While I'm not at all sure it's here yet, I can see the time coming when the smart thing to do will be to quit riding motorcycles.

I have conditional permission to replace the motorcycle with a "fun car" when the time comes.

I was originally thinking Miata, but that's a pretty tight fit for a 5-11 and 200 pounds old fart that already finds getting in and out of a Corolla problematic at times (knees, hips, back).

So, what else is out there that is available with a manual transmission, is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable? Used, no doubt and in the $6000 to $8000 range.

Hyundai Veloster

Civic Si.

For down east rural driving, how about a surplus Unimog?

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Hyundai Veloster

Road & Track just picked it as performance car of the year. $30 K

Well that price range kinda eliminates a Hellcat, huh?

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
For down east rural driving, how about a surplus Unimog?

Actually, an old pickup (1940-1960) or a newer Jeep are both possibilities.

There's a guy in the neighborhood with a 50-ish Ford F1 with a flathead V8, but I doubt he'd part with it, and if he did I'm sure it'd be out of my budget.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Well that price range kinda eliminates a Hellcat, huh?

Yeah, sorta...

And that's a Good Thing. Assuming I didn't kill myself outright, tickets, gas and insurance would put me in the poorhouse PDQ.

Ford mustang, get a convertible if the need is there and you have a garage to keep it in!

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Hyundai Veloster

Horry sheet that's ugly! Hard pass.

quote:

Originally posted by Vanwall:

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Hyundai Veloster

Road & Track just picked it as performance car of the year. $30 K

Yeah, that was probably the Veloster "N", top of the line now. I had a 2016 Veloster Turbo, 6 speed manual. Quick, excellent handling and fun to drive.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Ford mustang, get a convertible if the need is there and you have a garage to keep it in!

A 'Stang is on the short list, but I'd have to rent one or something first. I suspect comfort might be an issue, they're pretty small.

Never been attracted to ragtops.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Hyundai Veloster

Horry sheet that's ugly! Hard pass.

No kiddin’. Lol

Most new cars are going away from rowing he was manually. Flappy paddle shifters are the newest fad.

Are you looking for a collector car or a driver? Older Porsche would fit the bill in my book. But, it my be a pain to get out of it. An Audi may work. I believe they just quit putting the manual in the A5 just last year.

Old farts belong in Corvettes

quote:

Originally posted by PD:
Old farts belong in Corvettes

True, but finding one that hasn't had the living shit beat out of it in my price range would be a miracle.

And in answer to another poster: A driver for sure, and preferably NOT something that costs mid-4 figures a year to maintain. Therefore, German/English/Italian cars are out of the equation.

Jeep Wrangler TJ.

Accord V6 Coupe !!

We are about the same size, and age. It takes a little practice, but my 2004 Mustang convertible is pretty comfortable and easy to get in and out of.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:
Civic Si.

Ding ding ding