthusiast’s struggle: there’s always another car to drive, but never enough time or money to drive them all.


DISCUSSION (87)


Kinja'd!!! Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:03

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needs to be kept for the googly eyes only


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:09

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Why not just modify the Sonic more to your liking?


Kinja'd!!! fhrblig > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:09

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I can’t believe I’m saying this, but get the C6. Life is too damn short.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > fhrblig
11/01/2015 at 20:12

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Trust me, I agree, but it’s just such a risk with winter. They are not winter cars. If I lived further south it would be a no brainer.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > deprecated account
11/01/2015 at 20:14

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I had it pretty well modded. It’s still tuned. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a front wheel drive hatchback.


Kinja'd!!! Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:15

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Don’t underestimate winter tires. I put a pair on my Genesis Coupe and it felt more capable than most 4WD SUVs on all-seasons.


Kinja'd!!! wafflesnfalafel > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:17

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That’s an awful pretty Grand Sport...


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > wafflesnfalafel
11/01/2015 at 20:18

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All grand sports are awful pretty.


Kinja'd!!! dogisbadob > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:19

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That’s what snow tires are for :)


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
11/01/2015 at 20:21

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Ignoring the fact that winter tires for a Corvette would cost a grand...

It’s not really the grip that worries me. It’s the clearance. It’d be a snow plow. Plus the C6 has like 100 ft-lb more torque than a Genesis.


Kinja'd!!! Vicente Esteve > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:21

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I understand this situation perfectly, as I am starting to feel sort of the same way. I love my Golf, but a lot of times I just wish I had something with RWD, or with a better exhaust note. It is a brilliant car and I enjoy driving it, but as a car enthusiast I suffer from always seeing what else is out there.

Out of those options I would save up for the Corvette since in the end it’s the car you actually want.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > dogisbadob
11/01/2015 at 20:21

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Snow tires don’t fix ground clearance. They also cost a lot for a Corvette


Kinja'd!!! fhrblig > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:22

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Part of me gets what you say, and the other part says “Whaddya, wanna live forever?”


Kinja'd!!! dogisbadob > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:22

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How about a Focus ST or Fiat Abarth?

The Focus ST is supposedly VERY good for being FWD, almost completely erasing the bad reputation of the layout.

And the Abarth sounds so good, and has more space than a Miata but still decent winterability. If you find it too loud, the same engine is available with a muffler in the 500L, Dart, and Renegade.

The Renegade might be a good option being trail-rated for the winter, the Abarth sound, and still fun for the enthusiast, rally/trail.etc.


Kinja'd!!! djmt1 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:23

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I’m 3000 miles away so I can in no way relate to your situation but I’ve watched enough American car shows that I feel I am qualified to give a reasonable and informed opinion.

Anyway, F bodies.

GM, RWD, Cheap?

Seems like a good (or bad) way to burn the time while Corvette prices come down.

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I no nothing about these cars, for all I know they could be the biggest embarrassment ever built by GM but I think they look kind of cool so there’s that.


Kinja'd!!! ly2v8-Brian > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:25

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Um, what about Sky and Soltice?


Kinja'd!!! FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:27

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Life is too short. Get the C6 after this winter is over and save up for snow tires. Cars are money pits.


Kinja'd!!! Alfalfa > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:29

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You seem to like GM. May I make a humble suggestion:

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So it’s technically a Holden. And I hear reliability leaves something to be desired. But they’re sporty looking yet still somewhat stealthy, and of course rare.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:30

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Is the Sonic paid off? It would be smarter just to grit your teeth for another year or so and save up for that C6 if possible.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 20:31

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Not even close. I’m underwater on the Sonic. I was not smart 4 years ago.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > fhrblig
11/01/2015 at 20:32

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Well not forever, but at least a few more decades


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > dogisbadob
11/01/2015 at 20:32

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I don’t like the ST.

The Abarth is just a louder sonic.

The Dart is awful, the renegade is HUGE


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > djmt1
11/01/2015 at 20:33

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They are terrible. Hard pass...


