Saving money doesn’t have to mean that you have to buy dull products that don’t offer much fun. That’s true even when it comes to buying cars. You might find that you have to look to older models to get the most fun out of every dollar, but there are plenty of especially cheap cars that are fun to drive. Check out these three inexpensive cars to drive in warm weather. They might help you find options that you had never thought of before.
The Mazda Miata
The Mazda Miata isn’t a cheap car, but you can find first generation cars sold for around $3000. That’s quite a deal considering what you get for your money. The 1989-1994 Miatas have 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engines that offer more speed than you might expect. They also have sensitive steering that makes it easy for you to hug tight curves.
Even though the first generation model has been around for a couple decades, many used car dealerships and individuals have Miatas that haven’t been driven very much. When these cars were released, a lot of people purchased them as fun vehicles to drive on the weekend. That means you can find low-cost Mazda Miatas that could offer you years of summer driving fun.
The Smart Fortwo
Whether you’re heading to the beach or a downtown restaurant, parking is often a real pain during the summer months when tourists crowd the most popular destinations. You won’t have any trouble squeezing into tight spaces with a Smart Fortwo. This lightweight vehicle probably isn’t what you think of when you hear the word “two-seater.” It doesn’t have the power of a muscle car, but it burns less fuel and has enough get-up-and-go to merge easily on the expressway. If you’re interested in saving money and you’re tired of searching for a parking spot, then this might be the summer vehicle that you need. Plus, you can’t rule out the cute factor. It’s one of the most adorable models on the road.
The Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler’s appearance hasn’t changed much over the years, but newer models have improved gas efficiency and safety requirements. Most importantly, though, the newer models can still handle every surface from blacktop to dirt. If you like to go off-road, then this is the vehicle for you. Look into slightly older models such as the YJ, which Jeep manufactured from 1987 to 1995, to save money. They’re inexpensive to purchase and cheap to maintain. Plus, you can take off the panels to enjoy the warm summer breezes.
In addition to thinking about the price that you pay for your fun summer vehicle, you should also consider the amount of money that you will pay for fuel and insurance. Getting auto insurance that meets your budget requirement is easy when you have a reliable car with a good safety record. Pay attention to all of your options and you can enjoy yourself without spending much money.
What have been some of your favorite warm weather vehicles, and how much did you pay for them?
