Oppo QOTD: What Is The Best 30k Sports Car?

"Milky" (jordanmielke) 03/23/2014 at 15:16 • Filed to: Da Best, Corvette, Z4, Cayman, Mustang, Miata, MX5, FRS, BRZ

0

68

Same old question, but I actually want to know what is the best 2 door around this price to DD.

Like many here I like to think about what vehicle to get next. Almost out of college and I want a goal to save for.

First off lets get this out of the way, I'm too hipster for any of these:

I know they are all great but I just don't like the idea of blending in (I.E. last 2 cars were a SC400 and now a Crossfire).

IMO currently the Z4 seems like the best option. Yes I know the Zo6 is faster (a lot faster), but I don't think I could live with that interior on a daily basis.

Esp. compared to how gorgeous the Z4 is on the inside.

The Cayman S is objectively a better sports car, but repair costs and not being able to work on the engine at all is a scary concept to me.

(only good photo I could find)

Also, esp. when compared to the Z4, who shares its engine with more mainstream models (parts should be cheaper) and from what I can tell is easy to modify.

You can proceed to yell at me now, or tell me about a car I overlooked (I would actually appreciate the later).

jkm7680 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:18

0

Hmmm, I was about to suggest every single one of those.

The Z4 would probably be easier to Dd than the Corvette.

Brian Silvestro > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:21

3

These can be had for around $30k

offroadkarter > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:25

2

The Z06 would literally shit on everything else you listed.

GhostZ > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:25

4

+$25,000 worth of aftermarket modifications.

Milky > jkm7680 03/23/2014 at 15:27

0

I see we have the same thought process.

Milky > Brian Silvestro 03/23/2014 at 15:29

0

Yea I know & it would be immensely awesome … but for some reason I would prefer to just chip/tune a z435i to the same hp for some reason. I know its completely personal & I even hate myself for saying that because I love that M.

puddler > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:30

0

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthre…

Milky > GhostZ 03/23/2014 at 15:31

0

Making a classic exactly how you want it is a solid argument …. I worry about DD-ability though.

Milky > offroadkarter 03/23/2014 at 15:33

0

Except for the literal part …. but that car has got to suck on the daily commute.

I'm not sold that the weekend fun could make up for having to deal with that suspension & interior monday through friday.

Milky > puddler 03/23/2014 at 15:34

0

I was under the impression these were actually expensive to DD?

Brian Silvestro > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:36

0

*gasp*

You should hate yourself.

*storms out of room*

offroadkarter > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:37

0

Granted I've never driven a C6 but IIRC the Z06 comes with run flat tires and that will ruin the ride of ANY car. Plus, LS engines are very good on the highway, I'm sure with a manual you will get at a minimum 25mpg highway.

The Real Dacia Sandero > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:47

0

$25k will let you replace everything on the car that could break. Do research on a good adjustable suspension, some sound deadening here and there, a/c, and you have a decently DD capable vehicle.

Milky > Brian Silvestro 03/23/2014 at 15:49

0

Brian Silvestro > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:54

1

Kailand09 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:56

1

I'd go for a C5Z06 and a random car with more doors that can handle all types of weather.

C5Z - good deal can be had at $20k

Other car- $10k for whatever you are privy to.

1337HPMustang > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:56

0

you would drive a bmw

Flat Six > Milky 03/23/2014 at 15:56

0

I'm sort of in the same market and leaning towards the Cayman. My mom DD's a manual Z4 so I think I'll skip that (great car though) and I'm not really a Corvette kind of guy.

Other alternatives:

Lotus Elise (not a great DDer)

Older Porsche 911 (probably 996)

BMW M3

Audi TT

Milky > offroadkarter 03/23/2014 at 15:58

0

That is true, and I'm not trying to discredit it at all since I would/will totally consider one.

But I feel like If I'm going to drop 3 times more money on car over what I currently drive, I should at least get a somewhat better interior (and my interior isn't even that nice).

….. Then again I've never felt that much HP in that light of a car, that could be very convincing.

Milky > The Real Dacia Sandero 03/23/2014 at 16:00

0

Good call …. maybe I could justify one of these way sooner than I thought.

