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Thinking about getting a sports car. Ideas?

Navy Chief

Navy Chief

Senior Member
Due to losing my buddy Chief, I am going to look into buying a different car. I bought my Chevy 2008 HHR LT Panel new, specifically to carry Chief. It was perfect for that, and I even had a memory foam mattress for him in the back.
View attachment 55210

But now I want to get something smaller, more sporty.

Am thinking about maybe a sports car. Used, of course.

Any suggestions?

Was looking at the Pontiac Solstice, but it didn't have very good reviews.

NC
 
I brought my daughter one of those ( Solstice ) It was fast but high maintance...lol.As far as I am concerned sports cars are nice for toys, but none are dependable. Most sports cars have sports suspension which is fine for cornering but bumpy as hell.If you get hit in the front it will never be right again.Most of the high dollar ones call for premium gas and also your insurance premium goes up. If it is a import it is higher. On top of that you do not get a tax break either. The wife has had quite a few of them and I didn't care for any of them. To small, bumpy, got tired of shifting, on a trip no room for luggage. Most are only two seaters. Some of the rims on the high dollar bad boys are the ones that the tires sit low to the ground. If ya get a flat it takes out the rim sometimes. Part two of that is the tires are a tad bit on the high side. I have never brought a used one but if ya think about it most of the used ones have been run to death. I don't think you will find a used one that a little old lady drove it..lol. Been there and done it. Good luck...Mike
 
One word.... Mustang.

Reliable and while some have been beat on, buying one from a responsible older owner should land you a pretty nice ride. Even the later model V-6 Mustangs are pretty peppy.
 
Narrow it down a bit there Pete....


Looking for roadster or something with 4 seats....new or used?
 
If you can fit in it, look at a Miata. 20+ years of models available, reliable, fun as heck to drive (although could use a few more HP).
Have to treat it like you are riding a cycle, no one sees you.
 
Would like a 2-seater, used, sports car, convertible.

Miatas are something I will look at. As mentioned, they have been around for quite a while.

The max speed limit, here on Sanibel, is 35. And I'll be driving on-island more than off. But for the times I am off-island, I would like something with a little pep too!

Pete
 
Mazda Miata is a lot bang for the buck. Probably the best deal in sports cars. I lost my yearning for a sports car long ago. I prefer the utility and ease of entry into and exit from an SUV or pickup truck.
 
stansdds said:
Mazda Miata is a lot bang for the buck. Probably the best deal in sports cars. I lost my yearning for a sports car long ago. I prefer the utility and ease of entry into and exit from an SUV or pickup truck.
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The closest I ever got to owning a sports car, was a 2005 VW GTI, with a 1.8L Turbo engine. It was fast! And I am not opposed to getting another one, but I do not like the body style change (specifically the grill) after 2005. They ruined it.

Pete
 
As some said, Miata is a good choice. The only sports car I ever owned was a '69 Fiat 124 Spyder without the hood humps. Love that car. With its twin overhead cams, aluminum heads with headers, five speed aluminum trans, four wheel disc brakes, and came with a removal hardtop. All this in 1969.
 
Here you go Chief, two seats, lots of grunt and tons of 'extra' space. :jump:

View attachment 55220

If you want a 'Sports Car' then go for a Miata [aka 'Mid Life Crisis Mobile'] that is no older than 2005/2006.
The US doesn't make 'Sports Cars' except for the Corvette BTW.
I'd be interested to see how the MX5 would go if Mazda had the sense to stuff the 2.5L Turbo that is fitted to their Mazda 3 SS .............. :kilroy:
 
wombat666 said:
Here you go Chief, two seats, lots of grunt and tons of 'extra' space. :jump:

View attachment 55220

If you want a 'Sports Car' then go for a Miata [aka 'Mid Life Crisis Mobile'] that is no older than 2005/2006.
The US doesn't make 'Sports Cars' except for the Corvette BTW.
I'd be interested to see how the MX5 would go if Mazda had the sense to stuff the 2.5L Turbo that is fitted to their Mazda 3 SS .............. :kilroy:
Click to expand...

Speaking just for myself, I would just get into trouble if I get another car that is turbo-equipped. Having the Chevy HHR I currently drive, has forced me to slow down!! Pete
 
If I were going old age crazy, I'd go for the Miata too NC. But whose to say you won't be getting a Chief, Jr. down the road. :ernae:

I had this fellow for a long time, but had to sell it as impractical when I got married. They are fun, but really not every day automobiles. And regardless of brand, other than the Miata perhaps, all require more maintenance than your standard sedan or coupe.

Caz
 
My neighbor has a Pontiac Solstice. Beautiful car. It may have 2500 miles on it...but most likely less (she has a 97 Camero with less than 9500 miles on it...she doesn't drive her cars a lot). The starter went out on it...took 5 months to find a starter for it and it set her back nearly $500 for the starter (no including labor to install it). I would avoid the Solstice unless you have very deep pockets for parts and a second vehicle to drive while parts for the Solstice are being tracked down.

I would stick with the HHR.....I know that right now your heart is broken from losing Chieft, but there is always a chance that a new puppy could come into your life. Besides, the HHR is one cool looking vehicle (especially in the panel van configuration you have) and is much more usable than a sports car.

OBIO
 
My sister had a Mazda Miata for many years. It was her main means of transportation in Iowa and Chicago. It ran great and never let her down. And that's for a person who just put gas in the tank....definitely a double thumbs up to the Miata.<label for="rb_iconid_14">
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As much as I loved Chief, I want to wait a while before getting another dog (IF I get another dog).

There are places I want to visit, i.e. Germany again, (Prowler - in Ecuador!), and many other places. With a dog, it isn't easy to leave home. I can find someone to take care of my cat, Twist though.

I read about paying for passage overseas on a cargo ship. I am going to check that out!!!

Plus, I can still fly Space A on military aircraft.......

Pete
 
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