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Posted: 3/30/2022 11:18:08 PM EST
[#1]
Are you considering older jdm cars or no?
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Posted: 3/30/2022 11:21:59 PM EST
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are you considering older jdm cars or no? JDM? I’d like to keep it at a min 2005 and newer. |
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Posted: 3/30/2022 11:36:44 PM EST
[#3]
e43 M3 is usually my answer to this question. https://bringatrailer.com/bmw/e46-m3/
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Posted: 3/30/2022 11:56:06 PM EST
[#4]
Purpose of said car needed
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Posted: 3/31/2022 5:32:16 AM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Purpose of said car needed Fun!! And maybe a track day every once in a while |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 5:53:32 AM EST
[#6]
Used M2/M3?
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Posted: 3/31/2022 5:56:20 AM EST
[#7]
C5 Z06 or C6 Vette?
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Posted: 3/31/2022 6:02:50 AM EST
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: C5 Z06 or C6 Vette? this!!!! |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 6:04:21 AM EST
[#9]
Miata or GT86 will prove to be less hassle and cost. Neither are fast but they are fun
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:16:59 AM EST
[#10]
Too little info. For what purpose?
911 Corvette M3 Challenger. 
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:29:00 AM EST
[#11]
911
Corvette Others need not apply |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:37:24 AM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Miata or GT86 will prove to be less hassle and cost. Neither are fast but they are fun |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:46:09 AM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Too little info. For what purpose? 911 Corvette M3 Challenger. M3 is four door. OP, you may be able to find a higher mileage 2015 M4 in your price range. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:01:57 AM EST
[#14]
987.2 or 981 Cayman
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:25:09 AM EST
[#15]
C5 Z06 and C6s are the best bang for the buck.
Other than that youre looking at Porsche Caymans, M3/4s, new GR86 (with the Lotus on your record it doesnt seem you are too worried about power, more the experience). Vettes have the reliability, cost of ownership, and performance locked down pretty good in that price range. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:26:44 AM EST
[#16]
Thanks yall, basically Im looking for a replacement for my Elise. Something nimble and can be upgraded without breaking the bank, if its not good enough already. Also would take it on road trips so comfort (something the Elise didnt have) would be a factor. Occasional track days and autocross. I love the vettes but not really what Im looking for right now. That having been said if someone knows of a cheaper C8 Im all in!!
ETA, Im giving serious thought to the MX-5 RF or the 370Z. Im still open to other cars but those seem to be along the lines of what Im looking for |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:31:47 AM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Miata or GT86 will prove to be less hassle and cost. Neither are fast but they are fun Brand new Miata |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:35:38 AM EST
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks yall, basically Im looking for a replacement for my Elise. Something nimble and can be upgraded without breaking the bank, if its not good enough already. Also would take it on road trips so comfort (something the Elise didnt have) would be a factor. Occasional track days and autocross. I love the vettes but not really what Im looking for right now. That having been said if someone knows of a cheaper C8 Im all in!! ETA, Im giving serious thought to the MX-5 RF or the 370Z. Im still open to other cars but those seem to be along the lines of what Im looking for The MX-5 RF and the GR86 (little more roomy) are stellar. Personally I opt towards the GR86 as its just that little bit bigger. The updated power curve on the GR gets rid of that annoying torque dip the FRS had as well making it notably more fun in the mid range. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:38:14 AM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The MX-5 RF and the GR86 (little more roomy) are stellar. Personally I opt towards the GR86 as its just that little bit bigger. The updated power curve on the GR gets rid of that annoying torque dip the FRS had as well making it notably more fun in the mid range. I have a BRZ and I routinely park it next to a gen 2 Miata at work. The Miata makes my car look huge. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 10:28:11 AM EST
[#20]
40k can get you a nice C6Z06
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Posted: 3/31/2022 10:38:32 AM EST
[#21]
I suspect OP will leave disappointed.
Having just sold a Lotus, I suspect OP knows more about what a true sports car is than everyone here other than the guy who suggested Miata/GT86 because nothing else recommend in this thread is actually a sports car. 3,200lb muscle cars are not sports cars. GT cars are not sports cars. OP, why did you sell the Lotus. I came to this thread to recommend a Lotus. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 10:50:01 AM EST
[#22]
As a previous Miata owner and a current C6Z owner it sounds like you need to refine your use case. My Miata was tons of fun at autocross but frustrating on the track. The corvette is just the opposite.
While I would highly recommend a corvette, you need to know what you're getting into if you go for the C6Z. Unless you specifically want the LS7 (and the associated issues) a GS is probably a better choice. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 11:03:58 AM EST
[#23]
Original NSX. As easy to drive as a Civic. As fun as…an NSX.
It’s probably considered a bit of a dog these days, but it’s “fast enough for you, old man.” If the Miata idea interests you, at least go find a Monster Miata. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 11:18:40 AM EST
[#24]
Just picked up arguably one of the best last analog M cars. 2007 BMW Z4 M coupe. It is the most rigid car they ever made, too. Rides on rails.
