I thought us Miata owners got a pass on worrying about what type of car we drive? :p

Have you checked out a 924?

A Lexus will be in my driveway if its the only one car that requires fun. IS 250, is quick, handles pretty well (not MX5 well, but lots of grip), and quiet and comfy if you need it to be, so your wife will be happy driving it. Check them out, my sister almost bought one a few years back and that when I test drove them. A new one will blow your budget, but used are always an option if that they way you want to go. Those damn things don't break.

$30k is really the floor for a 997, but you can get a minty 996 in the 20s.

As Sid said, Focus ST is also a superb car. The new Mustang also sounds very good, far sportier than some of the other mentions on this thread. Others that come to mind:

FRS/BRZ
Lightly used Audi S4
Lightly used AMG Benz
Genesis Coupe
G37 Coupe
GTI

is a clean e-39 m5 an option? seems to have all you seek...and a little more:)

M3 would be on my list if these were the requirements. Then again, I wouldn't want a sporty car to go less than 10 minutes of driving in (and can't fathom having only one car for the wife and I), so take my suggestion with a huge grain of unrelating salt.

We are looking at used only. I don't do new. I let someone else take the depreciation hit.

I had considered M3 and M5, but I'm doubtful of BMW reliability.

don't be concerned...ask me anything about the hot rod 5. it was an awesome machine. find a mint low mileage example as they are out there. one of the best cars I ever owned.

Just go to your nearest CarMax dealer's website and look at the inventory... pick your top 3-5 rides, then you and the wife show up and "drive stuff."

It seems this board in general hits BMW's and VAG products pretty hard on 'reliability'. I don't know why (I can't imagine a similar generation M car being appreciably worse in repair or maintenance needs than a 911, especially as a DD).

I've owned and wrenched on lots of older BMW and Porsche products. BMW is the cheapest made "premium" brand car that I've ever worked on, and I won't buy another. Seems that most big BMW fans drive nearly new cars that are still under warranty. VAG products are hit/miss, I had an older S8 that was superb.

What models of BMW have you owned and worked on? I'm wondering if something like the M5 would be better made since it was a more expensive car to begin with.

I'd forgotten that other than things like 911s, boxters, BMW M-series and 2 seaters, most of the stuff these days has auto trannies. I'd really prefer a manual.

the m5 is built like the rock of Gibraltar. it is foolish to hear someone say it is not a quality machine. it is one of the great german cars period! there is nothing it does badly.

w/ a manual box as well.

What about a Scion FRS or Subaru BRZ? Sporty, fun to drive, sexy looks, reliable, back seats and good ac.

Cruise up to Humble and take this beast out for a test drive. Not affiliated in any way... just ran across it on AutoTrader in your area, surfing just for fun.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1407574977.jpg

Used 2001 BMW M5 for Sale in Humble Kingwood Atascocita TX Texas 77396 Fall Creek Motor Cars

2015 Volkswagen GTI.

I've personally owned two E36s, an E34, and two Minis (BMW engineered and built). I've looked at and driven many, many more. At 100k in the average BMW the leather is shot, many plastic interior trim panels will be faded/cracked and rattling, the headliner will likely be sagging, the wood trim will be cracked, the carpet will be worn thin, the displays will be fading, every suspension bushing will be shot, the cooling system will need overhauled, the rear subframe might be torn loose from the unibody, the VANOS will need overhauled, etc. Every European car has some of these issues, but BMWs seem to have all of them.

As for the M5, it is not "built" to any higher standard. The last hand built M car was the E34 M5, one of the few BMWs I would probably still consider. The E39 M5 is a garden variety 5-series that has some performance bits added. Which happen to be very pricey when there are issues, like VANOS rebuilds or frequent dual MAF replacement. I have looked at and driven multiple enthusiast owned E39 M5s and always came away underwhelmed, particularly regarding how the car has held up over time. I would personally take my previous X308 XJR, D2 S8, or a W210 E55 over an M5.

Yep, I hear/read that sort of thing, and it gives me pause. The problem is that I've been getting that sort of info for many years.

+1. I like all the recommendations you got, but this one ^^ gives you a surprisingly fun and fast car that carries 5 with a big trunk. And 4 years of worry free warranty. All previous cars are used and will sooner or later bite you, even though like I said I like those ideas... as a second or third car...
As a primary, the GTI is all the car anyone should ever need, but...we are not just "anyone", you might of course be happier with a RWD sports car and if your significant other approves a 911, run with it !!! But the GTI is still my default "everyday" recommendation for most people.. Mine had more torque than the subsequent Cayman S I got...

Just for serious input (from me) I have been lusting for 996 and with your budget you could pick up a very very nice 996. {cought*** Matt?*** cought}

However the genesis has that 10 year 100,000 warranty going for it. ;)