Best Slow Car To Drive Fast (under $10g's)

pecci

I'm looking for something dynamic, responsive, fun & slow-ish. A coupe would be best, but possibly a sedan or hatch. No convertibles! I only drive 5-7000 per year and do not turn a wrench.

Any ideas? if more info is needed, I'll follow-up.

Thanks everyone.

stever

New?

pecci

No,used.

stever

Oh, sorry, missed the 10gs in your title - maybe I'll add a $ sign there.

No convertible means no Miata. Maybe a MINI but reliability could be an issue. A Mazda3 could be good. Or a Golf.

stickguy

all good choices. A Honda Fit can be fun to flog out.

qbrozen

mazda3s. Definitely.

Mr_Shiftright

Minis aren't slow---well, maybe if you got a base model automatic---NOT the CVT transmission however, so 2006 on up. The term you used---"dynamic"--gives me pause. That's a term that eliminates a lot of otherwise suitable cars.

pecci

Yeah "dynamic", probably not the proper word. Remove "dynamic" and let me add fun & capable, with a free revving engine. Although it was many yrs. ago, I'll never forget as a young Mustang Turbo owner, I became so disappointed & jealous when I took my sister's 1981 Honda Accord on a twisty road. It was slow, but the engine's smooth growl & low-end torque, along with the steering feel & chassis balance, made me believe that I had made a big mistake.

Also, reliability would be necessary, also a manual transmission.

I like the Mazda3. That will be considered. I've also been checking out the last generation of Prelude & Integra. I would love an early 80s 924, but that's a car that would require more maintenance.

I appreciate the replies. Please keep them coming.

roadburner

I second the Mazda3. A dark horse would be a well maintained BMW E30 or E36 318i/is/ti; the drivetrain is virtually bulletproof and the cars aren't crammed full of complex electronics just waiting to fail in a spectacular manner. Finding one would be the hardest part.

breld

Yup - I agree on the Mazda3. Though they seem to hold their value pretty well, so could be a little tough finding a nice example at $10k. A 1st gen Mazda6 may actually be a better buy - finding a manual may be a bit tough, but you could have your choice of the V6 or 4 cyl.

Acura RSX? If you can find a low mileage one.

Maybe a first-gen TSX, but you'll be getting into pretty high mileage to keep it in budget.

stever

Mr_Shiftright said:

Minis aren't slow

I was thinking their "go cart" nature would make them fun in the twisties where you perhaps you didn't want to go too fast. Sounds like @pecci wants to wind it out though.

What about an '07/'08 Accord coupe?

xwesx

Yeah, I'd chime in with a Mazda3, Fit, or Fiesta. Only manual transmissions need apply. Go back a few years/miles and you can get a lot of car (and fun) for not a lot of money.

pecci

Mazda3's aren't easy to find for under 10 grand. So far the only ones have a lot of miles.