30k. That said, I got it for that price because the S54 in it hasn't had the necessary rod bearings replaced and vanos bullet proofing, which will cost me 5k if I don't do it myself. You can find much more expensive examples with extremely low miles because the market is moving up on them. Only 1815 for USA. Those are the only 2 "things" to watch for getting into an S54 car from that era. Otherwise it's a venerable and celebrated NA inline 6 high revving race engine. Otherwise it has the E46 M3 drive train with CSL brakes and CSL fully hydraulic steering. They're all manual, too. Mine is even more "special" because it was specced with the premium package and carbon leather interior but WITHOUT the flip up nav system. Most of them had that, and, of course being first gen, it's garbage. Cars without it are desirable.  |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 11:53:40 AM EST
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Miata or GT86 will prove to be less hassle and cost. Neither are fast but they are fun Miata's are great. Clutch modulates great, gearbox throw is short and solid, breaks give you so much feedback, turns on rails, cheap to operate and if you shop around, you can drive it for a couple years and sell it for little if any loss. Good milage too. Make sure the cam belt gets changed on time (60k if I recall) and you're gtg. Don't get a retractable top, super heavy and throws off the perfect balance the car has. Miatas make up the largest percentage of race cars in the world. Cheap, fun, reliable. https://www.flyinmiata.com |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 12:00:11 PM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I suspect OP will leave disappointed. Having just sold a Lotus, I suspect OP knows more about what a true sports car is than everyone here other than the guy who suggested Miata/GT86 because nothing else recommend in this thread is actually a sports car. 3,200lb muscle cars are not sports cars. GT cars are not sports cars. OP, why did you sell the Lotus. I came to this thread to recommend a Lotus. Yeah I miss it man!! BUT it had doubled in price from when I bought it to used that for a down payment on a house!!  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 12:03:23 PM EST
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Just picked up arguably one of the best last analog M cars. 2007 BMW Z4 M coupe. It is the most rigid car they ever made, too. Rides on rails. 30k. That said, I got it for that price because the S54 in it hasn't had the necessary rod bearings replaced and vanos bullet proofing, which will cost me 5k if I don't do it myself. You can find much more expensive examples with extremely low miles because the market is moving up on them. Only 1815 for USA. Those are the only 2 "things" to watch for getting into an S54 car from that era. Otherwise it's a venerable and celebrated NA inline 6 high revving race engine. Otherwise it has the E46 M3 drive train with CSL brakes and CSL fully hydraulic steering. They're all manual, too. Mine is even more "special" because it was specced with the premium package and carbon leather interior but WITHOUT the flip up nav system. Most of them had that, and, of course being first gen, it's garbage. Cars without it are desirable. https://i.postimg.cc/4NCVjZLP/276051980_5315673635118138_7893421753336669698_n.jpg Ooohhh I forgot about those!! |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 4:41:19 PM EST
[#28]
S2000
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Posted: 3/31/2022 4:50:45 PM EST
[#29]
Cross posted somehow...
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Posted: 3/31/2022 5:19:52 PM EST
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: S2000 My first thought also. My buddy has one. It weights about the same as a potato chip and sticks to the road. Unlike his BMW cars he has only blown up the engine once on it. He finds the limits on a car at the track by exceeding them. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 6:11:12 PM EST
[#31]
I had some time after a dental and was near the Mazda deal. Checked out a mix-5 rf with cup trim. Man that’s a nice car! I hear a lot they are small but it’s practically palatial compared to the Elise. Now I need to find a 370Z, and a Z4 to check out local. Damn shame the new Lotus Emira won’t be out for a while and expansive.
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Posted: 3/31/2022 6:38:42 PM EST
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Fun!! And maybe a track day every once in a while Quote HistoryQuoted: Fun!! And maybe a track day every once in a while Quoted: e43 M3 is usually my answer to this question. https://bringatrailer.com/bmw/e46-m3/ Yup! 
