<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Sports Car"]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/12202.page Public Action Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1008675 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1008675 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006013 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006013 GMT Re: Sports Car http://autovolante.tripod.com/ .]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006011 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006011 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006012 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1006012 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1005850 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1005850 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1003814 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1003814 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1003241 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1003241 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1002217 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1002217 GMT Re: Sports Car 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
1975 Bricklin SV1
]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1002013 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1002013 GMT Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000447 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000447 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000437 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000437 GMT Re: Sports Car My spouse and I both drive Miata's year round in Chicago (she - 1996 Montego Blue with 146 K; me - 2001 British Racing Green Special Edition with 33 K). If that's not a strong endorsement.....]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000428 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000428 GMT Re: Sports Car
Or try a middle aged porsche or honda S2000.

I just leased a Honda Civic Hybrid and almost died walking by the S2000 (soooo hot looking). Hybrid alas is very appropriate for Washington DC traffic although a true import (just couldn't wait for Saturn to get their act together).

Good luck in your hunt.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000415 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#1000415 GMT Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#998031 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#998031 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#997213 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#997213 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994217 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994217 GMT Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993251 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993251 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car
That's the same problem with the Miata, though. I was on the waiting list for one when those first came out. I had plunked down $500, sight-unseen, as a deposit. I really wanted one. When it finally came in, I drove it 1 block, and realized it could not work for me. All I could see was the top of the windshield frame.

I'm 6'2", and I think 5'10" is a real stretch for a Miata (or a 240Z, for that matter).

I know how to fix this problem now, though. Racing shell. But now that I have 2 kids, well, if a car doesn't have 4 doors, I really don't want it. As luck would have it, that still leaves me with plenty of interesting options.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994826 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994826 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
I also don't know what the parts situation is. IMO, the 240 was the only decent looking Z car, a pretty good cosmetic copy of the 275 GTB. The later versions were all pretty silly looking.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994830 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994830 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994816 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994816 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994213 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994213 GMT Re: Sports Car If it's to be a daily driver, I would make sure it was Japanese. The Toyota MR2 Mk1 is my first choice but one could not go wrong with an MR2 Mk2 or Mk3, a Miata or an S2000.
If the car is to be a Sunday afternoon love affair then the possibilities are boundless. Any of the aforementioned British cars from the 60's or a nice 240Z would keep my juices flowing. Hmm.. especially a 240Z.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993250 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993250 GMT Re: Sports Car
I don't think you'll get an S2000 for under $15,000, but you might come close. How flexible on pricing are you? If it came down to between $18k for an S2000 (which doesn't meet your price criteria) vs $12k for a Miata, I think I'd be pretty torn.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991830 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991830 GMT Re: Sports Car
NB - Buy snowtires if you plan on driving it in the winter.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991766 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991766 GMT Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990426 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990426 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
convertable mazda miata mazdaspeed. you'd fly in that thing! 


http://www...ersion.htm]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990058 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990058 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990048 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990048 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
Unfortunately, durability was never on his agenda. I worked with an engineer who had an Elan; a very nice car, but needing constant attention. This guy did not mind; he also ralled his car.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992212 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992212 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991821 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991821 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
This company is now in trouble becuse of the South East Asian Free Trade agreement is making them uncompetitive.

I was I Malaysia when the Elise was launched, and the concept of reliability was absent throughout the company.

Although they have 2 nice manufacturing plants, they concentrate only on assembly quality, not intrinsic quality and durability, much like traditional British manufacturers.

So, don't espect a reliable Lotus anytime soon.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991785 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991785 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993214 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#993214 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990422 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990422 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car If you really like a mid engine car MR2 is your best bet. The least riced out model is the MR2 Mark 2 turbo. 1990 - 1997(?)]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990274 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990274 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
Everyone should drive a 50 year old car that goes from 0 to 60 in 60 seconds, dontcha think?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990257 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990257 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
Sad, they should have just retired the Lotus name.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989452 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989452 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car
The newer MR2s are drop tops; built between 2000 and 2005. A 2004 or earlier should be available for under $15,000. BTW, the Lotus Elise and Exige use the same engine! Of course, Lotus does not use it as-delivered from Toyota.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989445 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989445 GMT Re: Sports Car
Expensive German cars may be cheap to buy when they are several years old, but they will need repairs more often than the Miata and those repairs will cost much more.

Old cars are expensive to buy if they have been properly restored or time consuming money pits if not. (Mercedes has a shop in California that will restore a 1960s SL convertible for $70k and that's a fair price.)

Since you will be buying used, be sure to have the car inspected first by a good mechanic familiar with Miatas. If you don't know of one, check Car Talk's Mechanix Files or ask local car clubs for recommendations. The Sports Car Club of America (www.scca.org) has chapters all over the country.

The Toyota MR2 is another good choice, but it is not a convertible.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989416 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989416 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car cool car. I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of people who think this car is cool will have blue hair and in great danger of breaking a hip.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994428 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#994428 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
Kids?]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992213 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992213 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992033 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#992033 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991815 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991815 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car

]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991792 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#991792 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990255 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#990255 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
I do understand that they are a good way to go fast on the cheap, but I could never get past the funny looks (or the "viagra" image). Also, I hate the visibility from the drivers seat and I really don't like sitting that far back in the car. If you like them, you should buy them; but they are definitely not for everyone. Also, I don't buy any american cars.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989479 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989479 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
>maybe in a few years (when I hit 60) I'll understand
Most people are the opposite- they can't handle the horsepower and speed as they age. When they do get older, they pick out cars that look fast but aren't. When you're sixty, a schoolyard swing will be exciting enough... :)]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989459 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989459 GMT Re: Re: Re: Re: Sports Car
Talk about chick cars, the SLK is the ultimate chick car (even my daughter's dance teacher drives one).

Personally, I'll take a SL instead (when I'm old enough); either a '55-63 (W121), a '57-63 (W198, not the gull wing), or a '63-71 (W113). The new ones don't interest me very much; everyone and his brother already has a R107.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989450 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989450 GMT Re: Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989442 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989442 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989220 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#989220 GMT Re: Sports Car http://www...eview.html. If you shop around, you might be able to move up a couple of model years and still be in range. I've had a number of vettes spanning the 60s through the late 90s. The later model years have all been trouble free and a blast to drive. They get surprising gas mileage for the performance potential.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#988234 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#988234 GMT Re: Re: Sports Car http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#987457 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/902809.page#987457 GMT