Iâve only ever driven a Toyota Corolla in my 20 years as a driver. I had a 1980 model for seven years then a new 2003 model, which I still drive. Now Iâm ready to upgrade to a fun car with a bit of power. Iâd looked at a Ford Mustang and a Chevrolet Camaro but, sadly, the Camaro wonât be imported. Friends suggested I look at the Nissan 370Z , Lexus IS350F , Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 . I donât want something small like a Mini , or big like an SUV or a convertible. Iâve $30,000-$40,000 to spend and it can be new or second-hand.

Mustang, 370Z, IS350F, 86 or MX-5?

Nissan Nissan Advice Nissan 370Z Nissan 370Z Advice Nissan 370Z 2016 Ford Ford Advice Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Advice Ford Mustang 2016 Toyota Toyota Advice Toyota 86 Toyota 86 Advice Toyota 86 2016 Mazda Mazda Advice Mazda MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Advice Mazda MX-5 2016 Subaru Subaru Advice Subaru BRZ Subaru BRZ Advice Subaru BRZ 2016 Lexus Lexus Advice Lexus IS Lexus IS Advice Lexus IS 2016 Lexus IS350 Lexus IS350 Advice Lexus IS350 2016

I’ve only ever driven a Toyota Corolla in my 20 years as a driver. I had a 1980 model for seven years then a new 2003 model, which I still drive. Now I’m ready to upgrade to a fun car with a bit of power. I’d looked at a Ford Mustang and a Chevrolet Camaro but, sadly, the Camaro won’t be imported. Friends suggested I look at the Nissan 370Z, Lexus IS350F, Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5. I don’t want something small like a Mini, or big like an SUV or a convertible. I’ve $30,000-$40,000 to spend and it can be new or second-hand.

Answered by CarsGuide

10 April 2016

Paul Gover

If you don’t want a convertible, which rules out the MX-5 as my easy first pick, then the 86 is the car for driving enjoyment on a reasonable budget. But don’t overlook its Subaru twin, the BRZ, which is my choice of the two. Both get The Tick, having shared our Car of the Year award.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Comments

Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?

More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.

Ask now

Complete guide to Nissan 370Z 2016

Reviews, price, specs and more

Reviews

Family
Family focused reviews and advice for everything family car related.
Adventure
Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
Tradies
Utes, commercial vehicles and tow tests

Compare cars
We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more
Used cars
Buying used? Here's what to look out for and buy smart
Owner reviews
Your thoughts could drive you to more than just your next destination 🚗💬

Buying guides

Our experts pick the top models
- SUV
- Ute
- Hybrid
- Hatchback
- Electric
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Coupe
- People mover
- Convertible
- Commerical