My lease is up next year... I'm debating what to get in the $40k or so price range. I was thinking of buying a used M3, but I'm not 100% on that yet... we'll have to see, I just figured I'd see if anybody has any ideas.

 

A MS Rx8!

 

I'm in the same boat. My lease ends a little over a year from now, and there is not alot out there that looks interesting. M3's are awesome, but I would feel a little weary about buying a used one when I really don't know how it was driven. I mean, nobody buys an M3 and drives it like a corolla.

I was thinking about a new bmw 330, it has the same HP but is a little heavier. 350's and s2000's, and the sky/solstice are out as I want more then 2 seats. Not looking for a front wheel drive, so it doesn't leave lots of options. I hear hyundai is coming out with a new tiberon that will push over 260 hp, with rw/awd. That might be something to look at, but not sure if I want a hyundai.

So, I'm looking for a rear wheel, 4 seat, 2 or 4 door, at least 220 hp car that handles, and unless the caymens price really really drops,
hmmm, maybe I'll just get an RX-8...

 

Same here i think iam going with the 2007 evo should be out by next july.Unless a supercharge or turbo rx8 come out.

 

Evo is nice, but I don't want a boy-racer car... I want something a little luxurious and I don't mind spending a few bucks more to get it... just a matter of HOW many more bucks

 

porsche cayman, if you don't mind an extra 20K more

 

20k yea... a bit much

 

G35 Coupe

300hp now, RWD, a little more luxorious, back seats (small but there), and not a boy-racer car.

And of course they are about $35k. That's the current car I would buy, but 1-2 years from now that may change with all the new cars being introduced.

Trevor

 

The IS350 would be a good choice, especially if they offer a MT next year.

 

Audi A3 3.2 Quattro.

 

I always hypothetically think about this--I'm not leasing but , if my RX8 got totalled (God forbid) I'd probably get a G35 Coupe or another RX8. I think a used M3 might fall out of my price range right now for one less than 40K miles. After I finish professional school then I might be singing a different tune.

 

If they offer the MT, then I would definately consider that. Japo reliability, good gas mileage, and lightweight fun to drive. I loved the IS250 when it first came out, but it was so cheapo I couldn't bring myself to buy it I thought it drove great though, but that's just me :D

 

i just drove the IS350 last week at taste of lexus, it handles no where near as good as the G35 coupe and bmw 330i, and it automatically upshift for you by force. The exhaust note is about non-existent. its more Mercedes sport luxury than bmw, infiniti stlye sport sedan.
Used M3s arnt that expensive, my dad got a 2002 for $32k earlier this year. Another friend of mine is also selling his 01 white M3 convertible for only 35k with only 23k miles on it. If you dont mind the astronomical maintenance fee and a used 5 year old car then a used M3 is a great alternative.

 

I love the way the A3 looks, and Audi has been making 4 wheeels drives forever, but I haven't heard too many good things about reliability on Audi's. If one car mag rates them close to the bottom, that's one thing, but when several do it, I start thinking maybe thier not what they used to be...

 

Audi S4

 

I really hate the design of the new A4--I wish they had let the previous design gestate for a little bit longer.

 

Audi AWD is bad, bad, bad. Open differentials? bah humbug!

 

Maintenance isn't THAT bad, but it's worse than Japo cars. However given the level of treatment I'd get at a BMW dealership over the Mazda dealers that try to stiffarm you about EVERYTHING (Oh, you have to have a CEL to get the ECU flash... Oh you need to come back for this, oh, you need this done blah blah blah), I don't mind paying a bit more for that. While the maintenence costs are higher, they come at longer intervals and given that I'm probably going to get the next car for a weekend driver ONLY (I still have a Mazda3s Hatch for daily driving that I love!), I don't expect that it will cost me a hell of a lot to keep aside from the payments which again, won't be horrible since it's going to be used and within my budget.

 

Live and die wit da 8 mon!!!

 

heh, if its going to be a weekend car, M3 is not a good choice dude, ultility and comfort shouldnt be an issue with a fun car!. for ~40k Id want something thats more fun or exotic... Elise, S2000, used Z06, or used C6, or even used espirit, NSX or 80s ferrari. to hell with 4 seats :p

 

I still like the OPTION of being 4 seat capable

Honestly I feel like I'm growing old, but I just want a comfy car that's fun to drive and that I can auto-x from time to time. If I went with a C6 I can see myself getting into a lot of trouble though pricewise, I might even able to swing it.

Nahh.... I plan on getting married in a few years so I figure I might as well get myself a toy I can play with for some time to come because I won't be able to get it after I'm married. Sacrificing and all.... :D

 

My personal choice for a weekend car under $40k (if I had that much to spend on one :D ) would be the Ariel Atom. Apparently the 145hp version can be had for $36k. Or a with a 171hp Ecotec for $38k. But for a mere $46k you can have the 300hp sc'd k20 model . Only 2 seats though... :p

http://www.automotivearticles.com/12..._pricing.shtml

Brammo Motorsports is the US distributor, but they don't do a very good job of updating their website.

 

With the 11 MPG I'm getting now I'd like something that gives more umph then 150 HP.
(04' 8 with AT)
I'll be looking at the 2007 Mustang GT unless they come out with a Cobra...
Need more torque and a better HP to MPG ratio.

 

^^^ is about to get flamed. <holds flame shield for EyeBall Fixer>

 

Where do you live herc? PM me if youre interested in taking a look at my friends white 2001 M3 convertible, excellent condition, 6spd manual, 23,750mi, asking $36.5k needs to sell asap.