Milky > Kailand09 03/23/2014 at 16:05

0

Quite frankly I love DD-ing a 2 seater, and until I have kids or something in my life drastically changes I don't see any point in changing :)

Milky > 1337HPMustang 03/23/2014 at 16:08

0

Ha, just because I don't the F7 ….. well I do already spend most of my time in the fast lane doing 10 over the limit. Maybe its supposed to be.

Milky > Flat Six 03/23/2014 at 16:11

0

Well I guess I want a moms car lol.

But the TT seems out of place on your list if you ask me. IMO its too close to a golf, its an extremely nice golf, but still too FWD biased for my tastes.

Kailand09 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:14

0

Sounds good, a friend of mine DD's a GTO. I personally wouldn't want to do it. Everybody's different.

In that case, however, I'd probably look at a used Porsche. Z4 just doesn't do it for me and its not all that special. If its a DD, you probably want more comfort which the Porsche will likely have a more comfortable atmosphere whereas the 'vette is all about cost/performance and not particularly comfort (with the exception of the C7 now).

1337HPMustang > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:15

0

that's right, I still haven't forgiven you for that. But seriously I'd consider test driving a z06 if you're seriously considering those cars. The kick in the pants a hi-po vette gives is addicting, makes you easily overlook the plasticky interior.

Xentron Holy Reaper of Worlds > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:26

0

As some 'geniuses' will have you know, *This* is the best 30k sportscar.

Unfortunately...I'm not joking either.

http://priuschat.com/threads/hybrid… (someone posted this earlier)

Milky > Kailand09 03/23/2014 at 16:31

0

They all have such good points its hard to dismiss any. Honestly I'm leaning more towards what you're saying, but 2 other people also just commented on how the Z06's power is addictive.

I'm sure when this point in my life comes there will be many test drives.

P.S. I don't know how the Z4 doesn't do it for everyone, IMO fresh style on classic proportions.

Milky > 1337HPMustang 03/23/2014 at 16:33

0

Without a doubt all options will be driven, but you might just be right …. only time will tell.

Milky > Xentron Holy Reaper of Worlds 03/23/2014 at 16:34

0

Lol I saw that post and went to the linked forum …. it makes me sad for society.

AthomSfere > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:42

0

wa-wa-wa-wait!

You would choose the Bimmer over the Z06 because of the interior. I am disappointed in you, massively.

But, then again I am the rare odd person that would DD an Indy car if I could get away with it.

Milky > AthomSfere 03/23/2014 at 16:47

0

The interior & the ride … and partly because they are too many around. So yes.

(skip to 6:30)

The Z06 is crazy fast, I'm just not sure its fast enough to make up for the rest of its faults.

Merkin Muffley > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:48

0

$20k can apparently get you a circa 2000 M roadster with shockingly low miles (like around 20k) and you would have a good chunk left over for any modifications/tires/future maintenance. Sure, the power is about the same as the z4 you have listed up there, but the z4 doesn't have an m badge.

AthomSfere > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:51

0

There may be plenty of Corvettes, but not the Z06 that I see. Plus the fun, even on weekdays going to work...

But again, I think we just have different interests. I could care less for the interior as long as it doesn't feel like it is going to fall off. Give me a wheel and a good shifter, done.

losingmylycosa > Milky 03/23/2014 at 16:53

0

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthr…

but you said $30K, sorry

losingmylycosa > Brian Silvestro 03/23/2014 at 17:00

0

Love mine but wouldn't consider it a great DD, based on the tight suspension.

Kailand09 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 17:01

0

I'm not a fan of ze germans really. Not because they are german, I just never liked BMW style. Sweet cars for sure.

The Z06 certainly will be unlike the others power/performance wise, it is quite the car. The cayman even isn't really near it. Personally, I would buy the Z06 with the money, but I wouldn't DD it unless I lived in the South where it won't snow. Even then, I wouldn't prefer driving it in the rain storms.

The Z06 is an amazing car with an even better power train, that NA 427 is something sweet and the last of its kind I fear.

Brian Silvestro > losingmylycosa 03/23/2014 at 17:07

0

Still a damn nice car!

Milky > AthomSfere 03/23/2014 at 17:15

1

Honestly I probably put too much emphasis on design but thats the way I am. But I don't even know how I feel about, last month I had the same thought process and thought a base vette would be the way to go.

