Cars with good feel and handling?

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IAMBEN21@reddit

Have you ever looked into getting a mustang? The eco boost version seems to fit what you’re looking for very well. I have one and I love it! I got it for $36k brand new in the 2024 model. The V8 (GT) option is still very affordable, but may be above the power level you are looking for. The biggest downsides are it’s RWD only so that may not work for your state and it’s a 2 door (back seats exist, but no). In my humble opinion they also look better than pretty much every affordable sports car. If you need back seats and/or AWD I’d look into 3 series BMWs. BMWs are actually pretty reliable, it’s just the one time you need something done and take it to the dealership, they are going to be ridiculously expensive. The mustang is less reliable (not terrible, but can be Russian roulette sometimes as true with any ford), but they’re easier to work on and even if you take it to a ford dealership it’ll be expensive but nothing like BMW service pricing. Luckily for you turbocharged 4 cylinder cars are in style now and you can pick pretty much any manufacturer for these. The 250-350hp range will have lots of options all for great pricing.

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StrayCat649@reddit

Subaru BRZ. Or if you just want a car only for sunday drive and do not plan to do any shopping along the way, Mazda MX-5.

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jpnc97@reddit

Any E chassis 3 series

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Fun_Willingness_9836@reddit

Genesis g70 Cadillac Blackwings Toyota GR86 Golf R Ioniq 5 N

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berg450@reddit

Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0L, 2020 or later, with the sport pack. Massively undervalued, quite reliable, gorgeous, and fantastic driving dynamics. EV, Polestar 2. Power is fantastic and handles better than most other EVs. Or, if you can swing it, Porsche Taycan.

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Professional_Rain170@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the EV rec, I maybe should have mentioned my inclination towards EVs in my original post. I'm torn because I'm young, somewhat progressive, and an engineer. And so pragmatically I really like the idea of an EV. But since I've gotten to drive an ICE car for a while, I'm starting to understand why some people dont want to change. There is something to be said about everything that goes into an ICE drivetrain and how that expresses itself.

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berg450@reddit

There is, indeed. I switched to EV somewhat begrudgingly and really wanted a Giulia, especially after I drove one. The whole drivetrain and the chassis is just sublime. But I tried a Polestar and honestly, it is just fantastic. The power delivery is different but the instant torque is really amazing. So quiet on the highway. The handling isn’t as good, it’s a much heavier car, but it’s still really good and miles ahead of Tesla, Hyundai EVs. And, the bonus of no gas station, no oil changes, no transmission maintenance… there is something to be said there. Everyone has to decide, I’ll just say I’m happy with my choice. Good luck to you.

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IllMasterpiece5610@reddit

Depends on budget and how old a car you’re willing to get. Miata of any year is great. Mk2 and Mk3 VW gti are also fantastic; they lack the sex appeal and power but feel as right as a 911 (and the steering wheel is not off to the side).

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TexMoto666@reddit

E46 BMW. Get the M3 if you can. They are very easy to work on. All the major issues are figured out already and they are super fun cars even in stock. Parts are very affordable and you can do all the work yourself with basic skills.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

Dude asked for 'economical'... :-)

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

Parts are cheap an fixin is easy. Nothing modern has the same steering feel outside of Lotus.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

For me this would be impossible and I have no idea about any parts. I owned may BMWs but never did any work on them and neither going to. So what is cheap is simply for you may be unsurmountable for someone else :-)

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

Just because you’re unwilling and don’t want to learn doesn’t mean it’s not economical.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

Does your SO do the service by themselves or is that you do? I'd suggest you ask them to learn lmao.

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

The fuck are you talking about? I do the service. And, as an older car, it’s inexpensive to get parts. “Economical” does not mean “in current condition.” It means good value relative to cost.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

Do you grow cows and sheep?

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

I don’t think you understand these basic concepts or maybe English isn’t your first language? An E46 is an economical car because they are affordable to acquire, inexpensive to repair yourself, inexpensive to pay someone else to repair, parts are affordable and widely available. An economic car enthusiast car choice has nothing to do with choosing to grow your own farm animals.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

OP wanted advise for a normal car and some crazy fan ran in with 20 years old car. And not only 20 yo car, but a BMW! Which no one in their same mind owns beyond CPO 6 years. And not just advise to get OLD BMW but a high performance one which obviously gets many issues. Oh, "just fix it yourself". Are you for real? Re-read the post.

