Topic: What Toy Would You Pick for <$20k?

[Triple Bob]

It depends.

If you want to have fun, get a trailer, get a jeep, mod the hell out of it, and embarrass Allie on the trails. Or do the same for the track.

If you want to cocoon something that's nice and might go up in value, get something with two seats. Any sedan will be boring, as they are not special enough to be a weekend car IMHO.

That off-road challenge video was so hilarious it's making me want an old beater for that now...

[rrocket]

I see S2000s and 370Z regularly for $20k or less.

[Triple Bob]

An S2000 is much more iconic IMHO. The 370Z will just keep depreciating.

[tortoise]

I'd just assumed that S2000's had increased in price and were above the 20k limit.

If not, then yes. S2000 all the way.  Has to be unmolested though, and preferably AP2.

[ChaosphereIX]

$20K gets you a mint Alfa Romeo GT or 147 GTA with the 3.2L Busso. Bella.

That is where my toy money would go. Would make money on the other end too.

[rrocket]

I'd just assumed that S2000's had increased in price and were above the 20k limit.

If not, then yes. S2000 all the way.  Has to be unmolested though, and preferably AP2.

They are, usually.

But I see them often enough near $20k and below.

But he'll have to be Johnny on the Spot as they sell quick at that price. And some have mods (some tasteful, some not).

[DriverJeff]

An S2000 is much more iconic IMHO. The 370Z will just keep depreciating.

True about the 370Z depreciating -- esp. as the 400Z comes out.

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

(Now that I've said that, fast-forward 3 months and that's probably what I'll have in the garage  )

[rrocket]

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

WTF?

I much prefer it to the vintage Boxster you had and the manual is still the best I've driven.

[tortoise]

In what way was it overrated?  No power? Meh engagement?

[DriverJeff]

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

WTF?

I expected the vehicular version of the second coming of Christ given how the fanbois go on about them.  The reality was a car that felt old compared to an ND MX-5.  Yes, the Honda is still quicker, but only if you rev the nuts off it ALL  THE  TIME.  "The Hire" (or whatever he's going by on here now) keeps insisting I need to give his (Snowman's old car) another, proper go, and maybe that'll change my tune.   

[rrocket]

In what way was it overrated?  No power? Meh engagement?

I wish it had more torque...but you sorta know that going in.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

WTF?

I expected the vehicular version of the second coming of Christ given how the fanbois go on about them.  The reality was a car that felt old compared to an ND MX-5.  Yes, the Honda is still quicker, but only if you rev the nuts off it ALL  THE  TIME.  "The Hire" (or whatever he's going by on here now) keeps insisting I need to give his (Snowman's old car) another, proper go, and maybe that'll change my tune.   

He seems to never drive it.  Should ask if its for sale.

[DriverJeff]

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

WTF?

I expected the vehicular version of the second coming of Christ given how the fanbois go on about them.  The reality was a car that felt old compared to an ND MX-5.  Yes, the Honda is still quicker, but only if you rev the nuts off it ALL  THE  TIME.  "The Hire" (or whatever he's going by on here now) keeps insisting I need to give his (Snowman's old car) another, proper go, and maybe that'll change my tune.   

He seems to never drive it.  Should ask if its for sale.

He'd inflate the price too much for me.    And he's made it clear he has no desire to sell that one, ever.  If we're going to pick through his litter, the S2k would be fourth on my list.  ha ha

[rrocket]

.  Yes, the Honda is still quicker, but only if you rev the nuts off it ALL  THE  TIME.  "

So that surprises you given it has an engine designed to be revved to 9k?? LOL

You also pointed out why it's a special car. Something 20 years older being able to run with new cars is impressive IMO.

[rrocket]

I’d take the 911 or M5 first by a long shot.

But you won't find one for near $20k that won't bankrupt you in the process LOL

[quadzilla]

Is350

The IS F would be a better choice.

[Triple Bob]

S2000 is the most overrated car I can recall driving.  Hard no on those for me.

WTF?

I expected the vehicular version of the second coming of Christ given how the fanbois go on about them.

Funnily enough, same for me. I took Snowy's out for the day and drove it pretty hard. It was OK, but nothing special. An S1 or S2 Elise is soooo much better IMHO, but I can't deal with Ron's constant kit car comments so I never say anything.

Problem right now is toy car/bike prices are through the roof, so you'll be buying at the peak. I was looking at UK Elise prices a while back, and you could get a decent one for £12K-£15K. So even with import fees that might be within range.

That would be my choice. So much weekend fun.

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11111736?cId=11334074&cId=10848615&cId=10519886&cId=11282964&cId=11246353&cId=11319645&cId=9644186&cId=11333969&cId=11103850&cId=11301993&cId=11111736&cId=11280918&cId=11247713&cId=11079355

[Firm]

What happened to the Boxster?

Since I am on a Vette kick I'd be tempted by a non-Z06 (for under $20K) manual C5. Still fast even by today's standards, reliable, easy to work on, loads of aftermarket and online support. Hard to go wrong there.

A late 4th Gen f-body would be good and I think you'd enjoy it a lot more than you expect. Basically a C5 Corvette but with 4-seats and better ride quality...Maybe like a GT version of the C5. $20K would get you a pretty nice 6-speed WS6 or SS.

SLK55 like Gurgies would hit my list too...proper AMG fun and no major German mechanical faults.

Dent's TR8 idea is a good one too, super unique and I really like the way mine drove....A British Corvette, seriously cool car.

I've been extremely happy with my XKR and owning it has really killed my desire to have anything 'more'...The 510hp SC 5.0L is mad, but it'll cruise along like a luxury car when you want it too. You'd be hard pressed to find an 07+ XKR for under $20K, especially a 5.0L, but the non supercharged XK's can be had and are a lot less complex.

Think about what you'd want to do with it....If you want to rip around locally and maybe to a track day/autocross or two through the season, then I'd focus on something like the C5, SLK55, the true sports cars on the list. If you want to take a few road trips, think about something with some GT traits....SL, Jag, even the f-body....There's no way I'd want to do a 2+ hour trip in something like a Miata, S2K, 370Z, Z3/4.

[Gurgie]

https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mercedes-benz/sl-class/toronto/ontario/5_50136627_20160401114447468/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&ursrc=hl&orup=5_15_117&pc=M9C%205J1&sprx=-1

Whoa.  Lotta car for the money.  Lotta upkeep though.

Infiniti G37 convertible with a manual is interesting.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-toronto/2009-infiniti-g37-convertible-sport-manual-transmission/m77429

Oh yeah. You'd be on suicide watch half the time. BUT, I do really have a soft spot for these SLs.

I could cruise right into middle age!

I'd be looking more at an SL55 like this, bad wheels, but sound sorted.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camions/longueuil-rive-sud/2003-mercedes-sl55amg/1550011051

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[Triple Bob]

There's no way I'd want to do a 2+ hour trip in something like a Miata, S2K, 370Z, Z3/4.

Really? You wet lettuce. 

I drove through France and back in the Exige, not bother at all.