Ferrari 308 GTS: your turn

12-15 year old NSX.
 
Similar idea, but easier to live with and well... less '80s (less Magnum PI, more Pulp Fiction). It still looks like a modern-era car, except it has pop-ups (yay), and I guess I'm in the crowd that would be all for the ultimate Honda.

I would take a few hundred out of my savings and get an Acura TSX, which starts at $28,190 with everything that I would need.
 
The reasoning: in high school a friend of mine had a 1989 Honda Accord that I loved. While the American Accord has gotten bloated over the years, the TSX is like the true successor to the car my friend had in high school.

Well, I was in that situation a month ago. I bought a 2005 Mustang GT convertible with 15k miles. Cost me 26k, but it's close enough. It had to be my daily driver, so that would be my only reservation about something more exotic. But man, if this would have been a second car, and I found a 308 in nice/maintained condition - I wouldn't think twice.

I am 23 so I always prefer new things. I'd probably get a sport sedan like a new TSX, a new V6 midsize sedan, or a slightly used BMW 330i. These are not as fun as hardcore sports cars that many people dream of, but they are so much easier to live with on a daily basis.

I think if it was me I'd buy a 1970 Barracuda convertible, not a pristine museum quality one but one in good shape and do a really nice but road going restoration so I could drive it everyday and not worry about cleaning it with Q-tips all day long and I toss in like a 318 HO engine or at most a 383 magnum instead of a 426 hemi.
Probably get the white vinyl interior with the woodgrain dash and a white top painted up in that really sharp yellow color just like the one I used to own that had frame damage. It might eat up a bit more than 28K but that car always put a smile on my face everyday I drove it. It wasn't so great at taking corners so no need for a monster engine but it was so fun to drive, a buck 20 on thw highway was about all I felt safe in doing in it. But who drive that fast all the time anyway.

I eagerly clicked to post my comments, all the cars I'd like to get flashing through my mind. And now that I'm typing, I'm actually not sure what I'd get; I'm not in the market for a car.
 
I have always been a fan of Mustangs, and someday I'd like to own a classic. If I could find a '69 Boss 429 for $28k, that'd be great, but it looks like those can run well into six-figure territory.
 
So... I'd probably get a new or slightly used Nissan Maxima. The CVT is awesome (never thought I'd say that) and power is surprisingly good. Fuel economy is acceptable for such a large car. And I like the styling. It has what I'd look for in a second, daily driver, car.

My father owned a TSX for about a year, and then sold it. The Honda K24 motor is really a bit of a disappointment. Despite being balance shafted, it vibrates roughly at idle, much less smooth than the 2.3 liter Ford-based 4 cylinder in my Mazda3. The K24 never lets you forget its a 4-banger, whereas the Mazda 2.3 revs smoothly and quickly, almost like a BMW 6. Which brings me to my suggestion:
 
An E46 3-Series convertible. Preferably 330, with a stick shift; perhaps a 2002 with about 50K. Hopefully one prior to 2004. In 2004 they tragically changed the front air dam, giving it a Dracula-like surround around the fog lamps. The '01-'02 models had a gorgeous cross-hatch filling in the lower part of the air dam; on the 3.0 liter models it was frosted to look almost like pewter.
 
As to the K24 motor, I recall reading a recent C&D review of the Acura RDX, which features a turbocharged variant of the K24. They, too, noted that the K24 cannot succeed in hiding its lowly four-banger roots. Its just not a smooth engine.

I thought the NSX suggestion was an inspired choice, but looking at Ebay it seems you'd have to get a really tired one to bring it down to the 28K price range. All the ones I was looking at are closer to (or exceeding) 40K. I think the 3-series convertible is an everyday-usable indulgence.

If the $28k is purely for the fantasy car, I'll take either a 308 or a suitably used dark blue Boxster. Or a late-80s 911 3.2 with the G50 gearbox. But then I'd start craving a nicely worn-in Lexus LS, for comfort. Can I have two?

I'd go with a nice used replica 427 Cobra (with a 427 and a manual transmission). Make it blue with white stripes, of course.

I am 19 years old and very few older cars intrigue me... but since i'm in the market for a new car in this price range i would have to say three cars come to mind... The Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Coupe, A Mini Cooper, or an Audi A3!
Although.... my whole body is screaming for a RED FERRARI!!!

