My Wife is Awesome

"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
08/20/2019 at 11:24 • Filed to: None

After coming to the realization that I !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ,which is something that’s important to me, I brought it up to Mrs. Arrivederci in passing while we were out grabbing drinks while the little one was being watched by her Opa.

She was surprisingly receptive to the idea of me looking for something fun! I won’t call it a full on green light given how busy we are over the next couple of months, but maybe a yellow light, hah.

Given my previous ownership of a NC Miata, that’s probably where I’d like to end back up, but I’d also be interested in a NB2, despite the tighter cabin.

Yes, I’m aware that’s a NB1.

I’m primarily looking for something fun to drive on the weekends that will be competitive at autocross. I haven’t participated in a full season with our local group since winning STX in my old BRZ and would like to get back into it.

Given that the kiddo’s daycare costs more than a new 911 would over 60 months, I’m trying to keep the costs down on this endeavor, in the neighborhood of $5-7k. Requirements are: fun to drive, competitive at autocross, manual and RWD.

I’ve found a number of NBs and NCs, though sorting through them to find truly nice ones is more of a challenge. I missed out on a really nice 2006 LE for less than $6k.

Anything else I should consider at that pricepoint ?

DISCUSSION (18)

nerd_racing > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 11:44

6 speed manual cars are a hoot and transmissions last longer.

DutchieDC2R > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 11:51

I’d call it a flickering yellow light at the railroads. It means the train can pass at max 40 km/h, which sounds like Mrs.’ reaction. A yellow light for cars would, naturally, mean that you should stop if you still have the time/chance, in Holland anyways.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 11:54

I’m partial to German things, so for $5-7 K; I’d look at boxsters; 2.5 or 2.7 models.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 12:00

Maybe if you could find an MR2 in decent shape?

Khalbali > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 12:03

I would maybe go for the 5 speed NC, I’ve heard it’s better for autocross with more speed in 2nd. I had a 6 speed but never autocrossed it, I basically never used 5th though it was stupid.

Montalvo > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 12:11

I will always suggest the Mustang. So much fun and the noise it makes never gets old. I picked up my 89' for a little over 4 grand and it hasn't disappointed. It will forever be my mischiefmobile.

Arrivederci > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/20/2019 at 12:44

I was never a huge fan of the 986/996.

Arrivederci > Montalvo
08/20/2019 at 12:45

Interesting proposition. I might need to see what sort of V8 Mustangy goodness my budget could provide.

Arrivederci > Khalbali
08/20/2019 at 12:46

I wouldn’t kick a 5-speed out of bed, and I have heard the longer second gear does help out with autocross.

Arrivederci > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
08/20/2019 at 12:47

MR2 or MR-S might be interesting too. The latter with the 2ZZ swap would be a hoot.

t0ast > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 12:57

MR2 Spyder might also be worth considering if you can find a decent deal and can live with even more limited cargo space. One of our local autocrossers has been developing one for ES over the last year or so and has been doing shockingly well with it on a regular basis. Like top 5% PAX or better at every event good.

Arrivederci > t0ast
08/20/2019 at 13:04

Wow - that’s a great result. Cargo space really doesn’t matter at all, as this will just be an extra car for weekend fun .

Montalvo > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 13:12

I am guessing you could get up to a really clean 04 GT with that budget. I prefer the foxbody compared to the sn95 though. Both platforms share quite a bit although foxbodies don’t need to do emissions testing anymore as they’re over 25 years old (at least in NY) . I stripped out most of my interior and put in R ecaro and Corbeau race seats. Aftermarket support is still very healthy.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 13:13

Well then, ignore me. But congrats on getting the green-ish light!

Arrivederci > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/20/2019 at 13:20

Great suggestion, just not for me.

t0ast > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 13:56

I definitely got along well with my ‘07's 5-speed for autocross. It could tickle 62 MPH if given a chance while the 6-speeds were stuck around 52-53 MPH (add about 3 MPH for ‘09+ cars with the higher redline). That said, I don’t think the suspension+LSD package was ever available with the 5-speed trims (thus making that modification a ticket straight to STR) , so there’s that to consider as well...

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Arrivederci
08/20/2019 at 22:02

Good to hear that your wife has your mental health in mind! What about an 86/BRZ? Are they still too expensive?

Arrivederci > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
08/21/2019 at 07:58

They are - I also already had one and don’t really want another.