Fun, reliable and under $7k?

+A billion!!!

 

I agree they are a great chassis but if I bought one the first thing I would do is pullout the truck engine and drop an SR20DET into it.

 

E36 M3. Seriously.

 

You know thats not really necessary right? Most SRs are aging to the point they need a rebuild. And now that the aftermarket support for the ka has increased the headaches of the old ka-t is practically gone. If its in good shape, you can run 8psi for a very long time, year after year. And at 8psi it will be chucking out decent juice.

Not saying you shouldn't get the sr, I'm just saying there are other options just as cost effective power solutions these days. Now the which you prefer is up to you, SR has that bit of extra rev happiness I love on the track, but the huge torque of the ka suits street use a lot. Since my own 240 will be mostly a street car, I'm sticking with the ka-t.

To OP

For the M3, definitely get a good inspection before jumping, repair bills can add up very fast as my classmate will be more than happy to tell you about. Older 240sx suffer from bad corrosion, so have a good look at the underbody, the later s14 chassis are not as bad, but rear quarter panel and rocker panels could start rusting. Engine wise, take your pick, if you can think of it, very possible that it fits, or you could stick with the 2.4 in it. Good luck

 

Best car under 7k....

Has to be Acura RSX-R

They are used at the Mid-Ohio Drivers School.

Absolutely indestructible (personally tested).

 

Chris, keep an eye on Bring A Trailer!

I've seen some cool cars go for what you are willing to spend to more. The Under $20k section has what you are looking for.

Good luck!

 

E30, all day, everyday. Cheap to maintain, and the guys that love them are usually willing to help you out. Miata can be a blast for track days. I am going to go grab another E30 because a *great* one is $4k.

 

Another great option the E30 but I'm alittle suspect about how "cheap to maintain" it is concerning parts pricing from a dealer compared to a Miata? Reliability should be bullet proof though.

 

If you buy from a dealer, you should be anally raped, repeatedly. My E30 experiences have been cheap, and reliable. If you treat a car like crap, you get crap in return, and the cost of a good E30, you have about 3500 left over to stock up on parts if you are that paranoid.

 

The point I was trying to make is that there are parts than can only be sourced from the dealer if you want a new part. I agree about the 'treating like crap' part but I feel confident enough to say that most of us here already realize the obvious in that statement.
I'm in no way beating up on that silky smooth I6 engine and the competant chassis but I feel comfortable in saying a Miata is the better choice of the two and my choice has nothing to do with my ownership of a Miata.

Heck if you are so confident a "relaible daily driver" E30 can be purchased for $4K then a reliable $3.5K Miata can also be purchased, I have seen them sell for alot less. Two birds with one stone if I may. PPI on both and live the good life.

 

Gas tanks and windshield, that is about it, and even then I am pretty sure you can get those outside a dealer and like everything else, well below dealer pricing. There are literally dozens of dedicated forums telling you about everything and even other owners willing to help you out in either vehicle's case.

Miata is going to be cold in the winter, have no real passenger or cargo space, and likely to be owned by a boy racer that slapped on cheap "JDM" junk. The E30 is more robust, more trunk and cargo space, plus better freeway speeds, not so much tight turns. The Miata would tempt you to go on twisties more often, and you'd be more likely to feel over confident and at risk for cracking it up, and then where are you if it is your only car.

I ove them both but for the Op, being ~20, and looking at it being a primary car, there is no contest.

Go google "clean miata" and then "clean e30" the BMW looks so sexy all these years later.

 

I did say some parts, right?

True compared to the E30.

A complete misconception from my experience with my local club (I'm 47 and was one of the younger owners, crazy lol) but there are still the adults with the 'boy racer' mentality.

I can see that happening but it is the drivers mentality that matters regardless of what car they are in, right? I'm mean crap who can say some kid in a BMW does not think he is faster than some 'jap car'??

I agree the Miata wins! Obviously his insurance will ultimately decide but I would like him to check with his insurance company for verification and of course the year model should be reflected in the coverage, 4REphotographer????????????

 

There you have it, old farts like miatas be just like your dad, get a miata

LOL, there is no contest because WE are not competing for a car for ourselves, it is all up to the OP.

On a technical track Spec Miata > Spec E30, all day everyday. Then again the E21 and the old 2002tii are a lot of fun too.

 

Wow dude thats a tad overboard and quite disrespectful imho.

 

TestShootCom suggested a very sweet chassis so that is a viable option. My concerns are that I know know know you will not be able to purchase a new part from a dealer (as I mentioned) that is less expensive than a Miata part. Some parts are pricey but that extra cost goes towards having a new dealer part instead of chancing an eBay part that is advertised as new. This inturn leaves you with reciepts which is important.

I pay $83/month with service charge included for full coverage PLUS uninsured motorist coverage and I live in Houston (Harris County) which is a very very pricey insurance market and I have a clean record. Drive both but common sense is to get the newest model you can for your budget and once again the Miata wins hands down.

 

It has been said that the key to prosperity is to buy the most expensive house you can afford (emphasis on "afford"), and drive the cheapest car you can stand.

However, if you are going to wait for your car to die, I think you're setting yourself up to be stuck with the Camry forever. I've been trying to run my Landcruiser into the ground for 3 years now, without success.

 

The main thing is that you do what you feel is right for and you have plenty of time, go with your gut.

 

Don't wait too long or you will regret not having a sports (or 'fun') car while you are still young.

 

What was the final price??

 

Honda 2000??? Ugh... seriously???

 

1973 - 1974 BMW 2002 or 2002tii if you can afford it.

Simple, extremely classic, immense fun, practical, inexpensive to own and run if you have a good one.

Although perhaps not a factor, it shows unrivalled good taste and breeding.

Good luck