Okay folks, it finally happened, I pulled the trigger on a RWD manual car. Now to get some guesses in before I pick it up in the next week or two.
I'll just say that it's not new, in fact this will be my first used car buy. I plan on driving it year round, so I'll be getting some good winter tires in the fall for it.
I paid more than I was originally intending to pay, I was hoping to keep it under $30K but ended up paying $38K "out the door" for her.
You've all heard me talk endlessly about this for years, so what do you think I ended up with?
Convertible - Miata
Coupe - BMW 2 Series
Congrats! My guess is a 3 Series of some sort
Hmmmm, Johnny's very risk adverse, so even though you're saying it's a "used" purchase, it likely has warranty remaining on it ;D Perhaps a year or two old BRZ or GR86? Those can both be winter driven easily.
Older & no warranty, maybe a M240i, or a 3 series of some sort. Don't think it would be a Mustang, Camaro, Corvette...
But, Miata is always the answer? :D
Have we heard you talk endlessly about this specific car? Or about a RWD manual car in general?
I know you were talking about the new Supra, but those are too expensive.
The BRZ/86 would be a good bet, but there are a TON of these listed in the mid-20's, so if you really wanted to stick to a budget of $30k all in, you wouldn't have needed to stretch.
I could see maybe a used 2023 Nissan Z coming down that low, if you're a shrewd negotiator with the selling dealership.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 24, 2026, 09:18 AMHave we heard you talk endlessly about this specific car? Or about a RWD manual car in general?
I know you were talking about the new Supra, but those are too expensive.
The BRZ/86 would be a good bet, but there are a TON of these listed in the mid-20's, so if you really wanted to stick to a budget of $30k all in, you wouldn't have needed to stretch.
I could see maybe a used 2023 Nissan Z coming down that low, if you're a shrewd negotiator with the selling dealership.
I definitely talked about this car but I was mostly referring to the desire to buy a RWD sports car and had been discussing it endlessly until I bought the Acura Integra Type S back in October 2024, when basically I chose to upgrade my daily instead of going all in on a secondary "fun" car.
I do like your thinking process, but I'm going to let a few more people take guesses.
Quote from: Gurgie on Apr 24, 2026, 09:09 AMHmmmm, Johnny's very risk adverse, so even though you're saying it's a "used" purchase, it likely has warranty remaining on it ;D Perhaps a year or two old BRZ or GR86? Those can both be winter driven easily.
Older & no warranty, maybe a M240i, or a 3 series of some sort. Don't think it would be a Mustang, Camaro, Corvette...
But, Miata is always the answer? :D
Well you definitely have me pegged with being risk adverse, hence why you didn't mention some heavy miled 911 from the early 00's or something. I'm going to let a few more guesses roll in before I let the cat out of the bag.
Here's another question. Does picking up the car require a roughly 853km drive (each way)?
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 24, 2026, 09:24 AMHere's another question. Does picking up the car require a roughly 853km drive (each way)?
It does not, it isn't in my city but it is under 200kms away. A lot easier to get to. I know my wife was thankful that I'm not making her drive to Quebec or Ontario to get this vehicle. I will say that I was looking at one in Drummondville QC that was an excellent price, but once I saw the carfax it was clear that it wasn't the right one for me.
Mustang GT
I think you wanted more power than a Miata/BRZ would provide.
Quote from: Bridgecity on Apr 24, 2026, 10:02 AMMustang GT
I think you wanted more power than a Miata/BRZ would provide.
Could he get a new enough Mustang? With some warranty?
Quote from: Gurgie on Apr 24, 2026, 10:32 AMQuote from: Bridgecity on Apr 24, 2026, 10:02 AMMustang GT
I think you wanted more power than a Miata/BRZ would provide.
Could he get a new enough Mustang? With some warranty?
Edited: Can likely get a '22 or '23
I guess I can confirm that the car I'm buying is a 22 and with around 45,000kms on it. That'll narrow down the options a bit I'd say.
Gotta be a Mustang GT or Z. ;D
Quote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 10:54 AMI guess I can confirm that the car I'm buying is a 22 and with around 45,000kms on it. That'll narrow down the options a bit I'd say.
