I'm seriously thinking about getting a second car so I can learn driving skills that I'll never get in my 00 ES. This car will also be my autox car (so I don't beat the Pro to death, love it too much ), and maybe road racer later on.

so here are some requirements I've set up for this 'trainer' car:

1. MUST be manual (my Pro's auto )
2. preferably RWD
3. durable/reliable (don't want to dump $$$ into a beater)
4. cheap (I'm thinking 3-5k range)

so any suggestions? I'm open to any make and models, even domestics or even Hondas...

right now an early 90's miata looks like the best choice, any other suggestions?

 

Try an AE86. Reliable, cheap, and RWD.

 

something like this?

 

I learned a lot on an '86 poniac Fierro. LOL
Don't laugh it was a V6 MR I had some fun in it, mostly in the gravel.
not very reliable though.

But seriously check into auctions.

 

How about first gen RX7? I know you might not want to mess with the rotary engine, but the car is small, cheap as hell, and there are tons of aftermarket goodies for it! Or, how about first gen. Miata? They are a bit pricier, but have as much aftermarket parts.
I also liked the suggestion of Fiero, becuase with midengine, and rear wheel drive your handling is going to be great.

 

how's this one look (well there's no pic, but LOW mileage for an 88 RX-7):

http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/s...=null&cid=null

 

Run the ES! it's fun handle well and you won't be killing it. also is you unbolt the strut bar you will be in HS class and the Protegé is very competitive in this class.
One more thing, by running your Protegé you will leare what your car can do. and this can hepl in every day driving. How a Protegé handles is very different than a Rx-7.

 

I know the Pro's capabilities, and know well that it can hold its own in the HS class autox, which is what I'm doing this sunday . But the main reasons I'm looking for a second "fun car" is so I can learn to drive manual and a RWD car, in particular the manual transmission.

by having an automatic, my ES is limited in its performance potential (the dreaded 'commuter car' label), and i'm one layer further removed from the driving experience compared to a manual driver. To me it's more about improving my driving skill (learning more in this case) than anything else , because when I 'make it' and buy a M3, I don't want to be stalling at the intersection

 

Oh, didn't know you had an auto. in that case Rx-7 1st or 2 gen, or an older Mx-5. First gen Rx-7 with the 13b is nice but I would stay away from the 12a. the older Mx-5 with the 1.6L is fun and handle great but not very fast, some are priced dirt cheap. a friend got one with a bad cluch for $1200 fixed the cluch for a few hundred bucks and it damn nice.