PSA: Help Find My Wife's Next Hoonmobile

"B_dol" (bdolan40) 12/12/2016 at 12:10 • Filed to: BMW, 228i, Z4, Z4M, FRS, Autotrader, Car Shopping

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Converting my wife into a car enthusiast was the best and worst possible gift to our relationship. On one hand she engages in thoughtful conversation about anything car related and enables my hobby, on the other she is no longer willing to dutifully drive an econobox.

Riding shotgun and helping to pitcrew for a friend’s car at BMW Oktoberfest 2016 - Laguna Seca

Arriving at her current car, a 2015 BMW 228i MSport (MT) in Estoril Blue was a long and laborious process that included window shopping or test driving a Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Ford Fiesta ST, Ford Focus ST, Mazda Miata, Audi S4, Fiat 500 Abarth, Subaru WRX and VW GTI. Upon seeing a 2 series in Estoril Blue with a dakota brown leather interior she promptly declared “this is IT” - a woman that likes what she likes and does not like all other things (true quote). Her BMW 228i required a custom factory order due to the sparsity of options and manual transmission, moreover when it arrived 8 weeks later it matched perfectly sans manual. After 20 minutes of getting the hard-sell (DCT is better), the dealer agreed to a re-order in the proper spec with a discount. She had her car 2 months later and began the joyful err. painful process of learning manual.

The gold old days - pre BMW Z4M life

A seasoned manual driver she now appreciates a perfect downshift, well-sorted gearbox and the ability to drive unique cars. At the time of purchase she was unable to perfectly articulate her desires, however as of late it is a mixture of luxury, exclusivity and general “sportiness” wrapped inside a beautiful unique color. Unfortunately my wife, like many people, is afflicted with a short consumer attention span and is always seeking a new gadget, purse, shoe or car to complete her life.

The look of perfection - downshifting in a 991 911 Carrera S

Now we arrive at the need to find a suitable next car for my wife, even though the 2 series is a true gem in it’s ~$35K price range that I would like to keep in the family. Over coffee I teased out a few requirements…

Luxurious - nice interior space preferred, heated seat option, bluetooth, a nice place to be

Exclusive - not a run of the mill car and/or color that everyone will have

Manual

“Sporty” - driver feels engaged in the driving experience, will not see track usage beyond spirited backroads

Reasonably priced - keep payments below $500 or out the door price <$45K

Open to new, used (<4 years old she says), or a lease given her propensity to want something new

She has also tossed around the idea of something less practical, seeing as I am not allowed to have all the 2-door sports coupe fun - dual income no kids (DINKS). Conversations to date have found a few contenders - 981 Cayman or new Cayman lease, ND Miata, E92 M3, VW Golf R, Ford Focus RS and M2. Only the first two really seem to fit the ethos or budget.

Returning from a successful ND Miata test drive

Let me know your thoughts and recommendations!

S65 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:15

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Used Cayman or Panamera, maybe a 370Z

E90M3 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:20

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I’d say 1M but those seem to be still all around 48k+, I have absolutely loved my M3. Yeah it’s a bit expensive to run, but it’s a fantastic car it lives up to the hype.

Tripper > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:23

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Fellow DINK here. You could probably lease a base 718 cayman for just a touch over that $500 number if she has any interest. S5's are also a plenty at that budget.

Funnily enough my wife is after a car just like your wife’s current car. Actually she is after a Forrester...but every time we see our neighbors estoril blue 335 she says something to the effect of “I’d take that car in that color over a forrester.”

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:30

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Take a look at Juke NISMO RS fwd. They are well under budget, exclusive. You never see them on the road. The RS is also a full out hot hatch.

random001 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:33

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Corvette. End of story.

Chariotoflove > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:36

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ATS coupe? You don’t see too many of them around (actually hardly ever around here), and in that lovely blue it really stands out.

Really, since you have a gal who knows what she wants when she sees it, my recommendation is to go on LOTS of test drives and have fun. She gets to make her decision, but you get to try out a bunch different cars on the way.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:36

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Doesn’t fit the newer than 4 years wish but have you considered a V8 Vantage? They are unique (dpending on your area) and can be found for $45k. I looked at them for about 6 months and everything I read says they are reliable. A Cayman or 997 911 would be a lot of fun as well!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:38

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It is quite funny that my girlfriend is getting into cars since meeting me. It is all I ever talk about and do with my spare time, so she has learned to appreciate many aspects of car culture. One hilarious result of this though is she doesnt like cars that look “boring”. Yesterday I suggested a VW GTI to rent from Turo for our next trip, and that I could really use a hot hatch at some point. But after seeing some pictures, she asks “why do you want a mini van??”. This was just a priceless answer because I am glad she likes less practical cars even more than I do!

