What to get up to $70k

NoLift911 · 07:41 AM

Dilemma -

I have recently sold my 01 M5 which was going to be replaced by an M Roadster - which is now in and ready for delivery at the Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC (something I always wanted to do). Two things will prevent picking up the car. 1. After driving the car I am still not as enamored with it as I think I should be 2. My wife and I just found out we are expecting our first child (which rocks!!) but makes the Roadster about as practical as a football bat. That is really not the issue though, although I think I talked myself into that since the car does not really do it for me.

The M3 motor in a lightweight Roadster seemed like a sure thing to me. Add to the fact that I wanted a convertible (as did the wife) to add some variety to the current stable. The car seems a tad sluggish to me though and really does not sing until you rev it and row the gears continuously. Yes, that is what sports cars are for but after all that revving and rowing you still seem to be "not" going as fast as you would expect. Yes it is fast - but not as, given it's mechanical recipe. I think deep down I am not a high rev, nor turbo spooling guy, I prefer low end grunt that comes on around 1200 rpm - 400 ft lbs at least. Read V8.

Anyway - I have been cross shopping a number of cars setting aside the practicality of any of them - M Coupe/Roadster, Cayman S, Boxster S, Audi RS4, Used E90 M5 (stretch), new gen M3 (V8) Caddy STS V. Yeah I know wide range - but I am at a loss and would prefer some variety vs sticking with the same old German stable. Some of these are a stretch on price also.

Ideally four doors (couldn't care less about AWD) and would prefer rear wheel drive.

Waiting for the new M3 is an option also - but that is a year away for the coupe and 1.5 for the 4 door.

Anyway some thoughts would be great for perspective - thanks!!

-Jeff

id10t · 04-18-2006, 07:44 AM

Get a minivan for the family, get a 356 for yourself, and use the difference for a college fund for the little one.

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by id10t
Get a minivan for the family, get a 356 for yourself, and use the difference for a college fund for the little one.

I guess the username fits...

Just kidding (but not really) Yeah those options suck...next?

Porschephile944 · 04-18-2006, 09:02 AM

Dodge charger SRT-8, 425HP 6.1 liter V8. Unless you want a manual seems like a cheaper option. You might also consider the Shelby GT500 mustang, although it will be supercharged you might like it, not a four door but it does have a backseat.
If your willing to sacrifice the rear seats look at a C6 ZO6 Corvette, but that will eat up your whole budget.

Tishabet · 04-18-2006, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nolift911
I guess the username fits... Just kidding (but not really) Yeah those options suck...next?

You're absolutely right... I mean, you've got a bun in the oven! Get the minivan, and put 65k away for college.

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Porschephile944
Dodge charger SRT-8, 425HP 6.1 liter V8. Unless you want a manual seems like a cheaper option. You might also consider the Shelby GT500 mustang, although it will be supercharged you might like it, not a four door but it does have a backseat.
If your willing to sacrifice the rear seats look at a C6 ZO6 Corvette, but that will eat up your whole budget.

The Dodge SRT8 is just like the Jeep...except the Jeep is faster. I'll have to look into the Mustang although I thought that was only going to have 430 hp?

Z06 is nice on paper - but then I have to drive it...

-Jeff

BlueSkyJaunte · 04-18-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nolift911
I guess the username fits... Just kidding (but not really) Yeah those options suck...next?

Don't be a f*cktard. You asked advice and he gave it to you. Your response is an insult?

Now on with the show....

I like the STS-V but by the time you roll out of the lot your $70k+ investment will be worth $40k. GM just isn't a good bet for anything these days.

dd74 · 04-18-2006, 09:41 AM

I'm with Blue on the STS-V (well, as far as liking the car). Even a standard STS is a handful, but the STS-V is a beast of a four-door, which you'll need because of the upcoming bundle of joy.

If you want a tad smaller, the CTS-V is also very nice, and very fast. I'm not sure what Caddy is up to with the car as they've temporarily halted production as of last year. But I'm sure there'll be more to come - that car was a hit out here in L.A.

