Help me choose: Miata, BRZ, Boxster or something else

blownsi

Looking for a summer car to have fun in for around 25k or less new or used. I have read extensively on the usual suspects and honestly none of them speak to me. The Miata is likely too cramped for me (I'm 5'10" 250#), the BRZ is under powered, a used Boxster or M3 requires high maintenance costs. No Mustangs or anything like that, I've had high horsepower cars before, this time I want something that handles well and can put whatever ponies it has to good use. I test drove a 2015 WRX and it just felt big and boxy to me, not fun to drive at all. Any suggestions?

texases

Have you driven the new Miata and the BRZ? Forget the articles, it comes down to what you like.

Mr_Shiftright

At 5'10", you should be fine in a new or new-ish Miata. I agree with you, a used Boxster or M3 out of warranty can become a burden if you aren't used to spending liberally on maintenance. How 'bout a C5 or C6 Corvette?

blownsi

texases: Today I test drove the 2016 Miata and a 2015 BRZ. The Miata is a tight fit (midsection girth) otherwise I liked it. I'm not sure it's the best car for me but it's a nice car. The BRZ was just not for me at all. It felt like driving an old Celica instead of a modern sports car.

Mr_Shiftright: I've never driven a vette, have rode in a 2006, they fall into the muscle car group for me. Everybody likes there own thing but I'm much more into sport compacts than Detroit muscle.

texases

GTI?  Too practical, but lots of fun. 

blownsi

No VW for me. Despite what the internet says about their reliability, I have seen too many of their cars spend their life in the shop.

zandor

How old is too old? You might look at a Honda S2000. The last year for them was 2009. A Mazda RX-8, discontinued in 2011, could also be worth a look.