1 car to rule them all: DD/track/AutoX/Road Trip car under $35k

"NervesOfThrill" (adrenalingus) 10/21/2014 at 10:01 • Filed to: None

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Yesterday's article on best track cars for the money got everyone's attention in one way or another and left me with some doubts about what I'm buying next so I thought this would be a fun post.

What I need is 1 car to do everything and do it all well. My next car needs to be a great daily driver, be able to do 3-4 track days a year, AutoX on some weekends and be capable of road trips and travel (holds a passenger plus either 2 sets of golf clubs or 2x full size luggage somehow, not on the roof). It also has to be nice enough to take clients to lunch/dinner in (so no econo-boxes) and rear wheel drive just because that is what makes my loins burn.

This knocks out many of the usual suspects (Miatas, Focus ST, etc.) and leaves me staring at something like an E92 M3 (or E46), or Cayman S, or ? which still brings all of the nice bells and whistles to be a comfy DD but rip ass on the weekends or go on weekend road trips. But the comments in that article scared me to death on the cost to maintain a car like that if driven spiritedly on the weekends...............

I'm positive I'm overlooking several other great cars that I should be considering or even all of the negatives of the 2 cars above. Whatcha' got?

Sweet Trav > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:03

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G8 GXP. 400+ horsepower, LS V8, T-6060 Six Speed, IRS, Brembo brakes, plenty of room.

NervesOfThrill > Sweet Trav 10/21/2014 at 10:04

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2 is enough, so 2 seaters with a hatch like a Cayman would work so long as they can hold 2x golf clubs or luggage. I travel for work and have to bring one of those full size bags because I am gone for a week at a time.

Which also had me thinking Jag XK-R if a deal could be found.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:05

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I'm still happy with my BRZ even if it could use another 50 hp. I was thinking about going the Cayman route, but decided against it due to the cost and likelihood for repairs.

bob and john > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:05

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You can get yourself a nice E39 M5 or a E92 M3.
Audi S4/RS4
lexus IS-F< toyota reliability. Just slap in an LSD and away you go

Vimto > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:05

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Cadillac CTS?

NervesOfThrill > Sweet Trav 10/21/2014 at 10:07

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Nice one. I love them. My wife hates them. I am paying for it,,,, but...... I am adding it to my list to drive.

Milky > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:09

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I'll post the car that currently consumes most of my wants.

The trim/engine you want, the 35i's are in the $30k range pretty regularly now. Plus you can put the top down when you don't need to carry luggage.

And come one …. just look at it.

Sweet Trav > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:10

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Here's one for you. I'll drive it down to Florida for you if you pay for my ticket back lol

NervesOfThrill > Vimto 10/21/2014 at 10:10

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I've eyeballed many CTS-V's but my soul wants the current gen coupe and that is above my price range. Plus, I live in FL and those are literally everywhere so you have to use the key fob to make your car honk to know which one is yours. When I was in KY that was not a problem but down here they are plentiful.

jariten1781 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:11

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ATS 2.0T magride with upgraded intercooler/downpipe and a matching tune.

Edit: missed the price limit

Sweet Trav > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:11

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There's also enough room in the back for 2.5 kids if that comes along.

NervesOfThrill > bob and john 10/21/2014 at 10:12

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You are on the same track of thinking that I am on. Except the Lexus. Long story but no Lexus or Toyos for me due to mental scarring from having them as my customer for 5 years.

Brian Silvestro > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:12

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Cayman will not hold golf clubs.

E92 M3 is your best bet.

NervesOfThrill > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/21/2014 at 10:19

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I love them but feel as if that would be going back to the same level of performance I am looking to eclipse this go around. I previously had a BMW M Roadster and am looking to go a little faster this go round if possible.

If I were to buy 2 cars, then the BRZ would be on my list as a dedicated/modded fun car.

gabbo241 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:19

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If you want to minimize your repair cost risk and still go hella fast and have creature comforts, I say 2011+ CPO 135i:

If you feel like not clutching on your commute you can go for the 7 speed DCT on 2011+ models, and I believe 2011+ also swapped the N54 for the N55 (less temperamental, yes?). Plus, if an underrated 300 HP is too few for you, a very gentle tune puts you banging on 360-380 HP at the crank. And have you seen those front brakes? They can handle any track day you throw at them. IMHO this car is the best value in go fast warrantied speed right now.

NervesOfThrill > Sweet Trav 10/21/2014 at 10:20

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You've got me thinking.......... thinking hard...........

bob and john > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:20

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Well if you want to take out them, your pretty much left with just the germans, and well, you know how scary they can get with maintenance.

The only other option that springs to mind is a Caddilac CTS-V, but I dont know the price range on those yet.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:21

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I say E46 M3, I am also insanely biased. Maintenance is expensive but if you properly budget and don't fall in to forum mentality (where everything must get replaced immediately) it isn't that bad.

