Help me choose a car, Oppo! (<$45,000)

"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew) 03/19/2015 at 09:45 • Filed to: None

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Here is the situation: I have a budget of no more than $45,000. Planning to buy sometime in the next year. I currently DD a 2005 MINI Cooper S and would need to trade it in if we reach the ceiling of my budget. So, I wouldn't exactly hate being convinced to buy something closer to the $35k range.

My current shortlist (and their respective downsides)

2015 Audi S3. I just don't think I can drive an auto, as great as DSG is

2015 Ford Mustang. The one I want would be $40,000. Tough to spend that much on a Mustang. Depreciation would hit hard and I don't think the design will age particularly well. I love it right now though.

2011 Boxster S. There is one locally with 10,000 miles within budget. I drove it today and it made me fall all warm and fuzzy inside. That said, Boxsters are kind of douchey (I'd prefer a Cayman) and a pain in the ass to work on.

Gently used S5. Cool car, but a little too big and not ideal for track days

Demands:

Must have a manual

<$45,000

<50,000 miles

Must be a car. No wagons (sorry). Coupe is preferred

Needs to look at least remotely professional. I'm not buying an old AE86 and dropping $40,000 into it.

Not an m3. I can't explain why.

Bonus points go to cars that are:

Easy to work on (like a BRZ)

Good looking

Good around a track

Still under warranty

What say you, Oppo?

TheHondaBro > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:48

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Audi S4?

Nisman > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:48

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Fleet of P71 Crown Vics

/thread

But in all seriousness I want to think it over. Lots of options.

Frozenbuddy > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:50

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The Lancer Evos are no longer being sold.... while not "luxury" they look slick, are fast, and go well around a track. Also heated leather seats and a sun roof.

Frozenbuddy > Frozenbuddy 03/19/2015 at 09:51

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addendum: they are still sold but will not be for long.

Aaron Brown > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:52

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Subaru WRX/STI

citizennick > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:52

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I would say the Mustang but at this point you're better off waiting to see what Chevrolet offers with the new Camaro.

What about the Chevrolet SS? A new one with a manual can be had for under 45k. Mag-ride and a pretty stellar interior.

Party-vi > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:52

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Nothing says "easy to work on" like a car with a flat engine shoved under the hood.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:53

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The Porsche is the obvious answer, but while not terribly difficult to work on, they can be very expensive to work on.

itschrome > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:53

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slightly used CTS? any flavor would fit your budget.

Brian Silvestro > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:53

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Don't get a Boxster if you want to do the work yourself. To get to the engine the seats have to come out and you have to take some of the interior apart.

Get an STi. Literally any STi you could ever want is within your budget and requirements. Get it in black or galaxy blue to look most professional.

Why would you ever consider an S3 when the STi exists

Jayhawk Jake > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:56

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C6 Corvette.

You can get a Z06 in your budget. That's basically all you need to know. But a base C6 is still a good option.

Has manual, and a good one in my experience

Is easily <45,000. Base models can definitely be found under $35,000

Easily <50,000 miles. I actually suspect it would be harder to find one with more than less

Is a car. Is a coupe. Has a hatch and a removeable roof panel (roof panel is fixed on Z06)

Beyond the old man stereotype, Corvettes are pretty damn professional. Especially C6s. Get it in a dark color

Is better than an M3

I hear they aren't difficult to work on, and are reliable. Some problems likely with getting it off the ground, but sort that out and it's a pretty accessible engine bay. I do believe clutch jobs are a bitch, so keep that in mind

I love the way they look

You seriously won't find a better track car that meets your requirements than a C6 Z06.

You could probably get one under warranty.

Live my dream. Do what I should have done 2 years ago. Buy a C6. Post about it on oppo. I'll join you with my own soon.

scoob > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:56

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Have you got an extra 4 grand... also 6,000 more miles isn't THAT much...

/VeryHelpfulIndeed

njp1589 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:57

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M235i comes mighty close to your budget, but it checks all the right boxes.

It's almost an M3 though.

Jayhawk Jake > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 09:57

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I have seen multiple STi's blow up at autocross.

I wouldn't buy one with someone elses money, let alone my own. Corvette is the answer here.

OPPOsaurus WRX > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:58

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http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Brian Silvestro > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 09:59

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Then tell the original poster that, not me

Thunderface > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 09:59

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bang on with the mustang, but maybe get a gently used 2014 one and save your cash

Jayhawk Jake > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 10:00

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Spoiler alert: I did *drops mic*

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 10:00

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Subarus blow up after 50k if driven hard. My old car club's forum was filled with people rebuilding entire drivetrains after 75k because they went to track days and autocrosses and whatnot.

Goodeveningofficer > Aaron Brown 03/19/2015 at 10:00

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Violation of bullet 5: Needs to look at least remotely professional.

