Thoughts for a fun weekend car on a budget?

[F80Dreamer]

I absolutely love my F80...it is my daily driver and it is everything I had hoped for and more. Part of my plan was to buy a no frills, back to basics fun car for the weekends, just for the pure joy of driving. Budget is around $25k, needs to be a manual, not be a money pit, etc...as this will be a weekend car, I probably won't put more than 5k miles per year on it. My lead choice right now is a 2006 Cayman S...looks like I can get a very clean one within my budget, and everything I read says this is still a GREAT drivers car, pretty reliable, etc.... I have always wanted a P car, just not financially ready to get a much newer one as a second car. Have thought about some alternatives like a Miata, BRZ, etc...but the Cayman S gets the heart racing What do you guys think?

[hatepotholez]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I absolutely love my F80...it is my daily driver and it is everything I had hoped for and more. Part of my plan was to buy a no frills, back to basics fun car for the weekends, just for the pure joy of driving. Budget is around $25k, needs to be a manual, not be a money pit, etc...as this will be a weekend car, I probably won't put more than 5k miles per year on it. My lead choice right now is a 2006 Cayman S...looks like I can get a very clean one within my budget, and everything I read says this is still a GREAT drivers car, pretty reliable, etc.... I have always wanted a P car, just not financially ready to get a much newer one as a second car. Have thought about some alternatives like a Miata, BRZ, etc...but the Cayman S gets the heart racing What do you guys think?

Believe it or not I still want a E46 M3. Values of those are all over the place! Cayman is the better car tho lol

[Sassicaia]

Originally Posted by hatepotholez

Believe it or not I still want a E46 M3. Values of those are all over the place! Cayman is the better car tho lol

was going to say the same thing.

E46 M3. Perfect for your budget and driving pleasure.

[MonacoMurphy]

BUY THE CAYMAN S

I had a 2006 Boxster S and I regret selling it. It was faster on the track than you think, and the connection between the car and the road is unmatched in my experience. SO much fun, fast enough to have a great time. Buy it and keep it until you die.

I am actively looking for a P car from that era - 987/997. My F80 is super fun but not the same at all.

[MikeRR]

If you want fun at very low running cost - Miata.
Otherwise a Cayman S or Boxster S will be a great choice but much more expensive to run.

[RobC2]

S2000 is a good choice.

[HyeWarrior]

Originally Posted by RobC2

S2000 is a good choice.

Impossible to find an unmolested S2K under $20,000. Absolutely amazing cars though. I still kinda wish I got one instead of my 135i.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by HyeWarrior

Impossible to find an unmolested S2K under $20,000. Absolutely amazing cars though. I still kinda wish I got one instead of my 135i.

But his budget is $25k. So, it's in play for the OP.

If I were under 6-1 or so, this would be my choice at this price point. For what would be a 10+-year-old car, it's about as bulletproof as they'll come.

If you're dead-set against a 'vert, either a Miata or an FD RX-7 (also unmolested) would be my choices.

[F80Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

But his budget is $25k. So, it's in play for the OP.

If I were under 6-1 or so, this would be my choice at this price point. For what would be a 10+-year-old car, it's about as bulletproof as they'll come.

If you're dead-set against a 'vert, either a Miata or an FD RX-7 (also unmolested) would be my choices.

I'm almost 6"3, so S2k not an option as I sat in one and barely fit

[Germanauto]

Wants car that's not a money pit
Suggests 10 year old Porsche.

[mray]

S2000!

[HyeWarrior]

What about like a C5 Z06

Gut it out, sticky tires, and you're set

[The Wind Breezes]

What you want is a motocross race bike and visits to the track. Track time is easily available very cheap and it will beat any cheap weekend car in terms of fun by a mile. You can spend under $5K in bike and equipment and have a decent reliable setup with nothing to start.

[inTgr8r]

If you've always wanted a P car, then you need to scratch that itch!

If not a Z4 M Coupe also fits your budget.
I've had mine almost 10 years and I'll be 6' under before this one leaves my garage.

[FriskyDingo]

I think you nailed it with your first choice. I'd buy a Cayman.

[FrostyDC4]

I would recommend an 07-08 350z or the 09+ 370z (you can find these easily for less than 25k and would have probably bought this if I didn't need a 4 seater). They are very reliable and my 07 350z has been the most reliable car I owned. If you need more power why not go for a used c6 vette?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Wants car that's not a money pit
Suggests 10 year old Porsche.

[ridin135]

S2000 without question and you can find unmolested cars for under 15. Best car I have owned especially when you consider price to fun ratio. Also Honda reliability

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I'm almost 6"3, so S2k not an option as I sat in one and barely fit

Believe me: at 6-4, I feel your pain ...

[shay2nak]

Lotus Elise

[pup73]

Originally Posted by RobC2

S2000 is a good choice.

Dare I say, my s2k is a more rewarding drive than my ///M2

It's my track car and weekend fair weather friend...I'm the original owner and it is still as exciting to drive as it was 11 years ago.

-c

EDIT- I just saw that you are a good bit taller than I....

[bailyhill]

I would wonder what your best process is to get a good used vehicle, even after choosing the more reliable makes. Private sale, dealer, independent mechanic to evaluate, other?

bailyhill