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

For feel and handling the E46 is one of the best platforms that’s widely available. It’s easy as hell to fix and inexpensive to pay someone else to fix. Everything these days has an EPS rack, which feel like ass. So the *de facto* answer is an older car which specifically meets OP’s requirements.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

It is 20 YEARS OLD CAR. Which part is unclear. Is your grandma driving your beloved E46?

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

Wow you’re kind of a prick huh? Just because you don’t know fuck all about car maintenance doesn’t make an older, well-kept BMW unreliable. E46 and even E36 are TERRIFIC cars if properly maintained (which is, again, inexpensive).

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

I also don't know anything about fixing septic systems and you don't know anything about growing sheep. You didn't answer if your mom drives E46.

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Professional_Rain170@reddit (OP)

My guy, I am looking for ideas and suggestions. Nothing he said was outside my criteria. I don't really know what I want. If I only wanted suggestions of new cars I would have said that. And thats a lot of talk for someone who just the time to reply to this guy like 7 times.

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

Another thing to consider: modern cars have had to comply with CAFE standards, leading to longer gearing. My GT4 hit 87 mph at the top of second, which makes for a somewhat un-fun manual experience insofar as you don’t have to/get to shift very often. Older cars don’t have the same compliance requirement and thus have shorter gearing.

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

Thanks bro. The only thing that’s modern that will give you a comparable steering feel is a Viper (manual rack) or Lotus Evora (hydraulic rack).

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Affectionate_Sort_78@reddit

Well, so far that hasn’t been the precedent.

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reedbetweenlines@reddit

I don't like BMW but their handling is nice

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Puzzleheaded_Card_71@reddit

Light weight is what you want, that is what gives you that great driving experience that focuses on handling and feel over straight line lower. The BRZ is outstanding for a sports coupe. The Civic si is outstanding for a sedan. Both are great, have limited slips, and are available with manuals. Both are very affordable as well, and under 3000lb.

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GetawayDriving@reddit

Lotus is what you’re looking for. ND Miata also works well.

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Professional_Rain170@reddit (OP)

I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I have to say, I feel like the Miata looks kinda goofy. The front looks like a wide open mouth. I know some people like that, but its not me. That said, clearly a lot of people are recommending it so maybe it will grow on me.

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GetawayDriving@reddit

I tell people my Lotus could have looked like a fruit cart and I still would have bought it, because looks don’t matter when it’s all about the drive experience. But it just turns out Lotus are pretty universally gorgeous. Personally, I think the ND Miata is one of the best looking cars on the road. But I have a giant predisposition for cars with big smiles on their faces. I’m so over aggressive looking cars. I’m not angry. Driving is fun. Cars should look like joy. The Miata has a mischievous grin, which I adore.

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Chromis481@reddit

My DD is an STI. It's awesome, and I don't want anything else. But my weekend fun car is a Fiat 500 Abarth. It's a lesser car in every way to the Subie, but it's just a fricken hoot.

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bruh-iunno@reddit

Miata, Lotus, Porsche, older Mazdas and BMWs with hydraulic power steering for more practical/"normal" cars

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mehmetunalb@reddit

Didn't see it in the comments. Came here to say Giulia 2.0L (I own one). You can pick up one for $20k-30k. They fixed quite a few issues with 2020 model year. I test drove one last year and fell in love with the short steering rack. I wouldn't recommend it without the extended warranty though. If things fail they're usually expensive. I didn't have anything major so far. Other fun cheap ish cars I recommend : brz, gr86, miata, gti, lexus IS, mazda3, wrx, audi tt, bmw z4

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Aggressive-sponging@reddit

This^ you care about handling you’re not going to get better than Alfas Giorgio chassis until you get into exotics

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Sad-Tap3687@reddit

I enjoy my manual Integra - it's basically a slightly dressed-up more "mature" Civic Si. If you're young, go Civic Si

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ManBearPig2114@reddit

Honda Type R is one of the best daily drivers in the $45k range.