Don't think you're getting a Mustang GT at that price for a 2022, maybe an eco-boost. The Nissan Z only came out in 2024 I believe, nothing from BMW in that price range for a 2022 that I can think of. Still thinking BRZ/GR86, Miata RF maybe as a 2022 for one of those with that mileage could be had for $38k all in ;D
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 24, 2026, 09:01 AMConvertible - Miata
Coupe - BMW 2 Series
Here's another good hint. It's not really a Coupe or Convertible...
I go back to 3-series sedan.
There's a '22 GT listed in New Brunswick for 38K, although 88k on it so its not the one Johnny bought. Nissan Z came out as a '22 model.
BRZ, GR86 are typically well below 38k for 22's.
That's my rationale anyway.
Just saw Johnny's post, not a coupe, so I'm wrong.
Not really a coupe or convertible....
Could it be a JEEP Wrangler?
I mean, a two door Wrangler is both a coupe AND a Convertible - but with a hard-top, it's not a convertible, and rather than a coupe, it's an SUV.
Planning on driving in winter - good in snow.
Yes, technically it's 4x4, but it's also a RWD platform.
Definitely available in Manual.
^ He said car in opening post. I've spent way too much time thinking about it this morning ;D .
I was going to say Firm has to be right. But only M3/M4 were available with manuals in '22. I don't think you can get one of those for anywhere around 38k.
I'm at a loss now. Challenger? But that's a coupe, and doesn't seem Johnny's style.
Could 'car' be used in the colloquial sense here?
This is a gigantic waste of time, lol. I should really be working - I have a bid deadline coming up next week. Instead, I'm searching AutoTrader for cars in his area, lol.
You're right, a Dodge doesn't fit his style at all.
Okay I think I've given ample time for people to guess and discuss what it could be.
https://www.atlanticmazda.ca/used/2022-Mazda-MX_5_RF-id13695954.html
Tortoise gets half points with the first post because he mentioned Miata, but he said it was a convertible and I wouldn't necessarily classify this as that, it's more of a targa style top.
The person who guessed perfectly was actually Gurgie who was the first to mention the MX-5 RF.
Thanks for playing folks.
I originally was leaning towards the soft top, which was what I test drove back in Fall of 2024. The thinking was that it was lighter and probably cheaper to buy. But then Ron kind of got to me as he said that he preferred the RF. Seeing as I plan on driving it year round, the RF probably makes more sense. Sure it's just over 100lbs heavier because of it, but from all that I've read and seen people can't really tell the difference when driving.
With this being used, I do plan on modifying the car over time. Maybe some weight savings with smaller rims, Flyin Miata has a brake kit upgrade that will shave around 5lbs a corner. I was thinking maybe lightened flywheel, but then I guess it'll make the shifting a bit more wonky and I'd have to change out the clutch. There's an exhaust that Flyin Miata sell as well that might be something I would be looking at doing. Lastly I might also change the suspension stuff, but all this will be geared towards it being a road car, not a track or autocross car. I want maximum enjoyment on secondary twisty roads and daily driving.
Could I have bought a Honda S2000 locally for less, sure I could have. Could I have bought a C5 Z06 Vette for less locally, sure. But I felt the S2000 was going to be too harsh, rattly, and uncomfortable, plus I sort of didn't want to be a "Honda fanboy" and it certainly would look like that had I added an S2000. The Vette sure would have been fun, but the consumables would have been a lot more, less safety features and I'm not sure my unskilled hands would venture into risky adventures behind the wheel that may or may not have ended with me upside down in a ditch on fire.
There were loads of vehicles that I could have gone after, from BMW's, Merc's, Z350/370's, muscle cars, Porsche Boxster/Caymans, etc, but in the end with this being my first true "sports car" RWD, what better vehicle than a Miata to start that journey. It'll be cheap to run, easy to modify, and should be pretty reliable considering this is the ND2 version with the uprated engine.
Ron already gave me a hard time about buying a secondary car with less performance than my daily, but this was more about having a different experience than what my daily is and I've thought about the test drive of that 2024 Miata over the past year and a half and how much I enjoyed it. I might have to modify the seating a bit if I find my leg hits the steering wheel as it did when I test drove back a year and a half ago.