Kinja'd!!! Drew > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:34

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Current C6 owner here - ‘07 Z51 6-speed. The Grand Sport is a great package - it’s got a lot of options I’d like to have. That said, the base C6 will offer way more than enough to keep you entertained. Ground clearance does suck, speed bumps will cause my front air dam to scrape and winter even here in Texas can flummox me since I don’t run it with winter tires. The Grand Sport is even worse with the front lip running much further forward. I will also say that the older models don’t like cold weather - the windows will freeze shut and, since the car has to lower them to open the doors, well, you get the problem. That said, I adore mine and I won’t sell it until the day I die. Fantastic car.

Your options are all over the place - I can certainly relate. Let’s take a look here:

Miata - if you don’t have a second car or don’t have a need to haul anything bigger than a toaster, this is a good option. I’ve also got an NA that I really rather enjoy. They’re slow in a straight line, but they’re fun.

ATS - CUE makes me want to murder people in their faces. Worst system I’ve worked with. Even the 3.6 leaves a lot to be desired in the power department. Chassis and suspension on the optioned up ones is fantastic - very confidence inspiring - but as an overall package, I can’t say I’d recommend it to a friend unless you were willing to buy an ATS-V.

6th Generation Camaro - These will be fantastic. That said, non-V8 resale takes a hit on pony cars, especially from new. V8s are going for what, $37k? Probably a bit more than you’re willing to spend, but maybe an option. The reviews have already come back glowing, though, so good luck.

Don’t buy the Volt. You will get bored unless you buy a cheap project to go along with it. They’re fantastic commuters, but that’s about it.

Some thoughts: My current daily is a 2005 CTS-V, which, if you’re not opposed to driving a 10 year old car, might be a decent option for you to consider. They’re not terrible in winter, a riot to drive, plenty of room/space for activities, and running costs are significantly less than what you’d look at for the comparable E55/E39 M5.

Anyway, good luck.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:35

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Ouch... you could scape together some cash and just buy an NA miata in the meantime. Your story is always my greatest fear of buying a new(or mostly new) car.


Kinja'd!!! Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:35

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That’s just 100 ft-lbs more fun!

I remember hearing in and After/Drive video that the CCC guys know a customer who runs a new C7 Z06 in the winter up in NY.

But I get it. The day I have to put my winter tires on each year is a day I dread.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 20:38

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My story is a 21 year old kid making dumb decisions.

I don’t like old cars, so I don’t really want to buy an old car in the meantime. I did that already with a CRX, that was regrettable.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa
11/01/2015 at 20:39

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Still pretty expensive though. And you are correct: rare enough to keep costs high and making it frustrating finding a good one.


Kinja'd!!! random001 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:41

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So not true. With winter tires, you need to go skinnier anyway, and the wheels wells on Corvette’s are big enough to take almost any wheel you can find, including most damn truck tires. Go skinny, get winter tires, BE EFFIN CAREFUL driving in the snow, and you’ll be fine. The C6 is a better winter car than the C5 Z06 I drove in the winters due to not being a bottom breather. But I had skinny snows on my Z and did just fine. You just gotta mind the loud pedal, and if it’s really that deep you should probably just stay your ass home anyway.


Kinja'd!!! random001 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:42

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All corvettes are awful pretty.

FIFY


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Drew
11/01/2015 at 20:42

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Thanks for the insight about the C6. Something I didn’t mention in the article but weighs on my mind is just flat not wanting to subject a Corvette to winter. Even if it’s driveable every bump and scrape and all the salt and dirt would make me feel bad.

The Miata would certainly be a compromise on utility, but I think I could make it work in the short term.

The Camaro would take a special offer to really happen. If I could get one with 0% financing and a deep discout sure, but otherwise I’d wait a year for the initial depreciation to hit.

I’ve considered CTS-V, and I’d like to drive one, but I think for me personally they’re too big and too old. Purely personal preference.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:46

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Well what then? Cut your losses with the Sonic and trade it in for what you want? Might not be the end of the world.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 20:47

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That’s the plan. Trade in Sonic, pay enough on-top to not be under next car. Just have to figure out what I want...