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Suspicious-Trash-921@reddit

The guy asks for a suggestion “that isn’t super fast” and the recommendations are Porsches and BMWs lol. I think you are the money with the type R answer, even an Civic Si. Miata answers are plentiful, I’ve never driven one but I’m sure it’s similar to the si so that’s a good recommendation as well.

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ManBearPig2114@reddit

Yep! Type R is fan-fucking-tastic. Mine departs my ownership in 5 days and I’m definitely pretty sad about it. Just enough fun to be totally usable and not lose your license immediately. Lol

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Monthra77@reddit

Miata Is Always The Answer

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djltoronto@reddit

Sometimes an S2000 is the answer.

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JoshPlaysUltimate@reddit

They are kinda hard to fit inside when you’re taller than average. Perhaps the only downside? I’ve never gotten quite comfortable in any Miata

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Monthra77@reddit

I’m 6’2” and fit just fine

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JoshPlaysUltimate@reddit

Balanced torso/leg ratio? I’m a touch under 6’5 and long torso, and I can fit in a Miata but not comfortably

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Monthra77@reddit

Longish legs and arms

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NothingLift@reddit

Hard to fit anything else in too. Not really a practical option day to day

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B5_S4@reddit

Day to day I'm not carrying anything larger than a backpack and myself. I can carry 2x that in a miata, I don't see the issue 🤷‍♂️

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

They can probably afford to get a used miata now because it's also a economical car. depreciation is very good, gets great gas mileage, has relatively inexpensive tires, and just low general running costs.

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ICantDecideIt@reddit

I had to double check that this wasn’t r/carcirclejerk. Miata is too obvious

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Sketchy-Idea-Vendor@reddit

I second this. Monthra obviously knows. You just simply cannot beat a Miata for a low-cost, excellent driving experience. You can get better, but you are going to spend lots more to get relatively small improvements. Boxsters are still incredibly good bargains for an exceptional driving experience, but Porsche badge = Porsche bills and you aren’t going to see huge improvements in the overall experience.

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Any_Appointment3123@reddit

BMW M2 or M3 or M4

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Dorsai56@reddit

The answer is always Miata.

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krombopulousnathan@reddit

Miata, Honda Civic Si, VW GTI, VW Jetta GLI. Shoot maybe even a Mazda 3 if you want to go less sporty and more daily driver

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nortonj3@reddit

golf/gti

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HippoKingHippomsk@reddit

Miata, Boxster (987.2 and up), Cayman (987.2 and up), Lotus, GR86, Z4 (B series engine and up), S2000, Mini Cooper (2015+). Some of these had reliability issues in the past so I specified.

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gohdnuorg@reddit

My 986 boxster seemed perfect, wish i hadn’t sold it. I wouldn’t be afraid of it.

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HippoKingHippomsk@reddit

I know it's not 1:1 but I loved my MR2 Spyder. I got the 996.2 instead of the 987.1 because I figured I'd change things up and try a new platform rather than have two mid-rear cars. I thought about getting a 986 after someone totaled my MR2 haha

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gohdnuorg@reddit

I sold my 986 because I drive it too much. It was as keeping me from my new 718 4.0. One sports car is enough.

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blunt-but-true@reddit

Seemed

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gohdnuorg@reddit

Between five and 7000 RPM in the mountains, it was perfect. Have you ever thrashed, one behind the wheel?

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dependablefelon@reddit

you kinda lost me at the mini but i’ve never driven one and I’m one of those rwd only jerks. miata for life!

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HippoKingHippomsk@reddit

You'd be surprised! I was dailying my Scion XA and because it was so lightweight, it was actually kinda nice around corners haha. Honda Fits are notoriously known to be great platforms for K-swaps too. I still prefer RWD/AWD, but I figured I'd suggest it because I got a base F56 Mini with the more reliable B38 engine from BMW as a daily recently and was incredibly surprised by how fun it actually is to drive

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PatientCheetah2337@reddit

3dr cooper s manual is a blast

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Myelo_Screed@reddit

WRX if you want to be a vape bro

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extrafrostingtoday@reddit

I own one and can't recommend one. Everything is fine, but just fine imo. I'd get a Corolla GR or Supra if it's just for driving.