I would buy a Mustang GT. My dad has a fully loaded, black Mustang GT with red interior and he paid 28,000. Well worth the money, and at least you don't have to worry about it breaking down like a 23-year-old Ferrari could.

I'd probably get a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT, but I'm a girl, so that's ok. We have a luxury SUV and luxury sport sedan, so now we need a roadster and the Miata is fun to drive. Any classic roadster I would want would bust the $28k budget even if it was barely in drivable condition.
 
Or...
 
I would buy two Smart Fortwos, run a wire through them and wear them as earrings.

I think I'd pick up a 2001/2002 Corvette Z06 or a 2003/2004 Cobra Mustang. Probably the Vette, as the Stang is more likely to have been driven hard.

I would spend all 28k (plus a couple thousand more) on a 2007 350z. The couple thousand more would get a the Enthusiast model which, IMO, has the best bang-for-buck quotient. Oh - and it would be Solar Orange and have a 6 speed.

To the guy that said the TSX motor feels rough, I have no idea what you are talking about. My father also owns one, his is a six speed, (maybe an auto would idle rougher because of the torque converter) and I have driven few cars with smoother motors. My mother drives an 04 TL and the 3.2 in her car is rougher than the TSX's K24. Who knows, maybe I have no idea what I am talking about.
 
If I had 28K, I would buy the latest model year possible of the Z3 based M Roadster. Any left over cash I would use to buy Chassis Bracing so I wouldn't die the first time I pushed it. I think that would be a suitable upgrade to my 1997 MX5.

350Z, best bang-for-the-buck?
 
I would say the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (any variant) or the Mazda Mazdaspeed3 provide a person with the most bang-for-the-buck.
 
If I had $28k to spend on an automobile, I would probably get a slightly used (and hopefully not abused...probability slim) 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi or a lower formula open wheel race car.

A VW GTI Fahrenheit with the DSG Transmission. I pick the Fahrenheit because it bumps the price up close to 28K, where as the R32 goes a bit over that.
 
I've never owned a VW but I've always liked their styling, and I've always been intrigued by the GTI. I know VW has had their quality issues, but something about them appeals to me. I like hatchbacks and I'd really enjoy that extra power and speed as opposed to what I'm used to (2007 Honda Fit). But I still want a car that has at least some utility (hatchback) and a not too punishing ride. I'm sure there are better choices out there, but I just keep coming back to a GTI : )

If i could afford it i would buy a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera i don't know what it is but there's something i really like about that year of 911.

I'd have to go with a used S2000. We already have a Mazda pickup and a 4-door sedan, so if another car was in the works, it'd have to be something just for fun! And a compact roadster that revs to 9000 rpm sounds like a lot of fun to me; there's nothing practical about it.

NSX and 911 would be interesting, but I'd like something newer, but Cayman's too new...so the best Boxster S I could find would do it.

Well, I'm completely guessing on the actual dollars involved, but trying to keep in the spirit of no practicality, I'd buy TWO early 70's VW Squarebacks - restore one and hot-rod the other one. The hot rod would get candy apple red paint and some chrome cragar wheels, while the other one would be bone-stock (though I might make the heater work...).

MB E500 or Dodge Magnum SRT8 or 70's Dodge Challenger R/T
There is no substitute for cubic inches.

"There is no substitute for cubic inches."
 
No replacement for displacement! :D
 
Forced induction (done right) is a lot of fun too! Got boost? :o)

Either a 2000 BMW M5 for around 28k or a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E for around 20k. Four door sedan usefulness; stealthy appearance; bank vault construction (for the Mercedes); brutal acceleration and top end in both. Plus, probably little in the nature of depreciation vs. the newer sports sedans/convertibles/coupes.

Easy - my current car: 07 Mini Cooper S.
 
If I got that money and already had my Cooper, then a 2002 M3.

I'd find a car like my old BMW M-Coupe. That was the z3 hatchback. Mine had the 315hp motor, no sunroof, Laguna Seca blue. Wicked car, woulda kept it if I didn't run into some tough times.

At this price point, in terms of sports cars -- I think the nostalgia of the Ferrari is largest factor. Even though it’s probably slower than the cars mentioned a Ferrari is a Ferrari. The connotation just has you thinking red, and all that history.
  
