Fun sports car for retirement

imarunr wrote:

Retiring Runner,

My second "fun" car is a '95 MR2 Turbo in excellent condition. Tasteful engine, exhaust & suspension modifications were done by the previous owner. It's been dyno'd at 276h, measured at the rear wheels. Lots of fun!

As far as your car goes, I'd still suggest a Porsche Cayman S as first choice. From what I've read, it's one of the best handling cars around. Other thoughts would be a BMW M235 or 435, or an Audi S3.

I'm a car aficionado and with a bit more thought, I'm sure I can come up with other ideas.

I did have an MR2, wanted the Turbo but the insurance (and wife) made the selection naturally aspirated at the time. Even with the small size 130 HP was not enough. I bet yours is a blast with those extra ponies. I did love driving mine but wanted just a tad more umph.

I don't want to deal with high maintenance costs of a Porsche. Can certainly get something used in a reasonable price range and I have thought about it. If some financial windfall makes it my way maybe I can consider something more, but I first need to see if the Mazda will be the fit I think it will be. I'll have plenty of time for test drives.

Do you do maintenance yourself?

I am 66, decided to keep working, one reason to buy my dream car. Bought a 2016 Porsche Cayman a year ago. Black, biege interior and standard transmission. Not a car to get old in. You have to be flexible to get in and out. The driving experience with a manual transmission is traditional sports car. Sits very low and with mid-engine the cornering is exceptional. It is my daily driver except when we have heavy snow as we have had lately. Drives well on the snow, but with low center felt garage was a better choice.

Igy

Ghost of Igloi wrote:

I am 66, decided to keep working, one reason to buy my dream car. Bought a 2016 Porsche Cayman a year ago. Black, biege interior and standard transmission. Not a car to get old in. You have to be flexible to get in and out. The driving experience with a manual transmission is traditional sports car. Sits very low and with mid-engine the cornering is exceptional. It is my daily driver except when we have heavy snow as we have had lately. Drives well on the snow, but with low center felt garage was a better choice.

Igy

I have/had been thinking about this very thing, working a while longer to pay cash for the car. But the job stress is the #1 reason I want to retire, can't drive a car dead, at least not for long.

The Cayman is awesome, I love the look. But it seems I will have to accept 'a substitute.' Have you had any formal race-type training? I think that would be blast and hope to do it as well.

Book mcbooks wrote:

Just get a vintage, aircooled 911. those cars are an absolute hoot to drive. Take them on a mountain road an try not to smile.

That smile will turn into a death-grin the first time he lifts off the throttle while going hard into a hairpin turn.

Book mcbooks wrote:

Just get a vintage, aircooled 911. Prices are going up but they are dependable cars.

I grew up with 2 in my dad's garage and it was something special when he would take me out for a drive or let me drive one of those cars

Maintence on them is not ridiculously expensive. You can get them fixed and worked on by the same guy who fixes VW cars. Most parts are standard VW parts.

Most of all, those cars are an absolute hoot to drive. Take them on a mountain road an try not to smile.

I liked 911 in "The Big Chill." No appearance upkeep for sure.

No, but probably you realize what I did not. Perhaps i may get involved in such activities when i have more free time. Racing, rallies and various competitive driving events are part of owning a Porsche sports car. The PCA, Porsche national club, and local club entities sponsor events monthly. The Cayman's PCM (Porsche Communications Management) has several applications for competitive events.

In regards to the car's appearance, it gets the looks and comments all the time. I was a little surprised by the reaction. I don't like the re-styled 2017 nearly as much, and the engine has gone from six to four cylinder.

Igy

Retiring Runner,

In regards to age, last year when I was considering the purchase I started doing the math. The last car we purchased was now 15 years old. We have always kept are vehicles for more than 10 years, and one as long as 18 years. So, I could be over 80 if I make it that far, in or out of the car. Wife said "get what you want." We are usually conservative in our purchases and went all-out here knowing the life clock is ticking.

Igy

Ghost of Igloi wrote:

Retiring Runner,

In regards to age, last year when I was considering the purchase I started doing the math. The last car we purchased was now 15 years old. We have always kept are vehicles for more than 10 years, and one as long as 18 years. So, I could be over 80 if I make it that far, in or out of the car. Wife said "get what you want." We are usually conservative in our purchases and went all-out here knowing the life clock is ticking.

Igy

Yeah, the last finish line is when we don't mind if it is a PW.

My wife isn't quite as onboard with the purchase but it will be spring before I'll need something. I prefer a new car that I keep maintained for peace of mind.

Assuming I fit in it, this is my first choice:

I'd be okay without the RF's retractable roof which would save some money, but I do like the look with it in place,

Retiring Runner,

Great looking car. They have a Miata club here in Boise. In fact they had a Christmas parade featuring the club. The wife wasn't on board at first, but I was an integral part of the care of her father, so I got a pass.

Igy

The new Corvette Z06 is as fast as any street car produced, and for the price, is the nicest all-around hot rod. It is ridiculously powerful. Chevrolet has hit a grand slam with it.

Cliche, but oh well... wrote:

The new Corvette Z06 is as fast as any street car produced, and for the price, is the nicest all-around hot rod. It is ridiculously powerful. Chevrolet has hit a grand slam with it.

Plus the op sounds like an old guy, and the Corvette is an old guy car!

Just before I retired as a Police officer, I took the opportunity to buy the best handling and sounding Sports car on the planet. A Porsche Cayman 3.4 S. It was pre owned and was the same price as a bog standard family driver. Have a look on the 911 US website where there is a Cayman forum and it will tell you all you need to know about this gem. I am a member of Porsche club GB where there is a forum for each model. There are other Porsches available ! 911 GT3 would be a good contender if bucks were no object. Only my opinion of course, but it's been utterly reliable in over 4 years of ownership only requiring fuel, servicing every 2 years ! and a set of rear tyres. Its a hoot driving to races and sets you up for a great run. Enjoy hunting down your well earned retirement present. Kev in the UK.

DODGE CHALLENGER

/thread

Cliche, but oh well... wrote:

The new Corvette Z06 is as fast as any street car produced, and for the price, is the nicest all-around hot rod. It is ridiculously powerful. Chevrolet has hit a grand slam with it.

That's one of my dream cars, too...

Billy in 4C wrote:

DODGE CHALLENGER

/thread

not even close. how about following along before making a dumb post

BMW M4

Get the Fiat Spider, which is a rebadged Miata with some body modifications. Everything a Miata is with little bit more style.

lib wrote:

Billy in 4C wrote:

DODGE CHALLENGER

/thread

not even close. how about following along before making a dumb post

Sorry to disrupt your wet dreams of driving your future Chrysler Sebring, but the Challenger is the logical selection.

Billy in 4C wrote:

DODGE CHALLENGER

/thread

To each his own, but I hate the looks of that car.