I've been contemplating a cheap, manual convertible for a while now and struggling to evaluate options other than the Miata. This video series is perfect

The drag race vs. a mini van was the most humorous thing I’ve seen on your channel in a while. Thanks for doing that.

This is definitely at the top of my list for favorite pieces that you’ve done. Great job!

That Mr2 spyder is making me want a mini series exploring all 3 generations of the MR2. That first gen never really got its just due.

This was great to see the MR2 getting some love with a first place from Todd. If you can get one cheaper than every other car tested, it's worth it. That car was designed to be fun at low speeds and cheap to maintain, which is why the engine is uninspired. It's cheap inside because the car was supposed to be attainable to the majority of people by keeping costs down. The looks are bland (if got uglier with age) so they weren't devisive and appeal to more people. Toyota should be admired for bringing a top tier driving experience to everyone. I know Mazda has an equally great car, but it isn't mid engine. For me the winner was the Boxster. If you go by Todd and Paul, I think it's their winner too. It came on both their top 3s and placed higher than the Z4 on each. My take away from this is that the Z4 is better than I always thought it was. I wonder if the Z4 had the steering of the Boxster, if they would have placed it higher than Boxster. One thing to think about, both Todd and Paul picked a car for their first place that is closest to the one they own (though who wouldn't). Elise has a Toyota engine and Lotus had a hand in the setup of the MR2, so it's a weird cheap Elise. The Boxster is a mid engine Porsche, like a Cayman.

Tell you what, Mr2 with upgraded suspension, brakes, tires and the 180hp 2zz engine and you have a world beater.

I can't get over how great this series is. I have been wanting a "fun" car for a while, this did it.

One thing I love about my Boxster is the frunk plus the trunk. My wife and I did a 10 day road trip to the roads of Western NC and had no problem fitting all our stuff.

Follow up piece to watch with my daughter tonight and a new podcast in the morning, everything I love. Thanks guys for all your hard work! Gorgeous scenery 🏎🏔🏁

MR2Spyder will surprise many, once driven.

Owning a Z, NA Miata, FoST and an Evo, miata is on the top of my list in terms of driving experience

I had a MR2 Spyder for over a decade and loved it. Super fun and reliable as heck.

It would be interesting to know if a properly maintained MR2 would have figured higher in Paul's ranking. That car is an embarrassment to the owner, they should hang their head in shame. The rough engine, the old cheap tyres, the grubby seat covers, the whole car in fact! Find a good one that has been looked after (as they are more likely to be a weekend car with lower mileage) with Yokohama Advan Fleva V701's (as they are one of the few tyres available for the front and rear which are different diameter and widths at each end) and you won't be looking at any of the other candidates.

Loving the drive by shots, and the aerial shots! I went for an NC Miata, and I adore it.

Watching these videos is like hanging out with a couple of your favorite car buddies. The fact that we're hanging out in a beautiful location on a beautiful day, driving and talking about spunky little sporty cars...just doesn't get any better! Fantastic job guys and kudos to the film crew and especially Todd's direction and editing.

A few years ago, I started looking for a convertible to drive. Almost every article, blog and magazine I reviewed kept coming back to the Porsche Boxsters. Balanced, driver centric, comfortable, roomiest and reliable. I found a clean 2006 Boxster S, 6 speed manual. I have not been disappointed at all. Long weekend drives and all the backroads.

MR2 Spyder every time, mid engine and low weight heaps more fun than a boring Miata

Personally I like the curvaceous bmw z3 styling MUCH better that the hard lined bmw z4 styling. Just curious anyone else agree on that?

Never I would expect a part 2. The MR2 6 speed MT to me looks the best choice. Engine placement, easy to live with, basically a more usable Elise, when swapped with a 2ZZ.

You guys do a fantastic service for auto enthusiasts. Love your channel! Always look forward to the new content. This challenge so up my alley. Can't wait for the next challenge.

The 3rd gen mr2s are really under rated cars. Ive had mine for over a year now and I can say it makes daily driving fun.

"It does feel cheap. I admit that. But that's part of the charm." Such a Porsche fanboy. He wouldn't say that about any other brand. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. :D

This is one of the best automotive video series of all time. You guys continue to just kill it with your content.

