Which car would you buy?

It really depends on your budget and if this will be a 2nd/toy vehicle or your primary/only vehicle.

If this is to be a 2nd vehicle, practicality is of no concern so if that is the case, something like the MR2, Miata, or TT

But if you need a back seat and/or to be able to carry some cargo, a vehicle like the A4, Golf GTI or Tiburon would be far more practical.

I prefer a Miata, it is one of the best autocross cars in its class, has plenty of aftermarket support, and lower insurance costs then most drivers can get for a Honda Civic of the same year.

Now the car I help prep for autocross is a MR2, out of the box it is faster- but it is not as easy to find or get parts for. It is the poor mans Lotus and looks more like the exotic cars.

If you go Honda, the counter part does have more horse power, but IMHO it does not handle as well. I am not sure the extra zip is worth the extra insurance costs. Last time I priced cars out, I figured that for the price difference between the Honda S that I could turbo a Miata and get more for my dollar.

Audi and VW products are no where's near as reliable and by the time many can afford to purchase one as a fun car they are past what the company that made them feels they should last.

I have no personal knowledge about a Hyundai.

The RX8 is a fickle car and while a screamer, a car to avoid unless you are a very precise owner.

You can not go wrong with either a Miata or MR2. If you have a desire to tweek things a little or a lot- the Miata is a better choice. Not only for the reasons already stated, there is also the fact that the MR2 engine bay is a pain to gain access to!

The s2000 is the most fun and most reliable car. I own a IS350, S2000, R8, and a 911 gt3. The S2000 is actually the most fun car to drive due to the rawness.

MR2- Mid engine is great, but lacks horsepower. Too costly to redo internals to up the horsepower.

A3/A4 are not sports car

TT is a grand touring sports car = boat in handling. Get this if you just want a car to look pretty.

Rx8 has rotary engines, which need to be rebuilt every 50k-60k miles usually. Engine burns oil and leaks oil often. It is a fun car to drive, but the S2000 is more fun and faster.

Miata is fun and raw true sports car, but the s2000 basically beats the miata in every aspect.

Honda civic si is the only sporty version of the civic. It is not a true sports car.... it is a sports sedan.

The VWs are not sports cars.

Hyundai Tiburon. It is good bang for buck, but it is more of a grand touring sports car. You get alot of bang for the buck but it is a korean car, which needs to build more reputation for reliability. If you want this car get a G37s for a little more money.

Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ hands down.

I test drove an S2000 and a Mazda Miata as well as a BRZ. The S2000 and Miata are very fun cars to drive but don't come close to the FRS/BRZ.

I am currently deployed to Afghanistan and intend to buy a BRZ as soon as I get back.

Unforltunately, the is not a convertible version of this car, yet.

BTW the FRS and BRZ are essentially the same car, Toyota's version of the car is the Toyota 86.

Miata MX5 PRHT hands down, fun to drive, low cost to maintain, very reliable car.