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We could argue about whether my MazdaSpeed3 is a sports car or not. It doesn't look like one because it's a five-passenger hatchback, but it sure drives and handles like one because it's turbocharged and has factory tricked out brakes and suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires. Top speed is supposed to be 155 mph. Transmission is a six-speed manual (the only transmission that comes with the Speed3 models).
A better description would be a poor-man's performance car. It will not run with a Corvette and probably not with most BMW models either, but it is an absolute blast to drive, and I have no regrets other than noticeable torque steer at very low speeds. I've had it six and a half years. I had been retired two years when I bought it - am now 70. I drive like a bat out of hell, always have.
While I've never really dreamed of a sports car, had a few in my younger years....I have dreamed of a 1966 Candy Apple Red Mustang but that's not going to happen.
Sold my mazda miata. Got an Audi (black). Not a convertible but it does have a sunroof (does that count? sorta? lol) and it is a "tiptronic" so a lot of fun to drive in the mountains.
I am a couple of years short of retirement but have owned a 1965 Triumph TR4a for the last 15 years. Red with wire wheels and overdrive, convertible two seater, my dream car when I was a teenager. It has considerably modified engine, suspension and brakes because I raced it off and on for 7 years.
There is an active club in my area, about 200 members, offering various driving events and social activities. Parts are amazingly easy to obtain for a car that is nearly fifty years old, and less expensive than for a newer car as it is a simple old thing.
I have taken trips of 400 miles or so with Automobile Association membership and cell phone as emergency backup.
For most people I think a Mazda Miata would be the best choice.
I jumped the gun 2 years prior to my retirement. I treated myself to a 2009 Porsche Carrera S.
I jumped the gun by 30 years lol. Between 1982 and 2012, all I basically owned were sports or "sporty" cars such as the Mazda RX-7, Mercedes-Benz SLK280, and Lexus SC430. The 1982 RX-7 is still my all-time favorite car. It's also the most expensive car I've bought in relation to my income at the time. The RX-7 cost me about $14k when my yearly salary was only $17k and change.
In 2012, I finally bought my first four-door sedan, a 2012 Jaguar XJL. Although it's a beautiful car and a great ride (see video below), I think I'm ready to go back to a sports car. Coincidentally, I had my XJL in for routine servicing earlier this week and took the opportunity to check-out Jaguar's new F-Type. I'm very seriously considering trading in the 2012 XJL for the 2015 F-Type. But then I have to decide between the roadster and the coupe that's coming out this month.
Decisions, decisions, lol.
For those who are unfamiliar with Jaguar's cars, here's an old commercial of the XJ followed by brief videos of the F-Type.
My "sports car" is an off road capable Subaru. My wife's Forester. My soon to be Cross trek. My idea of sport is being able to handle a one foot dump of snow so I can get to the supermarket in winter and the local ski hill. In summer to explore rough roads in the local National Forest. Such is life in California.
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