Topic: Does an interesting $10-15k Sports Car Still Exist?

[DriverJeff]

Pre-COVID, there were options out there for interesting 'toys' around the $10,000 mark.  Nowadays, I'm not so sure. 

With the //M gone now, the bike has been filling some of the hole in my heart, but not all of it, and while the sensible me will simply save more pennies and get the 911 or Cayman I've always craved, I'm a weak man, and would rather just have something fun and interesting to play with now (never know if you'll kick-off tomorrow, right)?  I've seen a couple of nice 944s around the $10-12k mark.  A very clean, low mileage TT 225, too.  I'm sure there are still Miatas out there that would check the boxes, but I'm done with convertibles. Whaddya think?  Is there a magic first-gen MR2 hiding out there for $12k?  A high-mileage, but well-maintained 300ZX? Will a 150 hp 944 bore most drivers to tears these days? 

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Pre-COVID, there were options out there for interesting 'toys' around the $10,000 mark.  Nowadays, I'm not so sure. 

With the //M gone now, the bike has been filling some of the hole in my heart, but not all of it, and while the sensible me will simply save more pennies and get the 911 or Cayman I've always craved, I'm a weak man, and would rather just have something fun and interesting to play with now (never know if you'll kick-off tomorrow, right)?  I've seen a couple of nice 944s around the $10-12k mark.  A very clean, low mileage TT 225, too.  I'm sure there are still Miatas out there that would check the boxes, but I'm done with convertibles. Whaddya think?  Is there a magic first-gen MR2 hiding out there for $12k?  A high-mileage, but well-maintained 300ZX? Will a 150 hp 944 bore most drivers to tears these days?

How about a 350Z?

[OliverD]

An early BRZ/FRS can be had for under $15k.

[draghon]

C4 Corvette?

Does it have to be RWD/AWD?

Maybe some sport compacts could be in the mix (Civic SI, VW GTI, etc.)

[PJungnitsch]

An early BRZ/FRS can be had for under $15k.

That would be the logical choice

Or a WRX lease for basically nothing

Not so logical:

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/chrysler/crossfire/edmonton/alberta/5_55510733_20220312165045356/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=15_15_549&sprx=100&modalXS=1

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I'm sure you could find a Mustang GT for that price, too.  Even if it's one of the older 4.6's, it would still be a V8...

[Jaeger]

350Z sprang to mind for me as well, but I have no idea on pricing of those.

[Gurgie]

This is in your price range. The 16V had a bit more power than the 8V, yet was still light, like 2800lbs.

I found this 1988 Porsche 944 on AutoTrader: http://www.autotrader.ca/go/19-12425375

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[Fobroader]

For me, the Toyobaru Br86 and the newest, V8 Mustang you could find would be my way to go.

[Shorlaw]

I think the 350Z is a great option, or you could go old school   

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/dodge/stealth/richmond%20hill/ontario/19_12541639_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&showVs=1&orup=2_2_2&pc=L0P%201B0&sprx=100&nobar=1

[JohnnyMac]

Genesis Coupe.  Those can be cheap.  Mazda RX-8.  Infiniti G35/37.  All that are listed above are good options.

[Seafoam]

 First gen MR2 in New Brunswick.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/miramichi/1986-toyota-mr2-rare-excellent-condition/1663883929?undefined

1000 over your budget.

[Firm]

Quite a few options, especially since it's truly a toy and not something you need to depend on. 
- 350Z is a great suggestion
- Mustang/Camaro/Firebird - can still get a high miles LS1 f-body for under $15K.
- C4 Corvette
- R170 SLK - if you're lucky you can even find the odd SLK32 AMG (which is a proper beast) for ~$15K
- Benz CLK, either generation can be had dirt cheap these days with V8 power and RWD...Seeing 04/05 CLK500/550's for well below $10K lately, and that's a ton of car for the $. Though, not a "sports car" in that sense
- Audi S5
- Final Gen Honda Prelude
- 944
- MGB/Triumph Spitfire...Can even get driver quality TR6's for <$15K if you don't mind some ratty cosmetics.

Personally, I'd probably try to track down an SLK32 AMG, or for $10-15K you can have one of the nicest C4 Corvettes around, and from a pure performance standpoint it's likely the winner from the list.

[Jaeger]

Quite a few options, especially since it's truly a toy and not something you need to depend on. 
- 350Z is a great suggestion
- Mustang/Camaro/Firebird - can still get a high miles LS1 f-body for under $15K.
- C4 Corvette
- R170 SLK - if you're lucky you can even find the odd SLK32 AMG (which is a proper beast) for ~$15K
- Benz CLK, either generation can be had dirt cheap these days with V8 power and RWD...Seeing 04/05 CLK500/550's for well below $10K lately, and that's a ton of car for the $. Though, not a "sports car" in that sense
- Audi S5
- Final Gen Honda Prelude
- 944
- MGB/Triumph Spitfire...Can even get driver quality TR6's for <$15K if you don't mind some ratty cosmetics.

Personally, I'd probably try to track down an SLK32 AMG, or for $10-15K you can have one of the nicest C4 Corvettes around, and from a pure performance standpoint it's likely the winner from the list.

 

[PoweredSilenceGT]

I'd lean towards an older convertible pony car as mentioned even if it has a V6 since even the V8s of the mid 90s weren't very fast anyways by modern standards. Any known issues on the v6/v8s in the Camaros/Mustangs/Firechickens of the day?

[Great_Big_Abyss]

He does say he's done with convertibles, so...

[PoweredSilenceGT]

He does say he's done with convertibles, so...

Oh yeah didn't see that. Still, owning a convertible is the last automotive itch I have.

Other options for the OP, Dodge Stealth, RSX-S, Mazdaspeed, basically any sporty/sport car from the 90s.

[Gurgie]

Going off the board with this one
 http://www.autotrader.ca/go/19-12602134

Big cat

http://www.autotrader.ca/go/5-55784401

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[Great_Big_Abyss]

^^^That crossfire, basically an SLK, isn't it? 

[Gurgie]

^^^That crossfire, basically an SLK, isn't it?

Yup, but not a convertible.

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