Second choices...there's tons of them. I like the Audi four doors (RS whatever they are), and as well Mercedes AMG cars. The new BMWs are a bit difficult to grasp looks-wise, but they seem capable as well.

Either way, it'd be hard to select a bad sedan in the category dictated by your finances. I would positively stay away from a sports car when you have a newborn to toddler - consider
all the baby stuff, plus the baby, you'll have to carry.

Of course...for $10K, you can buy my mother-in-law's 2000 Maxima GLE. Fully loaded, 52,000 miles, and Hollywood-proven.

BlueSkyJaunte · 04-18-2006, 10:11 AM

I have an '04 WRX wagon and it's barely big enough for me, the wife, the baby, the stroller, the carseat, the groceries, and the occasional bag of kitty litter.

The car once seemed huge but now is too small.

Porschephile944 · 04-18-2006, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nolift911
The Dodge SRT8 is just like the Jeep...except the Jeep is faster. I'll have to look into the Mustang although I thought that was only going to have 430 hp?

Z06 is nice on paper - but then I have to drive it...

-Jeff

Didn't see that you had the jeep in your sig when I suggested the Charger.

I'm not sure what the HP numbers on the mustang are going to be, although I think I've read 450 and 490 tossed around in some of the auto mags.

The Z06 does sound nice on paper but the interior leaves a LOT to be desired, not sure about the handling and braking yet though, haven't read enough opinions or reviews.

VaSteve · 04-18-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
I have an '04 WRX wagon and it's barely big enough for me, the wife, the baby, the stroller, the carseat, the groceries, and the occasional bag of kitty litter.

The car once seemed huge but now is too small.

A 3-series is very tight with one baby and his related toys, food, and strollers. Ask me how I know.

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
Don't be a f*cktard. You asked advice and he gave it to you. Your response is an insult?

Now on with the show....

I like the STS-V but by the time you roll out of the lot your $70k+ investment will be worth $40k. GM just isn't a good bet for anything these days.

F*cktard?

I just sold an 01 M5 for $45k that went for $78k when new...what is your point? Or is there one F*cknut?

When are cars an investment...? Never.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

what do you want out of the car? To impress people? Performance? Luxury? Not sure what your criteria are other than a dollar figure...

BlueSkyJaunte · 04-18-2006, 11:16 AM

The point is that you asked for advice, id10t offered some, and you not only blew him off but did so insultingly and rudely.

Like I said, F*CKTARD.

Oh, and that 356 he suggested would be an investment--chances are it'll be worth more in five years than it is today, f*cknut.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

well, he's got a great website though

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by VaSteve
A 3-series is very tight with one baby and his related toys, food, and strollers. Ask me how I know.

I doubt the kid will ever see the inside of this car with the Jeep and Disco...at least when they are in the "bring the toys, stroller, crib etc phase"

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
well, he's got a great website though

As do you...

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by nolift911
I doubt the kid will ever see the inside of this car with the Jeep and Disco...at least when they are in the "bring the toys, stroller, crib etc phase"

then why 4 doors?

And the toys/stroller/etc phase lasts quite a few years. Since it looks like you don't keep your cars that long, why is that a consideration?

NoLift911 · 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
The point is that you asked for advice, id10t offered some, and you not only blew him off but did so insultingly and rudely.

Like I said, F*CKTARD.

Oh, and that 356 he suggested would be an investment--chances are it'll be worth more in five years than it is today, f*cknut.

A minivan and college fund and to top it off a 356...yeah that is just the bees knees...what a bunch of thin skinned douchebags

The reply was a joke - I thought off topic had a sense of humor, freakin trolls.

You call that an insult? Jesus. Killing them in their kitchen is an insult, letting the dog watch is rude. Pansy.

NoLift911 · 04-18-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
then why 4 doors?

And the toys/stroller/etc phase lasts quite a few years. Since it looks like you don't keep your cars that long, why is that a consideration?

"Ideally 4 doors" More than 2, less than 5? 2 door cars suck for practicality even without hauling other people around - in a suit with a briefcase...better to open the rear doors than throw it in the front passenger seat or fold down a front seat...more convenience...