Happy new year, all.
This message contains no significant Lotus content, and
little Toyota content. So if you're not interested in the
topic, just skip over it.
I'll soon be in the market for a sporty commuter car. I've
been spoiled by the great road feel of my Miata, but since
I now own three convertibles and have not enough garage space
for all of them, my Miata will have to go soon. I'll need
a replacement, because I'm too old and wise at this point to
be left with no daily driver backups for my Elans.
So I'll need a reliable, sporty, commuter car.
My requirements (in prioritized order) are:
1) Cheap ( <$5K US )
2) Rear wheel drive
3) New-ish ( >1989 )
4) Light ( <2500 lbs )
5) Well balanced
6) Need a trunk; no hot hatches
7) 5 speed
8) Rack and pinion
9) 4 wheel disks
Sports sedans have enjoyed a great history going back to
the LoCort, the various Alfa sedans, the BMW 2002, the
Datsun 510, etc... In my mind, the RWD AE86 GTS Corolla
is an excellent modern example of this line of evolution.
And sure enough, the AE86 comes very close to meeting all
my requirements.
The only problem is, they stopped making the AE86. Blub.
I really want a newer vehicle.
So, here's the question.
Who has made (for the US market) a newer vehicle meeting
all these requirements?
TModders, please Cc: any responses to me directly.
Copious accolades to any who can offer up interesting
responses.
FWD sniveling to /dev/null.
Regards,
Erik Berg
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