Goodeveningofficer > Aaron Brown 03/19/2015 at 10:01

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Violation of bullet 5: Needs to look at least remotely professional.

Goodeveningofficer > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 10:01

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Violation of bullet 5: Needs to look at least remotely professional.

Goodeveningofficer > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 10:01

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Violation of bullet 5: Needs to look at least remotely professional.

Goodeveningofficer > Frozenbuddy 03/19/2015 at 10:01

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Violation of bullet 5: Needs to look at least remotely professional.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:01

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Genesis Coupe? It's a bit of a dark horse Mustang alterntive but it is a bit different, it can go pretty well, can be had for cheap, and isn't a complicated car.

trmoore09 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:02

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06 Viper SRT-10 Coupe?

http://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/detail…

$46,500 (can be in budget with a little negotiating)

25k miles.

6 SPD.

VIPER!

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:02

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I will always recommend the Toyobaru. They're just too much fun!

Ask me how I know.

However, I've got a couple other suggestions too.

NSX - Nice examples will barely meet your price/mileage requirements, but I mean... just look at it!

S2000 C/R - They are somewhat rare but with a decent amount of them on the market now, It's an S2000 that comes with a hardtop!, it look amazing, and the deals on them actually seem surprisingly good. I have a feeling these will appreciate in value over time too.

This - Because race car.

I Like Corollas > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:03

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My first thought was, of course, M3. Since you don't want an M3, I'd say Genesis Coupe, 370Z and M235i, but I'm not sure on the prices. My favourite from your list is still the Mustang, but I, like you, don't like this desing that much. I love the previous gen, and I think a 2012 BOSS 302 with less than 50k miles could be within your budget.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/19/2015 at 10:03

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I approve of the Lotuses.

Jayhawk Jake > Goodeveningofficer 03/19/2015 at 10:04

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That's why I said to get it in a dark color. A black C6 looks just as professional as a Mustang or Boxster.

trmoore09 > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/19/2015 at 10:04

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I like where your head is at. I posted an 06 Viper because of the coupe request.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 03/19/2015 at 10:05

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i desperately want an Exige

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:05

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http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/… page

The Little Engine That Couldnt > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:05

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Slightly used C7? Have those been out long enough to find one for around $45,000?

yamahog > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:06

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If you don't have a sense of urgency, keep an eye out for people returning 15 Mustangs to avoid the depreciation hit. Also GM will be releasing the new Camaro in May if that's something you'd be interested in.

I have to agree with Jake though, C6 Z06s are definitely coming down into the $40k range. But the ones I've seen have been older and had more miles than I'd like, and probably are out of warranty. Not sure if that's more or less professional looking than a Mustang in your book either.

RyanFrew > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/19/2015 at 10:06

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Welp, there goes all of my productivity. These are awesome. I've got a '67 Mustang already, so I don't need another classic, and the Esprit scares me. The others are entirely under consideration.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/19/2015 at 10:07

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Coming from the FR-S, I'd really like my next sports car to be either a Porsche or Lotus. 911, Cayman, Elise, or Exige. They all seem like the next logical step. haha

bob and john > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:10

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dude, you can totally get a manual S3

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/you-can-drive-…

step one: go to your nearest VW dealer

step 2: order a golf R

nermal > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:10

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I'm in a similar boat honestly, looking for something to replace my GTI. You could do either an Audi A4 or a BMW 328 very nicely equipped for that. Since you'd probably need to order the car, you could do Euro delivery as well.

The Caddilac ATS is worth a look. You most likely won't find a manual on the lot, but there will be plenty of autos to drive to give you a feel for the car. Most dealers will tilt their head to the side and give you a really stupid look when you bring up manual transmissions though - Think the look a dog gives you when you throw something for it to fetch, but it doesn't want to. If you do want one of the 7 that are out there on lots, they will probably have been sitting for a while, so the dealers will discount the bloody hell out of them.

Chevy SS is another option at the top of the range. Would be fun at the track, expensive on tires & brakes tho.

All of the above will look very professional. I'd skip the Evo or Subaru route, unless your idea of professional is 20 something IT guys. From my experience driving a GTI you can get away with one, a Golf R is pretty much the same. Gotta wait for the '16 for the manua version though.

Brian Silvestro > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 10:10

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shit your region has it set up so nice with the worker/heat organizing

trmoore09 > OPPOsaurus WRX 03/19/2015 at 10:13

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Doesn't everyone?

Rico > yamahog 03/19/2015 at 10:15

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Exactly what I was going to say, Pre-owned mustangs will hit the lots by June guaranteed. Get the trim level you want with the depreciation discount.

jariten1781 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:15

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TT-RS is way cooler than an S3 anyway. 2012 and 2013s with low miles and warranty slot right into your price range.

Here's one:

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Where have all the lightweights gone? > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:15

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I've seen that dark blue/red stripe combo in person on a Cobra. IMO it's the color combo that car comes in.

