Help me pick a new car...

[caseyctsv]

Well for the first time in a long time I find myself at a loss for what I want next. Here are the "musts":

 

- must sound amazing

- must be quick but I am past needing it to be the fastest thing around

- must be fun

- must be a car that not everyone has

- must be < 30k

 

As for what I like: I LOVED my 2005 CTSv - I considered getting another one but I find it hard to believe I will find one as nice as I had and figured why not change it up. Cost is no object I would get a 2nd gen V or C6 Z06 or GS. I may save a while and go that route as they are > 30k. What I have on my "to drive" list so far:

 

- 2004+ M3 Convertible (this was the other car I considered before the V)

- 2011+ Mustang (cannot believe I even said that)

- Challenger SRT8

- C6 vette (could I live without the wide body?)

- Mercedes C55

- Audi S4 (I know the V8 sounds good but what about the 3.0t which is supposed to be the better motor)

 

What am I missing? Any strong opinions on the cars on the list? (tom should chime in as I think he has owned them all )

[GRN96WS6]

The 335is isn't seen a lot and is in between the 335i and M3 and would be around 35ishK for a lower mileage unit. I own one with the DCT trans and DD it except in winter and I love it.

[wagner]

Save up for the CTS-V, they are one of the best looking and sounding cars out there. A guy had one in the all access class and was beating on it during Auto X and just letting the car rip down the drag strip.

 

That blower at full tilt screaming down the track with the exhaust he had on it just sounded killer.

 

If I ever get a real job I think one of these cars will be something I spoil myself with.

[Linn1647545492]

G8?

[Dafunk13]

G8. It lacks a whole lot of the refinement of some of the stuff on your list, but since your list is all over the place (c55 or a Vette?) give one a go. I love mine.

[RC K9]

CTS-V Gen 2

G8

2011+ 5.slow

Stayawayfromeurotrashbecuzeurotrash

[cybe]

http://bit.ly/1rWcCc4

 

I feel like you're not trying very hard - this one's $20k

 

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2014/5/5/371/958/38226951850.371958228.IM1.02.565x421_A.565x392.jpg

[ForeverMaker]

SL500?

[Trouble Maker]

BMW M5 V10. I think that's the E60 chassis, made from 05-10?

That thing, especially if you put a nice exhaust on it... for $3k? :no: would probably sound as close to an F1 car as a normal human being can afford.

 

From a really quick search on Edmunds it looks like you can get an 06ish with around 50kmi for just under $30k.

 

I know little about these cars so I can't speak to them, or their reliability or maint. cost. Obviously not cheap, but then most of the cars in this realm probably aren't going to be, but it might be a nightmare car that I just don't know about. Just an idea that popped into my head for this type of car.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Trouble Maker

[El Karacho1647545492]

If an ultra-low mile 2007 335i Convertible 6-speed manual sounds good I may be able to help...PM me.

 

 

Or if that doesn't suit you, Audi RS6.

[Turbs3000]

Didn't they do a 5 series 6cyl twin turbo with a 6 speed and optional AWD for a few years?

[POS VETT]

Casey, if you got a hankering for a fully loaded, narrow-body C6 with an LS3, I may have the right one for you.

[caseyctsv]

Alex...I do have the 335i on my list. My biggest concern, no lie, is whether or not those can be made to sound good. With a couple simple mods I am aware they can be pretty fast, I like the looks of them.

 

Others - I know I am all over the place - I need to start driving some of them. I cannot decide if I just want a toy to drive only on nice days (vette) or something to daily. Leaning towards a fun DD like I had in the V.

[Trouble Maker]

http://bit.ly/1rWcCc4

 

I feel like you're not trying very hard - this one's $20k

 

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2014/5/5/371/958/38226951850.371958228.IM1.02.565x421_A.565x392.jpg

 

I assume these are the same drive-train as the Quattroporte of that ear. If so, I've heard the transmission reliability (maybe clutch issues?) is awful.

[caseyctsv]

While the Maserati is cool I forgot a "must".....must be reliable.

 

I love the RS4 but no way I want to deal with the constant valve cleaning issues

[SRTurbo04]

300 srt8, Benz e55 or c63.

 

Im a fan of 4 doors.

[Geeto67]

E39 BMW m5 v8. From 1997-2003. A little old but they are far and away better than the v10 cars that replaced them. Easier to fix than the v10, and more in line with a 3 series in terms of repair costs. Plus manual transmission. An under 100k mile 2003 example should be mid to high $20k which shows how popular these cars are and how shallow the depreciation curve is on them.

 

I like the e46 BMW m3, but run the other direction from an smg trans one.

[zeitgeist57]

- Love the E46 M3, do not want the maintenance cost or pay the ridic market value to buy one today. I would highly recommend a 335 'vert stick and tune it for 400hp.

- Love the CTS-V as you well know. I was going to wait for v2's to come down in price also but I grew impatient. Will look at that down the road. Everything you loved about the v1 CTS-V but better? How can you go wrong?

- How much do you need the rear seat? Any consideration for a Porsche 911? Not even a Turbo...just a well-spec'd Carrera S or 4S?

- What about an M5?

[GRN96WS6]

Alex...I do have the 335i on my list. My biggest concern, no lie, is whether or not those can be made to sound good. With a couple simple mods I am aware they can be pretty fast, I like the looks of them.

 

Others - I know I am all over the place - I need to start driving some of them. I cannot decide if I just want a toy to drive only on nice days (vette) or something to daily. Leaning towards a fun DD like I had in the V.

 

335is, look into it more than a 335i, one they are not as many out there and finding a low mileage example should be easy to find. A lot of people do not even know about the model.

 

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2011-bmw-335is-coupe-review

[GRN96WS6]

While the Maserati is cool I forgot a "must".....must be reliable.

 

I love the RS4 but no way I want to deal with the constant valve cleaning issues

 

Also a lot of the newer DI cars have this issue RE valves, I know most of the N54 equipped and N55 equipped BMW's require it once every 30-50K and Audi has it as well.

[Cordell]

Wide body Vette

/thread

[dover]

Save get exactly what you want.

[CRed05]

BMW M6?

[PRD2BDF]

How about a Saa.. Oh whatever

 

Cts-V wagon or bust

[pontiacfreak142]

Gto. Ride is nice, ls2 power, nice interior and very good reliability from what ive seen