Help pick my next car

"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
05/18/2020 at 08:21 • Filed to: None

Need a newish, small, fun, reliable (i.e., not going to spend $$ on repairs every year) car as a DD. Alternatives to Miata? Fiat 500 Abarth? I rented one of those for a weekend a couple of years ago, and it seemed fun to toss around but I am not sure about reliability (Fiat! ). Hadn’t really ever looked for a car like this before given my All-American desire for as much HP as possible, so please give me some help and crowdsource me a car . Thanks!

DISCUSSION (15)

Shane Moore > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 10:44

Toybaru twins, I rented a BRZ off Turo for a business trip. It seemed like the perfect “ for fun” DD. It is mellow around town, but also really fun to ring out to redline. T he higher rpms are really fun but don’t feel stressed. Plus plenty of room to upgrade the features you don’t like. Or find a good condition S2000 my most regretted sale.

WildlyMild > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 10:54

65 year old dad has a 2014(?) 500 abarth. Random problems and cheap build but he still likes it. I'm with the s2000 or nissan 350z / infinity for reliability and highway cruisability. City beater probably fiat

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 11:08

After seeing a friend of mine hoon his BRZ/FRS/86 around a track last week, I would also recommend it. It is lacking in power, but is very light and very chuckable. THAT SAID, I’m not sure on reliability. It is a Subaru flat-four and “Subaru” and “r eliability” aren’t usually used in the same sentence without the word “lack of” in between .

Also the Miata RF is a good alternative... even if it is still a Miata. Or, as you’ve pictured, the Fiat 124 as it is still build by the Japanese and just has a silly Italian hat on.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
05/18/2020 at 11:18

It’s a Fiat motor - I wonder about the electronics.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
05/18/2020 at 11:20

Looks like it really might just be just the motor and the body.

https://www.autoblog.com/2015/11/18/fiat-124-spider-mazda-mx5-miata-comparison-feature/

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/18/2020 at 11:24

Oh weird. I assumed same motor with maybe a little Italian dressing.

avalonian > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 11:30

370z or G37. Nice quick can be had with manual and solid DD status.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
05/18/2020 at 11:36

Nope - needed the braps.

I think the Miata sounds better.

Beefchips > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 11:43

How about a V eloster? I rented the non-turbo version recently and it was a hoot, I bet the turbo one is super fun . I’m also pretty sure they are the only cars available with 3 doors.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/18/2020 at 11:50

Ha! Yeah I dunno... if there is 5HP between the NA and the Turbo engines I think I’d rather have the NA? Without looking at the power curves I’d think you’d have more power available more of the time...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
05/18/2020 at 12:12

Quite a bit more torque with the turbo, of course.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/18/2020 at 12:23

True

NojustNo > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 13:16

My suggestion is not the most exciting but a good dd. How about a last gen mazda 3 hatch with a manual?

The current gen lost some handling movie as they changed the suspension.

Maybe in that lovely red with a 6 speed and 2.5l motor (if you can find one so equipped)?

https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mazda_mazda3_2017

wkiernan > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
05/18/2020 at 15:17

Having sat in both an RF and a regular ragtop I’d definitely prefer the ragtop. The RF is better-looking from outside, but the big permanent blind-spots make it seem claustrophobic from the driver’s seat. I f you live in a place that sees a lot of snow and you want to drive your Miata all year long, you may prefer the hardtop, but I live in Florida where I don’t need a hardtop, but I do need a functioning air-conditioner.

t0ast > haveacarortwoorthree2
05/18/2020 at 18:21

I’d also have to chime in for the Toyobaru. The 2013 FR-S w/ 90k miles and regular autocross use in our household is still going strong and hasn’t really given us any mechanical trouble. It’s not crazy fast, but it’s still decently quick if you keep the revs up. It’s remarkably well-sorted right out of the box and has s urprisingly good seats (YMMV, of course) and fuel economy as well.

If going the Miata route, NCs (2009+ for best mechanicals) are a good bargain and only some modest suspension upgrades away from handling greatness. Pretty simple and reliable mechanically (including the power hard top) with a well-developed aftermarket. That said, it’s hard to argue with the ND if they fall into your price range...