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I learned everything i rarely see other drivers know out of buying into Mid Engine after cutting my teeth on FWD. MR-S are in a amazing spot right now regarding the market, not insane but very easy modifications like plug play 2zz swaps, none of the suicidal tendencies that were hard to tune out of older MR-2 platform.
Out of cars you mentioned they are all great, but depends on market. I'm in NA so i would never buy a BMW 130 because repairing them here is a nightmare, the RX8 is cool but the least appreciated (for decent reason) Rotory stuck to a great but very strange looking car. If its 2nd gen then BRZ/GR86 would be my go to, the first gens engines torque dip issues can become too all consuming part of the experience over time.
130i most "respectable" but scary, would only ever go into it if i was super serious about that car and that brand.
RX8 sort of opposite, i would only go into it if its a bargain and basically a throw away fun car.
BRZ/GT86 ideally if 2nd Gen or at least tuned very well (maybe even on E85) basically the most quantifiably good without a hitch, probably best tool to learn on because of relative ease to own/low stress ownership, but won't win you originality points, as if it matters
Turbo BMW are the problem child in the range of the 1 series. The 130 i has the inline 6 naturally aspirated and is reliable ish lol. Rx8 rotary is the scary one it's a ticking time bomb. I do want one but would swap the engine. I read this car has several other issues with steering playing up and gearbox giving out.
Turbo BMW are the problem child in the range of the 1 series. The 130 i has the inline 6 naturally aspirated and is reliable ish lol. Rx8 rotary is the scary one it's a ticking time bomb. I do want one but would swap the engine. I read this car has several other issues with steering playing up and gearbox giving out.
literally nothing wrong with BRZ/GR86 then. Sure it has issues but if you put either some intake extenders (COBB i think makes them?) or do a E85 tune then said issues aren't hard to cure. Its just that its a obvious answer, but I'm starting to think going for stuff just because its unique is pointless unless we, me, you, anyone is talking about like 30-40+ year old cars, like who cares with newer stuff honestly, just get something that works well and is enjoyable. At least regarding the enthusiast used market, if this was debate about properly rare cars it would be something else but its all new none sense so why not just go with whatever gives you the least migraines and is likely to give you the most approximate joy. Its not like any newer cars are insanely unique experiences from each other, every new car is quieter faster but a bit more disconnected in some ways (relative) then old ones, all generally good but also tame at this sort of price point so its really a question of what won't you regret.
Last edited by boof unofficial; Jul 20, 2023 at 12:20 AM.
My boyfriend has a Porsche, that occasionally I drive.
So my answer is a 911 with manual transmission like his.
For me, his 911 is pure driving perfection!
In fact I took it this evening to the grocery store.
Took me longer than usual, because I drove past the Save On foods nearest our house, and another one, then went to a different one, just to extend the drive.
When I returned home he laughed, and asked which location I went to. I replied the one on Hwy 33 heading up Black mountain.
He said that he figured so, especially when I had 7 things on my list to get, and was gone 70 minutes.
Why go to the one 6 minutes away, or 13 minutes away, when I have his car and can drive past a couple of them, and 25 minutes later hit that one.
Answer to the question of course depends on what kind of car is needed and wanted. If you like 4dr sedan with excellent drive and pretty good performance, a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 could be one good alternative.
Sure, it's 30 years old, but still hard to beat in many ways.
I always wanted a RWD sports car. Never had one. You know YOLO right. These are the choices I have in mind.That fits the bill. RWD affordable fun to drive car. BMW 130i (2005-2008 model). Rx8 rotary and Gr86. Never driven or own any of these vehicles. IF you have then let me know your opinion on the matter.
All have their pros and cons.
BMW 130i inline six cylinder engine is the best N/A BMW has produced. Of all the 1 series this is the one to have. Properly maintain it's not too bad.
Mazda Rx8. The most controversial car of the bunch.Problematic rotary engine. But can be had for cheap. It's probably the most practical the rear seat is sufficient. This car has everything except an unreliable engine.
GR86 or BRZ. I looked at one the other day soon as I sat in it. It felt like it was designed for a driver and nothing else. Everything was for enjoyment.
Hard choice.HMMMM..
Sorry I didn't pick one of those choices, I know nothing about them, and never driven any of them.
If its not a MR-S, but even if it is look up XHEADs old posts, aka Steve Hoelscher, guy practically saved the platform from irrelevancy in Solo II, before him everyone was setting up their cars like inverted FWDs now they actually know how to set them up like proper MRs, way more neutral far less twitchy and much more importantly faster.
Throw a curve ball at y'all. I got a thing for an EK civic as well. I know it's FWD but i have spot in my heart for it....These choices are not my daily. My fit is the daily at the moment. I am looking for a 2nd car more of a fun blast on weekends or part time daily. I do plan to mod the gk5 fit put coil springs, k tuned shifter, CDV upgrade and many more...It's been a reliable steed.
