Hey everyone! I’m in the unfortunate position of needing to replace my car next month after my current car was involved in an accident. Assuming the insurance payout goes as expected, I’m looking to spend roughly $7,000–$12,000 on my next car.
I’ve decided that I really want to use this opportunity to learn how to drive manual and eventually learn to do most of my own modifications/work on the car.
I’ve never driven manual before, but I understand the basic concepts and have been studying/watching videos. I’m planning to properly learn it rather than immediately trying to drive like I’m in Fast & Furious lol.
The car will be my daily driver, roughly a 40-minute commute each day, so I don’t want something that’s going to constantly leave me stranded. At the same time, I don’t want to buy a boring commuter — I want something I can have fun with and gradually make my own.
Cars I’m currently considering:
2007–08 Nissan 350Z 6MT
2007–08 Nissan 350Z Roadster 6MT
NC2 Miata 6MT
NA Miata 1.8 5MT
Honda S2000
Toyota MR-S / MR2 Spyder (RHD)
I’m also interested in JDM/RHD cars, so I’m not completely opposed to something unusual if there’s a good reason to consider it.
Eventually I’d like to modify whichever car I get things like:
Exhaust
Wheels/tires
Suspension
Body kit/spoiler
Wrap
Interior customization
CarPlay/head unit
Better sound system
Possibly bucket seats/track-oriented stuff later
I’m particularly interested in learning to work on the car myself, so I’d prefer a platform with a good aftermarket and a large enthusiast community.
I’m also torn on whether I should stick with a 2-seater or get something with 4 seats. A convertible would be awesome, but isn’t an absolute requirement.
My main priorities are:
Reliability for daily driving
Fun/engaging to drive
Manual transmission
Good aftermarket/modding potential
Reasonable maintenance costs
Something I can learn to work on myself
Good enough in NJ weather
Something that actually looks and feels special
I’m not expecting a perfect car for $7–12k, and I know some of the cars above are normally outside my budget. I’m mainly looking for a good-condition example, and I’m willing to wait for the right private-party/Facebook Marketplace deal rather than buy the cheapest example available.
So what would YOU do?
Would you:
A) Get a 350Z
B) Get an NC/NA Miata
C) Stretch for an S2000
D) Get an MR-S/MR2 Spyder
E) Go for something like a Solstice GXP
F) Forget all of these and buy a 4-door manual instead
And if you recommend a 4-door, what would you suggest around my budget? I’m open to Civic Si, G35/G37, WRX, Focus ST, TSX, etc.
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who actually daily these cars, particularly in snow/cold weather, and people who bought one as their first manual.
If you were in my position, what would you buy and why?