Never owned a 3kGT before - Q's

[Akito]

I was recently offered the chance to get a SWEET VR4 from my friends dad. It was a 1992 with 75k miles, and almost NO wear. However, he sold it out from under me, and I'm looking around for places to buy them. I can only spend about ten thousand (thats about what he was offering) but won't be able to buy for about 4 months (he was going to help me pay for it). Here are my q's:

1) I currently own a miata, what kind of things should I expect to be different between the two (besides the obvious speed difference).

2) What kind of problems can I expect?

3) Is there any place where I can hope to find a good condition VR4 for around 10k?

4) These forums are pretty empty.. anyone home?

[The Lurker]

1) respect

2) speeding tickets

3) auto trader, ebay

4) LOL

[Akito]

1) Hehe.. yeah, that's true, although the miata is a babe magnet :)

2) Lets hope not...

3) Sweet, I'll check it out (already looked on ebay)

4) go to miataforum.com (or miata.net) they have about, oh 23k users and about 1-2k new posts a day :p

[The Lurker]

The 3kgt is not too bad with the ladies either. I have owned lots of cars (not bragging but proving a point) but until you feel an AWD launch you will never feel the same in another car IMHO. Auto Trader is a good place to search because you can see VR4's in your area and good deals. Hope you can find one. I'll check out that site miataforum.com

[Akito]

I actually test drove that other one.. and OMG I fell in love. It handles like nothing I've ever felt before (going to have to see how it stacks against the miata on the mountian roads). I love the feeling of the car, it just .. words cannot describe it.

I'm going to make a post at the miata forum to see if they can talk me out of it, but I doubt they can :)

[The Lurker]

Did you launch? If yes at what RPM's?

[Akito]

I kept it under control.. but did get an idea of what it would be like. I'd rather not wreck a car that my friend's dad owns :)

[DJ Eric P.]

You just missed out on my ride: http://www.us3s.com/freeforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=465 and I sold it for $10K too (could've easily got $13K).

Go to that thread and click on the link. That link will take you to my link on 3SI in the cars for sale forum. You should find a lot of other cars for sale too. I'm not trying to get you to leave this place, but there is a lot more stuff for sale over there and most members here are members there.

Everyone says our cars are heavy, in which they are, but it's still a 13 sec car stock. If your miata isn't highly modified expect a lot bigger kick, especially in launching. They cruise like Cadilacs at 120+. Most ricers wil be afraid to race you along with stang and camaro owners. Mods are a lot more expensive than say honda's or mazda's. The after market is also not as good. The biggest problem is probably the transfer case, but usually you don't have woory about them unless your launching hard all the time. Always race from a stop.

[Akito]

I've been reading the miata forum, and I'm guessing I'm going to lose the nible feeling of the miata. This is a pretty big deal, since I live in the mountains.

If you check their forum (miataforum.com) you can see my post in the car talk under the username Ashitaka.

However, their forum seems to be dead at the moment O.o..

This would be easy if I had 30k.. just go for the new V6 miata, but that isn't an option :)

[The Lurker]

Originally posted by Akito


This would be easy if I had 30k.. just go for the new V6 miata, but that isn't an option :)

That always seems to be the deciding factor.

[Akito]

Naturally :)

I don't think you guys know how bad I want a 3KGT, but I also don't know if giving up the freedom of the miata is worth it.

[detpac]

Nimble feeling in the Miata? It is a small car, but push a AWD 3K around and you will never miss the sluggish feeling of a Miata again.

[Akito]

:car: + :coppers: = :violin:

Do I REALLY want that?

This is so hard to decide... speed or handling... you guys say it handles like a dream, but they say it handles like a boat..

[Racer 007]

Who is driving what though? Every cars supporters will always downplay their weaknesses and boost up their strengths.

Drive a TT/AWD and you make the decision.

Fact of the matter is that the Miata handles a hell of a lot better than a VR4. We will get owned constantly in any autocross event. But IMO, that is the extent of it. The VR4 is just better in every other category.

Decide for yourself though and welcome aboard.

[Akito]

Well, can you get throw shifters for the VR4? I don't like the feeling of it, it's nothing like the small and quick shifter the miata has.

[detpac]

Easy Mod. I did mine myself without any $$$$. Just have to find what you want.

[Akito]

Well, I've pretty much decided what I want to do. I'm just going to wait and keep gathering info on both cars.

Then again, after driving a brand new corvette (had *38* miles when I drove it, 50anv. edition...my friends dad let me drive it, i'm only 18 :)) I don't want either car :P

But seriously, I think it's best if I just wait it out. Thanks guys for your input, it really did help me out (especially Richard for admitting flaws, that always makes me feel better about buying a car)

[detpac]

Good luck on your search and decision.

[Akito]

Hey guys.. decided not to do either one. Don't have the money. Bought a Honda CBR600 F2 instead. Fast as a mother fucker and handles like a godess ;)

[detpac]

I love bikes. Problem I found with mine was driveing to work with a briefcase and coat and tie. Didnt work. That is why I bought the 3K.

[Akito]

I work at home ;)