Kinja'd!!! Alfalfa > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 20:48

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Still, much cheaper than that Corvette and comparable to most others on the list. In my area, anyway.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:51

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I say get the Corvette


Kinja'd!!! yitznewton > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:51

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I suspect you will be disappointed with NC Miata ownership. I would say, stick it out with the Sonic and chase your summer/winter scenario with the C6. I am terrible with pursuing long-term goals, but it sounds like it’ll get you to happiness the quickest. And in the meantime, hoon that damn Sonic!

I’m in a similar situation: I was considering leasing a 2015 Golf 1.8T, at the last minute found a cheap Mk4 Jetta 1.8T (I happen to have a soft spot for those cars) and pulled the trigger last December.

I’ve developed a lot as a driver since then, and I’m yearning for an S2000. As is often the case, it’s taking me a while to find the right one. I keep getting tempted by other cars, like the FR-S/BRZ and ND Miata, but I really will only be satisfied at this point by the S2000, so the waiting and looking game continues.

And who knows what you/I will want after a few years of owning our new ideals! The driving enthusiast’s struggle indeed.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Alfalfa
11/01/2015 at 20:54

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That’s true. Everyone looks at these decisions differently. Like, yeah I could get a nice GTO for $25k, or spend an extra 10 Gs for a sweet Corvette. These are decisions that I cannot even fathom. What with being poor and all.


Kinja'd!!! JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:58

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Not sure what your budget is but the C6 Corvette is one of the all time greats in my opinion. Beautiful, fast, and a bullet proof engine. I have seen several in the low 20k range. If you have a 30k budget you could have a very respectable two car garage. Corvette plus maybe a STS V6 AWD or a Lincoln MKZ


Kinja'd!!! Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 20:59

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Have you rallycrossed the sonic? That’s cheap and you don’t need tons of power


Kinja'd!!! JR1 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:02

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http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Looks to be in great condition and only $19,000


Kinja'd!!! signintoburnerlol > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:04

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Get a C5 and a set of winter wheels/tires. The C5 isn’t as great as C6, but it’s just as damn good. It’ll satsify your needs.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Alfalfa
11/01/2015 at 21:11

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Nah. Big, heavy, expensive to maintain.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > random001
11/01/2015 at 21:11

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Truth


Kinja'd!!! marshknute > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:14

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I vote C6. All my favorite car purchases were cars that fell well outside my comfort zone.

And you’d be amazed at how good a RWD car can be in the snow with a good set of Blizzak’s.


Kinja'd!!! MPA > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:18

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I’ve had both a C6 (‘06 MN6) and a MC Miata - the NC was traded in when I got the C6.

You can probably buy a low mileage NC for less than that. It is a great car - definitely get some snow tires. My ‘06 had all seasons, and it wasn’t fun when there was a lot of snow.

In the dry - great car. It’s a Miata! I’ve had a NA, 2 NBs and the NC, and they all put smiles on my face. Tons of aftermarket.

The C6 (non-Z51) was a great car. Comfortable. I did a STL - NY road trip and it was great. Being able to take the targa out on a nice day was nice.

I thought it handled really good. It’s a different car than the Miata, but a lot of fun. If anything, it has higher limits, so you could get in more trouble with it if things get out of hand. The LS2 was really nice, so easy to drive.

The aftermarket for the C6 is plentiful, but parts ran more $. I had a SLP Loud Mouth II cat back, which was one of the cheapest out, and it was $750. Most other cat backs were $1000+. Headers/mid-pipe were $1400.

My initial plan was heads/cam/exhaust, but it was going to be a decent amount of cash for all of that, and in all honestly, I found the car plenty quick in stock form with an aftermarket tune, and the cat-back sounded good.

I bought it in March ‘14 w/ 36k and put about 9k on it before i parked it for the winter in November ‘14. I sold it this year because I wasn’t driving it much. I had some Michelin Pilot Sport Plus ZPs (run flat) and on days it was in the 40s, there wasn’t a lot of rear traction to be had.

