Personal experience with semi-discrete fun coupe - which am I missing ?
 

Helping a good friend who wants to replace his 991 with a "fun" 4 seater 2 door coupé, sporty but slightly more discrete than the Porsche and a bigger rear seat. The 911 was stick and he needs an auto due to crappier commute... I'm interested in what the collective thinks because I'm probably on a similar path in the near future too... We were chatting and going over the usual suspects here but nothing was super exciting for one reason or another...

If you have any experience with the models below, how would you rank them ?
(comments are *my* opinions, not his, just doing some sleuthing)

- BMW M4: pretty car, more power, IMO a bit flashy but less so than 991, no idea how the auto gearbox is on those - I imagine better than SMG was ?

- BMW M2: Was both our first thought, but I noticed a $20K markup on the better "competition" one, unreal - guess he could order one from germany and avoid that? The competition appears revered but the base non-competition M2 was somewhat panned by magazines, opinions of whether that was deserved ? (real life) or if a base M2 can be tweaked by Dinan or whatever for matching the "competition" ?

- C63, S or not: I'm not a Mercedes guy so I know zip, but the new mercs look good, A hand made V8 sounds nice, I'm overall it's worried it's too soft and hohum but I haven't owned one... Another friend told me they are hooligans actually...

- Guilia Quadrofoglio: Would be my personal recommendation (some dealers have them 10K off MSRP around 65) but I don't wanna him to curse me later due to its "rumored" awful reliability. Would a 2019 be better now that they've had time to sort it out ? I'm hearing stories about long stints in service depts and not enough master technicians..

- Audi S5: he likes those, prefers the RS but realistically those are 80K and order only, The boring safe choice, I think RS is out of reach, styling a bit "blah" in the current generation IMO... wouldn't keep a day past warranty so reliability not an issue...

- Mentioned Golf R/S3 for ultimate stealth and lower cost, he does not want a 4 banger.

Am I missing something juicy there ? If not would you dismiss some out of personal experience (not magazines articles, I read the same rags you do) ;-) Thanks !

I know this is a pro German car board, but if I were to use this as a daily and cutting edge performance isn't a big issue (as we get older, its fast enough with 400hp) why not look at a Lexus. I know, I know, the large mouth bass, but its reliable, quiet fast and the handling isn't all that bad. Its 85-90 of a BMW, I think. I drove one, and was impressed to want one one day.

I really like the look of the LC. With 470 hp (top end model), what' not to like?

Good looking car indeed, never drove one... Price seems a bit more than the other options though.... Good idea though, thanks !

They can get the lower end model. Down on hp by 75-80. I really don't know the numbers, but I drove an 2016 IS 350 to Vegas with three other guys in the car. The thing was quiet and quick, with enough room for the boys back there, plenty of power to pass slower vehicles. The handling was ok. Its no Cayman, but holds the corner well with plenty of grip. I think it had 300 hp?

Japanese reliability vs. German status. You make your choices, pay your money...

Whatever you do, don't look at a 460 horsepower Mustang GT for well under $50K.

No opinion here, but I don't think of the Guilia Quadrofoglio as discreet!

ATS-V coupe?

LOL, good cars but they sure screwed up the looks with that front end:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1544467895.jpg

I bought a new Subaru WRX in late August for a commuter car. I only drove my Porsches one time after buying the WRX. It is a 4 door and has a back seat big enough for an adult to ride in.

I love that car. It was inexpensive. It handles very well. It makes my smile every time I drive it.

If you want more than the 268HP the WRX offers, the STI has 305HP on tap. Both have 4 doors...

Oh and the WRX will do a 5.2 second 0-60, the STI is 4.8 as tested.

Lexus would be attractive if looking to buy new.

My used recommendation would be a Jaguar XKR or XK.

Perhaps better clarification on the meaning of discrete is in order based on what is on your existing list?

Audi RS3. Still discrete but the 5 cylinder makes glorious noises.

So I understand this car is a "joke" from back in the day, but I've never fully understood why.

It doesn't appear any worse than any other car of the period.

"discrete" may have been the wrong word... "More discrete"? "less flashy to the clueless?"
You can show up with any $$ coupe or sedan and people have no clear idea what they are worth.... But everyone seems to think a modern 911 is a 6 figures car even when most are 1/2 that ;-)

The M2 CC is leading so far with us, apparently some dealers sell them with no markup now as they are the only M2 FS in 2019.. Rear seat is not much better than the 991 though. only benefit would be autobox and more torque, while looking less flashy.

That is a good call, I made it too on the basis of the engine alone, but not listed here because my buddy is 6'2 and hits the roof in one, and cannot even get in the back...

Seems that truly discreet cars (of which I am a big fan) have 4 or 5 doors. Is he bent on buying something brand new? An E63 S wagon should cover him...or a GLC 63...

I guess if driving one is fun, the driver does not have to look at how freakishly ugly they are. Maybe if you work at it, the driver can always park so that they don't have to look at it. To make a Pontiac Aztek look good in comparison Lexus had to work hard, but they did it.

Thought about the Infiniti Q60? Pick 300 or 400hp. Not for everyone, and I havent driven this version, but I think they have potential.

You're not wrong. The Edsel sold pretty well, then the automotive press of the day decided it was ugly.