Daily driver for $50k

50K can buy near anything and should be ample to get a nice daily driver.

I would get a Jaguar XJR (as I think 50k is a bit light for a Maser QP).

-dsd

 

Do you want brand new? I may have misread?

-dsd

 

I would test drive them all. I own a 335 coupe, and love it. Had it since March 1st.

I would test drive them all though. I think the S5 and S4 look great, especially their interiors.

Never been a fan of the Evo's, but the people that have them seem to love them.

Take your time and drive each car at least twice, then decide.

Good luck.

 

Are you looking for an AWD car? 4 door?

 

maybe a used lotus elise? if possible for around that price.

 

Do you need more than 2 person carrying capacity? If in the market for a sedan then BMW3 series or Audi 4 series. If it is for personal transportation and amusement while you commute then a Porsche Cayman (stripped or mildly optioned) would be my choice!

 

As a daily driver??


If you don't need the back seat, a C6 Corvette would be fun to drive, but possibly a bit redundant with the 997 in the garage.

The new C-class might be worth consideration.

The GS from Lexus?

 

I guess this would rule out the Elise and Corvette suggestions (heck the Elise barely has two seats).

 

I drove the C350 and 335i and like them both. They really helped the look of the C-class, and the 7 speed auto coupled with the 350 engine is quick. I had a couple of average Benz's, an E-500 and S-430 that had odd electronic and ac quirks. I think I would go the 335i. Very torquey engine coupled with that great BMW steering feel. I am doing the same search in the under $60k range in the Texas section, and I think I may go the 335 convertible.

 

I like the new S5. I know its not quite the handler of the Bimmer but its a new design thats quite attractive. I think they run closer to 60 though(50 if you can find one would be great) so the 335 coupe is a winner too..at 44 ..

I think the new Evo with the DSG tranny is 35 g's but the introduction has been delayed due to some development issues.. I hear its a great vehicle but I'd be hard pressed to NOT get the car without the DSG.

JMO and good luck..

The Audi's s5 pretty sharp looking. If you could swing it go that route..

I believe the S4 is getting revamped shortly as well. You could probably get a hell of a deal on it if you don't mind old styling.

If you don't need a manual I just bought a 2008 AWD CTS 304 hp sports suspension for just under 40. Its a hell of a car. Not quite as sporting as those you mentioned but a great vehicle as far as I could tell.

 

The Audi S5 is hot, not sure about availability in 2 months though. As a complete wildcard-- the Volvo S80 V8, very different but family friendly. I also like the Lexus IS (yes, I did just admit to that).

I like new cars and everything but a certified pre-owned is such a better deal as the depreciation on all these cars is a lot, so I still recommend the Jag-- style over substance

-dsd

 

Both the upcoming EVO X and STi can be bought for less than $40k giving you $10k left over for whatever...

 

Infiniti G37!

Beautiful car, lots of power, good warranty, four real seats, excellent service, and right in your price range.

I think it's 330 horsepower and fully optioned under $45k. And there are a couple useless options so you could cut a couple grand off of that too.

Also they just hit the streets so not that many folks have them. Not so bland as the BMW or Audis, in my opinion. And for a daily driver I don't think you want an EVO with no options (even with options) as it wouldn't be that comfortable of a car, and it's pretty ugly in my opinion. And build quality / reliability with a Mitsubishi is sub-par at best.

 

As a daily driver? Are you insane?


Vivek, go with a 335i... Great car, perfect daily driver. I love mine.

 

the s5 is the best bang for the buck..you get speed, comfort, and class

 

335i would be my choice. Its very quick and has gobs of torque. Basically as fast as the E46 M3 but much more refined. You can get 4 seats and 2 or 4 doors. You know the 535 is also very nice but probably closer to $60K. The Audi's are nice but aren't as sporty as the Bimmers IMHO. They do have slightly better interiors tho. I recently drove a 535 and I was very impressed - with the interior and the drive.. All the technology you want.

 

with that price, you can get an 01 Porsche 996 Turbo.. Very fast, stable and a good DD.

 

+1 I saw one out here in person last week and I really liked what I saw. It might make me wait another year to pick up a new car ( to save a bit more for it) so I can pick one up.

 

Lexus.

Best bang for the buck, and the service is the best in the Car Business

 

I was with BMW for 17 years before going to Ferrari of Dallas and then to an unnamed Audi store. If you cannot go an M3 you really should drive the S4. Someone said the S4 is not as sporty as the 335i. I beg to differ. I have driven every BMW there is or was just about and only the M5 or M3 will hold with the S4. Power, handling, Quattro and refinement would make me go that way even though I favor the BMW lineup in totality better.

I have owned probably 15 Bimmers over the years and still have a 1986 325 with over 300k miles on it that is my daily driver. It needs some cosmetic work to bring it back up but has never had the head off and still gets over 28 mph on the road.

The S4 is my vote. Just don't hope for a lot of resale. Audi is a great car, especially the A6, but the resale still suffers.

 

Lightly used E55AMG....mod it later with a Kleeman Stage II and you've got a 600hp sleeper for about 55k.

 

I would at least test drive an '08 CTS.