I've been joking with my wife for at least a decade about how I'm earning "husband points" to put towards a Miata. She has always viewed the Miata as a middle aged, over weight, gay man's car. I think her view changed on the vehicle once I became more serious about the pursuit of it and I won't be shocked if she falls in love with her when she gets the opportunity to drive her.
The plan is to pick her up in the next week or two. Got a lot on the go in my life at the moment so it's not exactly easy for me and my wife to take the day to go to Moncton to pick her up.
Congrats Johnny! Those RFs sure are good looking cars.
Awesome! I'd love one of these one day.
Gary the middle aged gay man congratulates you, as well.
1777052128153.png
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 24, 2026, 01:37 PMAwesome! I'd love one of these one day.
Gary the middle aged gay man congratulates you, as well.
1777052128153.png
Ha, thanks. I'm sure there will be more than a few "gay" jokes thrown my way while owning this Miata. But I don't live my life to please others or impress people, I live my life to enjoy it my way.
Quote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 01:40 PMBut I don't live my life to please others or impress people, I live my life to enjoy it my way.
I live my life a 1/4 mile at a time..
I had always hoped the answer was "Supra"
Quote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 01:05 PMTortoise gets half points with the first post because he mentioned Miata, but he said it was a convertible and I wouldn't necessarily classify this as that, it's more of a targa style top.
I disagree with this assessment and want to know where I can claim my prize.
Congrats! Miata is always the answer, just so much fun. You even got the right colour.
Quote from: RRocket on Apr 24, 2026, 01:45 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 01:40 PMBut I don't live my life to please others or impress people, I live my life to enjoy it my way.
I live my life a 1/4 mile at a time..
I had always hoped the answer was "Supra"
It was going to be Supra there for awhile, but then I realized how much more I drive my daily and how much more enjoyment I'd have with a "funner" daily. Not to mention the one Supra I got to drive was an automatic and it lacked the experience I was hoping for on the twisty secondary roads, lacked engagement, which I attributed to the lack of manual transmission.
It could still be something that I circle back to someday, but for now an excellent daily driver in my ITS and a ND2 Miata as my secondary vehicle is a decent array of vehicles and experiences.
Also, after driving my ITS in an aggressive manner, I sort of felt the 320hp was enough power to satisfy my desire for acceleration and speed. Sure it's not the 4.5s to 60mph I was originally targeting, but that is mostly due to it being FWD, if it had been AWD I think it'd be close to that figure. The only real thing it's missing is that from a stop acceleration, and I can live without that.
Congrats!! I think you'll enjoy tossing this thing around! Like they always say, it's more fun to drive a slow car quickly than a stupid fast one ;)
And I did guess Miata in my first post, but when I thought more about it I figured RF because you said winter driven as well ;)
Quote from: Tortoise on Apr 24, 2026, 01:47 PMQuote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 01:05 PMTortoise gets half points with the first post because he mentioned Miata, but he said it was a convertible and I wouldn't necessarily classify this as that, it's more of a targa style top.
I disagree with this assessment and want to know where I can claim my prize.
Congrats! Miata is always the answer, just so much fun. You even got the right colour.
I don't think you'd be shocked to know that had this been a different color I might not have ended up with this one. I really wanted the red or the blue Miata (would have loved the Orange special edition from a few years ago also).
Quote from: Gurgie on Apr 24, 2026, 01:54 PMCongrats!! I think you'll enjoy tossing this thing around! Like they always say, it's more fun to drive a slow car quickly than a stupid fast one ;)
And I did guess Miata in my first post, but when I thought more about it I figured RF because you said winter driven as well ;)
Exactly, and yes you too mentioned Miata earlier, just circled back and refined it to RF after reading about the winter driving. Great guessing.
Awesome! Congrats, I'm sure you'll have a fun summer this year.
Congrats! Solid choice, I too prefer the RF over the standard ragtop, should prove to be tons of fun. Two seats and a light topless car is still the best formula for pure on road fun.
Thanks guys, this was a long time coming and I'm happy it worked out. First "open top" vehicle for me, so we will see if I get addicted to the experience.
Quote from: Johnnymac on Apr 25, 2026, 10:57 AMThanks guys, this was a long time coming and I'm happy it worked out. First "open top" vehicle for me, so we will see if I get addicted to the experience.