B_dol > E90M3 12/12/2016 at 12:52

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1M idea has been tossed around but it pushes deep into the budget for a car sans warranty (her issue, not mine). Hoping to at least find one to test drive or inspect, and if one shows up on Carmax...

B_dol > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/12/2016 at 12:54

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Hadn’t thought of that- great idea but the quirks and odd character (old ford bits) might detract her, plus the lack of a warranty sans Doug Demuro luck.

Trevor Slattery, ACTOR > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:55

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lol! My wife is not a big car fan. Fast cars are nice, but no big deal.

Unless it is a Porsche 911 or similar body style.

“Now, THAT is a car.”—The Wife.

B_dol > Chariotoflove 12/12/2016 at 12:56

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Adding that to the list for sure! Yes, test driving has been fun but its always a bit of a chore too will the whole salesman spiel. Trying to narrow it down to 4 or 5 cars and give them all a whirl.

E90M3 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:57

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I’m sure it’s a great car to drive. I really like the 1 series; I had a 2012 128i and my dad currently drives a 135is. Both great cars to drive, so I’m sure the 1M is sublime. You could also do carmax route and get an E92 M3, I think the warranty on that car is around 3k. I called about one during my search for an M3, but it’s been over 2 years so I don’t remember the exact details. Right now it’s slim pickings if you want a 6MT E92, but they’ve got one and it’s in your budget. https://www.carmax.com/car/13715354 The warranty sort of make the mileage less of an issue.

B_dol > Tripper 12/12/2016 at 12:59

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The Cayman is a leading contender for sure, waiting for incentives and lease deals to sweeten.

Similar effect on my wife with Estoril Blue, Nitrous Blue (Focus RS), and Porsche’s Miami blue... Tried to tell her those paint options are not cheap once you enter German territory.

Bytemite > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 12:59

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I would think after the ND test drive, she would be sold?

The ND is the odd one out of your list, preferring fun to performance numbers. What about the new Porsche Boxster if you are considering a Cayman?

B_dol > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 12/12/2016 at 13:01

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Hah. Yes my wife has said similar things about the GTI and the Golf R - namely how they all look identical down to the Golf E. She also finds Ford/Chevy interiors extremely disappointing which rules out a lot of budget cool cars.

B_dol > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 13:04

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The ND has been a recurring theme and we have been negotiating price with a few dealers. Oddly enough its not the convertible top that sold her so the Boxster is out - seemingly the BRZ/FRS interior is too spartan feeling as well. She would know after 3.5 years riding shotgun in my FRS.

She raved about the transmission and agility, and i’d happily support saving a few $$ over a Porsche.

B_dol > S65 12/12/2016 at 13:12

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Panamera seems out - “butt ugly” she says. Cayman is a front-runner still

Tripper > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:12

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It’s the truth. I’ve configured my own 718 a few hundred times and I believe that Miami blue is one of the +$2500 paints.

I’m not shopping until this time next year, but I’m also considering leasing a 718 Cayman or buying a 997/early 991. Also kicking around an S5 and RS3.

I’m pumped to hear what you guys end up with.

punkgoose17 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:15

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I don’t think there is a better option then her 228i. Since she “needs” something different, I’d keep the BMW and get something like a 2nd gen Supra or 944.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:21

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It is definitely the curveball choice. There are a few F-types dipping into the high 40's already. It might be possible to find the unicorn V6 / 6MT configuration with enough persistence. Good Luck in the search!

FromCanadaWithLove > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:23

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Dealers near me are giving ridiculous discounts on Jaguar F Types. I’d say a base V6 Manual is your best bet.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:29

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You’re lucky (and unlucky). After 5 years of marriage and old exotics after sports cars after luxury cars, my wife still views cars as commuting refrigerators on wheels.

ateamfan42 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:48

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Her BMW 228i required a custom factory order due to the sparsity of options and manual transmission, moreover when it arrived 8 weeks later it matched perfectly sans manual. After 20 minutes of getting the hard-sell (DCT is better), the dealer agreed to a re-order in the proper spec with a discount.

Good for her not to back down to that B.S. Buying a used car is often about compromising what equipment/colors/options you want against what is available. If you are paying brand new car prices, they better damn well sell you the brand new car you want. Besides, a transmission choice is a MUCH bigger deal than some small convenience, like an auto-dimming mirror or something.

Bytemite > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:53

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This might be a little out of left field but..Lotus Exige Sport 350? It would blow anything off your list out the water in performance and driving fun.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 13:53

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Is your wife’s definition of exclusive “low production numbers” or “optioned just how I want it”? Does she want a more standard car with unique options or something more on the quirky side?

B_dol > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 12/12/2016 at 15:08

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If that is true definitely worth a look, didn’t know sales were hurting so much. MT can either help or hurt negotiations.

B_dol > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 12/12/2016 at 15:11

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It could fall into either camp, exclusivity to her is either in color or the model itself. Caymans are more common than say a Focus RS, but a Miami blue variant would really stick out!

