Sweet fuck, this has to win the prize. This is a hot, buttered, garbage-laced slap in the face of every enthusiast ever.

Urrrggghhh I hate to be that guy - 1st gen miata typically means 90-97 and encompasses the 1.6 and 1.8 cars. The 1.8 cars are not significantly heavier. This is splitting hairs. I agree with the spirit of what you’re saying. Very close in performance.

That’s a pretty big range of 0-60 times. And 8.5 is pretty close to what the 1.8L Miatas from 94-97 can do. I’m not sure about autoX, but I’d be willing to bet a 1.8 or even 1.6 with a decent set of tires is going to show taillights to a fit on a road course.

I’ve been in plenty of cheap Nissans and the ride quality is garbage compared to my buddy’s 200. Can’t believe I’m on here defending Chrysler products but I’m just saying - it did not feel cheap.

I agree that it’s a perception problem. The 200 I rode in had less than 50k miles so I can’t speak to the longevity or durability.

Yeah but that’s an entirely different proposition. The whole reason this is even a question is because of the buyers that exist who would prefer a new vehicle. I wouldn’t spend 15k on a 200, but I’m not a new car customer in this price range. Used cars for 15k with four doors? It is a limitless, endless field of…

“2800 lbs, 120 hp or so. About as fast as a first gen Miata.”

Not with that extra 600+ pounds it’s not. The Fit is a fine car though.

How many other 4-doors are coming in at sub-15k for a brand new car with a warranty and a decent motor? I have a friend with one of these. I’m not sure of the trim but it has leather seats and the 2.4L and you know what? It’s a nice little car. If I was a “basic transportation that is not a penalty box” kind of buyer…

Welcome! If this post is any indication, I’m very much looking forward to reading your work here.

Sure, if he wants features. I think it depends on what he wants out of the box, they’re both good powerplants. For a used car I’d take more of an aftermarket approach to things like suspension, tuning, etc. I’m sure the aftermarket already has better things for these cars than the factory trackpack. But again if he…

I would add a late-model V6 mustang to the list for consideration. Low mileage examples, even with stick, can be had for less than 20k all day. The car is sporty with a generous trunk and usable back seats that adults can actually sit in (not something you can say for the BRZ.) It’s a great platform; the V6 makes…

Great piece! Go Andrew! Go Bill, you crazy bastard!

Last year, in June, my best friend and I met up in LA for a ten day getaway. I live in Chicago and he lives in the UK now. We rented a Competition Orange V6 convertible Mustang, with an automatic. We cruised all over LA in that car, and even took it all the way up the PCH to Monterrey. It was, in a word, fantastic.…

Last year, in June, my best friend and I met up in LA for a ten day getaway. I live in Chicago and he lives in the UK now. We rented a Competition Orange V6 convertible Mustang, with an automatic. We cruised all over LA in that car, and even took it all the way up the PCH to Monterrey. It was, in a word, fantastic.…

Can’t wait to get her on the road! I’ll be sure to post when I do.

I got a good deal on a set of used RA1s a while back and had planned to throw them on my NB sport wheels (15x6). But today I came across a good deal on 15x9 Konig Dial-Ins and pulled the trigger. It will be a slight stretch but nothing too crazy.

I had that exact thought. I have some 205s that are going on my ‘90 and if I was really getting serious, 225s on a 15x9 are the hot setup as you know. 275s on a Hellcat, that’s it? Wow.

That means I have to look at Mondials. Hard pass.

I should clarify - the bargain ferrari*

I concur. 308s and 328s were the bargain Ferrari for quite a while there. Non-gtsi models were regularly going for less than 35k, if the completed eBay listings that I examined religiously for a time were anything to go by. Ferrari forums were a bit pricier for those cars but of course better records, maintenance, etc…