SO is letting me get a play car

"Straightsix9904" (Straightsix9904) 05/21/2015 at 13:45 • Filed to: None

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I recently had some car trouble and had to purchase a new car that my SO subsequently took. I had been saving up to buy a new car but not exactly the car we purchased. She now feels bad about making me drive a car that I hate and has authorized me to buy a new car. I plan on keeping this car for about 3 years and at that time I feel that I will be brushing up on the “Will It Baby” articles. So, let’s consider this as “Last Hurrah” car.

I do have a few requirements, budget is around $20k, can’t go much more as I just bought a JSW TDI. I also can’t afford $5k repair bills so V12 Mercedes and M3’s are kind of out. I also don’t want a HUGE depreciation hit in 3 years. It will be my daily as well, so it needs to be somewhat reliable. Obviously a manual would be nice, but not necessarily a necessity

Ideas:

Abarth 500 –

Pros - $15k will be well under budget

Cons – Will it be fun for 3 years or 3 months

BMW 330ci –

Pros Convertible fun

Cons – RWD in snowy state

Miata -

Pros – Miata is always the answer

Cons – no “emergency” back seat, RWD in snowy state

Any thing I’m missing?

Coty > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:47

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Pretty sure I lightly used FoST is about there.

CB > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:47

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I was going to suggest an RX-8, but then again, you said reliable.

Maybe an older WRX? Or an xi BMW?

Mattbob > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:47

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If it was within budget to get the 330ci with a spare set of snow wheels/tires, I would go with that in a second.

Straightsix9904 > CB 05/21/2015 at 13:51

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Rotary scares me. i just know NOTHING about apex seals and maintenance for one of “those”

Milky > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:52

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Friend has had an Abarth since last summer and its still fun. Also RWD in a snowy state goes under pro.

Straightsix9904 > Mattbob 05/21/2015 at 13:52

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Yeah, snow tires at $500 wouldn’t be a budget buster, but I don’t know if I want to drive a cloth top in 5 degree weather. The other thing is maintenance costs. I’m not too sure if they would b reak me in the end.

Straightsix9904 > Coty 05/21/2015 at 13:53

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hmmmm, I wonder what the depreciation hit would be over the next 3 years, If i bought for 20K I wonder if It would drop to 17 or 10K?

Brian Silvestro > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:54

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Alfa Romeo GTV

MAYBE an air-cooled 911

E28 M5

E34 M5

E39 M5

R32 GTR

Most STis

987 maybe

C5

AE86 GTS

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:54

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Let me put it to you this way. A redline a day makes the apex seals stay. Also, pick one up with a blown engine, invest in a rebuilt unit, throw it together, and you have what is like a brand-new RX-8 for under $10k.

Coty > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:55

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Go to a dealer and see if you can find lease residuals. Wouldn’t be exact but would give you an idea.

extraspecialbitter > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:55

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I just went through about 50 different acronyms before I realized what ‘SO’ meant... My mind went to... weird places. And even now, I’m pretty sure, but not 100% sure. ‘Significant Other’ right?

If the Miata is there, how about the S2000?

Mattbob > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:55

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you would have to balance that for sure. Would you do work yourself? I know at least older BMWs can be worked on fairly reasonably as long as nothing catastrophic breaks. Also, straight six is in your name. I am a fellow fan of straight 6’s

Jayhawk Jake > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:55

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Miata isn’t always the answer, we need to stop saying that...because C5 Corvette SHOULD be the answer.

And it is in this case. Under $15k, reliable, comfortable, dat LS V8 powah, good handling, values probably aren’t going down much, can carry lots of shit, has targa, gets good gas mileage.

CalzoneGolem > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 13:59

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Children do not necessitate a “last hurrah” unless you’re dead set on a 2 seater most things can baby.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:01

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If you’re even thinking about the Abarth, you have to try the FiST.

Straightsix9904 > extraspecialbitter 05/21/2015 at 14:03

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Haha, yeah...Significant Other. S2000? Interesting, a quick glance shows $15k is very doable and i doubt I would loose too much money, they are dead freakin reliable. I wonder if the no back seat thing would be a huge PITA since I’ve always driven cars with back seats, and 4 doors for that matter.

