If you were to pick a used "High end" Sports car what would you pick?

[reeves]

Originally Posted by Atropine

Her only stipulation is...it HAS to be a car that I keep for a very long time. She also wants me to get something "Newer" since my old cars from my past have always needed a ton of things done to them.

. . . .

Also, I am more interested in a Sports Car rather than a Muscle Car.

These stipulations seem to point towards an NSX for you. You may have to find an older model to fit in that price range, but it will still be more reliable, require LESS $$ maintenance than other high-end sports cars, and still be just as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable to drive. Just my 2 cents.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Atropine

...Her only stipulation is...it HAS to be a car that I keep for a very long time. She also wants me to get something "Newer" since my old cars from my past have always needed a ton of things done to them....

That screams one thing to me, Corvette.

It is going to be less expensive to acquire and maintain over the long haul than any of the cars you mentioned.

Well, except for the Miata, but I just can't go there. I know most folks here hold them in relatively high regard, but it is just not my thing. I'd buy an old MG and totally retro-mod it before I would buy a Miata if I wanted a roadster (which to me is what the Miata really is, not a sports car).

[Purdue FR-S]

S2000

/thread

[Accurate Race Shop]

Look at a maserati. The used ones go for nothing and they are a ton of fun to drive and the wife will like the nice seats and interior features. Used ones with low miles can be had in the $20k range. Also if you wanted to go really old a ferrari 308 can be had for well under $20k in good condition.

Sent from my Q10

[gramicci101]

Carrera turbo! A 997 tts, to be exact. I suppose 996 might do as well.

[SubiePig]

Alfa 4C or a used Exige S.

[904FRSlow]

2015 STI and mod it

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

[Nevermore]

All the Lotus talk, I'm personally a fan of the Evora. It's more understated than the others, but I mostly like it because I doubt I could fit into the other two.

[TylerLieberman]

M3 for an all around daily with family practicality in mind.

997 GT3 for a no fucks given in mind.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Atropine

Its cool to be able to say that I have owned (in order) Nismo 350Z, Boxster S, STi, 2 AW-11 (one NA and one S/C), SRT8 Challenger, BRZ and an NA Miata...

The problem is...I lose my ass every time I wheel and deal lol.

Nice list. I normally lose my ass as well. If you are keeping the NA Miata, then I kind of like the suggestion of a $45k E90 M3. For that price you can get a pretty nice later model year version. It is the best all around car you can buy since you already have a "Sports Car" in the Miata. If you want a "High end" Sports Car that you won't lose your ass on this time, then I would get the best air cooled 911 that you can find for $45k. It seems that the 964s are the sweet spot right now for values.

[carbonBLUE]

Originally Posted by Atropine

So, I am about to graduate college...

Relax, I am 34 and I already have a good job. I was just using my GI Bill from the Military.

This is not the typical: "High I am 21 and I have $80k in school loans, and I want to get a sports car...oh and my girl friend is pregnant" question.

I am a married, stable 34 year old home owner who plans on having children in about 3 years.

So my wife says to me this past weekend, "Since we are going to wait about 3 years to have a child (due to her wanting to compete in horse stuff...barrel racing to be exact) she has given me the go ahead on a sports car.

Her only stipulation is...it HAS to be a car that I keep for a very long time. She also wants me to get something "Newer" since my old cars from my past have always needed a ton of things done to them.

So far my thoughts are...

A lightly used Porsche Cayman S (think $45k)
A lightly used Lotus Elise/Exige. (Thinking $30k for an Elise and $45k for an Exige)
In September, Mazda should reveal the 2016 ND Miata (sounds like FI possibly?)

Any other suggestions?

I know...first world problems.

If Subaru would release a Turbo BRZ...I would be set...(not turning this into a stupid Turbo BRZ Thread)

EDIT:
I currently own an NA Miata and I had a 2013 BRZ and Loved it...it was ALMOST exactly what I wanted.

1 Last thing...I tend to prefer FR and MR layout.

Also, I am more interested in a Sports Car rather than a Muscle Car.

get an exige, reliable, drive train components are cheap because well its a toyota engine. most drive train parts will be pretty cheap if you buy parts from a toyota dealership instead of a lotus dealership. a used one can be picked up for around 20k and after 200k miles you can spend 7k and throw a new engine and transmission in and drive for another 200k miles. It would be the car you could drive for quite a while. the only downside if comfort. As you get older, the ride might now be what you want/can stand.

as for an alternative? if you already planned on spending $50k you might aswell get another 86 and supercharge with a few more ponies and call it a day. comfort would be between the exige and the vette

the other alternative would be a c5/c6 corvette as they get great gas mileage and are super easy to maintain and a new engine and transmission can be had for pretty cheap in case of major engine failure. also a used vette can be had at sub 30k easily with some miles on it. this car would be the most comfortable out of the 3

[EAGLE5]

Honestly, in six weeks, your wife will change her mind.

[pche]

NSX

[strat61caster]

@Atropine Ah, I understand, the Miata is a 'forever' car, this will be a toy your kids will remember and say "Oh yeah, my dad had one of those"

I'd argue for getting something you lusted after even if it doesn't make sense whether it be RX-7 or NSX or 911 or 300zx or Supra or M3 or what have you, treat this as a once in a lifetime chance to make a dream come true.

Personally, if you've already got the mechanic lined up I'd do the RX, but I've got a hard on for Mazda and triangles right now. For the same money you'd spend on a Cayman you can get a nice RX-7 and afford to rebuild the engine four or five times with money left over for anything else to break and rear tires.

Edit: this goes for pretty much everything 10+ years old, but of course you'll have a bit more time spent fixing stuff than a couple year old Porsche/Cayman.