Ideas for Second "Fun Car"

[Ryan_Cunningham]

So my wife recently agreed to me putting a second motorcycle in the garage next to my 1978 BMW R80 café-scrambler which sits aside my 1972 911. As I began browsing Ducati Panigales she later admitted that the idea of a sportbike scares her even though I've owned an 1198 prior to her being a part of my life, and a KTM RC8R during our last time living in San Diego. So she said, "Why don't you just get another car instead?"

I wasn't exactly disappointed to hear that statement.

That being said, I'm looking for something sporty, ideally two small back seats so my nearly 3 year old daughter could join for weekend trips up the coast (my 911 has a full cage and no rear seats), and fairly reliable. With that said, I'm pretty much open to anything unique.

Budget would probably be $15-30k, potentially more if I decided to off-load my low mileage '03 Land Rover Discovery 2, but then that car would have to provide about half of my daily driving.

Currently looking at 996s, Caymans, Z4 Coupes, 60's Mustangs, etc... There doesn't seem to be many 2+2s anymore. Anything in particular that I'm missing? I've never been a fan of four door sedans.

[flipper35]

Brz?

[unclebilly]

Civic TypeR?
Focus RS?
Golf R?
STI?

[Nickshu]

Golf R
BRZ

[Ryan_Cunningham]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Brz?

Originally Posted by unclebilly

Civic TypeR?
Focus RS?
Golf R?
STI?

Originally Posted by Nickshu

Golf R
BRZ

Never been keen on Japanese imports when it comes to sports cars.

[flipper35]

A Mustang is actually a decently fun car, other than the Mustang II. They take a lot of work to make fun.

[silverc4s]

Arcimoto.com

Perfect for San Diego

[ckelly78z]

BMW 3 series M convertible. My wife has a 2003 325 CI convertible, (not an M) and even with only 175 HP, it is still spirited, tossable and fun.

[Ryan_Cunningham]

Originally Posted by flipper35

A Mustang is actually a decently fun car, other than the Mustang II. They take a lot of work to make fun.

Yeah, I am actually kind of leaning towards a '65-67. Just not sure how wise it is to have my three toys be 40-55 years old...

Originally Posted by silverc4s

Arcimoto.com

Perfect for San Diego

Haha.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by Ryan_Cunningham

Never been keen on Japanese imports when it comes to sports cars.

I thought you were looking for something unique... The Golf R and Focus RS are some of the most unique Japanese imports...

[gary1101]

The most fun car that I have had was a vintage Mini. They are affordable. Every part is available in the US and they are very upgradable power wise. I upgraded the engine to 1380cc that dynoed out at 116hp. In a 1,400 pound car it was quite fun.

[ted]

Good family car and you would look cool parked next to your jet.
2 door, American, smog exempt.

[911boost]

If you are seriously looking for an early Mustang, get a fastback.

A newer Mustang or GT500 Shelby from the last generation would be a ton of fun as well.

[pwd72s]

Might have trouble finding a nice '65='66 'Stang fastback and still make that budget..

Ditto on any Nomad...that '55 looks especially sweet. But yes, very cool and fun. Dunno how sporty tho...neither deliver a lot of performance.

Maybe something on the not fast but funky side? Early 50's Chevy sedan delivery, something like that?

[racer]

Originally Posted by Ryan_Cunningham

That being said, I'm looking for something sporty, ideally two small back seats so my nearly 3 year old daughter could join for weekend trips up the coast (my 911 has a full cage and no rear seats), and fairly reliable. With that said, I'm pretty much open to anything unique.

Budget would probably be $15-30k, potentially more if I decided to off-load my low mileage '03 Land Rover Discovery 2, but then that car would have to provide about half of my daily driving.

Currently looking at 996s, Caymans, Z4 Coupes, 60's Mustangs, etc... There doesn't seem to be many 2+2s anymore. Anything in particular that I'm missing? I've never been a fan of four door sedans.

The SUV has killed 2 doors in general and 2+2's even more.

That said and you think you need a back seat / 2+2:

if Porsche: 911/944 (base,S,S2,Turbo )/968/928

if German: BMW (3 or 6 or 8 series) ; Mercedes CLK - regular or AMG ; if going older / quirky - Scirocco of Corrado? ; 80's Audi Coupe / Quattro

if American: GTO, Camaro, (old school 80's Iroc-Z? ), Mustang

if Japanese: 90's 300 ZX/Turbo, Supra

if Italian : Alfa GTV-6? Alfetta ? Ratty Mondial?

How often will you need a back seat? Some of the booster seats of today are monsterous. Some parents waver about the idea of demanding Airbags in cars with kids these days.

We all know that the glossy nostalgia machines are on BAT.. so go confuse yourself

[sc_rufctr]

One word... Miata.

Fun, sporty, convertible and lots of aftermarket goodies.

[masraum]

[Zeke]

What does your wife drive? If not an SUV type then get a Cayenne. Probably outdo your 911.

[onewhippedpuppy]

So two doors, four seats, about $30k tops, reliable (which means newer), fun sporty car. Do you care about stick vs automatic?

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Ryan_Cunningham

Yeah, I am actually kind of leaning towards a '65-67. Just not sure how wise it is to have my three toys be 40-55 years old...



Haha.

Not keen on Japanese SPORTS cars but a mid 60s Mustang? Is this about driving dynamics or looks and emotions? Those Rustangs drive like crap stock even if tricked a bit, still an old car that doesn't not handle well. I hear good things about those BRZs (newer ones suppose to have more power) or the new Civic is a lot of fun but looks like siht with all the fake vents and stuff on there. Theydrive everybit like a sports cars should, so I hear.