Sporty or lightweight sedans
#11
For new
Does the current Accord or ILX come in a manual? I'd also consider any base model BMW that comes in a manual.
Does the current Accord or ILX come in a manual? I'd also consider any base model BMW that comes in a manual.
#12
#13
The Cadillac ATS V6 (the four cylinder sucks) is relatively light, all things considered. I think it's in the 3,400 lbs range, which is pretty light for a car of that size and power
#14
There's nothing quite like having a sports car to drive everyday. But I inevitably need something more practical(though it would be great to keep the S too). The three requirements are that it's a sedan, with a manual gearbox, and something that makes it stand out from ordinary cars. I thought about power vs weight and decided to go with a smaller engine in a lighter chassis vs the other way around. So far I've been looking at 2 cars, both new. An F30 328i with MSport package and Lancer Evolution X (manual ver). I do like the Audis but they're usually paddle shift-driven.
I would recommend it, but a Golf GTI would be a decent choice too. I sounds like you don't want to have a run of the mill car, but a Mazda 3 with a stick is a pretty fun car too. Not about outright speed either, but a enjoyable, and my wife's has pretty much everything I have on my bimmer except for heads up display (which I think you can get a kind of crappy one). The car is small and under the radar but they are good driving cars. I also like the current Mazda 6 with a stick, but it aint fast either.
But if what you want is "panache" or "street cred" your lease payment will reflect it.
#15
Pick up a clean Volvo S60R or V70R wagon (for real practicality) for total Q-Ship status.
They can be had cheap, sure they'll cost you high maintenance if you get big miles on them but what a great combination of speed, handling, AWD, safety, comfort, style, and very subtle!
Oh yeah, and they can tow 3000+ pounds when you need to as well!
They can be had cheap, sure they'll cost you high maintenance if you get big miles on them but what a great combination of speed, handling, AWD, safety, comfort, style, and very subtle!
Oh yeah, and they can tow 3000+ pounds when you need to as well!
#16
Does an RX-8 count?
I swear, one of these days I'm going to buy one and do an engine swap to have the perfect daily driver with back seats.
I swear, one of these days I'm going to buy one and do an engine swap to have the perfect daily driver with back seats.
#17
Replying to the above posts:
@CMK - Not big on hatches in general but that Focus ST... . The Jetta GLI has potential. 3,124 lbs is nice but with only 210 hp?
@colnagotifosi - A wolf in sheep's clothing, huh? 300hp is good but it's heavy at 3700 lbs.
@Mr.E.G. - True. The only reason I haven't picked up an RX-8 is because of its engine. I will look at the Cadillac ATS 3.6L version. Motor trend compared it to a 350Z/G35 in P:W ratio.
@CMK - Not big on hatches in general but that Focus ST... . The Jetta GLI has potential. 3,124 lbs is nice but with only 210 hp?
@colnagotifosi - A wolf in sheep's clothing, huh? 300hp is good but it's heavy at 3700 lbs.
@Mr.E.G. - True. The only reason I haven't picked up an RX-8 is because of its engine. I will look at the Cadillac ATS 3.6L version. Motor trend compared it to a 350Z/G35 in P:W ratio.
#18
On that note, a SAAB should be considered too. Both are popular in where I live (Boston). SAAB's are popular with a manual and are quite confident on the highway. I've been 150+ mph in them without issue.
#19
4-5k down payment. Possible to lease.
+1 Parameters?
I'm in the same boat as you. While I have a couple 'toys', my DD is an E90 M3 sedan; almost got a C63 AMG but finding one with an LSD was a little more difficult and I love bimmers.
Here are some favorites off the top of my head:
E90 M3
C63 AMG
CTS-V
ATS-V
G8 GT
Mazdaspeed 3
Focus ST
Focus RS (I really want to drive)
Civic Si
335i (no LSD is a negative)
328i (had as rental, good car, but not sporty enough)
Evo-X (GREAT car, but AWD).
Originally Posted by Billj747' timestamp='1433508568' post='23637153
[quote name='mosesbotbol' timestamp='1433507947' post='23637147']
What is your price range. How old of a car would you do?
What is your price range. How old of a car would you do?
I'm in the same boat as you. While I have a couple 'toys', my DD is an E90 M3 sedan; almost got a C63 AMG but finding one with an LSD was a little more difficult and I love bimmers.
Here are some favorites off the top of my head:
E90 M3
C63 AMG
CTS-V
ATS-V
G8 GT
Mazdaspeed 3
Focus ST
Focus RS (I really want to drive)
Civic Si
335i (no LSD is a negative)
328i (had as rental, good car, but not sporty enough)
Evo-X (GREAT car, but AWD).
[/quote]
I hate to burst your bubble, but we just bought a new SUV for the wife - $31k financed at 2% over 60 months is costing me in the mid-5s monthly. $3-400 is a car in the low $20s.
Leasing at that price point you could get into a stripper lease special 320i, maybe a 328i, A3, or ATS 2.0T, but your price range needs to go up about $200 a month if you want something newish.
I'd look for the best used G37 you can find - their value drops to $20k pretty darn fast given their original purchase price, most have a good deal of the option boxes already checked, 300+hp V6 that likes to rev, and available AWD and manual so you can find what you want. Plus they share a significant amount of mechanical bits with the Nissan parts bin, so they're reliable and relatively cheap to maintain.
#20
Originally Posted by mosesbotbol' timestamp='1433519850' post='23637406
For new
Does the current Accord or ILX come in a manual? I'd also consider any base model BMW that comes in a manual.
Does the current Accord or ILX come in a manual? I'd also consider any base model BMW that comes in a manual.