What car under $45k is a Good Buy*?

"Nick Has an Exocet" (nickallain) 08/17/2017 at 12:22 • Filed to: $950MiataProject

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I’ve been thinking about what comes after my Lancer Ralliart. This car has been a great time but it I’ve had it 6 years / 65k miles and it’s soon time to move on. The !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (with $5k worth of parts) is almost ready to take over temporary daily duties. Whatever I get next, I want it to be a relatively good buy. *Less than 20% depreciation over 3 years or gasp appreciation.

I very rarely (one/year?) need more than 2 seats, commute about 30 miles round trip in Bay Area Bay Bridge traffic. I love rawr-in-your-face cars. I wouldn’t discount a classic or an exotic with used warranty. Ideas?

Yes, I’ve considered the Elise but I don’t think it’s a great idea for the commute. To my disappointment, the 4C hasn’t yet hit $45k and I’m not certain they will.

AM3R, lost another burner > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:23

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E92 M3 comes to mind. I think you might be able to squeeze a 996 turbo in for around $50k, and I bet it wouldn’t lose any value either. That’s probably what I would go for.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:27

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996 Turbo depending on the year is available for that amount. C6 Z06 is that area.

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:28

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Get a Corvair for $4k and put the other $41k in a long term investment. You’ll get smiles and come out ahead after a couple years!

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:30

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Any modern “muscle” probably get it a base 2016 mustang gt for 28 if you look around. If not the 17 gt starts at 23

Bytemite > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:32

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Subaru WRX STi has got to be the slowest depreciating common-man car out there. But if you’re like me it’s probably too big and fat for just a single dude.

If you want low depreciation or appreciation with a modern car don’t go German. Unless you’re talking limited edition Porsche 911 (GT2, GT3).

Focus RS shouldn’t depreciate much either.

Alfalfa > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 08/17/2017 at 12:32

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OR buy 10 Corvairs for 4k each.

Tripper > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:33

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WRX STi

Any M3

Any non 996 911 (excluding Turbo)

random001 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:34

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A Corvette. Always the Corvette. After 40 cars and bikes, the Corvette is still the best car I’ve ever owned.

Wobbles the Mind > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:34

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If you can nail a 2014-16 Cayman S then I think you’ll be golden. After that, I’d check on an M235i.

My bird IS the word > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:36

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gen 1-1.5 viper.

1996 onwards you get real windows and a roof. you will have to buy new rims to get new tires for them.... but given these can be had for sub 40 k with mint levels of mileage they are a hell of a bargain I wish I could buy one right now. 1996 is the last year without airbags and is a nice transition year. these only need minimal work to be made great, maybe around 100$ worth of parts.

http://www.motoiq.com/Projects/Dodge/ViperGTS.aspx

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:37

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Challenger 392, C63 AMG Coupe (yes, they exist in red), Z4M Coupe, Audi S5, ATS 2.0L Coupe.

E90M3 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:38

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I paid 50k for my M3, 3 years and 26k miles later I could probably still get over 40k for it. I have looked and good luck finding a 2011 6MT E90 M3 with under 50k miles on it.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:39

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Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Alfalfa 08/17/2017 at 12:40

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You have no clue how much of an option that is...

https://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/cto/d/corvair/6242144217.html

https://smd.craigslist.org/cto/d/1965-corvair/6254570505.html

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ctd/d/1960-chevrolet-corvair/6265791207.html

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/d/64-chevrolet-corvairs/6193883500.html

https://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/d/1965-chevy-corvair/6251695338.html

https://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/d/1965-chevrolet/6200340898.html

https://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/d/1966-chevy-corvair-500-red/6215998745.html

https://winchester.craigslist.org/cto/d/1960-chevrolet-corvair/6234541675.html

LongbowMkII > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:42

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I picked my S2000 for this role, smaller budget though.

I’d take a look at Evora’s at that price (maybe even an S). They aren’t done depreciating, but I cant see them dropping TOO much more, particularly with a manual in good shape. comfortable enough to commute and potential backseat for that 1 or 2 times a year.

