Help me figure out what I should use to replace my ISF.
My F's just been used for daily use the last 3.5 years and, honestly, I think I should cash-out and get something much easier to work on and more enjoyable to drive on the street (more soul). It's just too damn fast to have fun legally. I need a clutch in my life.

In a reasonable world I'd by an SC300 or IS300, but that world is weird and I don't think it will be normal again so...
I've also considered:
280z, 280zx, E36, C4, possibly a 300zx, but those don't seem easy to work on... I'm resisting the urge to get a Honda... please help...
I've considered a swap, but really I just want to daily the car and not be tied up in little BS that goes along with something like that. FWIW I have a 76 RD400 that I have used as a daily. So I know some challenges of an older car. I do have a truck to use as back-up.

What am I missing (no camero's or 350z's) maybe a G35, but that's not easy to work on either.

Please do flame this as I may just be looking over the fence to falsely see the grass is just as green and much less money

Matt

 

Buy a 1st gen BRZ.
Very easy to work on and will not feel too fast for daily driving duties.

The car is fun and offers great versatility.

Huge aftermarket support as well.

If you can afford the new one, then that would be even better option compared to anything you listed.

 

Another vote for BRZ/FRS, I loved mine. Not the quickest car in a straight line but it was an autox dream. They are pretty reliable with tons of aftermarket support.

 

I'd consider looking at the new GR86/BRZ if you don't need rear seats. RWD, manual and has an adequate amount of power to have fun while still being affordable.

 

OK. I've actually considered this, but backed away due to it being "new" aka no soul, but I don't think this is unreasonable. It has a clutch after all...

 

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer

 

sounds like you do not want anything newer than the ISF, am i correct?
an SC3 or IS300 are all step downs in my opinion as there are plenty of soulful cars beyond the ISF. don't get my wrong, i still have and love 20+ old vehicles so i don't shy away from older cars. just ask yourself what you really want in terms of overall use.

since you have a truck to do daily chores with, then i suppose you can get something less practical for fun. i also vote miata!

 

FRS, GR86/BRZ. Pretty popular for reasons mentioned above. Plus with the huge enthusiast following, it would probably be really easy to learn how to install/replace something as someone else has probably already done it before and documented the process.

S2000 would be nice, but they would probably be hard to find, and can be pricy.

ND Miata would make a fantastic daily. Aftermarket support isn't as robust as the above, but it's plenty capable in stock form, has a nice interior, and you can ditch the top

 

I don’t fit an S2000 and I suspect this is also the problem with the Miata. I also am not enough of a man to drive a Miata.. so no please.

I agree the is300 sc300 are step downs. For 5-8k I’m interested, but at what the current market looks like I’ll pass on those.

I do truly think older cars are better just due to simplicity.

 

6 Speed G35 Coupe
http://www.2040-cars.com/infiniti/G/...package-71298/

 

The car really is a back to basics fun sports car. It has limited tech and everything can be turned off.

The driving experience will be 100 times more fun then your ISF.

The boxer engine is cool and sounds good once you put on UEL headers and a decent exhaust. It will else get rid of the torque dip. I miss my BRZ and might get a 2nd gen.

The driving position, seats, steering feel etc doesn’t get much better. Every driving input is recognized by the car which is missing by 99% of modern cars.

Its not good for long distance highways though as it is loud inside. Price you pay for having 2800lb car.

 

not sure why you think a new car has no soul.

but if a miata is too small, and you want a clutch, then your options are getting more limited.

if you don't require rwd then a stick civic might be worth considering.

or maybe a nissan 370z?

or a mustang? probably too big.

 

What is your price range that you're comfortable to play with?

The 300ZX engine bay is a little tight to work on when you need to fix things close to the firewall. For the most part, it's pretty manageable.

 

I vote for a manual C6 or C7, extremely easy to work on and not beat to hell/shoddy like most C5s

There is also always Porsche....

 

Porsche is definitely not a good option if you are on any type of budget lol
Prices for parts are insane and any aftermarket mods.