The problem with the E46 M3 is that it is hard to find clean one so you are not stuck fixing the previous owners mistakes/negligence. The car I bought I made sure was mechanically sound, the interior is a little worn and there are some small scrapes and a door ding on the exterior but those were things that didn't bother me. Also if you plan on tracking its also wise to have the rear subframe reinforced.

If Euro maintenance still scares you maybe a C6 Gran Sport is up your alley

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

NervesOfThrill > Milky 10/21/2014 at 10:22

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Love them. But I took my clubs when I went to see one and there was zero chance of me fitting 2 bags in there much less my full size suitcase. the S35i and Z4M were actually my first 2 choices coming from an M Roadster previously.

I just love them.

briannutter1 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:23

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C5z was the answer yesterday, but $35k gets you into a c6z...but not the Centennial edition...yet.

NervesOfThrill > Brian Silvestro 10/21/2014 at 10:24

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When I test drove one I was able to fit my bag in the dead center of the hatch but it was awkward as hell, stressed the hatch and the clubs and I cannot see fitting two sets. But guys on Rennlist and Planet-9 swear they do it all of the time by switching to walking bags that are thinner. I'm still not so sure.....

BKRM3 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:25

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E9X M3 is the right answer. Preferably the E90, because the doors on the E92 are obnoxiously and inconveniently long.

Source: me, owner of an 09 E90 M3, daily driven, that put 14 track days under its belt in the last 12 months... If you break something it's going to be expensive, but it's worth the risk to own this car at current prices (sub 40k - your "under 35" might be slightly optimistic, if you want a nice one). Otherwise, consumables are consumables for the most part. Bit of a premium on brake components, but rubber is the same as any other car, gas is the same, brake fluid is the same, etc.

NervesOfThrill > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 10/21/2014 at 10:26

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Yeah that article had people coming out of the woodwork telling haunting stories about the cost to own and track an E46. I had thought it was the perfect choice.

Sweet Trav > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:27

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I'm just saying this can be the family-truckster/drag car/DD/grand tourer/autox/trackday/can probably even tow a bass boat/future classic

They made less than 2,000 of these, if you can hold onto it, it will probably bring in some real money 25 years from now.

NervesOfThrill > gabbo241 10/21/2014 at 10:27

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Great suggestion that I had previously not thought of! I'll go lurking now.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > briannutter1 10/21/2014 at 10:29

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or just go Gran Sport

NervesOfThrill > briannutter1 10/21/2014 at 10:31

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Good gawd is that fantastic looking. My wife hates Corvettes but one that looks like that may change her mind.

Soloburrito > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:33

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2015 Mustang Ecoboost Premium w/Performance Pack satisfies all requirements with cash to spare and a factory warranty.

NervesOfThrill > BKRM3 10/21/2014 at 10:33

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Agree. They do check pretty much every box and the DCT is perfect my needs. I absoluely love their slightly more exotic, less pragmatic looks too.

Milky > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:36

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Well damn …. just rent clubs when you're there.

My only other thought is completely on the other side of the sports car spectrum. But it fits golf clubs.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:39

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The obvious answer is obvious.

EDIT: probably more than 35K I missed that part of the question.

Maybe a subaru Forester STI

gabbo241 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:39

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there's gold in them thar hills. 25k miles for 27k. u kiddin me?

http://bit.ly/1uzzw4A

BKRM3 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:41

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I have the 6MT, although I'll admit that the DCT is a fantastic gearbox. My preference is for three pedals but I realize having an automatic mode is easier for a lot of people. That said, if my car were a dedicated track/race car I'd have the DCT. It's so much faster than any human can shift and from what I've seen it's bulletproof.

briannutter1 > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 10/21/2014 at 10:42

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that too! Probably a better choice for the street.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:43

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The people with horror stories generally haven't done any preventative maintenance (VANOS and the Rear subframe) and bring their cars to the dealer for oil changes. I do the basic stuff myself (oil changes, brakes, filters, spark plugs) and to a really good indy for the stuff I'd rather not mess up.

There are a ton of guys tracking E46's and there is a very strong community (I really like the guys at M3forum.net) unfortunately for me in CT there are only a few members where in FL or the MD/PA/DC area there are tons of members usually quick to lend a hand.

I plan to start tracking the car in the next two years. In the next month I'll be getting the valves adjusted, this winter the car will sit and get some small items added, then for spring '15 new tires will be purchased, summer '15 the car will get new SS brake lines/rotors/pads, then next fall and winter I'll be saving to get the rear subframe reinforced in the spring so I can track it for all of 2016.

briannutter1 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:44

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it's "only a Vette", but if you can get past that...and the interior...it would probably make you happy.

