"Erik V. Berg" wrote:
> 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
Hi Erik,
Well, except for the price requirement, you probably need a 3 or
5-series Bimmer. Personally, I would find out when they began imposing
ABS and go one year earlier. Then there is the Nissan 240SX notchback.
The handle great and should be reliable.
Rod
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