As a car addict, I want to drive as many awesome cars as possible, and replaced it with a FiST.

I miss the C6 more than the NC. As cheesy as some people say Corvettes are, they are a lot of fun to drive.

If I had to live with a single car and my choice was Nc or C6, it’d be hard, but I’d probably pick the NC because it’ll be easier to live with when the weather isn’t so good, and still a lot of fun when the weather is nice.


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:21

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*raises hand*
why not find a 1/2 decent NA/NB and LS swap it?


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > MPA
11/01/2015 at 21:22

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That aligns with a lot of my thoughts. I know I’ll love a Corvette, but I also know NC’s are fun. An NC is undoubtedly a compromise, but it’d be a fun and cheap sports car to have until I’m truly in a position to get my dream Corvette.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > bob and john
11/01/2015 at 21:24

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Time, mechanical ability, cost


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > marshknute
11/01/2015 at 21:28

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It’s not the tires that worry me, it’s the low.


Kinja'd!!! shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 21:30

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GTO’s are a lot cheaper than $25k. That said, mine was a hunk of shit. I loved it, but it was a hunk of shit.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
11/01/2015 at 21:35

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Oh my bad... I was thinking of G8s... Yeah GTOs are half of what I said haha


http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/cta?sor…

G8 GTs bounce between 15 and 25, apparently.


Kinja'd!!! shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 21:38

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I really dig the G8 GT, but they are way too costly for what they are, IMO. Especially given my experience with the ‘04 GTO.


Kinja'd!!! 911e46z06 > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:40

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I know you’re anti winter beater, but dude, you need a winter beater. Just pick up a cheapo Silverado or Tahoe. You can get a good one for like 3 grand with a bulletproof 350. It just solves so many problems, and it’s always nice to have a truck around.


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:41

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time: eh. I’m sure you could find time for it somewhere.
mech ability: this and tools are something to learn. The best part about flying miata kits is that they are almost entirely bolt in. none to VERY little fab required
cost: i’m prreeetttttyyyy sure it would be cheaper to find a decent miata and swap it then a corvette.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
11/01/2015 at 21:42

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Hey — I’m a proud Pontiac owner. Sure it’s just a rebadged Corolla hatchback, but goddammit, MURICA.


Kinja'd!!! fhrblig > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:43

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Are there really no good winter tires for a C6? I mean, I acknowledge it would be ridiculous to drive one in cold weather, but I’ve seen people do it. Someone near my work drives a Maserati Quattroporte in the winter, including in the snow. There must be a way to make it work.


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:45

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true. have you looked at a gen-IV camaro? you can get a pretty nice one for around $10k.


Kinja'd!!! marshknute > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 21:47

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Eh, it’s just snow clumps. You hit them and the thunk against the undercarriage freaks you out, but it won’t do any damage.

Unless you’re concerned about driveways instead of snow clumps. Can’t help you much there.


Kinja'd!!! shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 21:54

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I loved that car, I really did, but in the 3-1/2 months I owned it, it spent 31 days in the shop. Thankfully it was under warranty (it was a CPO car that I bought with 5200 miles on it), so it didn’t cost me any money, but I just had to get rid of it.


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
11/01/2015 at 21:56

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Well that is pretty deplorable. I think I’ll stick to my old foreign beaters.


Kinja'd!!! V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > fhrblig
11/01/2015 at 21:59

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My grandfather daily drives one in Minnesota winters...


Kinja'd!!! shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
11/01/2015 at 22:00

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I traded it in on the new ‘06 Sierra crew cab that I’m still daily driving. It’s been rock solid reliable for me. A couple years ago I lost my damn mind and bought a CPO ‘11 Malibu to keep the miles off my truck so it would last longer. That car was a POS too. Not as bad as the GTO was, but still pretty bad. From now on I’ll be buying either brand new, or cheap beaters.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > marshknute
11/01/2015 at 22:03

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I’m concerned about potholes and driveways.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > deprecated account
11/01/2015 at 22:03

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I hate F-bodies


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > fhrblig
11/01/2015 at 22:04

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I’m sure there are tires. It’s not the grip so much as the ground clearance that worries me.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > bob and john
11/01/2015 at 22:06

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I don’t have time for it. I work full time and take evening classes.

