bergx7

I have been thinking about buying a Miata, S2000, Boxster, etc. as a weekend kick around car. I want something older that I wont have to worry about, and am leaning toward a drop top but could do either. The issue is I am too damn tall to fit in anything (6'5").

So

What should I buy? I can do a classic or something newer and would pay up to $30k if the car was worth it and would retain value. Part of me just wants a $8k miata beater with the seats bolted to the floor.

So, what weekend beater do you recommend?

Sebaflex

E46 M3

/thread

christallon

I've always enjoyed Miata's. I like S2000's too, but they have begun marching north in price, and are hard to find that have not been modded beyond acceptability. Boxsters are also cool and fun to drive. I still love how light and cheap to fix the Miata's are. Hard to beat these.

993GT

I really like Boxster's, although the Boxster is 'better', IMO the Miata is the way to go... fun and dirt cheap to run= win

tcsracing1

Z3

misterwaterfall

Miata is always the answer for a cheap sports car. You could probably get a spec car for that

eyedi27

Friend just bought a used NB. He owns multiple bmws including two e30s but it looks like as for driving exp he prefer miata. Only downside for him is that he is too tall for the car. So he is afraid it might kill him when it rollover.

RajDatta

968 cabriolet.
Rare, reliable and 6ft 5inch should be no problem at all. Add to that an appreciation curve.

Igooz

In 1991 I bought a Miata and drove it for 2 years. It was really a great car and I would highly recommend it if the small size works for you.
It lead to my first Porsche a new '93 RSA.

bergx7

yea kind of a concern of mine too...

jonwb

Miatas are great. We've had an NB for many years. That said you'll never fit in one. I'm 5'9" and my wife is a bit shorter. We fit fine. However I have a buddy who is currently working through the process of turning his NA into a dedicated track car. He's 6' and has had to do quite a bit of work to fit comfortably (specifically due to height from helmet).

Boxsters are great cars... I had a '00 S for about 8 years (sold to buy GT3). To me the only downside is IMS worries. If you can live w/ that its a no-brainer. [EDIT: you'll never fit in one of those either! Maybe the 987 variety, but for sure not a 986. Might need to try some out.]

wolfgang1

https://rennlist.com/forums/vehicle-...low-miles.html

shameless plug

Turns out wife and I aren't really convertible people. Bought this last year because I've always liked them.

This is a no stories low mile car.

Would like to see it go to a RLer

misterwaterfall

I'm 6'3" and race spec Miata without issue. That was in a na. Later cars have even more room.

onelove

Agree 100%. That's been my answer to a lot of people when they ask 20k,25k,30k I just keep saying find the most expensive well maintained E46 M3 (preferably Comp package) that you can afford.

eyedi27

Well personally I have bought an E30 325is for fun everyday driver's car. It was fun enough for me to drive around town and has that classic 80s look. Only downside is that I bought the car for 1300 but spent probably around 10 times around that money to get everything refreshed. This including new clutch, new brakes, exterior paint (cheap one) interior redone, almost all mechanical things sorted out. If you can find one for around 8k, I am pretty sure it is fun cult classic car. Pros are parts are all readily available and pretty cheap even more parts out there than Miatas. Cons are it's BMW so who knows what will break next.