This series and the explanations are what excites anyone looking for a fun driving car. I cannot thank you guys enough for the honest reviews, comparisons, and insight you provide. Keep challenging norms and pushing what you think people want to watch…it’s on point.

I love all these car review channels and am subscribed to many, but this 'Cheap Sports Car Showdown' series is so much more enthralling than a certain, AutoTempest sponsored series where the hosts tend to repeat the same sentimental sentiments over and over (being fortunate to drive special cars and fun times with good friends). This series aside, the channel, in general, is extremely fun. Keep it up gents.

Loved this two part series! Actual sports cars that I can afford! Very well done. TY!

Hi - thank you for doing this comparison! This is the process I went through when I was selecting my 3rd sports car. I’ve had an ‘74 MG and a ‘90 Honda Prelude 4WS. This time, I bought a JDM 2004 Boxster. Def the best driver’s car I’ve owned. I love your tips on weighting the front end to take tight corners at speed. Truly, an amazing vehicle. I love that Porsche prioritizes enduring support for these older vehicles. I paid $14,000 CDN, replaced the IMS and clutch, and completely detailed the paint and interior. The car looks new. Truly, my baby. Stay safe!!

This is an amazing series, good stuff fellas

I was waiting for them to actually say if the MR2 was a better driving car. Glad he did eventually.

I'm so glad my MR2 made it this far.

Thanks guys. This is a great series sponsored buy Auto Tempest a tool I always use! The Saturn Sky Redline can be attained for under $8k in the northern states and should have been included in this series! The 2.0L is better than the standard engine and the Skyline is better looking than the Solstice!

Excellent videos! The information is super helpful and the sport car comparisons were very interesting. The filming, narration, editing and pace made me feel like I was there with both of you riding shotgun. Well done!!! 🙂

spoken like a true addict Paul! When you're on that high, the blood, sweat, and tears fade into the background.

The SLK feels bigger and more stable because it got a honkin' 355hp V8 in it! They had to be able to handle that power. Great series guys!

Bought a 2002 MR2 Spyder less than a year ago. Beyond obvious faults of storage space, the handling is fantastic and I love every moment in it.

The drag race at the end had me laughing. Slow cars are where the fun is at! I look for light weight and the Lord’s transmission in a car. Great series!

Great video. I've owned two of these, so I'd like to share my thoughts. My last car was a 2006 MR2 Mk3. Mine was the facelift model with 6 speed manual box. Pros: good value (here in the UK!), small size is ideal for British back roads, good steering, feels quick enough despite the limited power. Cons: engine lacks charisma - gives its best between 4 and 5K. LSD makes it feel like it's trying to swap ends on you if you're getting a move on. Only car in my life I've ever spun(!) and that was on a dry road on good tyres. MR2s are ideal for anyone who wants a small, fun to drive sports car without pushing the envelope. But, honestly, I found it a scary car to try to drive quickly. My current car is a (later 987) Boxster 2.7 manual. Pros: astonishingly neutral handling for a car with the engine in the wrong place (runs and hides!), THE MOST subjective handling fun of any car I've ever driven (better even than my Clio 182), wonderful engine charisma, storage space (has two large boots/trunks; the MR2 had half a trunk and some awkward cupboards). Cons: feels heavier to drive than the MR2, and as a result is a little less chuckable at very low speeds around 10-25 mph, expensive to buy well without inheriting a mountain of deferred maintenance jobs to do, you need to be mindful of where you park it. What are they like to live with? Both mine have been daily drivers, and the first thing you notice when just commuting, is that the Boxster's ride is very hard. The MR2 is quite a lot more forgiving in this regard. My Porsche even has the smallest 17" wheels and standard suspension, and it's still hard. The Porsche has a lot less wind noise and noise from surrounding traffic with the hood up. I bought a detachable hardtop for my MR2 and this made it a lot quieter. The Porsche is obviously stiffer. I'm quite an enthusiastic driver and, when pressing on, the discernible flex from the MR2 blunted my enjoyment of the car. But, the main difference? There is just something SOOO special about the Boxster's chassis. It is an absolute hero of a car on a fast twisty road. Which of these two do I think your viewers should choose? If you're the sort of person who couldn't tell the difference between good handling and great handling and won't be driving enthusiastically enough to find out anyway, then choose the MR2. They are worthy, although a little expensive in the USA IMO (I just sold my 2006 43K FSH MR2 with heated red leather and a hardtop for £4500). But, if you want exquisite handling and are willing throw a lot of money at an old used car to get it, then get the Boxster. Or ..... why not do what I did and get both, one after the other. Experience is the spice of life.

