When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Looking for a "fun" daily driver. Something that will be enjoyable to drive, connected to the road, potential autocross (but not a large priority). Currently have a 09 Camry, 10 Prius, and 96 Viper GTS (weekend). Would be replacing the Prius.... (I know...)
What are your thoughts?
Was thinking:
- '13 Miata Club Power Hard Top - ~$20k
- '16 Miata Club - ~$32k new
- '12 Cayman Base - ~$35k
- '10-'11 Corvette Grand sport
Most important are reliability (daily driver) and would "prefer" low running maintenance cost....
Can you provide some more info?? Will you need to haul any people around, will this car see inclement weather such as snow? Looks like you are looking at 2 seaters which are all available with manual transmissions. Do you need a manual?
You already own a 2 seater sports car but the Viper is a bit of a sledgehammer. While the GS is also a big V8/rear drive, it's not quite so much of a sledgehammer and has relatively nice manners for a driver. It's easy to work on/get parts for and when driven nicely will actually yield half way decent fuel economy.
The Miata and Cayman have significantly less HP but are light/tossable cars that are a blast to drive. These would both offer a different driving experience vs. the Viper (and GS Corvette).
Another option would be to get rid of the Camry and Prius and buy a nice performance sedan such as a BMW M3 or Audi S4. I own a 2013 S4 that I purchased new and it's been a great car to own. The B8.5 cars are very reliable and the maintenance is pretty light on them.
You have quite a few different options so discussing some different things would certainly help others to make some good suggestions for you.
Would prefer a manual, but open to automatics, traffic can be a killer, but my commute is not horrible. My emphasis is on fun to drive. Wife will keep the Camry if we need to haul more people around.
I think you may be right...GS and Viper may be too "similar" in overall terms.
Nice looking CTS-V. I am a fan of the 4 doors. For some reason the 2 door does not appeal to me much. Sounds strange based on the other cars I am looking at, it may just be me....
The base 370Z with manual transmission is just over $30,000. If I were going to buy a sheet-metal car then this is the one. (Lotus Evora has a rectangular tube chassis, Corvette has a rectangular tube chassis, and Alfa Romeo 4C has a carbon fiber tub with rectangular tube rear section.)
The cheapest car on your list is also going to be the most fun you can have, I think you should give the Miata club hard top a shot. There are plenty of Miatas around, take a 2009+ for a test drive and see what you think.
If fun is your biggest priority, the Miata hands down. The FRS and BRZ are good options also in the fun department. Really, anything with RWD and skinny tires is gonna be a blast to drive.
I've been hearing the powerplant in the regular WRX is far superior to the dated 2.5 in the STI, super early boost and MPGs are 30% better. With a tune it's STI power. I'm looking pretty hard at one
But you can't go wrong with the Miata or the Cayman. I've heard nothing but good things from the newer Porsches.
12-21-2015, 08:22 AM
"Most Fun" for < ~$35K - Daily Driver