When I was growing up, my neighbor had a black 308. I remember riding my bike near his house to see if his garage was open to check it out. Often he’d give my friends and I rides. Just remembering sound of the thing is enough to make me want to spend $28,000 today.
  
PS. At a routine maintenance the car was put back together incorrectly and never drove the same. He had it checked at several other Ferrari mechanics and they never found the problem. He regrettable sold it and purchased a NSX.

i'd stick with my 2006 Civic Si, and then mod it with a turbo or supercharger.
 
or, get an used s2k (preferally AP2)
 
honda all the way baby!
 
and to the user who posted about the TSX's K24 engine, i'm not sure why it's so rough. my 2.0L K20Z3 engine is great.

1965 Buick Skylark Grand Sport
1953 Buick Special Convertible
or a perfect turbo Fiat Spider - still not close to the $28k though.

Purchasing a Ferrari for $28,000 is a great way to spend that money. For me however, I would shell out $24,000 for a 1981 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit in white as listed on hemmings.com. Either that, or I would get a muscle car, like a 1970 Judge GTO, a 1969 Dodge Charger, or a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.

I would get a VW GTI.
 
White exterior
Standard Transmission
Leather seats
DVD Navigation
Automatic Climate control
Golf ball shift knob
Perfection.
 
Even if I had 56,000 to spend on a car, this is the one I'd get.

'85 Buick GNX....and a truck load of rear tires and premium unleaded
 
You'll find me in the smoke cloud...somewhere.

I suppose other people's definition of "bang-for-buck" is different than mine. I would take a 350z over a supped up commuter car any day. How is the Lancer a better bang-for-buck anyways? Slightly better handling and slightly faster acceleration (only off the line) and you get a commuter car with a giant wing and a tooth jarring ride. I forgot to mention that the starting price on a Lancer with any amenities whatsoever is over $32k (under that you don't even get a radio). I think the Mazdaspeed3 would be a competitor if it wasn't FWD and a station wagon... I mean 5 door hatchback.
 
To each their own right?

I'm with blue guy. (Congrats BTW) If I had to buy it with funds already on hand, I'd pop for a 2007 Mini Cooper S.
 
If it's found money, I'd buy something I can't quite talk about yet, and race it. All will become clear in a few weeks.

I am one of those who grew up lusting after Ferraris and I am thrilled Edmunds bought one for the long term fleet. For 28 large I would go for the latest model Boxster S or BMW Z4 3.0 I could get. What I would rather do is take your 28k, put in 10k of my own, and find a nice Ferrari 328. That would make the perfect third car for my wife and I.

Since I could not get a Lamborghini Countach for less than $100,000 I would buy a 308 in a heartbeat. I admit I am of a certain age, and this car reminds me of Thursday nights on the couch watching Magnum as a kid. I don't think that is the only reason for wanting a 308, but I am sure my love for this car is permanently burned into some brain cells from the combination of greasy food and TV radiation.
 
I know there are faster, more practical, cleaner, more efficient... cars out there, but that is not the point. This car is an icon. Like a black '77 Trans Am, or a green '68 Mustang. These cars stick with us because they were pretty cool cars to begin with, but when used as props in popular TV shows or movies, they take on a life of their own. Indeed, these cars were not props as much as they were co-stars. Tom Selleck would not have been quite so cool in a 1984 Pontiac 6000. Even if it was red.

Evo vs. 350Z: You're saying the Evo only has slightly better handling and slightly faster acceleration? Are you serious?
 
A stock Evo would have a stock 350Z for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a dragstrip or on a road course.
 
Why rule out the Lancer Evolution RS that starts at $29,774 if you were the one who mentioned bang-for-the-buck? You didn't say anything about amenities (or drivetrain layout) in your original comment. A Mazdaspeed3 shouldn't be ruled out for having FWD. I think the Mazdaspeed3 slightly outperforms a stock 350Z. In the hands of a good driver and having stickier rubber, an almost (tires) stock WRX can outperform a stock 350Z.

I'm still impressed that you got your 308 for that price. Unless I'm missing something, over here in the Northeast a QV will run closer to $40k if you can find one.
 
That being the case, and with what passes for my grasp of the current (local) market, for $28,000 I will take...hmmm.
 
