O/T: Four seater sports car for under $50k? | FerrariChat
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O/T: Four seater sports car for under $50k?

Discussion in 'Texas' started by TXesprit, Mar 25, 2008.

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  1. TXesprit

    TXesprit Formula Junior

    Oct 31, 2001
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    Southlake
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    Sean
    #1 TXesprit, Mar 25, 2008
    OK, I'm rarely home and I have too many cars that I don't get to drive, especially now with a 6 month old who requires a back seat, safety, etc. So, I'm considering selling the Esprit to get something, dare I say, "more practical". But, I don't want to get just any old car. I need something that wouldn't be a primary driver, but something I could use with the kiddo in the car seat if I wanted to. I would prefer something that might have warranty left, or be fairly recent, but I would also like to keep it under $50k. It also must have a back seat that could fit a car seat if needed. I'm anxious to hear the group's thoughts on cars that might fit this role, since I'm having a hard time thinking of options.

    I'll get things started:

    used M-B E55 or CL55?
    used BMW M5?
    perhaps a Mondial?

    What else might work?
     
  2. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 jimpo1, Mar 25, 2008
    Mondial was my gut response. There's a nice 3.2 cabrio for sale on Ferrariads for $40k. That would give you $10k for service! :)

    How about a 2004+ Jag XJR? 400hp in serious comfort. Or a Jag XKR, same engine, 4 seats, convertible or coupe. M3? Audi S4 Cab?
     
  3. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #3 GrigioGuy, Mar 25, 2008
    Maserati coupe or spyder, the previous gen.
     
  4. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 WJHMH, Mar 25, 2008
    That's not a bad idea.
     
  5. jakermc

    jakermc Formula 3
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    #5 jakermc, Mar 25, 2008
    Maserati Coupe is a clear winner. The back seat is much larger than it first appears, you can actually fit adults back there, probably up to about 6' tall or so. You can get 2004 or 2005 models without breaking $50K. If you attend the exotic car night I will probably have it there for you to check out.
     
  6. bbs911

    bbs911 Formula Junior

    May 31, 2007
    590
    Dallas
    #6 bbs911, Mar 25, 2008
    I'd say it depends on how much you'll be bringing along the little one. To me, it would be much easier putting the little one in and out of the car seat in a sedan. I vote for the E55. How about a Cayenne S?
     
  7. TXesprit

    TXesprit Formula Junior

    Oct 31, 2001
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    #7 TXesprit, Mar 26, 2008
    Good suggestions. I was thinking of the Maserati Coupe / Spyder, and would like to take a closer look. I really like the Audi S4 Cab, but there is something about it that doesn't get me too fired up. S5 & S8 are a different story, but a bit more than I want to spend right now.

    I'll do a little research on the XJR and M3 as well.
     
  8. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    #8 DIGMAN52, Mar 26, 2008
    I just drove an A6 Audi my married daughter is looking at saturday, and was very impressed. Enough headroom for her 6' 7" husband. Also the A7 sport ute is around the same price, and has a cool interior. This coming from a previous Audi hater.

    2 years ago I changed from E-500 to SRT8 Charger, and it has been a fantastic car. Mine is coming off lease in June, and the buyout will be in the $25k range for anyone interested in a muscular 4 door with 425hp. I liked it so much I am on the wait list for the new Challenger.
     
  9. SAFE4NOW

    SAFE4NOW F1 Veteran
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    #9 SAFE4NOW, Mar 26, 2008
    Would get my vote. I'm 6'4" 220 and could get 4 adults or 2 adults and a baby seat in the back with room...

    300hp , All wheel drive, HR suspension and call it a day. Maybe even find an S6. Either with a factory 6/100k warranty would leave you money for dinner!

    Steve
     
  10. Brangeta

    Brangeta Formula 3

    Jan 31, 2005
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    #10 Brangeta, Mar 27, 2008
    Don't know if it's to your taste, but my choice would be 2008 Pontiac G8 GT. Why buy used when you can buy brand new and have some money to spare? :)
     
  11. LightGuy

    LightGuy Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 LightGuy, Mar 28, 2008
    996
     
  12. jakermc

    jakermc Formula 3
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    #12 jakermc, Mar 28, 2008
    Another excellent choice, we have a 2003 model. The back seat will fit a car seat but not real people. Fun to drive and makes for a great track day car even in street trim if you are at a novice level.

    Very different character than our 2004 Maserati coupe. The 996 is a sports car while the Maser is a luxury GT cruiser with sporting intentions. A full leather package dresses up the 996 significantly and closes the gap on interior finish. The base vinyl leaves a lot to be desired.
     
  13. TXesprit

    TXesprit Formula Junior

    Oct 31, 2001
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    Sean
    #13 TXesprit, Mar 28, 2008
    I looked at an S6 - sweet car, but more than I want to spend at 60+ for a used model. The regular A6 didn't get me as excited. Test drove the M-B E55 and S55. The S55 was too big / heavy for me, but I was real impressed with the E55, especially those cool active seats. I checked out the P-cars, too, but the back seat didn't look like it could hold much more than a six pack. I'll keep looking around, and please, keep the suggestions coming. Next up, I'll take a look at the Maserati.
     
  14. jakermc

    jakermc Formula 3
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    #14 jakermc, Mar 29, 2008
    Come to Exotic Car Night tonight and you can check mine out
     

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