AfromanGTO > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 12:43

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Chevy SS in Regal Peacock Green with Holden or HSV badges.

Nick Has an Exocet > Bytemite 08/17/2017 at 13:00

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I kind of feel like the STi is more of the same flavor that I’ve had for a while but with a “worse in traffic” feel. If they still sold new Evo MR’s, that might actually be a little better.

Nick Has an Exocet > LongbowMkII 08/17/2017 at 13:01

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Have you sat in the back seat of an Evora? Is it useful? If so, that’s an option. Those extra seats make commuting a bit more complicated - it means I have to put a stranger (or my roommate) in the back seat to get in the carpool lane. I80 is 3 or 100% occupancy.

Nick Has an Exocet > My bird IS the word 08/17/2017 at 13:03

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That’s tempting, but would you commute it? Would that be hell?

Nick Has an Exocet > AfromanGTO 08/17/2017 at 13:04

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This option is pretty legit. It’s a bit on the big side for my garage but maybe that’s okay. I do worry about depreciation though. It doesn’t LOOK like something that will hold it’s value.

Nick Has an Exocet > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2017 at 13:04

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LOL. This thought had crossed my mind but it won’t fit in my parking spot at work.

Nick Has an Exocet > E90M3 08/17/2017 at 13:05

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Yeah the miles on the M3 is the issue. For that car, I’d want lower miles. I would be happy with the DCT though.

LongbowMkII > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:05

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didn’t sit in the back, i’d imagine its 911/toybaru sized at most. but there are 2+2 and 2+0 versions

Bytemite > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:06

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Find a cherry Evo X MR? That won’t depreciate either. Or you could be like me and buy cars that are done depreciating! Like my Prelude!

Nick Has an Exocet > random001 08/17/2017 at 13:06

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I keep coming back around to it. C5 Z06 would be very interesting.

Nick Has an Exocet > LongbowMkII 08/17/2017 at 13:09

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Oooh. I had no idea that they did a 2+0. I ALWAYS see a 2+2.

I’ll be setting up some search alerts for this!

My bird IS the word > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:09

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They are reliable. 2 questions, whats the weather like in the bay area, and can you afford 8-12 MPG?

comfy though.

Chariotoflove > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:10

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Test drove a Z4 M roadster. I wanna say 2013? Very daily-able and fun car. If you ever really need to have a passenger, the trunk is pretty decent.

Nick Has an Exocet > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 08/17/2017 at 13:10

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This definitely wins for funniest suggestion. lol. I would be happy with a classic, but I would maybe do a Mustang or GTO

random001 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:10

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ERMAGHERD!

Did you read my story ?

If you have any C5 questions, I’m your guy!

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:11

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I bet it will hold its value very well. There will always be people like myself who want one, but since they were made for such a short time, there will always be short supply, driving up price.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:11

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I can guarantee it’ll fit width-wise, but I don’t know how much length you’ve got to play with.

Nick Has an Exocet > Bytemite 08/17/2017 at 13:12

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Haha, I NEED a payment. My credit score is dropping because I don’t have enough debt. I’m a bit worried about getting screwed when I go to buy a house. Evo’s that haven’t been destroyed are a tough find. Having owned a Ralliart, I don’t know if I trust someone else’s maintenance unless they have full dealer records. They are pretty fickle.

Nick Has an Exocet > random001 08/17/2017 at 13:13

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Haha, awesome. I’ll give that a read! The other one that always intrigues me is the C5 Coupe. It’s just so weird.

Nick Has an Exocet > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 08/17/2017 at 13:13

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Not much without annoying people. It’s a one way in/out dealio.

Nick Has an Exocet > Chariotoflove 08/17/2017 at 13:14

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This is something that hadn’t even crossed my mind. Thanks!

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:14

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Other-Makes-/272572820196?hash=item3f769b2ae4:g:e3QAAOSwvk9Zg2PH&vxp=mtr

Because “open” wheels.

