I voted for the EVO but if you wanted something more like your first three choices but more unique and maybe a little more effort to find (at least a good one) i'd look at a mid-90's BMW 850i. I love those things.

Just an idea. Happy shopping.

 

Well, tomorrow I'm off to test drive an Evo and a GTO.
A Z06 would be great but I need 4 seats.
I'm also thinking I might want to check out a G35 coupe.
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions thus far!

 

the chick votes for the beemer

 

One thing to consider - one becomes accustomed to power and continually craves more. It's never going to be enough. I have a friend with a 600hp 2nd gen RX-7 and even he'll tell you that, you become accustomed to the forces.

The force from acceleration of even a wickedly fast car is low compared to cornering forces. However, even it's the finesse and handling drivability of the RX-8 which makes it compelling.

 

If you can find one a Pontiac G8 GT. its the highest horsepower under 30k

 

2006+ WRX (2.5L) with reflash and cat delete = cheap and fast.

 

Evo is the most fun imo.
Plus you could be like "Yo manz im frum the fast and the furious"...
or not.

Screw all of them, get an STI.

 

screw that find a good used g8 gxp with the 6.2 6 speed that runs just about 13 flat stock

 

instead of an M5, have you looked into an older M3? They have more parts and are cheaper to mod than an M5 but they'll be just as fun.

 

Alright, drove an 05 G35 coupe... that sucked.
It handled just ok, the engine (which all the owners rave about) sounded like a mechanical can opener with straight pipes, and the rear seat is ONLY useable by children. I am not a tall guy and my head was hitting the rear glass. And it really didn't feel all that fast.

The GTO I was going to drive was put in storage for the winter by the dealership. I still want to drive one and see how good/bad the handling is.
If the G8 GT came with a real tranny I would consider it, and the GXP is way out of my price range yet.

I have driven an e36 m3, and I feel like that would be a step down from the 8. It's no faster really and it doesn't quite handle as well.

Now if only I could find a 335i for around 20k

 

its starting to sound like you may just need to keep the 8