$10,000 thread for the rest of us, Miata Vs Z3 Vs ?

[scottmandue]

Saw a Z4 on the way to work of course I was happy for that person to be able to enjoy such a fine automobile

The $45K car thread got me thinking....

Not that I have even $10K to spend on a toy (don't have $2K to get my 944 running)... but if I did...

Really like the Z3, but then I have heard the Mazdaspeed turbo Miata is quite a bit of fun to drive.

But just for giggles, what do ye of PPOT think the best fun car you could get for $10?

I'm thinking a Boxster at that price point will be very high miles and not very good condition.

[Tobra]

Either an S2000 or a Mazdaspeed Miata, might have to look a bit to find either one at your price point, but it is doable

[scottmandue]

Always liked the S2000, wife is not a big fan (don't know why) and she probably wouldn't be driving it anyway.

On the other hand she is a big fan of the Miata so it would be an easy sell... and she doesn't need to know it would be the turbo

[skunked]

S2K for $10K might be a stretch but I really like the 6 speed with 9K rpm rev limit.

always thought the miata was chick car from an appearance perspective.

[UconnTim97]

My friend just got a late '90s Z3 with 50k miles for around $10,000. It is an immaculate car inside and out.
I would gladly get one if I had $10,000 burning a hole in my pocket right now.

[kaisen]

Cue Porschephile voting SLK in, four.....three.....two....

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Either an S2000 or a Mazdaspeed Miata, might have to look a bit to find either one at your price point, but it is doable

I sat in the s2000 once and my left elbow when I rested it on the left door , it was sitting next to my ear. I feel like I am sitting too low. Not comfortable.
The Mazda feels good but too small relative to other cars/trucks. That is one reason I sold my 99 Miata and got the Boxster. Z3/Z4 is intriguing but does not have the looks of a Boxster. The BMW GT Z Mcoupe fastback is interesting but way too much $$$$.

[Amail]

If price is a concern, then you have to consider the cost of maintenance too. Without a doubt, Miata. LOTS of aftermarket goodies, easy to work on, reliable.

[rnln]

Probably the look. it looks fantastic but the 911 looks more mature. Maybe that's why.

Originally Posted by scottmandue

wife is not a big fan (don't know why) and she probably wouldn't be driving it anyway.

[MikeSid]

I'll take door number 3.
For $10K, I'll take a clean original 1972-73 Datsun 240 Z.

[scottmandue]

Poked around on autotrader... found a 100K miles 2000 Boxster for $10K...

Of course I would be left wondering is I should have saved a little more and got an "S".

[algs911]

The 2.5 Boxsters with high mileage are around 10k now. I have a friend who bought a new 2.5 Boxster back in 1999. In all honesty, it's pretty darn slow and has not aged well. It's held up just find though with 140k miles.

I'd go for an S2k or a Mazdaspeed Miata (or, heck, a regular Miata and use the extra money to add performance).

Al

[onewhippedpuppy]

I paid $7500 for a 1999 Boxster in mint condition with 60k. With a little shopping they're easy to find under $10k, and I think about the best sports car deal going.

S2000 for $10k will be a really rough or high mileage example, if you like doing low torque high revs the RX8 is a great car. Also hard to find a Mazdaspeed Miata at that price. Other suggestions not mentioned:

968
951
944 S2
E36 M3 if you don't mind the cheap interior
E34 M5
Toyota MR Spyder
M Roadster
WRX

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by MikeSid

I'll take door number 3.
For $10K, I'll take a clean original 1972-73 Datsun 240 Z.

I haven't shopped these but I think they fall into the 70's "classic car" category and thus people are asking for a lot of $$$ for them.

M3 is an interesting option, what years did the E36 run?

Also wonder what $10K would buy in a Corvette... heck if I'm not afraid of the girly miata talk I won't be bothered by the mullet vette talk.

[LSA]

90's Merc SL500/600 right around 10k unfortunately only availible in auto. Never driven one just love how they look maybe one day.

[Jim Bremner]

$10k would but a nice late 80's or early 90's C4 corvette or a BEAT C5 corvette. I came to post 240/260 z as well. You might pick up a nice 2nd gen M3 or a worn 3rd gen rx7

[DanielDudley]

I bought a supercharged NA Miata for way less than 10,000. Had about 50K on the odometer.

Very fun car. I have driven Porsches that are more fun, but I have driven plenty that were less fun.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

I sat in the s2000 once and my left elbow when I rested it on the left door , it was sitting next to my ear. I feel like I am sitting too low. Not comfortable.

That is precisely why I am currently rolling in a turbo miata, much to my wife's chagrin

Speaking of which, I need to go burn more of the shoulders off those tires right now.

[slow&rusty]

E36 m3

[msk1986911]

I bought a 2005 S2000 shortly after I sold my 86 911. The Honda handled very tightly, but had a more harsh ride than the 911. Also, the road noise was overwhelming. After 1.5 years I was done and sold the car for about what I paid. Nice car but not for me at this point in time....perhaps I will head back to a Porsche after my kids are out of school, for now, econo cars will do.

Mike