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Waggy401@reddit

It depends what you do and where you are. We have a Crosstrek Wilderness (basically a lifted Impreza) and live where it snows and there are plenty of dirt roads. It's a blast to drive in both those situations. It's fun to drive on the road, too, since it's smaller than most of my other vehicles and has a great turning radius.

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SalaryDull5301@reddit

Classic Subaru. Fine, but just fine.

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Rapom613@reddit

Miata, Lotus, mid engine Porsche would be the best options IMO Miata is the cheapest, easiest to service, limits are lower however. Lotus is the most expensive, likely the least reliable (not a lot of experience with them, but brittish) however VERY enjoyable to drive Porsche is somewhere in between in price, Very reliable, and holds its value extremely well. I would recommend something like 981 Cayman/Boxster S or if you can find one a 987 Boxster Spyder (rare though)

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villamafia@reddit

Miata is always a good bet, it they are *tiny* inside. you can pick up older boxters for fairly inexpensive as well. You can also look into a Civic Si, Type R, or their Acura equivalents if you want a car that is a blast to drive through corners, but is still cheap to operate.

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Mindless_Career_1608@reddit

Audi anything.

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HojonPark4077@reddit

964

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Low-Carob9772@reddit

Mitsubishi all wheel drives don't get enough love.... I usually rent cars for travel on a regular basis and the Mitsubishi outlander AWD is seriously impressive compared to anything in it's class I have driven. They're cars with AWD are equivalent if not better. I drive them all over the mountains in Georgia. Asphalt and dirt roads. Through creeks and mud... No issues ever

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Nice_Emphasis_39@reddit

Focus ST or Fiesta ST

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deathtongue1985@reddit

Fiesta ST is an incredible car!

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deathtongue1985@reddit

987 Cayman

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robdubbleu@reddit

Mk7 VW GTI

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aroundthehouse@reddit

MK8 handles even better.

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Spirit-Internal@reddit

I found the MK7 to be much “sharper” feeling.

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aroundthehouse@reddit

Probably tires. This is pretty well documented but people have personal preferences.

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Lawineer@reddit

GR86 Miata Lotus BMW

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A_Random_Sidequest@reddit

Honda Civic, any model

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n0t_4_thr0w4w4y@reddit

Something older with hydraulic steering. Something with ITBs as well. I’d start with an E46 M3

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NothingLift@reddit

E30, E36 and E46 all have their charms and theyre actual cars you can use for car stuff. Much more practical than a miata

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Sketchy-Idea-Vendor@reddit

X2 on hydraulic steering (no power steering is better, but not very common anymore). Electric power steering is a big reason I have very little interest in newer cars. Modern cars just feel like crap when it comes to connection to the road. If you really love driving, you’re going to want an older car just about every time.

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ciaranr1@reddit

Good call, the BMW X2 is one of the finest automobiles ever conceived. I don't believe it came with hydraulic steering, though it still transmits road feel like it's the Flintstones car /s

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withsexyresults@reddit

Their manuals feel terrible tho

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newtonreddits@reddit

Fixable issue

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Space_Guy@reddit

I've driven E46 M3s and ZHPs with worn-out shifters and they're indeed terrible. BUT, an Auto Solutions shifter, Turner Motorsports bushing, and a ZHP knob is about as good as it gets.

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GhostriderFlyBy@reddit

I have an AKG shifter in my E46 and it makes every other manual feel terrible by comparison.

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KittehKittehKat@reddit

MINIs. Not Countryman though.

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Gh07ms3@reddit

FIESTA ST. Watch reviews its a riot to drive!

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supern8ural@reddit

The two that come immediately to mind are Miata and BRZ/86. The best daily driver I ever had was a Porsche 944 but it wouldn't be practical today. At the time, cheap used Miatas didn't exist so the 944 was a logical choice for fun on a budget.

