Third Car Options?

[BMWsully]

Hello - my wife currently drives an X5 and I'm in a Tesla MYP along with a Honda Fit as our beater. That said, I have been hankering to get back into a "fun MT" car as a weekend type driver and was planning on swapping the Fit out for one.

The M2 MT would be my no brainer choice, but that might a little too much spend given our other rides. That said, I've been looking at the new CIvic Type R and the VW Golf R on the high-ish end, along with the Civic Si on the low end.

Any thoughts on the above or any others that I should be considering? I'd prefer a back seat, but might consider a two seater if it is compelling enough.

Thanks in advance!!

[KevinC]

I love my Mk7.5 Golf R (2018-2019). 6 yr / 72k b2b factory warranty, so if you could find a nice '19, you'd have a fair amount left. Spectacular car that does everything well, and is incredibly practical. The Mk8 I can't stomach. They destroyed the infotainment and rest of the interior shows cost cutting everywhere.

[stein_325i]

Miata or new BRZ/86 would be my top choices. You already have two practical vehicles, I would get something that is a dedicated sports car rather than a car trying to wear many different hats.

[Alfisti]

Used Supra, but TBH i'd go drop top and really mix it up. Z4 comes to mind.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Miata or new BRZ/86 would be my top choices. You already have two practical vehicles, I would get something that is a dedicated sports car rather than a car trying to wear many different hats.

^This. The X5 and Tesla are already quick/fast cars. Get something you have to work with a bit to make it hustle and buy something that's a true sportscar. Small, RWD, two seats or a tight 2+2, high revving, and no turbo.

I recently bought a 2011 Porsche Cayman base 6MT as my fun car to go along with my modded 2016 M235 6MT. My Cayman has 265hp/220tq and weighs 2,900lbs. My M235 has around 430hp/450tq and weighs 3,400lbs. The M235 will run away from the Cayman on the straights, but that's it. I used to think my M235 handled pretty good until I got the Cayman. They are two entirely different driving experiences.

I test drove a 2022 Miata RF and a 2022 BRZ. The Miata was a bit too tight for my 6' 1'' frame and the engine note a bit too muted, especially the induction sound. The BRZ on the other hand could fit me comfortably and made much better sounds (even if some were fake). The BRZ looked better and had a lot more storage room. I went with the Cayman because owning a Porsche was a bucket list thing. It's an amazing car that isn't super expensive to buy and is generally easy to work on, but it does come with the risk of expensive Porsche repairs and parts.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Used Supra, but TBH i'd go drop top and really mix it up. Z4 comes to mind.

no MT though, right?

why not an M235/240 'vert with a 6MT?

[Efthreeoh]

E86

[vt100]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Miata or new BRZ/86 would be my top choices. You already have two practical vehicles, I would get something that is a dedicated sports car rather than a car trying to wear many different hats.

+ 1
If I didn't have my Z4MC I'd definitely buy a Miata. BRZ is also a great drivers car but I just didn't like the engine sound for some reason and torque dip at mid RPM range was very annoying. Didn't try the last gen though.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by vt100

+ 1
If I didn't have my Z4MC I'd definitely buy a Miata. BRZ is also a great drivers car but I just didn't like the engine sound for some reason and torque dip at mid RPM range was very annoying. Didn't try the last gen though.

Yeah I would avoid a first generation BRZ/86. I drove the new one and its vastly improved. Sound is still a Boxer-4 but for the price you are getting a pretty great driver's car. The Miata and BRZ/86 are really the ONLY affordable new sports cars left.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

If you don't need the back seats, I would look at a Porsche Cayman 987.2 with a manual transmission.

If you can afford it and can find one, I strongly recommend it. Definitely get the 2009-2012 years (987.2 model) as the car has many improvements and more reliable motors. That's largely why there's a large price difference between the 987.1 and 987.2 Caymans/Boxsters. I have the "base" model 2011 Cayman 6MT (265hp vs 320hp for the Cayman S) and it's faster than I thought it would be. Not much grunt/torque below 4000rpms, but it moves out quite well from 4500-7400rpms. I love revving it out. 0-60 in the mid-5s and upper 13s in the 1/4 mile. I couldn't justify the $8K+ for the 320hp S model, especially knowing that it still wouldn't be as fast as my Stage 2 M235 and I wasn't looking for a faster straight-line car.

[3798j]

Here's another vote for the VW Golf R. Absolutely love my '19 mk7.5. A test drive was all it took. Now, two years later, I'm even more hooked. It's just so good.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by BMWsully

.....along with the Civic Si on the low end

This would be an excellent choice if you want a fun, sporty, tunable, reliable, and fun daily driver and would be capable in light snow. A bit of suspension work and wheels/tires and the Civic Si can be quite capable handlers. Same with the last three generations of VW GTIs.

[x622]

What about a SW20 MR2 Spyder?

Manual, droptop, slow as piss but extremely fun to drive and push.

[Blue87]

Others have mentioned a Golf R, so maybe also consider a Focus RS.

Despite not getting to drive it much (2 small kids), I do own a 05 S2000. High revving, lots of road feedback and lots of fun if you have the time for it. Lots of choices, best of luck in your search.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

E86

+3 you guys beat me to it

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by happyjack

no MT though, right?

why not an M235/240 'vert with a 6MT?

They’re releasing MT in the Supra yes

[Llarry]

As a former 981 Boster S owner, I have to second the recommendations for a Boxster or Cayman -- wonderful cars. At a lower price point, Miata is always in the mix. If you need a back seat, I'm less familiar with the options, although the Golf R seems to be an awfully attractive option. Plenty of good options, though.

[Donatello.]

Miata or Elise

[KevinC]

[E30Fever]

Seems like folks rave about the new BRZ and the Hyundai Veloster as well. The 181hp ND Miata could be a excellent choice too.

[kyriian]

Originally Posted by x622

What about a SW20 MR2 Spyder?

Manual, droptop, slow as piss but extremely fun to drive and push.

Slight correction
MR2 SW20 is the 89-99 one, runs a 3S-GTE/3S-GE and available as a T-Top or coupe, not a spyder (from Toyota anyway)
MR2 Spyder is the SW30 and that's the one with the 1ZZ-FE and easily upgradeable to a 2ZZ or even a K, you are probably referring to this one.

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Both cars look great KevinC .