But you no it. understeer is when the driver is afraid. Oversteer is when the passenger is afraid. Although today’s cars are mainly safe (so even rear-wheel drives tend to fly out of a corner rather nose-to-mouth), the classic concept with rear-wheel drive is still the best from a driver’s point of view. Do you want to learn to drive? Buy a rear wheel. But which one?
It is currently on the advertising portal sauto.cz over 95,000 offers for used and new cars. Of these, though, only about 2,600 have rear-wheel drive, i.e. less than 3% of the cars in the advertisement. If you then limit the offer to cars with a manual transmission, you will get less than 500 cars. Zadokolek with a manual is thus only about half a percent in advertising. There are only about 300 petrol cars.
We will leave out cars that are not very suitable for sports driving. Such as, Mercedes cars are also rear-wheel d
The BMW E90 330i: A Great Car to Learn On (and Abuse a Little)
Table of Contents
- The BMW E90 330i: A Great Car to Learn On (and Abuse a Little)
- Hyundai Genesis
- The Challenge of Finding a Truly Engaging Used Sports Car
- Nissan 350Z/370Z: A Driver’s Delight with Potential Quirks
- Subaru BRZ & Toyota GT86
- Buying a used Subaru: What to Watch Out For
- Is the Mustang’s V8 Engine Overkill for Winter Driving?
- Finding a Sports Car for Around 600,000 CZK
Unluckily, in the last 15 years or so, the BMW brand has been transformed from truly sporty and driver’s cars to monstrous metrosexual crossovers, so you can’t buy anything newer than a roughly twenty-year-old sedan or coupe for fun and learning (ie, if the budget doesn’t bother you, you can buy an M2 for two million, for example). On the other hand, if you only want the car as a teaching aid (for which it is indeed expected that you will occasionally pull it out of the bushes), it probably doesn’t have to be the new “scented polish for two”.
## Mazda MX-5: A Year-Round Roadster?

Photo: Dalibor Žák
You can enjoy the Mazda MX-5 all year round and never get tired of it. But ask for a two-liter with a self-locker if you really want to enjoy it.And if you want to drive it in winter, you will need additional protection of the cavities and the chassis.Salt is crap.
You can enjoy the Mazda MX-5 all year round and never get tired of it. But ask for a two-liter with a self-locker if you really want to enjoy it. And if you want to drive it in winter, you will need additional protection of the cavities and the chassis.Salt is crap.
The first “blinking” generation of NA is more of a veteran collector and it’s a shame to hunt around somewhere in the snow and salt. It is indeed difficult to find and is more suitable for careful renovation and breeding. You can buy regular pieces of the NB generation for around 150,000 crowns, the later NC can be found for between 200 and 300,000 CZK. And you still ride very nicely with them.
The third generation NC is actually a modern and usable car. But you want a two-liter with a six-speed manual, which already has a self-lock (beware, a few special imports were without it) and is most suitable for sporty driving. Corrosion is traditionally the problem with tight MX-5s, but check the engine and transmission as well. Many pieces have had a hard life behind them, demanding weekends on the circuit and neglected basic service.
Hyundai Genesis
That’s fine with the Genesis Coupé, but the version I drove wasn’t very suitable for fine control with the gas pedal (and it also had a rather strangely calibrated steering that didn’t like fast counters). But on dry asphalt, it didn’t care, you just had to load the engine and it would drift until the tires burned.
The Challenge of Finding a Truly Engaging Used Sports Car
You can buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia cheaply only with diesel. Sports versions are quite expensive even as used ones, and it’s still more of a normal car, even though of course you can play around with it. But prepare two million for the top QV.You can also buy a used M3 from BMW cheaper.
it’s the same with used Lexuses. Although they are great cars for daily use, only the eight-cylinder sedan IS-F is actually sporty (and only after the upgrade with self-locking and switchable traction control and stabilization). But it was only with an automatic and we are already getting into the price territory of the BMW M3. the sporty RC-F and LC 500 are already very expensive cars (currently around two million) for the average buyer of classic used cars.
The same applies to some Infiniti (a G37 coupe related to the Nissan 370Z rarely appears) and perhaps unfortunately also to the Alfa Romeo Giulia – unsuitable specifications with automatic transmission and restrictive electronics. You can buy a proper Giulia (back-to-back, self-locking), but there are few of them and they only have an automatic. It’s fine with it, but you’ll find yourself cursing that it could be better with a manual. It’s more of a daily driving car that you’ll enjoy. Prepare 600 thousand crowns for it. A sharp QV with a manual costs…
Nissan 350Z/370Z: A Driver’s Delight with Potential Quirks
The Nissan 350Z and its successor, the 370Z, offer an engaging driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of a few key considerations. As with any used car, the overall condition and maintainance history are paramount. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular oil changes – the VQ35 engine only holds 4.7 liters of oil, so changing it every 5000 km is advisable if you drive aggressively.
There have been reported cases of damage to the transmission and rear differential, often stemming from extreme use.
