best everyday sports car?

I do like the styling of the Boxster more than the M Roadster. I could not live with that two-colored interior you see on most of them. So, basically, it is down to finding a nice Boxster S, possibly without the sports package, or 18s (too harsh of a ride). Of course, I am being oferred a steal on a 94 Viper. I just do not think that it could double as an everyday car (unless I were to spring for the hardtop and the aftermarket side windows, factory setup does not tolerate rain). Too mant interesting cars, too little time....


In the meantime, I need to dump my A4, 2003, 1.8t Q, 5 speed.

thx
luke

 

I say BMW M coupe. Friend just picked up a clean low miles one for about 24K.

I just looked at a 2004 S2K tonight. Seems like a pretty solid car. Asking price is 33K, and dealer willing to move on the price as well.

Also agree with Omar on the NSX. Only problem is since its more exotic, you get people keying your car and messing with it.

 

I would vote for Skyline GTR.....the newer the better (I own R34 GTR)

Big trunk, 4 seats, quite powerful in stock form (400 hp is a save daily driver for the GTR). The only real pain is the hard ride...suspension set up is too stiff for normal road. Other than that, it's a perfect everyday car.

I also got the NSX, but 2 seats and rather small trunk do limit its usage sometimes.


E46 M3 is the very nice car...but I do like the kick in the butt the turbo engine provides when on boost.

 

C5: so fast, so cheap, remarkably comfortable ride, tons of space, decent reliability.

 

M3 or as Pong said Skyline, but skylines are hard to get in the states. But the M3 is my favorite non Ferrari. Fast, sporty, roomy, and gets alot of looks.

 

I think I am the only one who is not impressed by the previous generation M3. Or maybe they are too common over here. Granted, I test drove a convertible, a 99 with 48K on the clock. It had more chassis flex than my recently departed Alfa Spider. It rode like crap, and while it was quick, it had this odd driveline lash which made it difficult to drive smoothly. I also tried the E46, and there is no argument there, a spectacular machine. Solid, fast, and I kind of enjoyed the SMG, although I would not get it for an urban environment.

This thread is very timely, as I am considering some cars right now. My short list is for car under 35K:

1. C5 Corvette (loved it, but wife does not like the "recently divorced, middle age crisis" image. What a value, though. A 350 hp convertible in the mid to high $20s).
2. Boxster. If the S were priced like the regular one, I would probably be in one today. Fun to drive.
3. M Roadster. I have yet to test drive this one. I expect to like it more than the M3 convertible. I am giving it the benefit of the doubt.

I have yet to test drive the S2000, the NSX and 3rd gen Rx7 (if I can find one that has not been ethnically altered). I ruled out the SL 500 (too soft and bouncy), 911s (been there, done that), and 928s/968s (maint. $). I also looked at Vipers, and while it is a good value, it was "too much beast" to drive everyday.


thx
luke

 

Luke,

You will find that the S2k has a very very low dash and steering wheel. There are a few at the dealership east of Ming's.

--Dan

 

I can vouch for the NSX since I have one but I can say that nothing beats driving a Ferrari.. The NSX while cool still lacks the fun factor that the Ferrari carries..

It is very reliable and not too bad on costs but the wow factor is just not there.

Don't know maybe I'm spoiled.

 

If you can only have one car, buy a Ferrari. Period.

Yes I'm serious. Go for it.

For 45-50K, ( and not much in maintence)

you can buy a nice 328. Built proof. Needs very little maintenance, and will have no depreciation. Beautiful, and a blast to drive. Has the Ferrari looks and sounds. Down side is the A/C (can find a converter kit for 2K), and is fairly antiquated, and is not as comfortable driving as a normal modern car.

For 45-50K (and about 10k per year maintence)

You can buy a nice 348. Modern look and feel, and alot of performance. Down side is that it has some maintence issues (services every 30k cost 5k), and cannot be parked in the sun (interior deteriorates in the sun, quickly)

For 65-80K (and about 10K per year)

You can buy a 355. Astounding looks, sounds and gobs of performance. Very modern car with power steering and very good ac. Still cannot be parked in the sun and will cost 10k a year maintaining it.

 

This is why I like talking to John.

 

Ahhh....Ming's....Those start up memories are coming back...


>You will find that the S2k has a very very low dash and steering wheel. There are a few at the dealership east of Ming's.

--Dan[/QUOTE]

 

Nice rundown.. Thanks..

The 328/348 while fun is still slow compared to regular cars nowadays. You buy those cars for the passion and not for the performance. Plus, you won't spend your day doing 0-60 runs and racing the Rice-A-Roni kids in hyped up Eclipses and Subarus..

 

993 turbo w/ some mods. will out accelerate an f-16 and get all the groceries you can eat! ...and bullet proof.

not the soul of an f car however but huge racing pedigree.

 

How is an F355 "daily driver" $10k per year? Ferraris have to be measured in cost per mile to be honest; then you apply the formula to how much you plan to drive.

Ferrari is about as non-daily driver as you can get unless you have endless money.

The original question really needs a lot more input around budget, intended use, willingness to buy used, etc.

One thing I will say as a former C5 owner is that it gets boring fast. They are literally on every single corner, the value drops like a dead weight and the interior is Chevy parts bin all the way. Looks wise, I think the C5 is decent at first glance, but when you live with one, you start to notice that the design just isn't quite right. The Z06 is a better bet since its slightly less common and makes up for the shortcomings with that terrific performance.

My vote, though, would be some variant of 911. Personally, I'm unloading the NSX for a 911 Turbo myself. That car is TOUGH to beat in terms of overall utility, performance and reliability for a true sports car.

If you are willing to consider used cars, I'd say consider a Supra as well (in addition to 911, NSX, Vette Z06) Great, bullet proof, car with unlimited potential. Getting hard to find a clean one though.

Sports sedans are in a different category to me and don't count. An S4, RS6 Evolution VIII, WRX, M3, M5 or AMG Benz are all fast, fast sedans. But in terms of style, they will age badly and they will depreciate hard. That's the problem with sedans. Look at the E36 M3 or the older AMG Benzes. At the time they were awesome, but they look hugely dated now. Compare that to a 911, NSX, or even Corvette from the respective time period and you will see that the 2 door sports car design stood the test of time much better.