RyanFrew > njp1589 03/19/2015 at 10:20

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I'd definitely take this over a used M3. Problem is, they're just a little to rich for my blood.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:20

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Hm... Maybe you can try to snag a TT-RS, but good luck finding one.

Other cars I'd consider:

Challenger SRT-8 or Scat Pat

Nissan 370z

Used CTS-V Sedan/Coupe

Porsche Cayman

Porsche 911

RyanFrew > nermal 03/19/2015 at 10:21

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Haha, agree with all of your points. Ironically, though, I'm a 24 year old IT guy.

Golf R is a great car but I already DD a blue hatchback, which is why I wrote that one off.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:21

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If you can wait a few months, I would consider a 2015 Chevy SS sedan. It has a manual option available, 415hp V8, sharp, professional and good-looking, and the magnetic suspension system from the Camaro has been adapted for it this year.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:22

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In that case wouldn't a 135is or 228i be a better option?

RomeoX > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:22

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Test drive a 3.8L Genesis Coupe Ultimate. The ride is a bit harsh, but it is extremely quick, can easily pull to 135+ on a highway *coughs* even though we would never do that!!! Meaning, I believe you'll enjoy it on a track as well...

And here is the kicker... IT HAS A MANUAL TRANNY!!!

RyanFrew > Nymphicus Hollandicus 03/19/2015 at 10:23

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135 is kind of tempting, but I'd probably get an M Coupe first. 228 is too slow. I'd like to hit 60 in the 4.5s range.

Cherry_man1 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:25

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dunno how you feel about a 2012-13 Boss 302 but those are sub 45k now.

I also have found some 996 Turbos for sale sub 40k

njp1589 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:25

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Yeah, when I started chcking boxes it was coming REALLY close.

The 228i is also an option, and when you check the right boxes you can get most of what's on the M235i other than the engine.

Just above your budget sits the Chevy SS, which can now be had with a manual.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:27

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Rare, fast, nice to look at. but you'll be on a waiting list.

used Cayman

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-Ca…

sued Z4, because they are beautiful

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Z4-2dr…

nermal > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:27

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Get a '15 Evo and be done with it then.

RyanFrew > nermal 03/19/2015 at 10:32

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Haha, oh hell no. I'm a 20-something IT guy but I still agree with everything you said. Evo/STi just isn't what I'm going for.

Jayhawk Jake > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 10:33

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Wait. That was the wrong link. Good thing it was a harmless mistake. I meant to link you to my long reply about the corvette. Whatevs.

Yes, our heat system is cool.

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:36

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BMW 135i. Save up the extra money for an LSD, a tune, and trackday brakes and tires.

vondon302 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:37

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Used 2013 boss 302 but I'm bias. Zo6 excellent choice too.

Bobbyzoom > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:40

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I am in the exact same situation as yourself, except in Canada prices are stupid high. I found a 2015 228i M Sport + 6 speed in Estoril Blue which im going to test drive tomorrow, I think I will bite the bullet and get it. Looks amazing.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:41

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//ignores all of your requirements and presents you with this .

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > bob and john 03/19/2015 at 10:41

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That was my first suggestion.

Sweet Trav > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:41

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Wait for the new 2016 Camaro to drop.

GM V8, Tremec Six Speed. Cadillac underpinnings.

OR

Used CTS-V with low miles.

TJDMAX > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:46

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What about a 370Z? You can even get a NISMO one for your budget.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

HEADLAU5 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:47

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06 S2000...

HEADLAU5 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:55

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Carmax Audi and a cheap ass miata to track.

RyanFrew > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 10:57

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Do you know if the Cayman is better or worse from a maintenance perspective? I don't know how to Google things......

HEADLAU5 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:57

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That is why I got an S2000. Because I was NOT trying to be an Evo or Sti guy.

RyanFrew > nermal 03/19/2015 at 10:58

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Haha, I just read your post about going to the Cadillac dealership and thinking about a manual. Good stuff.

BKRM3 > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:59

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Not an M3? Lol, ok dude. It's arguably the most awesome car in your price range, but OK....

+1 for C6

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 10:59

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Mercedes A 45 AMG? It was $45.000 I think.

RyanFrew > Rico 03/19/2015 at 10:59

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I think that's a good idea. The '15 is fantastic but I just can't get over the idea of spending $40k on a GT.

JR1 > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 11:00

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More so than a Boxster in my opinion

RyanFrew > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 03/19/2015 at 11:00

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Great car. The guys I know who autoX with them, hate them for some reason, though. I've already seen two guys get rid of theirs.

D.K. > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:01

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Just save some more money and wait for one of these.

ducbil > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:01

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A 997 Carrera S

RyanFrew > jariten1781 03/19/2015 at 11:02

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Couldn't agree more. I think the S3 is out. TT-RS is a definite contender, if I can find one.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 11:04

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I agree with Jake here, great option solid reliable fantastic car.