Heh, Todd looses his hat at 8:06

I owned only two cheap fun roadsters. A Z3 and a 986. They have completely different characteristics, however me and the boys loved them both to bits. I bought them when my first son finished secondary school and we kept it for more than 10 years as daily rides. I maintained them on my own with very little help from service centers. Our Z3 achieved 400 000 km's and eventually as the kids left house the previous owner (a lawyer) bought it back. Still have the immaculate Boxster. Hardly a day's issues and glorious fun to own. Whilst I was a member of the Porsche Club, we tracked them often. At top speed, the Z3 is a hand full with typical scuttle shake due to short wheel base and I never replaced rubber bushings. The Boxster, with some 225000 km's is still just mind blowing. Handling still superb and steady as an arrow. As I'm now retired and the kids are gone, I can't see ever selling the Boxster, although I miss still shed a tear longing for my fire engine red Z3. Love from Africa.

As someone who’s daily driver is a 2002 boxster S I was giggling basically during your review of it. 986 boxsters are like 300% car compared to the money you pay for them. It’s a true Porsche. A flat six literally howling behind your ears to a solid 7200 rpm redline? Yup that’s a drug to me. Haters hate while I enjoy the best car I’ve ever owned. I will admit like they said, maintenance is an issue. It hasn’t been unreliable by any means, but basic upkeep and preventative maintenance can be expensive.

I'm really loving this series

I got to stop the video and chime in at number 13! This is way better than videos on exotic cars that I will never drive let alone own, and that quite frankly I'm just not that interested in. But you're bringing in cars that I've owned, or could buy in the near future. Your impressions are reliable, useful, and trustworthy. I can see that they are a lot of work but I for one enjoy this series immensely. Thanks guys!

Because of this car review, I have picked myself a Toyota MRS SPYDER today. It is a fun and playful car. Trust me, go with the one with 6 speed manual tranny. You would nor regret at all. To me, it is always good when the soft top is down. Super reliable car. Just mod the exhaust and you would love the loud sound.

I loved this! Just discovered your series. As a single mom who has been driving a minivan for 20 years, I am sooo ready to get a fun car to drive. Nothing beat driving a cool car with a manual in the mountains.

I am so invested in this series

Exceptional content! Thank you!

Awesome series - Thank you guys 😊👍

I've enjoyed my mr2 since stock 1zz to 2zz track toy. Really handles well and running costs are low. 15in tires and been on the same brake pads for 2 track seasons

Amazing work! Great podcast too!!

Part one of this series is the first video I have watched, I am a new subscriber. Just watched this one. I enjoy this type of long presentation. Great job! Now off to watch some of your previous offerings. Thanks much!

Love my MR2, bought it 4 years ago with 58K original. Can't beat that!

So much fun to watch. Thanks

New listener here and I'm Loving the tag-team approach to fun commentary and solid, informative reviews. These videos will serve me well as I try to find a reason why I shouldn't buy a Boxster S !!

Cool videos! I really like the line up, cool to see the UT background, I might run into these cars one day haha

Fun episode, all great cars in their own right, thanks!

Love my ‘03 2.7 Boxster! NA flat six, mid-engine, manual, RWD roadster with just power to have fun, but not get in trouble - what’s not like? Oh, and the sound!

Ah this was a fantastic comparison, great work guys! They're really ALL great cars, hard to pick a favorite. The Boxster is a really solid choice as long as you're OK writing the car off tomorrow if some German problem such as the IMS were to happen. I've been thinking of picking one up as a secondary daily driver for a knock-around car. And yeah, it's really hard to go wrong with the miata. They're such well balanced cars, easy to drive, handle great.

I have the MR2 spyder and its awesome. I don't think that spyder they were testing sounded very healthy. But yeah def won't get beat by a mini van and with decent set of tires it's amazing.