Since I commute on the subway, it automatically gets weekend/vacation driver status, which is nice. The rules seem to stipulate that it has to be ONE car, which rules out getting X for me and also the Bugeye that my dear girlfriend finds so amusingly desirable. Classics are in a market upswing all over the place, which is annoying.
 
I suppose with a free-and-clear twenty-eight thousand I'd have to go with the one reasonable choice at the price point out of the group of cars I've wanted the longest and most consistently: a 1971 Porsche 911S, preferably in black with the sunroof. (NOT red.) I think I can still get a good, if not fully restored, one for less than thirty.

I would buy the most Porsche 911 that I could get for $28k. For example, I saw an 80's 911 turbo, and a few 993's on eBay for around 28. If it had to be a new car, I'd get with a GTI (seems like a pretty popular choice around here). Now that I'm talking about it though, I think maybe I would just look for a 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS...Oh wait.

28k to spend on a fantasy car?
Would have to go with classic and unpractical. I have my own money to spend on practical.
 
71' - 74 DeTomaso Pantera
75-80's Lotus Esprit
83' DMC Delorean
Late 70's Maserati Merak
80's BMW M6
Happy with each, all are easily found in good condition under 28k. Repairing them is a whole different story.

oh c'mon, why is everyone so attached to the GTI? the Si is a much better car! it's cheaper too!
 
Si: 200BHP NA
GTI: 200BHP FI
 
winner? Si

zedzed, an E24 M6 would definitely be awesome!

Since you've done this, I want to do the very same thing. Except in black. If I can get the euro version, even better.

dragonzoul,
 
two words: Hatch Back
 
If they made the current civic SI in a hatchback form I'd sell everything of value that I own to help get myself one. I love the look of the Civic SI, but I just like hatchbacks too much. I like the Speed 3 too, but I want that DSG transmission for my traffic slog and so the wife could drive it. But I agree...the Civic SI is probably the all around better car. Test drove one and was sorely tempted to steal it : )

I would pick up the nicest lo-mile 1992-95 Nissan 300ZX twin turbo I could find......
 
or a 1989 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo......

Hello everyone,
 
I have to agree with a couple of you here - dragonzsoul especially. I have a 2006 Civic Si that I love more and more despite working for a Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti dealership group and having the chance to drive 350Zs, G35s and IS350's all the time. The Si punches wayyyyy above its weight for the $20k it demands. I would mod the suspension and put intake/header/exhaust/Hondata reflash with the remaining money left to bring me up to the $28k that the Ferrari costs.
 
OR - One year old S2000.
 
Either the modded (or perhaps even stock) Si or the S2000 will literally run circles around the Italian. I know that they don't have the magic of the Ferrari, but they will last much longer if driven enthusiastically, and I won't have to turn my house over to the bank in the process!
 
Happy motoring

I'm slightly surprised at some of the comments here. At first I felt like they lacked a certain creativity...but then I realized that I, the consummate auto-lover, would probably do the same thing. Porsche 911? Absolutely. Make mine a white 95 (Pre OBD-II) 5-spd coupe. 2001 BMW Z3 M roadster? I love the interior of that car, and in 2001 it had the full 300+ HP engine. 28k would buy a nice version of that.
 
I own a 2006 Honda Civic SI. It's a great car and now, after 24k miles, a K&N drop-in filter, and some lighter new sticky tires, it pulls an 29-31 mpg on my commute (65 miles a day total). It's quite a good all-around car. What do I dream about though? Supercharging it? No. I dream about a BMW 335 Sedan.
 
Joe

This was a little tough for me. I just bought a 1999 Volvo C70 convertible, but what I really wanted was a 2001 BMW 330ci convertible. However, now that I have a convertible, I think adding an SUV would give me more utility, so it would defiantly have to be a 2003 Range Rover, which go for about 30k, Hey edmunds, did you ever consider a Range Rover as a long term vehicle? Maybe a used one, to see how a used RR holds up?

Simple. I'd use the 28k for a down payment on a 355 and make the monthly payments. The 355 is a much better car. But if I needed a daily driver it would be the best M3 I could find for the money.

Jay, is this the most commented LT Road-Test blog entry ever?

350z vs EVO
 
SubyTrojan - I don't think you understand. When you say the EVO would "spank" a 350z at the track and the 1/4 miles your talking about more than say... a second or two faster right? If that second or two faster at either is worth driving a (again) supped up commuter car with a giant wing, tooth-jarring ride, and no radio (I guess you don't care) then that's cool. The base EVO still costs more than the base 350z and it comes with far less. How many EVOs do they race against 350zs on road tracks anyways? NONE!
 
