New or Used: I Want Something Like My Honda, But…
David writes:
Hi Sajeev and Steve,
I’d like your take on a replacement form my 2003 Honda Accord coupe. It has a 4 cylinder and a 5 speed and has been a pretty good car. But I miss rear wheel drive. In my younger days, I’ll be 60 next year, I had a Porsche 912, a Cortina GT, various Volvos and VWs before I ended up with pick up trucks before the current Honda.
I like the Honda, I just wish it was a bit lighter and rear wheel drive. What are my options these days for a RWD car that doesn’t break the bank, gets decent fuel mileage and is dependable? I’ve been thinking a used Miata or S2000, but would prefer a coupe. I’m not really into BMW’s for various reasons. What do you two think?
As a replacement for the Honda I’d spend $15,000 to $25,000.
Steve Answers:
Cheap to own? Well there goes all the Benzes, Bimmers and Audis I could have recommended to you. A lightly used Corvette with low mileage from the mid-2000’s is also a prime option here. However given that you want ‘lighter’, you may also want ‘smaller’.I would drive the Vette and see if that’s for you. Have you driven the Vette yet? Okay. If that’s not your speed then consider the following idea.‘All wheel drive = Rear wheel drive in the USA’In North America rear wheel drive only sells if it has a truck or European bent. However when you consider all-wheel-drive into the equation the entire world becomes your oyster. Except you happen to want… two doors?
The Infniti G35 is an obvious choice. I would also consider a 2009 Ford Mustang GT or perhaps a slightly older special model like this one. Drive these three cars if you must have the coupe and see which one is ‘just right’.Sajeev Answers:
David, its pretty tough to beat a Mazda Miata for your price range and requirements. If it doesn’t come with the hard top, buy one separately. Maybe you’ll be smitten by the added Honda interior refinement (in my opinion) of the S2000, and that higher power, high revving motor is certainly a sweetheart. Maybe the added punch of a Solstice/Sky with the turbo mill and a little extra bulk?
Funny thing is, I went to both the Pontiac and Saturn websites just to see if they still existed. And they do! When you select the Sky, there’s a frame on the webpage that suggests you should also look at a (C5?) Corvette. And maybe you should: stupid amazing highway fuel economy with a stick, insane power and performance that simply can’t be matched by smaller roadsters. Not that I expect you to divert from a Miata, but maybe the Internet knows better.
Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com , and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder.
More by Sajeev Mehta and Steve Lang
Comments
Join the conversation
A Thunderbird is pretty good. I prefer the super or turbo coupe variety but a mid 90's with the 4.6l mod motor is cheap, comfy, and easy to find, I'm not sure I'd trust the ones with the jag motors though. No suggestions for an RX-8? I like the looks of em and the suicide rear doors but I haven't driven many to gauge a good opinion on them.
Hey folks, Again thanks for all the advice, just to let you know I went a completely different way. I, with my significant other, ended up buying a house and to go with it a 2005 Ranger pickup. Both the house and the truck were deals we couldn't resist. Actually the house came first and that made the truck necessary to haul supplies as I repair it, landscaping plants, compost, etc. You know the drill. The truck is just as plain as you can get, regular cab, 5 speed, nothing extra, just a good little truck with 30,000 on it. Now the plan is to do some repairs and add a garage so I can have a toy to keep running. Thanks again, Dave