It’s critically important to remember that the 350Z and 370Z are sports coupes, not dedicated track cars. Pushing them hard on a circuit requires upgrades to cooling systems (engine and transmission oil in particular) and brakes.While a used example may require a significant initial investment, a well-maintained 350Z or 370Z can provide a very rewarding driving experience.
Subaru BRZ & Toyota GT86
(Further content on Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 would follow hear, but is not included in the provided text.)
Buying a used Subaru: What to Watch Out For
Subaru has earned a reputation for reliability and capability, notably with its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. However, even Subarus have their potential pitfalls when purchased used. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the used Subaru market and avoid costly mistakes.
Common Issues & what to Inspect
* Head Gasket Leaks (Especially 2009-2013 Models): This is arguably the most well-known Subaru issue. The 2.5-liter engine in many models from these years is prone to head gasket failure. Look for coolant loss, overheating, or milky oil (a sign of coolant mixing with oil). A compression test can help diagnose this.
* Oil Consumption: Some Subaru engines, particularly the EJ25 series, can experience excessive oil consumption. Check the oil level regularly and look for blue smoke from the exhaust, indicating oil burning.
* Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Issues: Problems with the VVT system can cause rough idling, reduced power, and check engine lights.
* Automatic Transmission Concerns: Some automatic transmissions, especially in older models, can be susceptible to wear and tear. Pay attention to smooth shifting and listen for any unusual noises.
* Rust: Depending on the region the car was originally sold in, rust can be a significant issue, particularly on the undercarriage.
What to Look For During Inspection
* Maintenance Records: A well-maintained Subaru is a good sign.Look for evidence of regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and other scheduled maintenance.
* Accident History: Check the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) for any reported accidents. Even minor accidents can affect the car’s structural integrity.
* Aftermarket Modifications: Be cautious of heavily modified vehicles. Excessive tuning and unprofessional engine interventions (like compressor installations) can introduce new problems and void warranties.
* Self-Locking Differentials: Ensure that models equipped with a self-locking differential actually have one. Some imports lacked this feature even when it was advertised.
* Recalls & Service Bulletins: Verify that all applicable recalls and service events have been addressed, especially for early-year models and those imported from the USA (where the head gasket issue was a common concern).
Is the Mustang’s V8 Engine Overkill for Winter Driving?
(Photo: Kristián Vít)
The latest Mustangs are already good sports cars that can even turn and brake. The only question is whether the eight-cylinder isn’t a bit of a waste after all. It would probably take something weaker to learn.
As the sixth generation of the Mustang, this classic American coupe can already be referred to as a sports car that drives in ways other than straight. The concept of the chassis makes it an honest sports car. It is ideal with a five-liter eight-cylinder, which in Europe you can buy very often with a manual. At one time, it was the only car that could be bought in this combination (eight-cylinder + rear-wheel drive + manual).
prices start at about 800,000 crowns, but you need to think about whether you need such a powerful car for learning in the winter. There is too much power in the snow and the Mustang is a real piece of iron, which does not give anything to an inexperienced driver. Of course, we won’t talk it down to anyone, but to make it slide, even a four-cylinder engine with a third of the power is enough for you in the winter.
Finding a Sports Car for Around 600,000 CZK
for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience, sports cars frequently enough seem out of reach. However, a budget of around 600,000 Czech Koruna (CZK) opens up possibilities for owning a well-regarded sports car. This price point allows access to older models from prestigious brands, offering a blend of performance and affordability.
porsche Boxster and Cayman: Excellent Choices
Within this budget,the Porsche Boxster and Cayman stand out as particularly attractive options. While the first generation Boxster is aging, it remains a delightful car to drive and can be found at the lower end of the price range. The second generation Boxster and, especially, the Cayman coupe represent a significant step up in terms of performance and refinement.
First Generation Porsche Boxster (986)
- Price Range: Typically found below 600,000 CZK.
- Pros: Relatively affordable entry point into Porsche ownership, enjoyable handling, classic roadster experience.
- Cons: Older model, potential for higher maintenance costs due to age.
Second Generation Porsche Boxster/cayman (987)
- Price range: Around 600,000 – 700,000 CZK.
- Pros: Improved performance and handling compared to the 986, more modern features, available in coupe (Cayman) and convertible (Boxster) body styles.
- cons: Prices are higher than the first generation, still requires careful inspection before purchase.
What to Look For in a Used Porsche
When considering a used Porsche Boxster or Cayman in this price range, several factors are crucial:
- Manual Transmission: A manual transmission enhances the driving experience and is often preferred by enthusiasts. Finding a well-maintained example with a manual gearbox is a priority for many.
- Cayman S: For around 700,000 CZK, a Cayman S with a more powerful engine and a limited-slip differential (self-locking) offers a significant performance boost.
- Maintenance History: A complete and documented service history is essential. Porsches require regular maintenance, and a well-maintained car is less likely to have hidden problems.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection: Always have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential issues.
Key Takeaways
- A budget of 600,000 CZK can buy a fun and engaging sports car.
- Porsche Boxster and Cayman models offer excellent value for money.
- Prioritize a manual transmission and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
- The Cayman S provides a performance upgrade within a slightly higher budget.