I posted this over in off topic but i thought id get yalls opinion too...

Ok, my dad has recently gotten the urge to lease a budget sports car. By budget i mean one that costs 30k or less. He is leaning toward the MR2. As much as I like toyota, i dont like what they have done with these. I dont believe they even offer them in turbo anymore and i think the 0-60 is only like 7 or so.

My question is for any other reccomendations yall have. I'm trying to turn him toward a STi but who knows. I dont think they come with radios but hell id buy him one.

 

does it have to be brand new? If he doesnt mind something a few years old you have alot more great options. a late 90s M3 is like low 20ish, teens if you can find a good deal. thats a good mid life crisis car for someone that doesnt wanna go really nuts.

 

Get him to toss the MR2 idea...

I agree with jeremy. Used M3 would be great. If not that then maybe you could find a used 350z or something also (don't know what those are going for these days, but thats much better than an MR2). Even a Miata would be a much better choice than the MR. Good luck!

 

Tell him to lease a new/used Infiniti G35 Coupe. Best of both worlds... luxury and sport.... and they're faster than the 350Z by just a hair... believe it or not... I almost bought one of those last year instead of my Cruiser. They're low to mid-30's new, so that's in his ballpark! When he's ready to lease, let me know... the owner of the Infiniti dealership in Raleigh and the owner of the Toyota dealership in Raleigh are friends of mine. I have connections @ Honda and Lexus as well too...

NO IS300!
NO Z4/Z3!
NO S2000!

 

I have narrowed the cars down to 350z and the RX8. They are both around 25k msrp and they both have kickass styling. Its gonna be hard to sway him off the MR2 idea and near impossible to get him to even look at the G35. I think he is style blind as the mr2 is just plain fugly. As far as ride goes, the RX8 seems to be a better all around car even though it is slower. I just want to get to the test driving!!!! Oh and this is gonna be a lease car so an early 90s m3 is out as much as i would love to drive one of those.

So what are yalls opinions on the 350 and rx8?? Any info on either?

 

go with an older rx-7, 350z, supra, or my fav the M3 (way better, but not faster then the roadster)

DO NOT GO WITH A 2 SEATER (s2000, or bmw z's) -- way way too small and the convertibles are a pain in the ass

is300 is OK but 4door is not as sporty -- IMO

 

There is the M-Coupe too. He obviously doesn't care about space if hes looking at the MR Spyder. And eventhough it looks kinda like a clown shoe... It is the fastest out of the 6cyl Mcars (if not the fastest m-car... ). To get the fast engine and best handling you have to get an 01 or newer though... or is it 02...? A buddy of mine is on his second (he wanted the upgrade) and loves his. Its just like the new M3 w/o all the extra fat. You just have to get used to the looks of it. I mean... 320hp + RWD + a car that weighs next to nothing = Fun no matter how you look at it.

 

the M Coupe is not the fastest but does handle better then the M Roadster (my mom's got a 97) and the roadster is to date the fastest production BMW ever (0-60 time that is, it tops out at around 120mph, governed) but extremly loose in the rear


and way too small esp for somebody over 6', im 5'10" and seat is all the way back and my head almost touches the top

 

My buddy has gotten his coupe up to 160 i think it was... The needle was almost touching the computer dysplay under the speedo

and yes... its chipped and no longer has a speed limiter.

 

i really woulnt feel safe in such a small car at high speeds..............hahaha j/k

the fastest i have been was 190mph in a 348TD............turbo V8 ferrari, when i lived in germany but it wasnt on the autobann a 100Kmh highway -- damn i will be back on saturday hopfully we will fit germany in our trip, the guy also had a F50 and about 100 911's he said he all time favorite car and best handling at high speeds is a 911 turbo which he had 8 of..........yea i am serious he tried to sell me a used 96 911 back in 98 for $19,000 US but i wouldnt be able to import for cheap, i dream about it every night

 

I was lucky enough to test drive a 350Z and an RX8 with one of my buddies. Both dealer guys were really cool and didn't mind having them out and running on the freeways. The 350Z is just plain fast, end of story, but I didn't like the cockpit feel, and to me that is the most important thing. The RX8 is seat of the pants slower just as the numbers show , but I liked the interior much more and enjoyed the rear doors and seats. For the moeny I would go with the RX8, that is of course if the G35 is out of the way, that car is toooo sweet for words, 350 speed and much beter interior, just my .02.

 

Boo the RX8.... I'm not sold on the looks yet (maybe eventuallY) but you definately nailed the tail on the donkey with the slow... its not even making the #s mazda has released... yeah... some people are pissed. Maybe when a turbo comes out (if it ever comes out) but... either a Volvo S60R or G35 coupe will be my next ride. With infiniti luxury... the after market of the 350z and looks you just can't beat. The G35 is one sweet ride... Not completely sold on the engine note, but i'm sure I could get used to it.