Nick Has an Exocet > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 08/17/2017 at 13:14

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I was thinking maybe Boss 302 has taken it’s depreciation hit already.

Nick Has an Exocet > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 08/17/2017 at 13:15

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Are there C63's in that range? Last I checked they were still in the 70s.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:18

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2013 C63 Coupe.  $53,800cad/$42,582usd

random001 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:19

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The coupe, or the FRC?

Nick Has an Exocet > random001 08/17/2017 at 13:21

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FRC

Nick Has an Exocet > My bird IS the word 08/17/2017 at 13:22

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Weather is dry and fairly cool (60-80F)

My roomate splits on fuel costs :)

random001 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:23

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Yeah, those are sweet, but if you’re looking, definitely go Z06. It’s the FRC, just more. So much more. Also easier to find.

C6 Z06 suspension bits will bolt up, and I’d suggest finding some C6 Z06 seats to swap in. So comfy!

Nick Has an Exocet > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 08/17/2017 at 13:23

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Well how about that.... that’s very interesting.

My bird IS the word > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:24

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Do it. The big problem is these cars make big torque so you gotta be awake to drive them, no traction control, no ABS. Actually, not the best car to commute in, but better than the lotus by a country mile.

Bytemite > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:27

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As a mortgage processor in the Bay Area, I’ll say if that is your reason, it is a bad one. Your payment is what will screw you from buying even a $1 million straw teepee around here. High credit scores do NOT need a current auto loan, in fact most wealthy people with good credit save a ton of money and use very little credit and they have close to 800. Don’t worry about your credit score. Have 1, preferably your oldest, revolving credit card open, close everything else you don’t need and don’t get any new debt and continue using your credit card below 10% of its limit. Don’t carry the balance, just pay it off every month when it is due. I can guarantee you’ll have a 760 or above, which after that point, the most stringent of Jumbo loans won’t care if you’re higher.

Having a good credit score is super easy, like really easy. Plus we can talk to the bureaus and raise your credit score in a matter of 3 days just by paying down or paying off certain cards...the hardest thing to qualify would be your debt to income ratio and if you think a $500 payment will help you, that is the worst idea you had.

Bonus tip: Don’t ever open an Amex card. If you have one close it right now.

Chariotoflove > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:28

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I have to give credit. The Kanuck mentioned the Z4M coupe, and it jogged my memory of my test drive. I actually have it on video because my daughter came with me on all my test drives and filmed them. The convertible is hard top and silent when up. So, no need to settle for a coupe.

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:35

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Get Falcon or a Cougar since they’re basically a Mustang but for far less. Also, get a Lemans. They’re like a GTO but without the badge. If the engine has been swapped, it is exactly that.

AfromanGTO > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:44

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Like any car depreciation will be a factor. These are limited production cars that are V8, rwd, and have an optional manual. It is something to think about. It is outside your norm.

notsomethingstructural > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 13:55

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I don’t think the 4c is that far off your budget, but it’s gonna be fucking impossible to sell that thing if you ever want to.

If you’re trying to avoid depreciation, you really need something super rare, super desirable, or made before like 2010. Late-model Mustangs and Camaros fit none of these criteria.

1M if you want something newer, 997 Carerra S in the middle, NSX if you want old.

Nick Has an Exocet > Bytemite 08/17/2017 at 13:57

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With my trade and down payment, I’m thinking more like 60@350/mo. I don’t plan on buying a house in the Bay Area. I think after either this job or the next, it’s peace out on this place. Not the kind of lifestyle I want.

My FICO has gone from near 800 to mid 700s. Seems that recent pay offs are somewhat to blame (I now have no installment loans and carry no revolving balances).

Hah, I do have an Amex but it’s my corporate card through work. What is the deal with Amex?

