This is very last minute but...
I put my VW Corrado G60 on autotrader.com Wednesday nite, thinking I had some time to look for a few cars I had in mind
(1st miata, 2nd crx hf or si, 3rd del sol vtec and last 240 sx).
To my surprise someone called Thrusday morning 9:45am, he came looked at it, test drove it, asked a few questions and said he'd give me the $$$ today. But I need to find one of the following in () I listed in GREAT condition. SO... I'm test driving
a 90 miata friday morning w/ 130,000mi, owner said it's been garaged most of it's life or car covered and it's an older guy and has all records too. Hopefully it's a good one. There's a
90 crx hf with 110,000 miles(can't get ahold of this guy though)
but it's $2700obo and if I got it, I'd most likely put a B series motor in it with the money left. or an 90 CRX si with 140,000 miles extra stuff 3500 obo. and a 93 240 sx with 120,000 and $2800. The question is with would you get? why? etc?
I'd go into detail with the cars but it's late and it'd be a really long post. BTW I am asking s2k owners and enthusiasts becuz
I'd think they are the most knowledgable honda owners. I'll probably post more to now that I'll be getting a japanese car again. Thanks!

 

Shocks, springs, and tires will eat up alot of money, and at over 100K, either car will need them. See which one has newest, and use that as a basis for weeding them out.

IMHO, get the 240 SX if it is in decent shape. I could list a whole host of reasons, but basically, it is the fastest and most "sports car" of the three as they sit.

Manual only, right?

edit: If you have your heart set on an engine swap, you can drop a Ford 5.0 V8 into the Miata. Very hard to match that with a Civic, but the 240SX with a transplant factory turbo engine could be fun, as well, depending on how much money you want to spend.

 

Sounds like you have to rush into a decision, and that is always scary when buying used cars. I don't know anything about the other cars, and won't opine on what is the true sportscar of the models you've listed as 99GT has, but I can add a little about the Miata. They are rwd, double wishboned, nicely balanced and funner than shit to yank around. Since you're going to look at a '90 with 130k on it, I would inquire about previous timing belt changes as there is a certain "short bolt" issue involved with '90 and some '91 engines (miatanet.com has the exact vin cutoff and great information; I think it's like vin's ending in 2647 or something). In any event, engines are cheap for these cars and you can start fresh without too much hassle and mod the crap out of them and find your happy level. You don't need to drop the 5 in right away. A simple turbo or SC is quite enough for most people. It's hard to give any decent info without knowing exactly what your aim is but the Miata site is another resource on that part of your evaluation. Good luck and I hope you get the right car.

 

I had a 90 CRX SI and while I had it I test drove a 91 miata. I have to say hands down my CRX was better. I know miatas are supposed to be great and handle great, but I really felt like the CRX was the better car. The Miata was fun and sounded great though. I think there are tons of aftermarket parts for either car. Also if the CRX SI already has some upgrades that will save you money right there.

 

I had a 87 CRX Si (RIP) for nine years. It was a great car and I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. Having said that I would still lean towards the Miata for two primary reasons: RWD and a convertible. As mentioned above make sure the car isn't in problem batch of with the short crank nose (or whatever the proper term is). Like the CRX there are a lot a things you can do to a Miata for relatively cheap: swap in a torsen LSD or a glass window roof from a newer miata; add a greddy turbo at 6psi for around $1200, and a host of other things. Oh and one other thing although a three are great cars with potential the Miata is the only sports car of the bunch (2 seats, RWD). If you are seriously interested in the miata be sure and check out miatanet, it's one of the better car boards out there.

 

I would lean towards the Miata from the cars you listed but I don't live in an area with alot of snow. I put 100,000 miles on a 90 Miata and it was the most trouble free car I've ever owned. It was also autocrossed 2 to 3 times a month for the last 3 years of it's life. I also walked out of it after being rear-ended my a Camry going 50+mph faster than I was. All the 90 models have the so called crank problem but as long as everything is put back together correctly when the timing belt is changed it's no problem.

I currently own a 91 CRXsi and I love the car and it's my 2nd CRX. At 97,000 miles I replaced the CV's and did a brake job on it and re-stuffed a seat bolster. It needs shocks and I've got a set of koni's in the garage to go on it now at 120,000. The CRX is a more useful car than the Miata in that it will hold a ton of stuff while the Miata holds slightly less than the S2000. The CRX with FWD will be a better choice if you want to drive it in the snow much. CRX's and your area are prone to rust so check for it. I would shy away from a CRX that had many mods done to because it's probably been beaten to shit as a drag car. Even though the price is a little high I think the car Hood has for sale here is a good buy at 5K because it is so nice and well cared for. Also, if you are very tall you might be happier in the CRX because of the space.

For the 1st couple of years I owned my Miata I felt like I could have cornered faster in my 84 CRX. Now having owned the 91 CRX for 1

 

I've owned both. Miata is the clear choice, unless you have some special purpose that requires more cargo space.

Miata's are a joy to drive, need little expensive maintenance, and hold their value extremely well.

Probably plan on shock replacement and a new timing belt on a car with over 100K miles, though.

 

I owned a '90 CRX Si, and had extensive seat time (incl. autocrossing) in an ex-gf's Miata. Both are fantastic cars.

IMO, get the Miata if you don't need the practicality. I didn't see what the big deal about Miatas was when they came out, and thought my CRX Si would be very comparable based on specs. The Miata was just more fun to drive...rwd, convertible, classic styling.

The CRX was also great, but I don't know about an HF...isn't that the economy model?

 

Here's the update... The guy who's buying my car is going to Canada Friday nite so I think he was wanting it b4 he goes, I guess he's really excited and wanted to make sure no one else gets it. The closest
Corrado for sale was like 200-300 miles away
I didn't really expect to get a call the morning after I put it online, so that's why I kinda felt rushed to make a decision. I'll tell him when he comes back I should have found one.

This was the second miata I test drove today I really like the RWD, how light it is, and handling. I'd probably get a hard top for it depending on how much they are. The one today had 130K had NO rust on the exterior. The only problem was the belts were kinda squelling (spelling) but other than that very fun,
I told him that I'd need to take it to my mechanic b4 I purchase if this is the one I decide on he said ok. My parents are worried about me getting a miata becuz it's a covertiable. I've actually been looking at miata.net for a couple of weeks now, they have a LONG list of things to look for and I didn't even think to print it though. I kinda remember important stuff though. I just wish it had less mileage.

The CRX HF is one of the econo models, I still haven't gotten a hold of this guy though. The reason I'd get the HF, it's probably hasn't been beaten on etc. and little cheaper than the SI.

I test drove the SI today and loved it also, it had more pull than the miata, although it's not RWD, and I think that's what I want.?? I'll see if I can get ahold of the HF owner to see it.
If I get the HF I'd have $1800-2000 left, so Id get a b16a motor, and something with suspension or exhaust depending on the $$ I have left from the swap. Which ever I choose, I do't want any rust or very very little. I'll let you guys know what I get though soon. and add anything else you forgot

thanks alot for the info!!