When the time comes, test drives will prove what is what.

Milky > losingmylycosa 03/23/2014 at 17:15

0

Probably a cool car …. but definitely not 30k lol.

Milky > Kailand09 03/23/2014 at 17:19

0

Lol well I live in Michigan, so there is no right answer than. I know the Vette is phenomenal but I would/will be looking for a DD.

Not to mention this is all speculation right now anyways, when the time comes test drives will prove to be the useful tool.

AthomSfere > Milky 03/23/2014 at 17:34

0

Very true, on paper things are very different than how you connect with a car. I like the "connected" feeling, and even the car stereo is a distraction from that. Most days I drive to work with the stereo off and just listen to the exhaust and hope for a few perfect shifts to really set the day off right.

Kailand09 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 17:43

0

Yeah no worries, I spend endless daydreaming time on my next car as well. Do I keep what I have and run it into the ground and not enjoy driving it so I can afford a C5Z when I save up and can drive that as much as possible? Do I just give in a go for a sports DD first that I will enjoy in the winter too?

IDK... LOL

I'm not porsche fan, it wouldn't fit me. But I would go for that if you like them and want to DD. The vette will be supremely difficult in Mich snow.

Milky > Kailand09 03/23/2014 at 17:55

0

But the Vette can't rust, lol.

Kailand09 > Milky 03/23/2014 at 18:14

0

That is one very good point. That could be a big positive for mich weather actually.

superspod > Milky 03/23/2014 at 18:45

0

I dont know about most but i know that a lot of Volvo Amazons are daily driven and they typically end up being more reliable than the ones that sit around. alternatively get a P1800 and a sub $10k modern car in case something happens and you will still have money to do up the p1800 and arguably the most reliable engine in the world. Then again i intend to daily drive my amazon so i may be biased...

quarterlifecrisis > Milky 03/23/2014 at 18:55

0

During the non-icy months I DD a base C6. Aside from the looks of the interior, it's comfortable, and pretty dailyable (yep, its a word). The car has a huge trunk, and really, the only concern I have with it is front end clearance pulling into places with steep approaches. I mention the trunk thing, because it's something that gets overlooked until you buy a car and live with it....the amount of crap I can fit in there is absurd. Combined with the fact that it isn't too expensive to ensure, parts aren't ridiculously expensive, and it gets halfway decent mileage...I like it.

Milky > superspod 03/23/2014 at 18:56

0

Ha, well we all are biased. Either way though, noted. Volvo's always seem to last.

Milky > quarterlifecrisis 03/23/2014 at 19:04

0

Your car probably has a bigger trunk than mine lol.

But a base C6 is probably a better DD, 90% of the performance but way more dailyable.

There is a guy by me that DD's a c6 vert, I've even seen him driving in light snow … I give you and that guy the utmost respect.

GoliathRex > Milky 03/23/2014 at 19:24

0

Have you considered a Cadillax XLR?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cadillac-X…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Milky 03/23/2014 at 19:43

0

I'd get a Z4 personally. Easier to drive than a Z06 and cheaper to run than a Cayman

Flat Six > Milky 03/23/2014 at 20:37

0

You can get the TT with quattro (standard on the TTS) if you're allergic to FWD :)

My mom likes cool cars so there is no shame in that.

Milky > Flat Six 03/23/2014 at 20:54

0

But its not really quattro (its a haldex system) …. sorry I'm an ass when it comes to things like this. If I were going to get something with 4 rings it would look more like this.

Milky > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 03/23/2014 at 20:55

0

At least one person agrees with me, thank you sir.

Milky > GoliathRex 03/23/2014 at 20:56

0

Totally forgot, you don't run across those too often & thats very good in my book.

Flat Six > Milky 03/23/2014 at 20:57

0

Well I don't want a TT either, I'm just recommending it to random people on the internet so there is less demand for the car I actually want. Now I have to google haldex.

GoliathRex > Milky 03/23/2014 at 21:40

0

Yeah- I saw one a couple of weeks ago and sorta fell in love with the aesthetics. It sits very low, and looks WIDE. Its lovely.