Nick Has an Exocet > notsomethingstructural 08/17/2017 at 14:00

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1M are shockingly way out of the budget for one that hasn’t been beaten to a pulp. There are kind of 2 types of 1M: WTF DID YOU DO and Garage Queen.

Nick Has an Exocet > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:01

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I don’t know about the 4C. I feel like it will have that cult following once it finally goes away (which could even be soon).

Bytemite > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:06

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Your Fico is very likely dropping because of your Amex. When did you open it and when did your score start dropping?

The reason to never open an amex is because they are limitless and always count as 100% credit usage rate. that will destroy anyone’s credit score as revolving credit usage is the #1 factor by far in the credit score formula.

Also your installment loan for the car won’t help your score. but if you really want that car and don’t want to buy a house soon, go ahead. There’s good financial decisions and there’s buying shit you want. Mutually exclusive.

Biggus Dickus (RevsBro) > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:08

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Late model E92M3 with leftover money for speedparts?

notsomethingstructural > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:14

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I thought driven ones were in the $50k range, no?

I know the garaje kweens are like $85k

ETA: w/r/t the 4C, a very small cult doesn’t help you much. Long-er term, they’re gonna be competing with the Elise price-wise, and I just can’t picture the market being that size with no manual available.

RPM esq. > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:31

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With similar needs, commute, and budget, I settled on a C63 AMG (with CarMax warranty) and am very happy with it. You might prefer a coupe to the sedan I went with, but I needed more than 2 seats a little more often (perhaps 15 or 20 days a year). To avoid depreciation, one of the rarer special editions might be the best way to go (I hope so, anyway), but I think at this point they’ve all taken the big hit already and will hold value alright. If you want to talk about the specific ins and outs and options—they matter, and take some research to get a good grasp of—you know where to find me.

Also: consider a Porsche—a Cayman S or 997 Carrera S or Targa S would be in-budget or thereabouts.

RPM esq. > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 14:38

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The (most desirable) 2012-15 second generation is definitely in your price range these days.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 15:13

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If you want a car that won’t depreciate buy a Subaru Baja Turbo.

Call me up anytime you want not good advice.

In reality your best bet a Jeep, a TJ Unlimited Rubicon to be exact. There’s one for sale near me and they was 17,000 for it. I’d bet it’ll sell for the same 5 years from now if the owner keeps it clean,

Nick Has an Exocet > Bytemite 08/17/2017 at 16:03

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Interesting. I’ve had the Amex a couple of years. It didn’t seem to move the needle but it might be worth killing it anyways.

Good to know about the installment loan. Sounds like it won’t move the needle much but yes, buying shit you want is good within reason.

Nick Has an Exocet > RPM esq. 08/17/2017 at 16:06

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My requirements are kind of strange: Because of the carpool lane, if I have 4/5 seats then I really do need 4/5 USEFUL seats. That’s just the occupancy rules (3 people or 100% occupancy).

Cayman S is tempting, but not sure if it fits the depreciation budget.

AestheticsInMotion > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 16:31

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Audi TTRS.

Or... Throw the money into the Miata. Twin turbo LS swap? Rotary...? 2jz? Sky is the limit!

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 16:38

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Evora was m

RPM esq. > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 17:25

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In that case, you may be interested to know that the C63 sedan is actually lighter than the coupe and has better seats.

But also, I think an earlier Cayman S would be fairly safe depreciation-wise. You probably wouldn’t make any money, but you’re not going to eat 30% in three years either.

https://www.carmax.com/car/14989031

E90M3 > Nick Has an Exocet 08/17/2017 at 17:48

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The 6MT cars seem to hold their values a little better.

Nick Has an Exocet > AestheticsInMotion 08/17/2017 at 18:00

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The new TTRS is a beast but it’s up in the 60s. If there were used RS3's, that would be my go-to-choice. As it stands though, a new RS3 would be one hell of a reach for my budget.

Nick Has an Exocet > RPM esq. 08/17/2017 at 18:02

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Oh interesting, I didn’t know that about the C63.

Cayman S is very tempting.