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  Jan. 6, 2011 8:57 a.m. JeffT New Reader

  Looking for something that is fun to drive for short money, or is a good value. A car that I wouldn't have to upgrade, repair or restore. Basically a dependable driver that I can handle some spirited driving and autocross. With a budget of 10k.

  Considering:

  Mazda MX-5 BMW Z3

  ...Your thoughts.

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  Jan. 6, 2011 10:15 a.m. Tom Heath Webmaster

  You've made solid nominations; any of them should accomplish your mission.

  Personally, I lean toward the Miata from a value perspective. They are more fun in modified guise, so the Z3/Z4 might make a better choice if you're looking to keep it stock.

  I'd love an Elise, but they seem to be a one-trick pony. Luckily it's a pretty fantastic trick, so if you have the space in your garage for a car that's only good at raising the hair on the back of your neck...

  I tried drag racing, but kept blowing the apex for turn 2... Xbox Live gamertag— GRM Tom

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  Jan. 6, 2011 10:24 a.m. André Rousseau Dork

  911

  1968 Triumph GT6 Mk1

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  Jan. 6, 2011 11:15 a.m. Ian F Dork

  Did you mean to post on the GRM board?

  The answer is always Miata.

  I was in a similar situation a year or so ago and had to chose between a Miata and an E30... SWMBO hates Japanese cars, so I ended up with an E30...

  In hindsight, I made the wrong choice as I didn't realize an E30 is not a very good auto-x car unless well ($$$$) modified. Whereas a Miata is a good auto-x car in stock form.

  So it depends some on your priorities. For me, a competitive auto-x car was high on the list and as nice as my E30 is (a tastefully modified, well-kept original), I've been very disappointed.

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  Jan. 6, 2011 6:05 p.m. racerdave600 HalfDork

  I've recently found that Z4's are very reasonable...I need to quit looking.... Having driven both Z3's and 4's, I find the 4's are better in almost every way.
  

  I can't believe I'm saying this, but in stock form, I much prefer them over a Miata...and I've had 6 of them so far....

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  Jan. 6, 2011 7:59 p.m. Dave_Jorgensen New Reader

  We love our turbo Miata, but with the price of good 3.0 Z3's now around $12,000, I'd certainly look at the Beemer.

  Here's ours: http://classicmotorsports.net/reader-rides/1635/

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  Jan. 7, 2011 10:12 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

  $3500. It's not everyone's cup of tea but fits your requirements. I've never had one as a primary vehicle, but for every thing else it's just fine.

  http://www.914world.com/index.php

  

  BMW -- You don't need a hibachi to cook rice.

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  Jan. 7, 2011 3:54 p.m. Ian F Dork

  In reply to 914Driver:

  How do 914's do in the rain? Specifically in the weather-proofing dept with regards to the top and window seals?

  SWMBO loves her Spitfire, but it bugs her that she constantly frets over the weather reports before taking the car anywhere.

  She has expressed some interest in 914's.

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  Jan. 7, 2011 4:38 p.m. JeffT New Reader

  Thanks for the replies.

  I deleted my consideration for the Lotus Elise because of budget. The 911 Porsche seems to be in the same $25k price range.
  

  I can't fit in the Porsche 914. I tried one on for size (to tall). The 928 Porsche is a different within the 10K price range.

  More interested in a light weight turbo charged car, than a heavy big block car.

  My other concern is I want a dedicated driver. Something that I wouldn't need to detail every time I take it out.

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  Jan. 7, 2011 8:26 p.m. tr8todd Reader

  You can get a real nice modified TR8 for under 10K. Ask anybody that's ever had one, and they will tell you what a great car they are.

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  Jan. 7, 2011 9:41 p.m. KaptKaos Reader

  In reply to Ian F:

  How do 914's do in the rain? Specifically in the weather-proofing dept with regards to the top and window seals?

  All of the seals are available new. See http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=91029 If'n you can't find it, Mikey will make it.

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  Jan. 7, 2011 11:51 p.m. oldtin Dork

  Boxster, 951 (944 turbo) at the top end or miata

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  Jan. 8, 2011 9:08 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

  This is my seconld 914, never had a problem.

  Dan

  BMW -- You don't need a hibachi to cook rice.

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  Jan. 8, 2011 2:49 p.m. Ian F Dork

  KaptKaos wrote: All of the seals are available new. See http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=91029 If'n you can't find it, Mikey will make it.

  I had no doubt pretty much anything on the car is available. I'm curious about weather resistance. One can put all new seals around the top of a Spitfire, but that doesn't mean you won't get wet during a decent rain.

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  Jan. 8, 2011 4:52 p.m. KaptKaos Reader

  Ian F wrote: I had no doubt pretty much anything on the car is available. I'm curious about weather resistance. One can put all new seals around the top of a Spitfire, but that doesn't mean you won't get wet during a decent rain.

  With new seals, they're as tight as a drum! The fiberglass tops sit snugly, and keep the weather out.

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  Jan. 9, 2011 7:11 p.m. Andy Reid Auction Editor

  I guess I am that one guy that would go with the Z3. I like them very much. I like the styling and I like the upgraded materials over the ones used in the Miata. I being tall am also much more comfortable in a Z3 than in a Miata. I would look for one of the 1996 Neiman Marcus 007 edition cars as they are within that budget and are could actually be worth more than 10 grand in a few years. I actually really like the 1.9 L 4 cylinder cars.

  The Boxster is a good choice as well.

  There is always a 1st generation Mini Cooper S as well. Fun cars and cheap to run.

  Also the bit about the TR8 being a great car is very true. They will deliver on many levels and super nice ones are available for 10 grand. Do remember they are an older car but I still feel they are a decent place to stash 10 grand(or less).

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  Jan. 9, 2011 7:26 p.m. DneprDave Reader

  So what if your 914 leaks, it can't be that bad. Heck, I drove my MGB without a top for a year, rain and shine, if you stay above 45 MPH, the rain stayed out of the cockpit!

  Dave

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