Thanks for the reply. I have a 2014 Focus right now as a reliable, safe, 4 door daily driver right now and what I'm looking for is something I can learn wrench on until I move out of state (1-3 years from now depending on a lot of variables). It doesn't have to be great. In fact, the crappier the better so that I feel less bad about having to sell it when the time comes because whatever I get I can guarantee I will not be taking to Colorado with me when I make the move.
I have never owned (or even driven I think) a RWD car which is why the miata appeals to me right now. Before my current focus my car was a 2000 Hyundai Accent which was a piece of junk but I loved that car because it "felt" fast to me even though it objectively wasn't fast in literally every measurable way.
I know that FWD is easier to work on in general and I'm not opposed to it. At the end of the day this car will be hooned on backroads and thoroughly abused and tinkered on before being cast to the wind. Because of that I want something that will have plenty of parts available both online and at my local parts store when things inevitably go horribly wrong.
I also want to make sure that when I do have to sell it I can turn it over reasonably quickly, another reason why the miata is appealing to me. People are always looking to grab one for any number of reasons. I know I will lose money when I sell that which is why I want to keep the initial investment as low as I can while still getting a car that doesn't need too much done right away.
So, after typing all that up, I'll answer your questions point by point.
I plan to be able to allow other people in this car as either passenger or driver...maybe?
1 passenger is all I need and I don't even really need that honestly.
It needs to also be useful for X?
nothing, this is the fun car not the practical car.
I like scouring obscure fan websites for parts?
no.
I feel the need to be unique in my choice of car?
again, no. This is the first project car of many and I want to start with something easy.
At the end of the day, just want to hoon the crap out of something and learn some wrenching skills in the process but it kinda has to be a real car?
It just has to be able to move after I take some tools to it. (preferably it can move before hand though so I have a decent starting point)
So, with all that in mind, how does that effect your suggestions?
2000 Hyundai Accent @ 279,982 miles
2014 Ford Focus Titanium
Currently residing in Denver, Colorado