OT: Other cars...anyone driven these?

[jdbubb at verizon.net (Dan Bubb)]

I'll say this about the Solstice GXP. One absolutely powered away from my Audi A4 1.8T w/chip a couple weeks ago. If you can put up with the "GM" then it sounds like a nice car.


From: <nocones77-vw@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 08, 2006 12:30 AM
Subject: Re: OT: Other cars...anyone driven these?


You won't find an Elise in that price range. If you do, sell it to me for $5k more and make a profit. :)

Z4 is nice, but as much as I love Bimmers, I wouldn't put it up against an S2000 or a Boxter. I'd definitely suggest you consider the Z3-based M-Roadster though.

If you're going used, I'd drive a Boxter (prefferably an S if you can swing it) or S2000. My preference is  for the Boxter, but mostly only due to the intangibles like "style" and "feel". IMHO the Honda is just a little bland in the looks department. But both cars are just amazing to drive. Fantastic.

Miatas are IMHO one of the best cars you can buy. Absolutely tons of fun, if not powerful. But it isn't even in the same league as any of the above. Only consider one if you're either interested in coming in way under budget with a used Miata, or if driving a brand-new car for $25k is more important than the power and style of a used Boxter or S2000 at that price.

If you're considering a new Miata, definitely look into the Solstice and Sky too. I'm the **last** guy in the world to buy a GM, but we test drove a Solstice last weekend because they are really competitive in SCCA autocross. Interior and general build quality is still kinda crappy GM, but we were really impressed with the handling, the power wasn't bad, and they look f'in sexy. And you'd still have a new car and be well in your budget. If you can go a little above $25k, the Mazdaspeed Miata, Solstice GXP and Sky Redline are looking like sweet rides...

Neal
'77 Scirocco TwinScrew

----- Original Message ----
From: Michael Abatzis <mabatzis@gmail.com>
To: car <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 7, 2006 6:15:44 PM
Subject: OT: Other cars...anyone driven
 these?

looking to buy my first (sort of) grown up car.  what would you buy in
the 20-25k range (used)? since i've seen the light since owning one, a
convertible is a must.  it'll be a daily driver.  not having driven
any of them (except miata), here's my list:
1. honda s2000--this is the leading candidate so far.  i know, it's a
honda. but i haven't seen anyone who didn't love it.  '04 up, since i
want the bigger engine.
2.  bmw z4 3.0.  2nd place.  a bit cushier than the s2000, and
probably 4k more (at least) for a comparable one.  not to mention
maintainance.
3.  porche boxter.  tempting.  but for the money, it would be an '02
with 30-40k miles.  and this is with the old engine.  underpowered v.
other 2, and i've been a passenger in one of these. rough ride.
4. lotus
 elise.  if it wasn't the daily driver, this would get more
consideration. i've ridden in one, and it's freakin terrifying. but
it's RAW.
5. miata: cheap. slower than the others. and my girlfriend would
probably leave me for a real man (i really like 'em though).
6. wildcard entry: saturn sky redline.  don't know enough about it.
intriguing, cheap. c&d review (of the solstice gxp) seems to imply
that it might still be less of a driver's car than the s2000.


honorable mention: audi tt.  too slow, too girly. but almost a vw.



-- 
-Michael Abatzis
New Orleans!
'88 2.0L Scirocco (RIP)
'87 2.0L Scirocco...(RIP also)
'91 Saab 900t convertible...

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