Can you think of a better sports car bargain than a 911?

[cantdrv55]

I used to think the Miata is the way to go for bang-for-the-buck. It's easy to drive, handles great, has an efficient and modern HVAC, fun to autox and track (from what I've heard) and is quite cheap. However, it is just that, cheap. It just doesn't have the cache of the 911. What other car in the same category as the 911 can be had for the same price?

[Dantilla]

The Miata is a great value. I've got one. Hard top, soft top, leather, power everything, air conditioning that makes 911 drivers weep, all for $4500. An absolute hoot, and it attracts zero attention. A great daily driver.

[cantdrv55]

I agree with everything you said but, around here, no one bats an eye at a Miata but my 911 turns heads.

[jasonmx5]

+1 on the Miata.

I Just sold my miata to get my 911. Would have kept it if I have a place to keep both. Great autocross car, super-reliable, inexpensive, easy-to-work on, huge aftermarket, the list goes on and on.

[frogger]

I think a Cooper S would be a fun driving car that's not too pricey.

[DARISC]

I believe that if it had been Porsche rather than Mazda who'd marketed the Miata, we and the rest of the automotively interested would be swooning over it and that it would have the Porsche cache and attract the attention that other Porsches do - great little car (would you rather shift a 915 or a Miata box?).

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

I agree with everything you said but, around here, no one bats an eye at a Miata but my 911 turns heads.

So your an attention whore?

[haycait911]

FUN vs. COST vs. NOT 'run of the mill'

OK, I'm man enough to say it. I really miss my '73 914 2.0. a lot of unique bang for the buck.

[tab tanner]

The 914 get my vote, also the the 944 turbo is a fine car as well in the lower price range like the Miata

[911 in SC]

I have a Miata that I drive daily too. Very easy car to drive at 8 or 9/10ths.

Much like the 911, it most certainly is purpose-built. Two types of people drive a Miata - the hairdresser crowd and those that really 'get it'.

I like the Mini too, but they certainly hold their value.

[911Rob]

I've owned a half dozen Nissan "Z" cars.... they're fun to drive and very much a sports car.
I'd never go back from the Porsche though.

240Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

I agree with everything you said but, around here, no one bats an eye at a Miata but my 911 turns heads.

Where I live, my 930 doesn't raise an eyebrow. Except amongst parking lot attendants. They're the only ones who consistently tell me I have a nice car.

I vote for the Miata as the best bang for the buck. A fraction (1/4? 1/5?) of the cost of a 911, but certainly not a fraction of the fun.

[mikez]

Miata's are fine.....if yer a hairdresser.

Crud....someone beat me to it.


Yeah, cheap, easy, bullet proof, but still a chick's car....

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by mikez

Miata's are fine.....if yer a hairdresser.
Yeah, cheap, easy, bullet proof, but still a chick's car....

How rude of you to b SOOO gauche! I think they are simply fabulous and a marvelously precious (dare I say "cute") little car! Where on EARTH are you COMING from? (men can be SUCH brutes!).

[mikez]

Ya need a splint for yer wrist there, sweety?

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by mikez

Ya need a splint for yer wrist there, sweety?

Oh, you are SUCH a brute!!!

[dd74]

If all one has to do to a 911 for 300,000 miles, is change oil, valve adjust, tires and brakes, then it's a fantastic value.

As to the Miata, someone told me the Lotus Elan was studied aesthetically to produce the Miata, but as to durability, the Porsche was a huge consideration.

BTW: in L.A., home of the Miata (actually, it was first designed in Pasadena), one can pick up a reasonably well-kept Miata for $1,000.

[summers3d]

I agree with many of my fellow pelicanites: guy driving a miata = gay guy driving a miata. No offense to our gay friends and relatives, but it's true. It's actually true for any convertable/guy combination, even 911's to some extent. Maybe not gay with a 911, but definetly in touch with your not-so-masculine side. I know I will offend a large part of the people here, but you gotta keep it real. Maybe the convertable guys are just more enlightened...? I will never know.
-David

[Dantilla]

There is a recent thread over on the Miata board about how cool Porsches sound. Several of the Miata guys say they like to stick close to Porsches just to listen. They pretty much have nothing but good things to say about us.

[mikez]

Cabriolet with a roll bar....NOT GAY....