[LWJ]

I currently drive my SC for work. Yes. I take some heat. Most people like it. I sell business insurance and meet with CFO / Controller / Presidents of small to medium businesses. I network with bankers and accountants. I think I need a less quirky car. Four adult seats would be nice as well.

The number one contender is an older 5 series BMW. Cheap and they can come with a manual transmission. I see nice ones under 10K all day long. Attractive, somewhat quality built, and not super boring. I have had a 3 series in the past. Nothing wrong with those either.

I have seen some gorgeous AMG coupes but I think that is too much. The appearance of excess is cause for clients to wonder how much I make? I get comments with a 32 year old Porsche currently. Also, I am afraid of maintenance on the AMG.

Desires:
1) comfortable,
2) professional,
3) seat five as I have three children,
4) somewhat fuel efficient,
5) mechanically sound,
6) less boring is better - notice I didn't say Toyota? I spent many miles in corporate company cars and have an aversion to rigs like the Taurus / Camry / Accord. Just too appliance like for me.
7) Price? It would be nice to keep it under 10K However, a 996 is an option for $17 - 25K. Boxsters are cheap (I know, they break most all of my criteria!) M3's are fun.
8) My biggest objection to my SC is that it is very noisy. Hard to talk on my phone. It is also bumpy and tiring for long drives. While this is the charm of an SC, it is less than ideal for a salesman's car. I do about 8K of business miles annually, so not a lot. Most miles are around town. I hope with a more relaxing car, I can increase this significantly, along with my income.

Thank you.
Larry