I don’t really care to learn how to do it, and I’ve done enough mechanical work to know how infuriating it is to tackle a big job you aren’t comfortable with.

It’s not that much cheaper. Certainly cheaper than a corvette, but you end up with a Miata, not a Corvette.


Kinja'd!!! bob and john > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:08

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you really only end up with a vette that looks like a miata, lets be brutally honest here.
and has an iterior that isnt made from fisher price toys (sorry had too)


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:17

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oh :(

have you thought about a later C4 or a C5 Z06?


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > bob and john
11/01/2015 at 22:21

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A Corvette’s interior is FAR nicer than a Miata’s, and far from fisher price.

Let’s be brutally honest, with the short wheelbase, narrow chassis, and skinny tires, a Miata with an LS is nothing like a Corvette


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > deprecated account
11/01/2015 at 22:22

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I don’t want something that old, especially not as an only car


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:26

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that i can understand. tbss? that would fit the bill if you can find one.


Kinja'd!!! quarterlifecrisis > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:32

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Mine is sort of always for sale. It’s a base 05, with miles and a few things that could use fixed. Take the cost savings and buy a winter beater. Problem solved!


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > deprecated account
11/01/2015 at 22:34

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Can’t autocross a TBSS


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:39

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STI? Evo? 1st gen LX Charger w/ AWD? E46 3XXxi?


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:50

Kinja'd!!!0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Im actually surprised. Not a bad price from a dealer


Kinja'd!!! JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:51

Kinja'd!!!0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

And this one is actually super low mileage.


Kinja'd!!! BeaterGT > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 22:56

Kinja'd!!!0

Why no F-body? Best hp/$ ratio and you can use it to commute. I used to get 27 mpg with mine.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > BeaterGT
11/01/2015 at 23:08

Kinja'd!!!0

Because they’re mediocre


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > ly2v8-Brian
11/01/2015 at 23:11

Kinja'd!!!0

Those are such mediocre cars. The NC Miata is miles better


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > deprecated account
11/01/2015 at 23:13

Kinja'd!!!0

Hell no, too expensive, way too heavy and big, don’t like BMWs


Kinja'd!!! Tohru > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 23:50

Kinja'd!!!0

Get a C4 and a supercharged H-body. Once you outgrow the C4, get the C6.


Kinja'd!!! Axial > Jayhawk Jake
11/01/2015 at 23:55

Kinja'd!!!0

Upper 30s for a Grand Sport? There was a 2008 Z06 for sale at a local Chevrolet dealer recently with a sticker of $37,000.

And, as somebody who daily drives a C4 ZR-1 in northern VA, winter is not a big deal unless you need to get up a driveway with compacted snow...which I did have to do once and which you will have trouble with in any of the cars above that you want unless that ATS is AWD.


Kinja'd!!! deprecated account > Jayhawk Jake
11/02/2015 at 00:35

Kinja'd!!!1

What are you, an Asian parent?


Kinja'd!!! Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Jayhawk Jake
11/02/2015 at 06:56

Kinja'd!!!0

I’d keep the sanic, save a little more for the corvette, but then keep them both (so you have the practicality when you need it).

I just bought a miata that won’t be getting winters(despite living in Canada) because I kept my current car with a full set. It can also haul more than one passenger.


Kinja'd!!! BeaterGT > Jayhawk Jake
11/02/2015 at 09:12

Kinja'd!!!0

Mediocre (whatever the hell that means) > Sonic


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > BeaterGT
11/02/2015 at 09:57

Kinja'd!!!0

Not really. My sonic out handles them and has a nicer interior.


Kinja'd!!! BeaterGT > Jayhawk Jake
11/02/2015 at 10:09

Kinja'd!!!0

Thanks for the laugh.