Thanks for a great comparison. I enjoyed hearing what you had to say about all of these cars and seeing two cars I actually own being compared. I have a 2000 Special Edition Miata I purchased new and a gray 2012 Toyota Sienna SE. LOL.

Great videos, I have been thinking about a cheap sport car for a while. Here in Canada I would have to pay a lot more to get a cheap sport cars, but you have giving me a lot to think about. you have a lot of followers in the north. keep up the excellent work...

That MR2 looks like a blast

Thanks for the video. I'm looking for a roadster and this helped tremendously.

Outstanding work!!

I cross shopped a bunch of these and then started looking at simple replacement parts. Lol I now have a 2002 nb2 ls miata with the perf pack. It was always the way to go.

I have had the 2004 BMW Z4 and a 2008. I had the same one you have, no sports package. It was my favorite car. I miss it a lot.

Great video. To be fair on the Mercedes manual thing, they've had good manuals for years in Europe, it's just that they didn't want to bring them to North America. The SLK kind of escaped that rule, but it was the last of its kind to do so.

Todd nailed it! I was in the market for a newer version of my previous Fiat X1/9. MR2 was my option, but of course, the turbo one because I had never driven a Spyder. The first one I went to test drive was in good condition and sits in my driveway. It sucks in the highway but for my commute around town i'll take a pass on my suv and and my boi racer 2jz y0! It's the car I find myself driving literally every day.

Great video! Fun to watch and here about these cars. Never knew the Z4 had electric steering, that's just plain disappointing - even my e90 had a hydraulic rack.

I just bought a 2004 986.2. It has full saddle leather interior and a 5sp manual. The colour is Carmona red metallic. It is my 7th car, yes I have a problem to normal people, but car nuts understand. I'm completely blown away by the quality of the car. The sound and handling are great. I paid significantly more than the prices paid here, but 2 years after this review, prices for Boxsters are going up. Loved this review.

Thanks for doing reviews on actual realistic cars. Some good choices in this bunch.

I love how you specifically point out how great the z4's engine is as I had the same experience recently. I bought my first straight 6 BMW (e90) after having owned a 4 pot e46 and I couldn't believe how much better the 6 cyl was. The smoothness. And the howl when you're up in the revs.... I had the realisation that if you're gonna buy a beemer, it must have a str 6 engine. Got my first track day with it coming up too so looking forward to seeing what's what.... Another great video chaps. Thanks.

Need a redo on drag race. Who ever driving the spyder was not paying attention at the start! 😂😂😂

I’ve really enjoyed your series on these budget sports cars, as someone with a second car I’ve been in this position twice now. I had a NA 1993 Miata w130k miles that i enjoyed for ~2 years. I loved the aftermarket support and found many tasteful accessories that looked stock to improve the interior. It drove wonderfully around the corners, but felt a bit unsatisfactory at highway speeds. I ended up selling it for a 2002 Audi TT Quattro Roadster w/75k miles at the start of this year. I looked at local Z4’s and found the good ones to be well over the 8k mark, and while the Boxster’s that I found were in good condition and fabulously priced, the front headlights are just too melted egg for me. From what I’ve seen, the SLK is desirable in the manual and quite rare. Automatics are very common and fairly priced. I ended up going with the TT, mostly by finding a great deal, but the looks have always been appealing to me, growing up in the era they came out, and with a fantastic interior for the era. I know they don’t fit the RWD criteria for this test, but if you were to open your criteria a bit I’d recommend testing one!

In this list, the really only sensable options are the Miata and MR2 Spyder. The tree German is genuinely not a

Didn't expect the MR2 to make it, that was really cool. I've had a Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 and am now back on Mk1... love them all, but the Mk2 is a very different car to the others, feels much bigger and heavier, even though in fact it's really tiny, and it also feels a lot less responsive even though it's faster. Mk1 wins for me though... the weird looks, the cockpit interior, the way it came about as a fun commuter car, everything!

I want to see more of that drag race! 😀🤘

These guys are the only group I listen and watch. Real people and really great reviews!