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JoshPlaysUltimate@reddit

I mean a 1.3L 1994 Mazda protege can accelerate past 90mph, I guess the question is how fast do you want to reach that speed

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bprug87@reddit

Depending on your budget there is a lot. Most likely would look to go older for a better feel. 1. Brz or Toyota 86 (Scion frs) 2. Miata of any generation 3. Pontiac solstice or Saturn sky 4. Corvette C5 (97-04) or C6 (05-14) 5. Bmw 3 series or the M variants 6. Audi S3 or S4 7. Porsche boxster, Cayman, 911 These are just quickly off the top of my head.

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Melondewd@reddit

Miatas are pricey unless you want to deal with someone’s basket case

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Melondewd@reddit

Honda fit is always the answer

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Old-guy64@reddit

It you need practical the Infiniti G series. The sedan is nearly as fun as the coupe. However, it has room for four and their luggage. If you want a toy, the answer is always Miata. If you want something a little bigger the Toyota/Subara “86 twins”. The FR-S/BRZ. Not a power house, but a lot of fun to drive, especially with a manual transmission. Another interesting option is a Mustang. But not the V-8. Look at the 4-cyl turbo with a manual transmission. You don’t get the feel good engine noise, but you get a car that is super balanced, fun to drive, and gets 30 mpg on the highway. You’ll take some razzing from the V8 guys…till they try to keep up with you in the twisties.

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ArmsOfaTRex@reddit

Cadillac CT5-V, non blackwing. Funnest daily I’ve ever owned. On my second one.

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Sweb1975@reddit

Civic si

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International-Ad153@reddit

A Focus ST is a fantastic daily fun vehicle to have

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ReaperTheMadder@reddit

2024 Camry V6

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AramisSAS@reddit

I30N felt super nice driving, it has nice road feedback for a normal hatchback

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SpeedyHAM79@reddit

Miata, GR86/BRZ, S2000- Just a few possibilities.

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D5Duck@reddit

Any BMW with hydraulic steering

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comeonback_@reddit

GTI

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banndi2@reddit

Subarus have amazing road feel due to AWD and low centre of gravity. Try to find a standard and watch out for blown head gaskets.

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BigIreland@reddit

Mazda RX-8. Prioritizing good feel and handling at the expense of power? There are very, very few better cars in that regard.

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Tommy_the_Pommy@reddit

Left-field choice. Suzuki Kizashi AWD.

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l_Trava_l@reddit

BMWs are the best feeling car to drive. They are so planted to the road and smooth.

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imjeffp@reddit

Mach E GT or Rally. Or a Polestar. Electric cars are just so much fun with all that torque at any speed.

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Temporary_Damage4642@reddit

E36 328i

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JerseyGuy-77@reddit

328xi Can't flip it.

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Ars139@reddit

GR86/BRZ.

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Doulreth@reddit

BRZ GR86 Miata S2000 JDM ganggg

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Mash_man710@reddit

BRZ/GR86. Handles like a go kart and plenty of power for the weight.

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IsbellDL@reddit

The great thing about the Miata is it can be both that economical car and the fun drive you're after. I'm averaging 32 mpg in my 2016 (ND1). I'm at 96,000 miles so far. Bought new, autocross it regularly, daily drive year-round. I run 200TW tires for 7 months & swap straight to winter tires before the lake effect snow hits. I am pretty hard on it. Around 70,000 miles, I managed to tear a motor mount & break a wheel bearing. Overall running costs have been pretty low. It's unquestionably been the most enjoyable daily driver I've had so far.

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ARustybutterknife@reddit

A Honda Fit, not quick but fun handling, especially if you put a sway bar on (or so I’ve been told).

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epicureansucks@reddit

The answer is always the Miata.

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Expensive_Candle5644@reddit

370z might be a good option. Maybe a M2/3 comp. Camaro SS 1LE, Cayman/Boxter, GTI/R32 come to mind.