And a regular WRX couldn't do diddly against a 350z. This comes from experience - I have an 06 myself.

A regular WRX couldn't do diddly against a 350Z?
 
I would disagree based on my experience at Buttonwillow Raceway and the infield road course at California Speedway. I have passed many stock and lightly modded 350Zs with my lightly modded (AccessPORT Stage 1, 2006 WRX brakes, Prodrive springs, Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position/RE-01R tires) 2004 WRX Sedan (2.0L and not 2.5L like yours). I can even provide links with my lap times from Buttonwillow. Then again, maybe I'm a better driver than them, but hey, if we're all in the Intermediate group, it's not like the those drivers are complete n00bs (at least they shouldn't be).
 
My main thing is you said "bang-for-your-buck." That's all I'm talking about. The fact that an Evo is a souped-up econobox (btw, the Evo RS doesn't have a rear spoiler) shouldn't have anything to do with this. You get a significant more amount of bang for roughly the same amount of quid.

crowb: ok if you need a hatchback, then i can understand.
 
evanmcc: great minds think alike! glad to see some Si supporters here.
 
joefrompa: happy to see someone else with a Si. i thought i was the only one.

If I had 28K to spend on a car, I think I would get a DeLorean. With 28K I think I could find a really nice, well maintained one. They are getting rarer, but it is still possible to find good ones out there... Totally not practical, but I think I would make it a daily driver, if it was in good shape.

(sort of stunned by the number of comments)
 
Wow. Great turnout. Surprised by the number of modern cars chosen. Not saying its bad, just unexpected.
 
As for me? Hmm. I have my Evo (and love it, by the way), so I'd go back in time. It'd be one of the following:
 
Porsche 356A (not a B or a C) Coupe
BMW 2002- cherry
1971 Porsche 911S
 
Not sure I could do it for $28k, but an '87 911 Carrera with backdated bodywork to make it a '73 RS clone would be superfly.

*sigh*
 
Maybe you should have said something like "my definition of bang-for-buck maximization is different than yours" instead of attacking others choices.
 
My "bang" doesn't just include handling and speed. It's a package deal. It's fast, handles well, has two doors, is RWD, and looks great. It also has great amenities for it's price. It represents a great bang-for-your-buck or "value" as its sometimes is called.
 
Your "bang" is obviously different than mine when it comes to spending around 30k on a car (we do seem to agree on the low to mid 20k range). Evidently I'm not alone in my assessment of "bang" as the 350z is a great seller (over 200k sold in US alone since reintroduced in 2003). The EVO is a boy racer (albeit an expensive one) which is great for stop light races against SRT4s and the like. At least, that's my opinion.
 
I'm jealous of your tracking. Where I live there isn't anything like that. One day perhaps but now... eh.

I'm sorry, cabriniman. Our respective definitions of "bang-for-the-beck" definitely is where we don't see eye-to-eye. Please accept my apology for attacking your choice. After all, you're a fellow Scooby driver! :o) According to my definition, the 350Z is a poor fit. According to yours, it's an excellent fit!
 
I don't know how many of those 350Z sales were in the high $20k-$32k range. I also don't feel the Evo is a boy racer vehicle. If people are racing them at traffic lights, they shouldn't be! Hard launches on AWD cars like the Evo and WRX/STI punish the clutch and/or transmission tremendously.
 
I hope you can take your WRX to a road course sometime. It really is a lot of fun! Things I would minimally recommend are summer tires, race or sport compound front brake pads, and high temp brake fluid. Some other things that would help are springs/struts/coilovers, larger sway bars, and stainless steel brake lines.
 
I'm sorry again for attacking your choice. You are definitely entitled to your own opinion and you and your opinion should be respected.

A very well kept, low mileage GMC Syclone.

tayl0rd, that would be sweet! But nearly impossible to find. :( The same goes for the Typhoon.

Honestly, if I had $28,000 to get any car, I'd get a white Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4-Door Sahara. Sure, its not a sports car, but in terms of just sheer fun-factor, thoes cars put a huge smile on your face.
 