Straightsix9904 > CalzoneGolem 05/21/2015 at 14:05

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Yeah, but there is a huge difference between “Can” and “Convenient”, A Toyota MR2 “Can” go out in the snow. It really is a moot point, my wife would make me get rid of the car if it didn’t have 4 doors.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:06

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Let me warn you.. Abarth= MASSIVE depreciation

so you may be able to find a used one for quite cheap, but keep in mind it isnt holding value well

Civic SI? Find a slightly older one itll be manual and very reliable.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:06

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I have a Fiat 500 and two kids. For short distances, like dropping them off at school etc, it will baby. I’ve had mine 2 1/2 years now and it is STILL FUN! Every day DD.....My wife drives the big family car, so we do family business in that one, which is nice. Just thought you’d like to know.

Straightsix9904 > Coty 05/21/2015 at 14:07

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Wow, that is actually a great idea.

extraspecialbitter > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:07

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For $20k you could find one that’s been a garage queen with low milage. Go for it!

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:08

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Abarth. Do it.

I got the FieSTa because it’s more practical, and it’s my primary transportation (it’s also, in stock guise is a better performer than the Abarth) but the 500 has acres of character and makes me grin every time I see one, let alone ride in or drive it. with all the money you save on initial purchase a turbo and inter-cooler upgrade, suspension mods and such will insure that you don’t get bored in those 3 years.

John_Harbinson > Coty 05/21/2015 at 14:08

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What about a FiST? They’re around $20k new I think.

Coty > John_Harbinson 05/21/2015 at 14:09

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Haven’t driven one so I can’t endorse it myself but I hear they’re a lot of fun.

Straightsix9904 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 05/21/2015 at 14:09

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Yeah, i can find a used Abarth for $14,500 pretty easy. Which makes me think if I buy there I can’t loose THAT much money (famous last words)

Coty > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:09

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Your surprise that I had a great idea is mildly offenseive but you’re welcome.

cazzyodo > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:10

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Most used FoST in my area (at least) run around $20k...I know cuz I’ve been looking at my trade in values. To be fair, though, that’s for some spec’d out models.

Let me check my 5 year depreciation estimate I did before I bought mine. Had it two years so the end of my estimate would be perfect for you.

edit: my estimate had my car’s value at around $18,461 this month but looking at KBB and listings it sits at around $20k. Didn’t depreciate as quickly as I thought. My estimate for May 2018 is about $11,450. I didn’t use a linear depreciation curve but it’s just an estimate. Hope it helps, though.

Straightsix9904 > Mattbob 05/21/2015 at 14:11

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I would PROBABLY do the work myself, I say probably because I now have a job that requires significant time away and hours. Kind of sucks, I enjoy working on cars but logistics is a nightmare.

random001 > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:11

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WRX. Or if you're looking for sleeper fun in a family friendly package, 2010-2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. WRX drivetrain in a grown up body.

jjhats > Coty 05/21/2015 at 14:12

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my cpo 2013 was 16,500. they depreciate like crazy in the first two years. they are priced almost the same as newer ms3 and are arguably better cars

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > John_Harbinson 05/21/2015 at 14:13

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the FieSTa is a better performance car out of the box than the Abarth, it’s also more practical, but if you want a CAR! (spelled F-U-N!) the Abarth has so much going for it...

Mattbob > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:14

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Gotcha, those are the times when having a backup beater car is nice to have.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 05/21/2015 at 14:15

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This is a valid statement.

Jack Does Cars > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:15

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As much as I love the FoST, there is the “Oppo FoST Curse.”

Pretty spooky stuff, if I don’t say so myself.

chuck07 > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:17

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How about a 2011+ Mustang convertible.

You can find a used 5.0 coupe for right around 20k.

Or a v6. Here’s a v6 with a stick for right around 20k. 310 HP is more than anything else that you are looking at. Still under warranty.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

mazda616 > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:18

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MazdaSpeed 3! Hatchback practicality.

derf > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:24

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What Mattbob said. I’ve been driving a 330ci coupe for the last couple winters; it’s quite well behaved on winter rubber and when you find an empty parking lot you can turn off the traction control and do snownuts. :)

The convertible roof would be fine. Our summer car is an M3 cabrio (also E46) and while it spends the winters hiding away from the road salt now, it was purchased in the month of February. With heated seats, a wind deflector, and the side windows up you can even drive around with the top down (and collect some funny looks from people as you go by).

Uug > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:37

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Used WRX? Can be had for $20k and below. Fun car by all measures, practicality, extensive aftermarket if you want to go crazy, AWD for the snow. Will baby in 3 years time if you end up keeping it.

EVO 9? With some searching, clean/clean(ish) ones can be found. For all the same reasons as the WRX, plus I’m a sucker for them. EVO X is also an option, but 9 MR is where it’s at.