Milky > GoliathRex 03/23/2014 at 21:43

0

It is on the Corvette chassis after … of course its low and wide! I've always had a soft spot for them, esp. the V.

quarterlifecrisis > Milky 03/23/2014 at 22:36

0

I've got a buddy that has...or at least had a Crossfire, I drove it once, and have to say it was a lot better than I expected. The only downside to the car is that it's become much less "special." I know it's hard to quantify special...but something about daily driving a 400hp, 3200 lb, 2 seat sports car makes other things seem mundane, without trying. I've really been limiting how much I drive it to work, because it's a pain in the ass to pull in to the garage with it, and construction in downtown Durham is covering my car in concrete dust, and that does make it more fun, even to run to the grocery store with. I think part of that also contributes to why I'm fairly deadset on what my next car will be...I want more doors, but don't want to compromise speed or 3 pedals, so I find myself stalking CTS-V for sale ads. I don't think I'll even consider pulling the trigger for another 8-12 months minimum though. But I just can't bring myself to going to something that doesn't handle well, accelerate at something resembling the pace of a rocket, and look halfway decent doing it.

/rant.

Milky > quarterlifecrisis 03/23/2014 at 22:47

0

Lol the struggle is real.

I by no means was saying my car is on par with a corvette just saying I'm all ready used to making compromises for space. But then again I only paid 9k … so there is that.

But your point about not wanting to loose performance does bring a good point for me. I can't really go down hill! One of the upsides to having 215hp.

quarterlifecrisis > Milky 03/23/2014 at 23:36

0

Nah, I know what you meant. Granted at first the 90% performance thing had me a tad confused.

There is that. I always have a blast when I drive Miatas and GTis and the like, but I've been spoiled. I really bought my car to have something that got decent fuel economy on the highway, and it does that rather well. I'm just torn on it. I love the idea of a sleeper, which is why the CTS-V stands out, or a G8 GXP, or an SS once they start getting traded in. But...a legitimate 2 door 2 seat sports car with a roof that lifts out is pretty great.

Milky > quarterlifecrisis 03/24/2014 at 00:05

0

Ohh with that I was talking about the base C6 vs a Z06, sorry, I should of been more clear.

That targa top is a excellent point though …. I do need have open air motoring in my life. Preferably sooner rather than later.

offroadkarter > Milky 03/24/2014 at 00:11

0

I think the performance will make you forget about the interior. A heads/cam/intake/exhaust Z06 will pretty much decimate any other car you'll ever come across on the street. On drag radials you'll have an easy 10 second car all day long.

Milky > offroadkarter 03/24/2014 at 00:35

0

I know this is besides the point … but uh, I already had a hooning before ever owning a fast car. Jumping straight to 500+hp could be problematic lol.

Also its worth noting that because the bimmer is turbo'd a few simple mods gets you 400hp & big turbo swaps have been done too. Granted its no thousand HP Vette, but still cool.

offroadkarter > Milky 03/24/2014 at 01:12

0

The Z4 has a turbo? I thought that was just a N/A dohc I6? Or did they change that when they refreshed them

Milky > offroadkarter 03/24/2014 at 01:50

0

Yes sir, they went turbo with the new model in 2009. Only the base 28i is N/A, the 35i & 35iS are twin turbo'd (different states of tune) to give you 300 or 335hp.

offroadkarter > Milky 03/24/2014 at 02:19

0

I knew the 135 and 335i were twin turbo and yeah they do respond very well to tunes and stuff. I didn't know they fit that into the Z4M though, the last time I heard anything about the Z4M is when it came out and they had the e46 engine in it.

Milky > offroadkarter 03/24/2014 at 02:30

0

Ohh thats where I think the confusion is coming from, they quit making an M model Z4 when they switched to the new body style.

'06-'08 Z4M

'09+ Z4 35i

I've been referring to the 2009 and newer models.

offroadkarter > Milky 03/24/2014 at 02:54

0

That explains stuff then! This tells you how well I follow Z4's. One of my aunts has a first gen ( I think first year also) Z4 with a manual but its not a M. Thats about all I know about them.

Either way my vote is on the Z06, you can fix it with a hammer, upgrades are cheap, and they decimate pretty much everything.