One of the most fun video to watch. You guys rock. I watched the whole segment as you made it fun. Love your work. Bought a 1999 boxter too 😜👍

Luv the expisode! Great job! I have had a Triumph, plenty of BMW's, current toy is a 6 speed Mini Gen1, but as a former SLK owner...the line that resonated with me the most..."Why is the top up on all the SLK's? ...because it is broken!" That said, great job! I am heading over to AutoTempest now to search for my Boxster!

That minivan race at the end was awesome!

15:48 "I'm not saying it's not expensive...but if you're gonna have an addiction, it might as well be wearing a Porsche badge, right? ;) Thanks for the inspiring video, gentlemen.

Really enjoyed watching these, it’s great to see some real world content for ordinary car guys. I have an e85 Z4 myself and just converted it to a hydraulic PS system from an m3, if that doesn’t fix it I’ll chip it in for a Boxster

When You guys tested the Z (Nissan) for under $10 grand . I ended up buying one after seeing your review . 370 - paid more BUT what a awesome car . Then purchased a z 2.5 (Bmw) a few weeks ago . Once again paid a tad more than 8k. BUT another just solid car fun car . Great reviews guys .

Just picked up a 987.1 Boxster S 6 speed for cheap. Love, love driving it... So much fun. Now I understand.

Spot on with the Boxster Review. It is an awesome awesome car

I've had both a 2001 miata and a 2001 mr2. They handle pretty similar but I like the mr2 more because the engine is behind the seats and feels a lot more unique. The mr2 may not be the prettiest car but can look good with some cosmetic mods.

Considering that the people being targeted are possibly cash strapped petrolheads, I do think you should have put more emphasis on maintenance costs and parts availability. In that case, I'm afraid, the answer is still...Miata. Your video is an absolutely epic piece of work, though. Can't wait for the Grand Finale!

Well done. The MR2 is the tossable Boxster that doesn't break.

100 kwt/ton = 134 hp/2205 lbs, which makes the MR2 spot on for the goal of "supercar power to weight ratio" (real/metric ton is 1000 kg=2205 lbs, not 2000 lbs, which is the American ton = 907 kg). But if it was 134 hp/2000 lbs that would be even better. Toyota would have surpassed their goal :)

We have 2004 mk3 MR2 and love it. It feels retro now but that’s what makes it appealing.

The secret of the MR2 Spyder is that with good coilovers, an LSD, and a Small Turbo it becomes a monster that's impossible to beat for under 20K. Even modern cars that cost 3x times as much don't stand a chance against the 2,000lb car with 250HP.

With a luggage rack, I've just been camping for a week in my MR2 Mk3, or the Roadster as we call it in the UK. Behind the seats is enough space for 2 mid-sized duffle bags which is plenty for two people on vacation. On the luggage rack was a tent, blow up mattress and two camping chairs. In the frunk ( or froot, UK again ;-) ) were our walking boots, camp light and other emergency items. It's really not as impractical as people claim. Also, with the 2ZZ in mine, it's a blast around those country lanes and once it's above 6000rpm it's fast enough to get you in trouble.

Oh hell yeah. Perfect timing

i loved watching this. I have been driving economical cars for a while because i was a poor college student. now that i am out of college i rewarded myself with a sporty car with around a $10,000 budget (plus or minus a few grand). i considered many cars, BRZ, RX8, Z350, miata, boxster, and a few others. and you guys helped me over the years with teaching me on what i should look for in my obtainable dream car. you guys are the reason why i was able to come up with that list in the first place. i ended up getting the Boxster S and i love that car. but after i watch this season, i am starting to thing that i should have gotten the MR2 (which is a car that i didn't even consider and have forgot that it even existed) instead because that car is so close to the car that caused me to fall in love with driving in the first place when i was 18.

I wish I could like this video twice. You can tell that a lot of work went into making it.

Yes I like this challenge with track test a lot.

Well done gentlemen. Thoroughly enjoyed this series, and would like to request look back at the pocket rockets of the 80s - 90s. Remember back then how fun all those little turbo ecno cars were?

My first car is a 986 boxster S and I love it everyday. it works great for school having two trunks and is a pleasant daily driver.

i have the MR2, very underrated, handles sharp, loves to rev and you can go flat out everywhere

great video, would love to see your guys' thoughts on a second gen mr2, or even 1st gen if you can get your hands on one.