BarryDanger > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:47

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My GTO holds 2 sets of golf clubs no problem! Interior is extremely comfortable and well appointed but your clients may scoff at the badge. Throw some coil overs on there and the sticky 265 bridgestones will maul an auto-x.

And at $34,999 it's below budget!

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 10:47

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Miata limo?

gabbo241 > BKRM3 10/21/2014 at 10:57

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Love the E90/92 generation M3, of course. But in terms of smiles per dollar, I think a CPO 135i is the better bet. As much as I love the M3 I just couldn't enjoy it with abandon off warranty. Every time I drove it I'd be a little worried about breaking something and ruining my month. Which is just to say, I couldn't afford it. I'd rather have a nice neat monthly payment and known regular maintenance intervals. Plus for me a big game changer was the introduction of the DCT on the 2011+ 135i's.

NervesOfThrill > Soloburrito 10/21/2014 at 11:00

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I had no clue they could be had for that price. None. I had them at $45k in my head.

cnessel27 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:01

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2015 'Mustang now with IRS'

V6 Mustang 23,600

Ecoboost base 25,170

Ecoboost premium (pictured) 29,170

GT basic 32,9xx base 32,100

FromCanadaWithLove > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:04

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BMW 228i M Sport?

William Byrd > Soloburrito 10/21/2014 at 11:18

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Oops meant to reply to NervesOfThrill

BKRM3 > gabbo241 10/21/2014 at 11:19

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I owned a CPO E92 335i before my M. The thought of owning it without warranty scared me to death. It was constantly at the dealer while I had it. The M3 I bought out of warranty and so far - 18 months and 14 track days - it hasn't cost me a single unanticipated cent. God bless N/A engines.

William Byrd > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:20

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2015 Mustang GT. I daily drove quite a few over the years and even (successfully winning STX one season) autocrossed them as well. Plenty of room, makes amazing noises (EcoBoost is great, but V8), and handle very well. And I'm coming at it from owning the previous generation(s).

Base GT is $32K. Premium is $36K. Do it.

gabbo241 > BKRM3 10/21/2014 at 11:22

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N54 or N55?

NervesOfThrill > FromCanadaWithLove 10/21/2014 at 11:27

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I think it is above my budget. Great looking car though.

Too many M's > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:32

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135i (or 335i) , E90M, Z4M coupe, E60 M5 manual

If you're feeling crazy and wanna try AWD there's always the B8 S4 or B7 RS4.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:37

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What he said. Taking mine on a quick 500 mile road trip (for work) today-tomorrow, and then taking it to the track on Thursday.

And the E90 is the right choice. All the same performance, and much added usability.

Jayhawk Jake > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:39

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C6 Corvette.

It can hold a passenger, I have no doubt it can hold however many golf clubs you want. A later C6 with the LS3 has more power than you'd ever need (but more can be had easily). They are rather comfortable cruisers that get 30 mpg on the highway.

Admittedly the interior isn't great. But it more than makes up for it.

If I had known better Id already own one, but since I didn't I'll be getting one in the next few years

NervesOfThrill > Too many M's 10/21/2014 at 11:40

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E90M is leading the way, Z4M coupe didn't quite pass the test on holding clubs/luggage or I'd have been all over it because I loved my test drive in that car.

No AWD this go round but those are excellent suggestions.

Too many M's > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:48

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I saw the comment earlier on the newer one, wasn't sure if you tried this guy too.

NervesOfThrill > Jayhawk Jake 10/21/2014 at 11:50

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This has been a popular suggestion and it will come down to convincing the wife to give one a fair shake.

The responses have me considering taking her with me this weekend to test drive a C6, E90M3, Cayman, 135 and a few others to see if the in car experience is enough to change her mind.

Brian Silvestro > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 11:54

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I wouldn't take the risk. M3!

NervesOfThrill > Too many M's 10/21/2014 at 11:54

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I couldn't find a coupe anywhere near me to drive, so I went and looked at a convertible and then did some estimating in my head on how much room the coupe has. To my eye it wasn't wide enough in the cargo area to hold 2 sets of clubs. But that is a total wild ass guess.

Any experience with that?

NervesOfThrill > BarryDanger 10/21/2014 at 11:55

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Another solid sleeper suggestion.

Itsmemupos > Sweet Trav 10/21/2014 at 11:58

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The trunks of these are massive. Easily could get at least 5-6 bodies back there; maybe 10 if you chopped them up. Seriously though, I carry my golf clubs and mountain bike back there all the time. I can fit more in it than we can in the back of my wife's Murano.

NervesOfThrill > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/21/2014 at 11:59

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That CTS-V wagon is identical to one that a former Army Ranger drives who lives in my neighborhood. Totally badass. I'm not even a wagon guy and still think it looks fabulous.

Too many M's > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 12:09

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No personal experience, here's a couple of coupes packed to the gills though. They both have a golf bag stuffed in the bottom.