Otherwise, I'd try and fine an 2003ish M3 with SMG, hopefully fewer than 40k miles, or a New-ish 350Z

SubyTrojan,
 
Thanks for the apology. Not to sound make this a love fest, but I'm sorry too. I jumped down your throat about your choice and even resorted to name calling (boy racer and whatnot). I get way too defensive about stuff I don't even own and I should think a little harder before posting attacks. I do have to admit that whenever I see an Evo some of the hairs on my neck stand up and I am envious of the performance.
 
Thanks again.
 
A couple of groups are in the preliminary stages of building road courses so maybe I'll be able to have some legal fun in a couple of years. I often frequent clubwrx.net for suggestions on what to do when I get around to modding my rex. Your list pretty much nails what I was thinking too. One of these days... one of these days...

No worries, bud. If we don't get along here, things may get heated like Karl's blog ( http://66.160.188.111/karl ) sometimes does. I definitely would not want to see that. It's best if this LT blog stays fun and informative.
 
I have found NASIOC.com (North American Subaru Impreza Owners' Club) to be a much better resource than clubwrx.net in the great 3.5 years (72,600 miles) of ownership of my 2004 WRX Sedan.
 
Anyway, it's time to kill the threadjack.
 
And now back to what would you do with $28k!

When I moved to Long Island four years ago, I spent roughly that amount on a one year old BMW 330i. I still have that car. It is a great car and has exceeded all of my expectations.
  
But given that I could keep the BMW for this hypothetical exercise and have an addtional 28K to spend, I would seek something less utilitarian.
  
I have been shopping around for an older Ferrari thus my keen interest in this column. I have budgeted a little more for mine, having looked primarily at 328s and 348s. They sell for about the same. I'm now going to wait to see how this ownership experience plays out before buying.
  
If a Ferrari proves too expensive and unrewarding then I would look at the best 87-89 Porsche 911 3.2 coupe I could find. I love the styling of that version and I have been told it is one of the most highly regarded of the 911 series. Its also light and direct, something I really like in sports cars. Another consideration is a Series I E-Type roadster. The classic styling is the draw. If I can't find either of those two cars that fit the bill, I would probably get the best Boxster available at that price.
  
I also own a 1991 Miata. I bought it from my sister who was the original owner. I've now owned it more than ten years and in all that time, the only component that's failed is the spark plug wires. It's been absolutely bulletproof. It's a very fun car to drive, I shift it at redline every chance I get and belong to the local Miata club, which is very active with rallys, trips and events during the driving season. This brings me to the unconventional alternative. And that is to buy a Spec Miata. A newly prepped race car is about $15K. With the extra money I'd buy a trailer and use the rest for paying the costs to race the car.
  
Last year I went to Lime Rock and watched several Spec Miata races. That looked fun. There is no way you can legally drive like that on public roads, going all out continuously. Here on Long Island the best driving roads are narrow two lane roads that have posted 30 to 40 mph limits. I have no trouble keeping up with much faster cars on these roads. In fact, on tightly curved roads I find I can leave most behind. I did that to a Corvette recently. Big powerful cars like that tend to be heavy, you sit low in them and can't tell where the front tires are at so placing the tires on the edge of the road is a challenge. I suspect most owners don't want to risk their expensive cars, or perhaps their tires and wheels, getting too close to the edge. And you have to worry about cops with radars and kids popping out on bicycles. So around here, there is almost no place to really drive a fast car as it was intended to be driven. Hence, the race car alternative.

I'd like to try and put that $28k into my Miata!! Other options would be a C5 Vette or perhaps a real clean C4 ZR1 Vette

Unlike all these other dreamers and losers, I've actually done this. I bought a 1995 Mitsu Spyder SL back in 2002. The car had 12,500 original miles on it so we decided to trade our 1994 Mitsu 3000GTSL which had been really great car but it was time to trade up. We got $5400 trade against a $32000 asking. The car performed perfectly until it got cold; then the carbon fiber roof and every latch, servo and gizmo on the retractible roof rattled on our rough Penna roads. We put 12000 miles on that year then bought an all wheel drive sedan and the Spyder became a garage queen. The car now has 32000 miles on it and all we've done is replace noisy front brake pads once. Before all you Honda/Miata/Beamer wannabe's lambast me for this choice of car, just remember this: In the real world, no one really cares how fast your car is, just what it looks like. Isn't that the whole point of this test?