I love open air motoring.
2 targas, 3 convertibles.
I'm sure you'll love it too.
Honestly, I know I picked a little on you with that pic earlier, but I really plan on having something like this in my driveway sometime in the not too distant future.
I've never driven on, so I really hope I fit. I'm 6'1", with a longer torso.
Quote from: GreatBigAbyss on Apr 25, 2026, 04:12 PMHonestly, I know I picked a little on you with that pic earlier, but I really plan on having something like this in my driveway sometime in the not too distant future.
I've never driven on, so I really hope I fit. I'm 6'1", with a longer torso.
Ha, I expect to get ribbed a bit for the choice. It's not the "manly" choice and "normal" people won't get the appeal.
I'm not exactly a small man either, I am around 6 foot tall, maybe even 6'1 on the high end. I'm broad and muscular and around 205lbs. I fit okay, sure if I was like 4 inches and 50lbs smaller I would fit perfect but that isn't what God blessed me with.
I think you will have to drive one before crossing it off, you could fit just fine.
Cool choice. I like it.
I'd probably recommend against getting a lighter flywheel/clutch package though, I did this once on my 911 and it was nothing but a PITA. Leaving from a stop was harder, trying to drag race was impossible, shifting wasn't really improved. No real gains, maybe some imperceptible gain in lap times at a track, but not worth it.
Quote from: blur911 on Apr 26, 2026, 12:30 PMCool choice. I like it.
I'd probably recommend against getting a lighter flywheel/clutch package though, I did this once on my 911 and it was nothing but a PITA. Leaving from a stop was harder, trying to drag race was impossible, shifting wasn't really improved. No real gains, maybe some imperceptible gain in lap times at a track, but not worth it.
Agreed. Especially with a 4 banger.
Quote from: RRocket on Apr 26, 2026, 02:10 PMQuote from: blur911 on Apr 26, 2026, 12:30 PMCool choice. I like it.
I'd probably recommend against getting a lighter flywheel/clutch package though, I did this once on my 911 and it was nothing but a PITA. Leaving from a stop was harder, trying to drag race was impossible, shifting wasn't really improved. No real gains, maybe some imperceptible gain in lap times at a track, but not worth it.
Agreed. Especially with a 4 banger.
Yup, I agree, while it would be nice to shave 5+ pounds of rotating mass for better acceleration, the trade off isn't worth it. I would be better putting that money into something else.
Quote from: Johnnymac on Apr 24, 2026, 01:05 PMOkay I think I've given ample time for people to guess and discuss what it could be.
https://www.atlanticmazda.ca/used/2022-Mazda-MX_5_RF-id13695954.html
Tortoise gets half points with the first post because he mentioned Miata, but he said it was a convertible and I wouldn't necessarily classify this as that, it's more of a targa style top.
The person who guessed perfectly was actually Gurgie who was the first to mention the MX-5 RF.
Thanks for playing folks.
I originally was leaning towards the soft top, which was what I test drove back in Fall of 2024. The thinking was that it was lighter and probably cheaper to buy. But then Ron kind of got to me as he said that he preferred the RF. Seeing as I plan on driving it year round, the RF probably makes more sense. Sure it's just over 100lbs heavier because of it, but from all that I've read and seen people can't really tell the difference when driving.
With this being used, I do plan on modifying the car over time. Maybe some weight savings with smaller rims, Flyin Miata has a brake kit upgrade that will shave around 5lbs a corner. I was thinking maybe lightened flywheel, but then I guess it'll make the shifting a bit more wonky and I'd have to change out the clutch. There's an exhaust that Flyin Miata sell as well that might be something I would be looking at doing. Lastly I might also change the suspension stuff, but all this will be geared towards it being a road car, not a track or autocross car. I want maximum enjoyment on secondary twisty roads and daily driving.
Could I have bought a Honda S2000 locally for less, sure I could have. Could I have bought a C5 Z06 Vette for less locally, sure. But I felt the S2000 was going to be too harsh, rattly, and uncomfortable, plus I sort of didn't want to be a "Honda fanboy" and it certainly would look like that had I added an S2000. The Vette sure would have been fun, but the consumables would have been a lot more, less safety features and I'm not sure my unskilled hands would venture into risky adventures behind the wheel that may or may not have ended with me upside down in a ditch on fire.
