So I'm driving a Buick.

I'll admit that I have a soft spot for big GMs. My first car was an 82 Impala, and they do ride quite well. Parts are cheap and maintenance is easy. This 84 Regal is the same way.

It's just not fun.

So I'm looking at cars. I'm thinking of spending maybe $6k, either to buy an older used car outright or as a down payment on something slightly newer.

I'd like to get something rather light. I've never owned a vehicle weighing less than 3000lbs., but I like the, um, tossability found in lightweight cars. The increased sense of speed and the tactile handling.

The contenders:

VW Scirocco, first-gen: Vaguely practical hatchback configuration. Shares parts with the Golf and Jetta. Classic "folded paper" Guigiuaro design. Round headlights are just damn sexy.

Toyota MR2, first-gen: MR configuration. Lotus-inspired suspension and design. Supercharger option.

Toyota MR2 Spyder: Newer, thus likely in better shape. First-gen weight, second-gen power. Convertible. Still no cargo space.

Those are the ones I'm seriously considering. Other little things like an old Datsun 510 have crossed my mind.

So, aside from telling me to buy another SVX [give me time, my heart's still broken...], who knows something of featherweight cars? I'm sure there's something obvious I'm missing.