VW R32 (and the previous gen)? The previous gen R32 can be had with a stick, and dat noise tho. For the sake of not posting another picture, I’ll open this up to the regular GTI as well

S2000? Not as practical as the aforementioned vehicles, but it is reliable and vtec y0. You did have concerns about winter driving, though. If you keep it clean, it won’t depreciate that much.

C5 Z06? Contender for best power vs money spent. Massive aftermarket, and more power if you choose is also relatively cheap. Winter driving may be of concern

G35/350z? G35 is a bit more practical. Most either love or hate the sound it makes. Good power out of the box, etc.

Two Drink Minimum > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:39

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My experience is very close to yours. Last year we handed down our old Honda Fit to our two driving age boys, and I bought myself an Abarth as a fun dad car. The Abarth is an absolute hoot. This is a car that’s a blast to drive whether you are going slow or fast, and the noises are always intoxicating. As a winter car, it’s only OK. A good pair of snow tires is always a must, but the low clearance and light weight of the Abarth will create issues in deeper snow. If you can time your driving until streets are plowed, you’ll be fine.

I expect depreciation on three-year ownership is going to be a problem for you. I plan to keep my Abarth for at least 5-6 years, and then possibly hand it down to my daughter. In the meantime, I’m modding it for better performance and handling. A top-end tune + cold air intake runs about $1400, and gets well above 200whp. In a car the size of an Abarth, that is just bonkers.

CalzoneGolem > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 14:54

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I believe the answer to your problems is hot hatch.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 16:07

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Fiesta ST if you’re considering an abarth 500 will be slightly bigger, faster, and even more nimble PLUS if you act now you can do the octane academy before Miller Motorsports Park closes down.

OR if that has no appeal then get a 350/370Z. Both of these are in the low 20s or lower depending on age and trim. Obviously the older ones and non-nismo trims are cheapest. BUT - Nissan of canada has a base 370z you can get brand new for about 20,000 USD. That’s not a very loaded 370z, but that just means less to worry about.

Failing that, then I suggest a C4 corvette ZR1 or C5 Z06. The ZR1 is going to be appreciating soon and the C5 Z06 is bottoming out. Both will be higher in mileage but both will be hoots to blast around and pretty rock solid with their American lumps.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > CalzoneGolem 05/21/2015 at 16:08

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Or CTS-V.

CalzoneGolem > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/21/2015 at 16:09

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Hot Wagons FTMFW

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 17:10

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I recently had some car trouble and had to purchase a new car that my SO subsequently took.

I read that as “ear trouble” and was very confused at first.

Also, this ...oh, maintenance...then this

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 17:20

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Civic Si. They just don’t depreciate, and Honda’s manual transmission is second to none.

Straightsix9904 > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 05/21/2015 at 17:54

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DAT PORSCHE!!!! Oh man i didn't think they were that cheap! Is that a salvage?

Straightsix9904 > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 05/21/2015 at 17:56

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Eh, I just can't get over the fact that EVERYBODY in high school had one, like all the people you thought were cool but we're total douches, kind of what is turning me off a used GTI.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Straightsix9904 05/21/2015 at 17:59

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Honestly, no idea. I didn’t do too much research as I was just surprised to see it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some issue with it. Although I have seen some slightly newer 911’s going for under $25K so take that for what you will.

Actual Dealer Listing

MUSASHI66 > Straightsix9904 08/19/2015 at 17:53

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I just stumbled upon this and I am also looking for a toy car, and Abarth is my #1 choice. I test drove two used ones, 2012 model, under 20k miles for $14k and a 2015 with 6k miles for about $20k. I am waiting still for a really cheap one, for $12k or less, but the car is a blast and it makes me grin. What did you get?

Straightsix9904 > MUSASHI66 08/19/2015 at 18:01

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I was searching for a ZHP 330 ci manual in anything but silver. But some unfortunate expenses came up. I'm hoping to find another one Round the winter where I can shave $3k off the price.

MUSASHI66 > Straightsix9904 08/19/2015 at 18:12

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Good luck - my buddy drove a 330 xi and let’s just say that his extended warranty paid off - multiple times. That should be same or very similar engine, and his had coil issues on regular bases (IIRC)

f86sabre > Straightsix9904 01/02/2016 at 11:05

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I preach this around here, so it is kind of a broken record, but we baby wth a 2003 Evo VIII and a Mini Copper S. Our oldest is 8 and youngest is 5 and those are the only cars we have owned since they were born. They baby and kid just fine.