And a Black C6 is more professional than a Mustang or Boxster if you ask me.

Textured Soy Protein > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:11

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With both the Boxster and Cayman most of the access to the engine is from under the car, while on a lift. Except for minor stuff like fluids.

FromCanadaWithLove > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:13

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I know you said no M3, but would you consider an M235i?

Brian Silvestro > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:17

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aftermarket glass engine cover is neat

Tapas > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:20

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2012 M3 Coupe!

Tapas > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 11:21

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How much does it cost to have this installed?

Brian Silvestro > Tapas 03/19/2015 at 11:24

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I don't know, probably not much at all.

Full disclosure: the engine does not look like that stock, it looks like this

Jayhawk Jake > The Little Engine That Couldnt 03/19/2015 at 11:24

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You might be able to find one, but I think a C6 would be a better value now. Get a C6 now, trade it for a C7 in a year.

Skater Dad > Jayhawk Jake 03/19/2015 at 11:26

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Crystal Red Metallic is another professional color. They use it on Cadillacs too.

Hard to beat a C6 for value.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:32

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If I can make you feel a bit better about 40k on a GT Mustang, it's a lot more Mustang than they used to be. The new independent rear suspension alone is a pretty epic upgrade (especially if a track with turns is in your future). They really are a lot more track oriented than the older ones.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 03/19/2015 at 11:33

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did you think you were recommending to ME? lol

If we're ignoring everything and recommending epic Mercury Muscle from Hemmings:

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/de…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:34

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CTSV Coupe used?

Textured Soy Protein > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 11:38

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BMW 135i/135is

BMW 335i/335is

BMW Z4M Coupe

I have a 135is. It's plenty quick. It will occasionally light a one-tire fire through the combination of lots of torque and an open differential. To me, it feels best around turns with the traction control in dynamic mode rather than fully disabled. The traction control allows a good amount of slip angle, and does some brake-based torque vectoring. The 335i/is also have the same setup. But they also look a lot like M3s, particularly the 335is.

I'm not much of a track rat though, so while the dynamic mode works fine for me, you might find it irritating if you do more track stuff. You can get mechanical LSDs for them if this is important.

Since you don't like M3s, I can tell you that people respond pretty well to the 135is. It's not as threatening looking as an M3 or something. I dunno. But I get a fair amount of compliments and thumbs ups. Just this morning a guy in an old minivan with a dealer plate hanging by one screw gave me a thumbs up on my way to work.

The Z4M Coupe is already holding its value rather well, a lot better than the Z4M Roadster. It probably won't light one-tire fires because it's more revvy than torquey and has a proper LSD. It's just not very practical. The back seat in my car is pretty worthless as a seat, but when combined with the trunk makes for a halfway decent amount of cargo room.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/19/2015 at 11:39

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Oh yAAASS.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 03/19/2015 at 11:41

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gotta love those stacked headlights and dual scoops right?! Epic Muscle and so often ignored.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/19/2015 at 11:47

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The twin scoops and that beautiful hardtop profile does it for me. MMMMMMMMMMMM.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 03/19/2015 at 11:49

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I need to add a hood scoop to my car at some point.

RyanFrew > Brian Silvestro 03/19/2015 at 11:52

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Saw that yesterday. 10/10 would be my first mod, and I never make purely aesthetic modifications.

RyanFrew > D.K. 03/19/2015 at 11:54

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I considered it. One of my fears, actually, is that I could afford it after waiting. And I don't want to spend that much, even if it's within budget haha

RyanFrew > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/19/2015 at 11:56

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Yep, I concur. I don't think that Ford is charging an obscene amount of money for what they've build, I just can't seem to wrap my head around it. The IRS is why I don't want a previous gen, though. I also think that, despite the upgraded materials and suspension, they're still going to depreciate like any other Mustang.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 12:01

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You're probably right. Which is why my real recommendation for you is Corvette C6 or CTSV Coupe (used for budget)

I think both would look very professional and will excel on the track for you.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 12:07

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I'd go for a Cayman S - you can definitely find one around your $35k price bracket - and if you look hard you might find one with lowish miles. Or 997 prices are coming down - probably a base Carrera, if you want something low mileage, but might be doable if you look hard enough?

But what kind of maintenance are you hoping for? The annual repair bill for a Porsche compared to a Mustang or an S3 is going to be very different. What about an M235i? They should be showing up on the used market pretty soon so maybe you can snag a low mileage unit with some warranty coverage left too?

Jonnywaffles > RyanFrew 03/19/2015 at 12:13

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test drove manual ats. Can confirm it is amazing. Nothing like a somewhat upscale sedan with a stick. Dealer had a bit of car sickness after testing the suspension on winding roads.