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

[Atropine]

OK, one more update...

I found a used Lotus Exige in my price range.

I plan on checking the Exige out because I have already checked out the Cayman S.

If I LOVE the Exige...I will probably end up with that.

The Exige reminds me of my 2 favorite cars I used to own...my 2 AW-11 MR2s (one was S/C as well)

[Accurate Race Shop]

Originally Posted by Atropine

OK, one more update...

I found a used Lotus Exige in my price range.

I plan on checking the Exige out because I have already checked out the Cayman S.

If I LOVE the Exige...I will probably end up with that.

The Exige reminds me of my 2 favorite cars I used to own...my 2 AW-11 MR2s (one was S/C as well)

The Exige is not going to have the creature comforts (and the radio sucks) but it is a blast to drive! If you can get over the acrobatics to get into the car and deal with not having all the buttons similarly priced cars have you will have a great time! Good luck with your decision!

Sent from my Q10

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Atropine

Soooo...here is what I am heavily looking into now...I almost bought it last weekend, I even signed a few papers before saying I needed to sleep on it.

http://www.parkplaceltd.com/used-car...ctual_~Year_/6

In person...it is flawless.

For that price, why not a 987.2 Cayman S? When I was looking for my Boxster S, I talked to some well-respected Porsche mechanics and most agreed that the 987.2 engine was the one to get, especially if you're planning to track it. Not only are the IMS and RMS issues resolved, but you get much better oil pickup/circulation overall under hard cornering with sticky tires.

[King Tut]

I would also like to pile on to the only buy a 987.2 Cayman S. I test drove both and the power difference to the DFI engine is very noticeable.

[CBR600RR]

Early gen NSX

[Deep Six]

As I understand, you are looking for a refined, reliable, well balanced sports car that will be 100% street driven. Primarily to drive just 2 people but kids may or may not be in the near future (Best laid plans etc.)

Given the variables and the weather in the NW I would strongly consider a brand new WRX STI and just pretend the back seat isn't there. You'll be very thankful if the stork shows up sooner than expected.

If you are set on a 2 seater that isn't for track days then why not a newer Boxster instead of a Cayman. On the right days nothing compares with top down motoring to appeal to all the senses.

[Tt3Sheppard]

Cayman S since you can live with it daily and track it when you want to. Those other cars will need some tuning and decent maintenance if you want to track and daily drive.

[SirBrass]

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.

Go for one of the stingray vettes. F*ckers are nimble as hell. You can probably get a used C7 (if they exist) for a reasonable price, since new ones are around $60k.

[Tgionet]

A very good friend of my family's was the service manager at a local Porsche/Audi dealership. Avoid the M97 engine in all 05-08 9x7 Boxsters, Caymans and 911s like the plague. They like to blow up, a lot, and in many more ways than just IMS failure.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Go for one of the stingray vettes. F*ckers are nimble as hell. You can probably get a used C7 (if they exist) for a reasonable price, since new ones are around $60k.

That's my 3 to 5 year plan!

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

That's my 3 to 5 year plan!

Last week I was filling up gas at a QT near the car dealerships and in drives this beautiful fire engine red C7 with a salesman in the passenger seat and this older gent driving. I overheard part of the conversation and this wasn't a test drive, but the initial drive after buying. I gave the car an appreciative whistle and asked the gent how long he'd wanted one of these.

"Forty-three years", he said proudly.

I wish him the best. Gorgeous car. Barely had any miles on her, so he must have picked her up off the trailer.

[gramicci101]

43 is not "older"!

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

43 is not "older"!

No, he'd been waiting 43 years to get a vette. He was obviously in his 60's.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

Last week I was filling up gas at a QT near the car dealerships and in drives this beautiful fire engine red C7 with a salesman in the passenger seat and this older gent driving. I overheard part of the conversation and this wasn't a test drive, but the initial drive after buying. I gave the car an appreciative whistle and asked the gent how long he'd wanted one of these.

"Forty-three years", he said proudly.

I wish him the best. Gorgeous car. Barely had any miles on her, so he must have picked her up off the trailer.

I can relate, although a little younger than this guy I've wanted a Corvette ever since I feel in love with the black over gray, with chrome side pipes Stingray driven by one of my high school teachers back in the day. It didn't hurt that she was a total babe, barely out of college, in the day of the miniskirt. The car was a graduation present from her Dad.

...and yes, I can still see her getting out of it...