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:15:39 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I had some time after a dental and was near the Mazda deal. Checked out a mix-5 rf with cup trim. Man that’s a nice car! I hear a lot they are small but it’s practically palatial compared to the Elise. Now I need to find a 370Z, and a Z4 to check out local. Damn shame the new Lotus Emira won’t be out for a while and expansive. FYI, many organizations won’t allow the Miata RF on track as you can’t add roll protection. And even if they did, you shouldn’t for safety reasons. I test drove a 370Z. It’s cramped inside, though compared to an Elise almost anything is bigger. Wasn’t terribly impressed overall. I ended up with a C5Z. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 7:16:35 PM EST
[#34]
Ahh that’s good to know on the rf
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:11:20 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: OP, why did you sell the Lotus. I came to this thread to recommend a Lotus. Yeah, I'm not sure where to go after Lotus unless you get an Ariel Atom or something. Especially an Elise, I'm also curious as to why you got rid of it as I've wanted one for years (nvm saw why). I'm looking in the same price range, but I've basically narrowed it down to Cayman, 86, Fiat 124 Abarth or Miata like everybody else. But I'm probably going with Corvette even though it's not a sports car. It still seems to be the best bang for the buck. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:21:51 PM EST
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I suspect OP will leave disappointed. Having just sold a Lotus, I suspect OP knows more about what a true sports car is than everyone here other than the guy who suggested Miata/GT86 because nothing else recommend in this thread is actually a sports car. 3,200lb muscle cars are not sports cars. GT cars are not sports cars. OP, why did you sell the Lotus. I came to this thread to recommend a Lotus. A Cayman is not a sports car? Ok. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:22:23 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 40k can get you a nice C6Z06 This. Rear wheel drive 6-speed manual 427c.i. (7 liter) V-8 making over 500hp with the ability to go way, way more for more for not a lot of money that turns and stops like a beast. Old white guy car? Pushrods? Not a German quality interior? No euro=snob pedigree? None of this matters after you drive it hard once. If you want a "sports car" and you have $40k a 370z is not going to cut it after you have tried this. I am telling you I know this first hand without telling you I know this first hand. All the Miatas, WRXs, S2000, Z cars and the like all feel wimpy no matter how much power they are pushed too, no matter how fast they are. Something about the light weight (3100lbs) and the massive low end from the Chevy LS V8s change everything. I have had a bunch of or driven just about all the cars already mentioned here and when I was looking for a fun car again I ended up with a super clean low miles 04 C5 Z06. The look, the motor, the way it feels, the way it moves just did it for me and I have never looked at a Corvette before. If it wasn't this car it had to be a C6 Z06. Drive one. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:31:18 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This. Rear wheel drive 6-speed manual 427c.i. (7 liter) V-8 making over 500hp with the ability to go way, way more for more for not a lot of money. Old white guy car? Pushrods? Not a German quality interior? No euro=snob pedigree? None of this matters after you drive it hard once. If you want a "sports car" and you have $40k a 370z is not going to cut it after you have tried this. I am telling you I know this first hand without telling you I know this first hand. All of this. I was in my late 20s when I started looking for a miata replacement and the corvette was at the bottom of the list due to its old man status until I drove it. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:34:00 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All of this. I was in my late 20s when I started looking for a miata replacement and the corvette was at the bottom of the list due to its old man status until I drove it. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: This. Rear wheel drive 6-speed manual 427c.i. (7 liter) V-8 making over 500hp with the ability to go way, way more for more for not a lot of money. Old white guy car? Pushrods? Not a German quality interior? No euro=snob pedigree? None of this matters after you drive it hard once. If you want a "sports car" and you have $40k a 370z is not going to cut it after you have tried this. I am telling you I know this first hand without telling you I know this first hand. All of this. I was in my late 20s when I started looking for a miata replacement and the corvette was at the bottom of the list due to its old man status until I drove it. I edited my post for spelling and more info while you were posting! Glad we are in agreement. The Z06 cars just hit different. |
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Posted: 3/31/2022 8:57:46 PM EST
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 911 Corvette Others need not apply 996 |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 6:29:10 AM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: S2000 S2000, M3, C6 or C7, Z4, Miata |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 6:32:44 AM EST
[#42]
Just a note, the Corvette feels huge compared to the lotus. S2000 for a toy is your answer. I’ve owned all three and I keep the Honda. Third one.
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Posted: 4/1/2022 7:12:22 AM EST
[#43]
GR86…perfectly balanced, nimble, easy on consumables due to weight, and below budget.
It’s basically a Miata for non gays. |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 8:14:44 AM EST
[#44]
I had a 240sx 20 years ago (before they were ricers), had an s2000 for a bit after that, and a BRZ in 2018. I drive cars I can’t afford at work all the time and always missed the power in my “small fun cars”.
If I have a weekend car again it will be a 911, old or new, who knows. Almost bought a 996 instead of the BRZ but the prices had just started to creep back up on the 4s by then. Should have sucked it up and bought the Porsche, I’d still have that in the garage instead of a gym
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Posted: 4/1/2022 8:54:28 AM EST
[#45]
New corolla GR???
Or scatpack challenger. 
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Posted: 4/1/2022 9:17:20 AM EST
[#46]
Quoted: Sold my Lotus a while back and am getting ready fo another sports car. In yalls opinion what are the models to look at with a cap of 40k? Miata |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 10:18:39 AM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I had a 240sx 20 years ago (before they were ricers), had an s2000 for a bit after that, and a BRZ in 2018. I drive cars I can’t afford at work all the time and always missed the power in my “small fun cars”. If I have a weekend car again it will be a 911, old or new, who knows. Almost bought a 996 instead of the BRZ but the prices had just started to creep back up on the 4s by then. Should have sucked it up and bought the Porsche, I’d still have that in the garage instead of a gym Which did you like better, S2000 or BRZ? |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 10:27:32 AM EST
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My first thought also. My buddy has one. It weights about the same as a potato chip and sticks to the road. Unlike his BMW cars he has only blown up the engine once on it. He finds the limits on a car at the track by exceeding them. A buddy of mine has a supercharged S2000 that is an absolute beast on the track. Sticks like glue and is pretty reliable, minus some teething issues with shoehorning a supercharger on it. |
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Posted: 4/1/2022 10:36:04 AM EST
[#49]
s2000 .....hands down
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Posted: 4/1/2022 10:39:43 AM EST
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A Cayman is not a sports car? Ok. Well it weighs 1,100 pounds more than my Porsche 914 
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