NervesOfThrill > Too many M's 10/21/2014 at 12:17

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That's way more than I was picturing! Back to the drawing board.

Jayhawk Jake > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 12:23

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I absolutely love what it feels like to cruise in a C6, you might win her over with it. You're basically reclined and the cabin is super wide.

Of your list I'm a fan of the Cayman, but the V8 fury of the C6 wins out over it. I'm not a BMW fan so I can't/won't comment on the other two.

The Corvette also has the option of a removeable targa roof if you forgo the Z06. Something to consider. It's easy to take off and it stores in the hatch. That being said, I've heard a couple corvette owners complain about the noise when it's off and admit they never take it off. I drove a C5 with it off and I didn't think it was too bad.

E92M3 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 12:33

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My vote is an E92 M3, but i'm a little biased. It's not the best at any ONE thing, but it does EVERYTHING well. It's also the most reliable M3 to date. The only hesitation i would have, (and i myself have) every time i go to the track is it's an expensive machine that you risk destroying should you have an off. I'm usually surronded by $100k cars when i get there so that helps some. Plus i do have 2 other cars i could drive should something happen. If i could only have 1 car i think I would of kept my E46 M3, and do the rear subframe bracing as well as the preventative Vanos parts. Hence my suggestion is to find a low mileage one that's already had these done. Should the worst happen you'll have money left over to buy yourself something else decent to get to work.

NervesOfThrill > Jayhawk Jake 10/21/2014 at 12:46

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I've got 3 days to go drive anything I want. Putting this on the list.

BarryDanger > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 12:55

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Thanks. Also I was just kidding about it actually being worth 35k... more like 15 TOPS

TheInfamousMisterLicious > gabbo241 10/21/2014 at 15:37

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No - there are a ton of them out there in this price range. I know it's the older N54, but my brother picked up a gorgeous 50K mile 2009 135i with the M-sport package (you want it, trust me) for about $20K.

TheInfamousMisterLicious > briannutter1 10/21/2014 at 15:37

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You're going to put golf clubs in that?

NervesOfThrill > BarryDanger 10/21/2014 at 15:39

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I figured the other $20k was all under the hood! Hahaha!

briannutter1 > TheInfamousMisterLicious 10/21/2014 at 15:57

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well me...no. Don't play golf. But my c5z holds airtank, cooler, and a lot of trackday gear

Kevin Rhodes > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 16:18

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My car does all those things - '11 BMW 328i Sportwagon. RWD, 6spd stick. Only mods are the BMW OEM Performance Intake and Exhaust to liven up the soundtrack considerably. Can take two couples out to dinner in style. Does a track day or autocross with aplomb - and you WILL have the only one there. Can carry three guys and all their stuff for a three week road trip around Europe (did Euro Delivery). Can carry everyone's golf bags. Can carry a fully assembled gas grille home from Lowes. Fast enough to be entertaining, but probably about the most economical modern BMW to keep long-term. And nicely rare - I've been to three 200+ car BMW gatherings since I have owned it and been the only wagon at any of them.

6spd e91 wagons are a bit tough to find, but they are out there. Under $30K now.

NervesOfThrill > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/21/2014 at 19:42

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Ran out and test drove an E90 M3. Doing a separate test drive write up. Holy fuck is that a helluva car.

NervesOfThrill > Vimto 10/21/2014 at 19:48

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Test drove a CTS-V coupe just now and was really, truly impressed with it. Drove it back to back with an E90 M3. Separate write up forthcoming.

NervesOfThrill > E92M3 10/21/2014 at 19:50

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Test drove an E90 M3 this afternoon and want to make love to that engine and the sounds/feels it produces. Separate write up of the test drives of it and the CTS-V coupe coming up soon.

Vimto > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 19:57

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If you buy one, I deserve ALL the credit. ./justkidding

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 20:17

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Good luck not buying one now - ha!

I was pretty much ruined on other cars after I test drove mine...

E92M3 > NervesOfThrill 10/21/2014 at 20:30

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The S65 is intoxicating!

BKRM3 > gabbo241 10/21/2014 at 23:26

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N54. 2007 with 34k on it when I bought it and 75k on it when I sold it. Went through one of everything in the 4ish years I had it.

TheInfamousMisterLicious > briannutter1 10/22/2014 at 10:14

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That was part of the original request : "holds a passenger plus either 2 sets of golf clubs or 2x full size luggage somehow, not on the roof" I am a big Vette fan, and have owned (meaning - the clear title in my name) a C3, C4, and C5 - but none of these could hold a passenger and two golf bags.

briannutter1 > TheInfamousMisterLicious 10/22/2014 at 10:31

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I thought that was pretty much a prequisite for a vette. I haven't picked up a lot of golf bags lately much less tried to put them in a Vette, but I've always been pretty impressed. How about a CTS-V?