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Comment by BlueGh0st | Hacker News Reader

As usual, Miata is the answer. But in a world where the Miata doesn't exist, which car do you think you would have chosen for this project?

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I had to answer this question for myself, because Miatas were outside of my budget (3000€), and a bit rare to find in the first place where I live (France).

I went with a 1st gen Mini Cooper (2001 to 2006). So far it has been the perfect car to learn on, because I went with a working one and did the basic maintenance plus a few not-too-hard parts that needed replacement (of course your luck can vary, I'm very lucky that the one I chose was in a very good shape).

Why a Mini Cooper? My criterias were (1) a fun car, and by that I mean a 100+hp compact car around 10:1 ratio (2) of course the budget, 3000€ (3) the "fun car" part pretty much guarantees it, but good community support (4) I need to fit in it (I'm tall at 1.88m) and (5) must be Euro 2 or better (so pretty much a gas year 2000 or after car)

Compared to the Miata, it's probably a bit less fun to drive, and a bit harder to work on (everything is super compact in the engine bay), but you get a hard-top and small back seats, which to me means more space to put stuff. I actually carry most of my tools in my trunk all the time and work ... wherever I am. I've spent more time working on my car at my parents or in-laws than in my own garage (which isn't super great to work from).

I have to say I don't regret that choice. As for filming (I do record and did a Youtube channel about my tribulations, though nowhere near this course quality), interior has not been a big issue. Filming under the car while working on jackstands is pretty much impossible though (I'd need to buy a wide angle GoPro and more lights to even entertain a passable quality).

Important note: if you go for a Mini Cooper, prefer a 2005 or 2006 year model (post-facelift) if you go for a 1st gen. Going for a 2nd gen is not advised as they have tons of engine issues, and starting with engine work is not a great idea.

My father did an car maintenance course in the 90s with his Mini City (like this one[1]), which involved taking the car apart and reassembling much like in the OP's video course. He said it was a very valuable experience, and that the Mini was the perfect car to learn on as all the parts were easily accessible and uncomplicated in design.

[1]: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mini_city_registered...

If useful, here’s an answer: The Suzuki DR-Z400S/SM motorcycle. As one example.

It’s not a car! I know! The thing is that motorcycles are such good learning platforms. They’re small, man-portable (in a pinch), there’s almost everything in there that’s in a car – but much less of it and more accessible. Single-cylinder motorcycles are also good for learning because there’s only one cylinder and one set of valves and one cylinder or fuel injector etc. :) One of everything and everything is smaller and more easily accessible than in a car. In short they’re very hackable machines.

The DR-Z400 is reliable, ubiquitous and cheap. Parts are available. Lots of DIY information out there and easy to find.

I knew NOTHING about cars. Got the motorcycle bug. A DR-Z400S was the most bike for the money here. Bought it. And that’s how I got into this by accident.

Now I know how to swap out a carburator for a bigger one and tune it, tune suspension behavior by simulating the hydraulic valving inside the suspension, maintain brakes, replace tires and pick them for what road feel I want, fix flats on the side of the road, fix a stator if I need to, reduce vehicle weight etc. etc. All by chance. Has nothing to do with me being smart or industrious and everything to do with lucking into ownership of a bike that kind of teaches you how to work on it and has a great online community.

I also really really really want a Miata!!!

Now I really really want a Suzuki DR-Z400. Thanks!

This is a great comment because in my motorcycle group of roughly ~60 or 70 people over the years, maybe 25% have owned a Miata. Apparently the motorcycle+miata crossover is huge. Usually along with an SV650 or DRZ at some point as well.

I never had a Miata but I did buy a DRZ and have a blast on it for about 4 hours. The following morning it wouldn't start and after spending all the time I was willing to spend on doing valves/carb/etc, I decided that the 450 kit was to blame, so I just traded it for a 2stroke! I do hope a sumo will be in my future now that I live in a city, though.

Good luck on your Miata endeavors, I'm sure you wont regret it!

> Apparently the motorcycle+miata crossover is huge.

Going fast is all about power/weight. Some gear heads love changing the numerator. Some realize that the best option is to change the denominator. :)

There is no amount of power or setup that will make a heavy car handle lightly. Physics.

And until a person has driven something in the Miata or lighter category, they don't know what they're missing.

Not in the budget right now, but damned if you didn't just sell me a motorcycle

Big caveat which I forgot to mention: As it comes from the factory it’s a bit compromised!

There are reasons why the bike taught me to swap and tune carbs and rework the suspension!! heh!!!

It’s still a lot of fun to ride, and in bigger bike markets you’ll be able to find a bike that already has the stops taken out!

I was lucky that I chose the Miata - it was an affordable car which I wouldn't need to cut the roof off to film inside. I knew nothing about them when I picked it but it really was the perfect choice.

It's a car distilled down to its essence and that's why it's popular for kit cars and conversions. The components are tough, readily available and dirt cheap.

I honestly think I might still choose a Miata because you need to understand everything on this car to go much further. If were were to take the engine out of the equation then I'm afraid I don't know - my recent engineering experience has been with boats and diesels, rather than electric.

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