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InternationalIdea606@reddit

How is the Acura NSX not on this list already. Not only does it meet OP’s criteria, it also is an appreciating asset vs. depreciating like the Lotus Emira and others listed. If you want good speed, amazing handling, easy to maintain, then the NSX is the only real choice.

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TOKERJOKERSWAY@reddit

Audi A6 favorite car thus far. Have the 3.0 supercharged and stage 1 ApR. It's a sleek quick machine

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speeding2nowhere@reddit

Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata Miata

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ragingduck@reddit

* Cayman GTS 4.0 * Miata * BMW Z4 * BMW M2 * Toyota Supra

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Middle-Jackfruit-896@reddit

Acura and Volkswagen.

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Ohnos2@reddit

you only have 1 car? or just a weekend car. if a weekend car, s2000 is king

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Professional_Rain170@reddit (OP)

I dont really plan on ever having more than 1 car. And I figure that if my lifestyle ever changes such that I need a vehicle that fits a certain number of people, or can carry big stuff, I'll sell and get something better suited to my needs. But until then, I just enjoy driving.

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Ohnos2@reddit

having two cars gives you way more options, and really brings you joy when you drive your weekend car. id rather have a 40k daily and 80k (or however much) weekend car, instead of just one car. all depends on what kinda person you are tho honestly

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Guy_help@reddit

Just get a Lexus is350 or 500. The car isn’t fast but it handles well and it feels great. If you do opt for a Lexus ensure to replace the LCA on the front to reduce inner tire wear.

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National_Frame2917@reddit

The 6 speed 2012 Elantra I've been driving is honestly pretty great. It has enough power to keep up with most cars. The manual trans is pretty solid. Despite popular opinions given how I've been driving it they seem to be bulletproof. I'm looking at buying another one.

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isayheckyeahalot@reddit

This is what the Miata was made for! I sold my NB and got a GR86. Both are loads of fun, but I still long for a convertible. One day, I'll get a Boxster or maybe an Ftype

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Sweet-Gushin-Gilfs@reddit

Any Honda outside the 7th gen civic. Throw some coilovers on, stiffen the chassis, you have a reliable, peppy, not fast, fun, good handling car. Especially the Si

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Still_Squirrel_1690@reddit

Cx-5 all day.

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LazyBearZzz@reddit

BMW 3 series, as always. If you prefer analog displays and perhaps, hydraulic steering, try something maybe 10 years old. But that won't be economical out of warranty.

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FoxElectrical1401@reddit

Mazda 3 iSport, the one with the skyactive tranny

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Esprit350@reddit

Lotus Emira ticks all the boxes and just about in price range. Looks far more expensive than it is.

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iMakeUrGrannyCheat69@reddit

Miata, Fiesta St, focus St, focus Rs, VW gti, Subaru sti, civic type R, corolla GR, lower trims of corvettes, pretty much any smaller car/hatchback of their respective sport trim. I would imagine im missing some of the more "luxury" brands that have great handling likelexus RC/RC F Lexus500 F sport performance and many others. I dont have that kind of money so I try to not to get my hopes up lol. With say the focus RS, miata and stuff, you can get these cars from 8-30k (depending on milage and condition) and then put another 2-30k into them to really transform them into something insane.

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SaltLakeBear@reddit

Basically, Miata (probably NC or ND), Lotus, one of the 86 variants, or Boxster/Cayman are your best bets.

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miseeker@reddit

Mazda

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fuckreddit-69@reddit

Mazda 3.

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corporaterebel@reddit

Acura RL SH-AWD is amazing.

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Ilikejdmcars@reddit

The new gen civics handle pretty good imo

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TRX790@reddit

C7 Corvette Grand Sport is an awesome handling car within your price range. It’s basically a Z06 without the supercharger

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Fresh_Attention_640@reddit

E46 M3

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alwtictoc@reddit

I loved my 13 vw gti. Handles great. Good power but not stupid. Currently have a 17 x3 35i xdrive and I love it too. Probably not getting rid of this one.

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19473761640046666210@reddit

Lotus, MX-5, Brz, GR86/GT86, maybe Nissan Z. Look into all of those

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Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit

Lotus Emira

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withsexyresults@reddit

Boxster

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