trucke wrote: So, he is going to spend the raise before he earns it? Smart money is on enjoying the WRX and putting away some cash for a later deal.
This. He's already got a nice modern car.
trucke wrote: So, he is going to spend the raise before he earns it? Smart money is on enjoying the WRX and putting away some cash for a later deal.
This. He's already got a nice modern car.
Any German car is going to cost him in maintenance. Period. Particularly in comparison to his previous cars.
Best bet is to buy something that's CPO'd, like a late model M car or Porsche....
He already has a fast AWD turbo sedan. Sounds like he needs something RWD with two seats. He's right in late model Boxster/Cayman territory. Not sure if he'd find them cramped though. Worth a try imho.
Boxster and Cayman aren't all that easy to get in and out of.
Fair enough. I don't find them difficult for something that ticks all the boxes, but I don't have many issues besides a testy lower back. Of course, YMMV.
Edit - Anyone know how ingress/egress is on an Evora? Used ones are hovering right at $40K now. Seems even less likely to need expensive engine work than the German options.
If he's so closed minded he wont consider a Domestic then he's more interested in image than reality. If so he deserves something with a Lexus badge on the nose. If he's not really as much of a douche as his blinkers say, then what about something like an Audi S somthing or a BMW M something? HE could be close to new with some of those? Are V8 Vantages down to $40K yet? What about a 370Z? Did I miss a requirement for # of doors or seats?
I still stand with an 997.2 if he isn't into awd this go around.
I really liked the C55 AMG I had. I'm a manual lover myself but that car was a riot even with the auto trans. He could get a C63 and have even more fun.
He could get an almost 10 year old G8 GXP and probably still get his money back out of it if he doesn't drive it into the ground, those things are still commanding 25K+ with most in the mid 30's and probably not going to depreciate much.
Isn't the G8 GXP just a Chevy SS from a few years back? Also a Commodore IIRC.
What about something with an unlimited mileage, bumper to bumper warranty? Do they get that low?
If he just wants to drive around and feel awesome, get a Porsche, join the PCA, go do PCA social/driving things. They're good cars, everyone who sees them knows what they are. Even the slow ones are plenty fast for driving around.
It's honestly not about how other people see him and he isn't a douche. He just wants to relish driving a nice car that is a joy to be in and drive when he has the opportunity to go cruise the backroads. He has worked hard, been conservative with his finances, and wants/feels he deserves a treat for getting to the next level in his career.
As far as the car, it's about the driving experience more than the specific car, but there are realities in his physical situation that make certain cars difficult. I think the pure experience of a Miata would be his "Answer" except for the physical challenges.
Seriously, a 911 of pretty much any vintsge will deliver that. They feel special. You don't have to be a d-bag to drive one. My wife loves ours. Vigo here has a beige one and he's the least image sensitive person I know. They make your heart do flips when you come out of the store and see it. There are a lot of reasons to buy other cars, but a 911 ticks a ton of boxes.
Definitely +1 on the 911. My current 997 C4 was far less than his $40k budget. I've loved every 911 I've had. They definitely feel special and even the not terribly fast ones are a blast to drive, and they take work and skill to drive really fast.
secretariata wrote: As far as the car, it's about the driving experience more than the specific car, but there are realities in his physical situation that make certain cars difficult. I think the pure experience of a Miata would be his "Answer" except for the physical challenges.
I find this confusing because a 2013 WRX is no slouch. It could be made into quite a special car without much work. So I gather he wants something that will have a very different, purpose-built, "special" feel. That even if he tricked out the WRX with some custom suspension and some exhaust or something, it still wouldn't give him that. It could be Sport-y, but not really Sport-s. It sounds like what he wants is a Miata, only bigger. Is that correct? Does he want a convertible specifically?
Has he tried an NC Miata? They are notably larger than other generations.
Similarly, check out S2000, Z3/Z4, and Boxster. My S2000 is definitely larger than my Miata was, but it's not exactly big. I think a 2-seat BMW or Porsche is really the answer. I really really liked my M Coupe. I prefer my S2000. I think it is the better car, but the BMW felt more elegant and comfortable.
If he's interested in fixed-roof cars, look at RX-8s as well. The Baroness has one and that definitely feels special and has relatively easy ingress and egress for a sportscar. Easier than the S2000.
Really sounds like what he wants is a Porsche. 911 if he wants a roof and Boxster if he wants a convertible.
I think he needs to get in some cars and drive them and decide what he enjoys being behind the wheel of the most.
if it is really just a premium street car, how about a newer Audi TTrs?
I think that they look sweet, the interior is killer and they sell them with extended warranties.
Not sure about the wheels -
In reply to Beer Baron:
He wants to keep the WRX as his daily. Fun and practical. New addition would be the more fun and not practical addition of joy to his life. Kinda hard to explain, but serious work all day, long hours, middle aged, not married, no kids, no relatives within 1000 miles, looking for a way to add some passion to his life. A frequent spirited weekend drive in a special car is his plan to reward himself. Driving it every day takes away the "special" feeling after a short time.
As far as driving some cars, he is trying to come up with a list of cars to search for and check out which is why I posted this thread. Everyone needs a starting point or short list if you will. I understand where he is at/coming from although I don't agree with his biases. We constantly spar over cars which is fun, but he won't step outside himself and try things he doesn't buy into which makes it a PITA sometimes. I'll drive anything at least once...if I live I'll probably try it again.
OK, dragging this back up for discussion.
My friend totally surprised me by asking about the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE 
Apparently somebody other than me suggested an American, RWD, V-8 powered "Muscle Car" and he thought that might be worth looking into? Whenever I suggest such a car I get labeled as a "Dumbass Redneck" and my suggestion is immediately disregarded.
So, best sports car under $45k...GO!
I actually think the 1LE is a pretty solid choice. Maybe consider the V6 with more options against the V8 with a thinner spec. I'm waiting to see some reviews, but the 1LE V6 would be on my list if I were shopping new right now.
You can get a very very nice basically fully loaded Mustang GT for $45. What about a used Aston Vantage? Perfect 996 turbo?
Z4 coupe
Mike wrote: I actually think the 1LE is a pretty solid choice. Maybe consider the V6 with more options against the V8 with a thinner spec. I'm waiting to see some reviews, but the 1LE V6 would be on my list if I were shopping new right now.
Yes, I think that the 1LE would be a good choice, but I'd go for the V8. I don't know if my friend will like it though...I think he's going to test drive one tomorrow.
I'm seeing used Boss 302 Mustangs under 30k. Buy one, spend the rest of the budget on mods, track time, etc?
I had a very similar thought and was surprised to see that Boss 302s are available under 30k. I think I'd go with that over a Camaro, just feels more special.
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