B_dol > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/12/2016 at 15:11

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Side effects of the Bay Area where commuting is almost always a chore and not enjoyable in the least.

B_dol > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 15:12

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Whoa - i think I should get that and give her the Z4M coupe.

B_dol > punkgoose17 12/12/2016 at 15:19

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I have been trying to say the same thing, but the sweet spot of the 228i is sometimes lost on her. Maybe I should campaign for a shared Miata or FRS.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 15:20

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How does she like quirky cars with lots of character? I’m kinda wondering if a Mini might be a good fit. Lots of character, tons of options both for features and colors, an absolute boatload of fun to drive, manual transmission etc. I don’t know if it quite meets the requirements for performance and interior though as Mini interiors can be a bit to quirky for some.

Bytemite > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 15:33

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http://www.boardwalklotus.com/new-inventory/index.htm

This dealership sorta close to me has an Exige Cup 350. I would take a look at that.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 15:34

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On the used market, that is.

punkgoose17 > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 15:34

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That sounds like a good idea too.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 17:54

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You two are like the honorary Mr. & Mrs. OPPO.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 17:57

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IMO this has Cayman written all over it.

It looks and feels noticeably more special than any BMW. They are a little spartan, but better built and much sharper to drive.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 17:59

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E9x M3s seem to be at a pretty good depreciation point, if you are patient enough to track down one in the spec you want (Individual color?). If kid(s) will be in your future in the next several years, the E90 means you have feel the need to part with it!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 18:02

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Have you two driven a late 987 Cayman? Worth sampling, I’d think - hard to beat a good-old hydraulic-assist steering rack.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 18:04

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Oh man... but not street legal, right?

Bytemite > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 18:29

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They are street legal. It’s one of those road legal track weapon type of cars.

B_dol > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 12/12/2016 at 18:49

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Revisiting them indeed, I sampled a 987.1S and 981S before purchasing the Z4M. She’s a little less enthusiastic about the old car, independent mechanic or DIY life...

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 18:52

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It was my realistic dream car prior to ending up in the Z4M. We sampled a 987.1S and while sublime, the interior was dated and the car was not as mind blowing as I expected it to be.

Wound up in the Z4M in favor of of a bit more character flaws , lower entry price, easier DIY and exclusivity. Curious to see what the non-S variant provides vs a BRZ/Miata

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 19:43

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Agreed, i am on the lookout but it seems likely she will step away from the luxury brands in favor of impracticality (BRZ/Miata). We really need to stop hopping in and out of cars, or move her to a lease hah.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 20:31

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I wish, but doesn’t look like it (not in the U.S. anyway)...

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/news/a30151/lotus-elise-race-250/

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 20:34

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I think we might have actually discussed this a bit a while back - ha! I love the idea of getting into a GT4 one day...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/12/2016 at 20:37

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I really enjoyed my test drive of the ND Miata (I fit!, barely) - have yet to drive a BRZ/FR-S/86.

You should probably go full bonkers and get a Caterham/Atom/Morgan 3-Wheeler. =)

Bytemite > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 20:42

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That’s the Elise Race 250.

I linked a Exige Cup 350.

Lotus seems to have this naming scheme of Sport - base, Cup - road and track, and Race or Cup R - track monster.  

Bytemite > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 20:44

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Honestly, the Sport trim on Lotus’ is enough to spank any sports car on the road. I’d still love a Cup though :D

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 20:54

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Sorry, wrong link... I’m still not convinced they’re road legal in the States! I could’ve sworn no new Elise/Exige has been street legal here for several years (sadly)... only Evoras.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/videos/a30011/lotus-elise-cup-250-carfection/

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 20:54

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No joke!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 21:00

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Okay, here it is: http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/lotus-exige-sport-350-first-drive

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news... =(

Bytemite > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/12/2016 at 21:17

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Aw what the shit?! we never get the good stuff. God damn nanny state can’t have kei cars or actually light sports cars.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite 12/12/2016 at 23:26

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They’re coming back, but... yeah.

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/13/2016 at 11:50

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Likely. The Cayman is a phenomenal car it just was not the experience I was looking for or expecting. I think a GTS variant would be ‘special enough’ for me as well, still out of my price range for now.

B_dol > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/13/2016 at 11:51

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Full bonkers can happen once a house or stock windfall occurs in my favor - ND is still a front contender, trying to play dealers prices off one another...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/13/2016 at 12:07

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Getting serious...

My personal windfall may be coming shortly. My company, which I have a small ownership in, is in the middle of closing a 9 figure deal. Wish us luck! =)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > B_dol 12/13/2016 at 12:09

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Yeah, I think the GTS is the sweet spot, especially if you plan on driving it many/most days. The GT4 is surely too low and firm to be enjoyable on a normal commute.