Fun beaters as 2nd/3rd car
 

A few months ago I traded in my WRX for a Sienna. Now we have a minivan and an SUV in the family - neither of which is fun to drive.

I've been looking for a clean car from the early 90's that'll qualify for collector plates cause I like the idea of paying <$500/year for insurance, but it's been hard to find something in that's fun and in good condition.

Anybody here go through this same scenario? What did you end up doing and how much do you pay for insurance?

I'm looking for something reliable under $5000. Now I'm wondering how much insurance would be if I find a Honda from the late 90's and put just basic insurance on it for the year.

The answer is always Miata!

Civic, CRX, Integra GSR should also work for you without breaking the bank. Tough part is to find a clean one to qualify collector plate under $5,000.

You already answer your own question about how much insurance will cost you a year on a collector plate.

If you are not using collector insurance, basic insurance should cost you around $900~$1200 a year in lower mainland with full discount. And you can still drive it to work/school sometimes rather than you are not allowed to use collector vehicle for regular daily commute.

I got a miata I’d be willing to get rid of.. wink wink

Honda Fit Sports are pretty fun to beat around, but newer than what you're looking for.

EF civic Si / CRX Si, DA integra, early DC integra GSR


an E30 will be nice but will be premium money.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...632731359.html
From the good buys thread

I'd probably go for an e36 bmw, you can find a 325is for under 5k. Between that or a miata would probably be my choice for rwd fun. A 94+ Integra gsr might be doable for 5k

with these gas prices, you are better off getting a motorcycle.. if your not a pussy about dying or getting severely injured :badpokerface:

fixed

I have a 92 Civic Si hatch
Basic + 2million liability + theft
$109/month

I have an E30 325is for sale soon. Mostly original.

$5500 Miata, already collector plated.

Problem solved

Let me know if you want the contact details.

I like how the seller nearly drives the Miata into a tree in the photo.

imo any car you get for $5000 is just going to be a hole in your wallet, not that much "fun"

like honestly, people think a miata, DA integra, civic, 328 BMW are "fun" cars? lol

stick with your grocery getters until you can afford an actual sports car

everyone around here touting miatas as this sporty coupe, the car is absolutely guttless with a vanilla transmission and you look like a fruit cake driving it around...

To each their own but i find a lot of actual "sports" cars to be boring, Cayman, S2000, Type R/S's, etc.

To think these cars that were marketed to middle aged women are somehow "fun" just feels like a mid-life crisis reach of all reaches lol..

Fun is relative. Your username and this comment does not check out lol.

But in all honesty, if all these cars doesn't impress you, the funniest toy you can buy for 5g is probably a motorcycle. Once you go two wheels everything else will seem vanilla

Dude, seriously?

If Miatas and old skool Hondas are not cheap fun beaters, I dunno what else can meet the criteria. Fun can be had in a straight line, but it can also mean a whole lof of other things -- like wind in your hair, vehicle responsiveness, lateral g's, VTEC just kicked in (yo), etc.

If you are driving in stop-and-go traffic, nothing is going to be fun. If all you do is drive up Oak following traffic, nothing is going to be fun. But if you take a car to a proper venue, it is going to be tremendously fun.

MR2T... These things will try to kill you if you're not careful in the rain. Can't get more exciting than that.

-Turbo
-Mid Engine
-Convertible

Though I don't know if you can buy one for under $5k anymore. Few years ago, there were lots to choose from in that price range.

I personally wouldn't find enjoyment in a miata, or the other suggestions...but based on the price and year stipulation, that's the absolute best fit. Personally, I'd ditch the 1990 requirement and go for a classic. Lots of sub $5k classics that are a boatload of fun, without the stigma that the Miata comes with. But I'm guessing OP doesn't want to maintain/wrench on a classic...and any $5k classic will require some wrench time.

Sub $5k classic examples...

The S2000 shifter, top-down, turn in feel, and vtec. :sweetjesus:

how about a Z3 with the 2.5 inline 6.

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...606946563.html

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/...603639481.html

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/...633263781.html

:toot:

so beaters are not your thing and neither are Caymans, why don't you list some actual sports cars?

As a owner of a manual V10 R8 I can tell you my old 97 civic hatch with a manual trans and a swap was a blast to drive. If I had the room and time I would probably own another.

already doing this with my 93 GSR. To get it up to collector plate status would prob need a couple grand in bodywork as ICBC is very strict on what cars they hand the plates to. Otherwise insurance is around 2k annually for basic :nyan:

Damn, maybe I shouldn't share this with you all and get it myself!
2004 Audi TT 3.2 AWD S-line, $4500 obo!

https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/...612975785.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00707_...DV_600x450.jpg