There were loads of vehicles that I could have gone after, from BMW's, Merc's, Z350/370's, muscle cars, Porsche Boxster/Caymans, etc, but in the end with this being my first true "sports car" RWD, what better vehicle than a Miata to start that journey. It'll be cheap to run, easy to modify, and should be pretty reliable considering this is the ND2 version with the uprated engine.
Ron already gave me a hard time about buying a secondary car with less performance than my daily, but this was more about having a different experience than what my daily is and I've thought about the test drive of that 2024 Miata over the past year and a half and how much I enjoyed it. I might have to modify the seating a bit if I find my leg hits the steering wheel as it did when I test drove back a year and a half ago.
I've been joking with my wife for at least a decade about how I'm earning "husband points" to put towards a Miata. She has always viewed the Miata as a middle aged, over weight, gay man's car. I think her view changed on the vehicle once I became more serious about the pursuit of it and I won't be shocked if she falls in love with her when she gets the opportunity to drive her.
The plan is to pick her up in the next week or two. Got a lot on the go in my life at the moment so it's not exactly easy for me and my wife to take the day to go to Moncton to pick her up.
You test drove the car I actually bought . The primer grey MX-5. Having owned 5 MX-5's over the last 27 years you won't be disappointed .
I don't understand that Gay shit. It's a car.
Keep an eye on that Soul Red paint as it is thin and chips easily.
Yes, that test drive has stuck in my mind ever since. Thank you for the tip on the paint, maybe it would be wise to PPF the front at the very least.
Just bought my first "mod" for the new Miata. One of the things that I noted in my research was the RF (hardtop) version has more wind buffeting than the soft top version. I figured that someone would have found some solution to help minimize this and sure enough some Miata owner down in the states made his own, he works in aerospace, and once it was known on the facebook group he was hounded to make more for sale. Unfortunately it seems he has gotten out of making and selling them, but luckily there are copy cats and this one on Etsy is an exact replica.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4402899663/window-anti-buffeting-for-mazda-miata?ls=r&ref=internal_similar_listing_bot-2&content_source=b656102ef8f34b505be063816f3722b0%253ALTf26a12860d696426e803269377be3e9426bbbcb6&logging_key=b656102ef8f34b505be063816f3722b0%3ALTf26a12860d696426e803269377be3e9426bbbcb6&listing_id=4402899663&listing_slug=window-anti-buffeting-for-mazda-miata
These are little triangular trim pieces that sit between the car and the mirror that reroutes the wind away from the cabin, thus reducing the wind noise/buffeting. I think I can manage to install these myself as I think it's just a peel and stick. Anyone got recommendations on maybe adding some extra adhesive or tape and what I should use?
I'll see if the issue with my knee hitting the steering wheel is a problem or not, if so I will be swapping out the brackets and lowering the seat a bit over an inch and that should do the trick, the bonus with this lowering kit is it actually lowers the wait 6.5 pounds per seat.
Congrats! I flew back from the NL last weekend and missed all the fun here. Yes, having driven both the RF and the 'vert, there is actually more noise / buffering in the RF, but the RF is better suited to 12mo/yr use.
Quote from: Blueprint on Apr 29, 2026, 07:41 AMCongrats! I flew back from the NL last weekend and missed all the fun here. Yes, having driven both the RF and the 'vert, there is actually more noise / buffering in the RF, but the RF is better suited to 12mo/yr use.
I'm hoping that the trim piece that I ordered will improve it to at least where the rag top is as far as buffeting and wind noise. From what I have read, it seems to make a pretty big difference.
Congrats Johnny! Very nice car!!
Love the MX-5 but unfortunately I just don't fit. Our friend traded her 22(?) MX-5 in late last year on a Volvo V60, and I could have bought it for a good price, but one drive to the corner store was enough for me to know it's too tight. Found it slightly tighter in space than my Z3M. Too bad because it was a really nice spec with a blueish grey exterior and tan leather.
Wonderful driver though! Didn't get a lot of road time but the shifter and steering was every bit as good as the S2000. In fact it felt very similar other than space.
Enjoy!!