New Daily Driver for less than $40k?

Mini Cooper S. You'll love it.

(The company (BMW) and its dealers are exceptionally lousy, however...)

 

You can pick up a new generation M3 with warranty, etc for under $40k. They hold their value VERY well

 

Having a 911 and a Mini Cooper S, from your list I would only suggest looking at the:

1) 1997+ Nsx

2) BMW M coup with the 315 S54 motor

Both of these cars are exceptional, and reliable, and you won't run into 5 million other people driving them. Watch out for the early S54 cars, as the engines have had some problems. Personally I like the S52 equipped M coupes. THough they are down on power, the S52 has been rock solid.

You can always look at the S2000 convertible or a Used E46 M3. Choices are many.

I am sure someone will suggest the EVO/STI. Though they are good cars, given the automobiles you listed, I feel the evo/sti is not what you are looking for.

If I was in your shoes today, and this was my requirement:

I would easily pick a 1997+ Acura NSX in Spa Yellow Pearl.

I also like the 99/00 Lexus SC300, but they are more luxury rather than sporty.

 

Might I suggest either the Subaru WRX STi or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR (Mitsubishi Racing) Edition ?

Both are very reliable 4 seaters and daily drivers. I know that you said you're not much concerned about luggage room, but these have it, and hey, some extra practicality can't hurt, right ?

Both are very fast for the price, and this comes from their rich world rally championship heritage. Both can do the 0 to 60 mph run in under 5 seconds and handle exceedingly well. Both have all wheel drive and are driven by turbo-ed 4 cylinder engines. The Evo has a displacement of 2 liters, while the Subaru, 2.5 liters (for the US edition).

The Subaru has 300 hp at the crank while the Mitsubishi, around 280 hp. The Subaru has a flat 4 layout and consequently you get a wonderful boxer rumble to the engine note. By most accounts, the Subaru is a more comfortable daily driver and the interior trimmings are also of higher quality and class.

Both great daily drivers, and terribly fun to drive.

 

Z06 is the fastest thing you have listed in overall performance. Can be had for low 30s and relatively low miles.

 

good analysis ryan...but isnt a 1997 and up nsx over 40k.?.a good example would be closer to 50k .. i believe....

 

Are you concerned about depreciation? Of the cars you mentioned, some are depreciating at a far faster rate than others..
The M3 is a fantastic driver.

 

A little over 40 yes. But I figured with spending 40K whats a few Gs. THe car is truly worth it and exceptional after all these years.

Jeremy,
I say forget the Z06 and the 996. I would still say get the 1996 Nsx T. Exlusive, damn reliable, and a honda at heart.

IF not, then get a 1999-2000 M coupe. I looked through them and you can get them in the mid 20s with low miles. That is a steal. Rare car, great color combo, great handling, and the deep dish wheels, 4 pipes, and wide rear end is downright sexy and fun.

Good luck with your choices. Have fun, let us know what you choose.

 

I'm glad I'm the only one that really appreciates those cars. I haven't driven an M Coupe, but I have driven a S52 M Roadster, and it has LOTS of power. I suppose it would run out of breath over 100mph or so compared to the S54, but around town, it is balls out fast.

 

I love those cars. Will pick one up next summer hopefully.

I am not a big fan of the roadster because it looks like the Z3, and that car is abit girly imho. Also I like to stand out in a crowd and the M coupe certainly does that

.

Totally incorrect! The differences between the S54 and the S52 in the M coupe is not as apparent as you might think. I have driven both extensively, and yes the S54 has much higher RPM power, but the S52 has never ran out of breath or felt underpowered! Using your analogy is like saying, the F355 is kinda slow, but is good around town. However, for the highways you need the 360. Not true at all. Come out to Cali, you can drive them, and tell me what you think.

 

That's surprising! I don't think my analogy is quite that bad, though. The difference between the hp of the 355 to 360 is about 5%, but the difference S52 to S54 is over 30%. Also, the two M cars have the same displacement, so peak torque is not much greater, the S54 just continues making torque at higher RPMs than the S52. This is why I assumed the S54 would be much faster at higher speeds, where raw HP matters more than torque.

Although I was obviously wrong, I don't think it was an illogical assumption.

 

LOL all good bro! Don't take it so seriously. I didn't mean to suggest that you were illogical.

Just wanted to dispell the rumor that there is such a diff between the s54 and s52. In the real world, there isnt.

 

I LOVE the Laguna Seca Blue.

Certainly no offense was taken.

Does the S54 have a six speed?

 

YES sir the LSB is stunning.
By the way, it only has 15lb feet more torque than the s52..i could be off by a few..picking from memory.

no, 5 speed.

 

I love the M Coupe too. I want to get an S52 sooner rather than later. I know that it has less power but like LAFUN2 mentioned the engine is completely reliable while the S54 's engine scares me a little bit. The S52 would be quick enough for me on a day to day basis I bet too. I think for the money an M Coupe is an incredible buy.

I would also consider a used Porsche Boxster S. I drove one around for an afternoon and I really enjoyed it. It wasn't the most powerful car but it was a lot of fun to drive. It handled well and I think that is the car I would buy if I was looking to spend $40K or so.

Other cars that are less than $40K that you might want to check out would be the Infiniti G35 Coupe. I think it is a good looking car and it is pretty quick but I have never driven one.

 

i didn't realize it had that much more torque. I always use tq/L as a measurement of a manufacturer's engine efficiency, since HP/L is so dependent upon the engine's character. BMW does VERY well with its M cars. Here are a few select cars:
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Why are you selling the clk430?

Of all the cars listed so far, I'd keep it frankly. If you want to blow $40k give it to me and I'll repaint it a different color and tell you you have a 'new car'

Another option: 2001 Bmw 750iL. Last year of the good looking body. Can be had for mid 30s.

 

Yes ugliness is what makes it attractive. I prefer to call it unique

Btw, here is the CLK owned by Peter at wheelexperts. I love this CLK.
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Very easy - Mustang GT!

 

speaking of which ...
the 350z roadster or mustang GT would both make good daily drivers
i talked to my neighbor and he said as of now he thinks the 350z is one of the funnest cars he's ever driven (he's had a boxster and corvette previously) but the mustang draws more heads for the moment ... probably not until everybody gets them
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Hey Jeremy! I haven't been here in a while, what's going on?

My parents are in the market for a luxury car so I've been researching all kinds for them. I think they are going with a Jaguar Stype R in the spring. If you like jag, you should check out their R line up. Supercharged with 400hp, you can't go wrong. I have come across M5's for around 40. I would like my parents to get one but they don't wan't a manual car. If you're still looking for a car now, I recommend a used M5 or m3. But really you should save your pennies and get the new Z06 next year