I am at a loss - what next?

[JTB]

I am having a really tough time picking my next car. I would love some suggestions.

My budget is around $40k. My priorities are the following:
- Fun to drive
- Back seats - big enough for a 7 year old
- Manual transmission
- Performance orientated
- Can be driven daily

My track / race car is a spec miata. Anything I buy must be able to do a couple laps for fun. It will, however, not be tracked heavily. I am open to buying something and modifying it heavily. I am, however, someone who goes through cars so resale does need to be considered. I also don't do repeats - if I have already owned it, I won't do it again.

I was originally planning on a Porsche 964 c2 but the prices have become silly recently

Previous cars:
2009 135i (current)
2001 Porsche 996 TT
2000 BMW E39 M5
2003 Lancer Evolution VIII
1996 Porsche 993 C4
2001 WRX wagon
1985 Toyota MR2
1980 Porsche 928
1972 Datsun 240z
1974 Jeep CJ5

2003 Caterham Superlight R
1968 Porsche 911

[Meeni]

All the obvious choices are in you history of "no repeats".

That leaves the GT86, or a 997.

[M-Powa!]

For 40k I would say the new Mk7 Golf R, practical and fast.

I honestly still enjoy my box stock mk6 gti more than my 335i. The only thing I wish I had was more power. But for $4k I can add a bigger turbo and get 360hp/382ft-lbs tq.

[gap]

Originally Posted by OneLittleX3

For 40k I would say the new Mk7 Golf R, practical and fast.

I honestly still enjoy my box stock mk6 gti more than my 335i. The only thing I wish I had was more power. But for $4k I can add a bigger turbo and get 360hp/382ft-lbs tq.

+1 on the MK7 Golf R

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sGanI__1-g

Resale would be good since it will be a limited production.
Family friendly and a great driving chassis.
4 Wheel Drive would probably be a plus in Colorado.
First cars come with the DSG auto with manual trans available this summer.
The DSG shifts sound mighty quick in the video.

[Labeef]

STI, E39 M5

[JTB]

Originally Posted by Meeni

All the obvious choices are in you history of "no repeats".

That leaves the GT86, or a 997.

You are correct on the GT86 - I need to go drive one. I keep hoping they release one with a little more go though.

The 997 that is close to my range is the early one. It is known for IMS failures. Unlike the 996, it requires the case to be split to upgrade the bearing. The 997.2 is a bit beyond what I am looking to spend.

Definitely good thoughts

[JTB]

Originally Posted by gap

+1 on the MK7 Golf R

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sGanI__1-g

Resale would be good since it will be a limited production.
Family friendly and a great driving chassis.
4 Wheel Drive would probably be a plus in Colorado.
First cars come with the DSG auto with manual trans available this summer.
The DSG shifts sound mighty quick in the video.

I actually know very little about the R - will check it out. Thanks!

[JTB]

Originally Posted by Labeef

STI, E39 M5

Already done the M5 - one of my all time favorites!

The STi is interesting - I just wish it had evolved more since my WRX. Coming from an EVO, I may be tainted in my perspective.

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by JTB

The 997 that is close to my range is the early one. It is known for IMS failures. Unlike the 996, it requires the case to be split to upgrade the bearing. The 997.2 is a bit beyond what I am looking to spend.

Definitely good thoughts

I am in the same position as you here. I documented a bit on the issue and the very early 997 (up to about march 2005 prod. date) have the old style replaceable bearing that fails often (some say as high as 10% failure rate ). A replacement bearing is available aftermarket to solve the design issue, cost about $1000 to swap.

Later 997.1 have a stronger bearing that is hard to replace, but is also known to be a lot stronger (it still fails occasionally though, but it is not as epidemic as the previous design, some say about 0.5%, nobody knows for sure; I still can understand that you do not want to take that sort of risk, however minimal).

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by JTB

I actually know very little about the R - will check it out. Thanks!

Along those lines ... Audi S3, it is DSG only currently but manual should be coming out

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1074696

[davis449]

Originally Posted by OneLittleX3

For 40k I would say the new Mk7 Golf R, practical and fast.

I honestly still enjoy my box stock mk6 gti more than my 335i. The only thing I wish I had was more power. But for $4k I can add a bigger turbo and get 360hp/382ft-lbs tq.

You don't want that kind of of power in a FWD vehicle, much less a GTI...all you really need is a Stage I tune and clutch (yes, the clutch is REQUIRED, if you have a manual, for Stage I).

Along those lines ... Audi S3, it is DSG only currently but manual should be coming out

Seconded.

[E46driver]

Used E90 M3

[Thumper333]

Originally Posted by davis449

You don't want that kind of of power in a FWD vehicle, much less a GTI...all you really need is a Stage I tune and clutch (yes, the clutch is REQUIRED, if you have a manual, for Stage I).

I have a Stg 2 GTI, 280 bhp FWD on the factory clutch. 4000 miles Stg 1, 12,000 miles stage 2......over a dozen track days including Laguna Seca and it holds fine.

A clutch is not REQUIRED, especially for Stage 1. However, since the factory clutch quality is sketchy, it should be a thought that a clutch may be needed and that kept in mind and in budget.

And once you go Stg 1 you will want that extra little power and the flatter power band LOL

Plenty of guys with big turbo GTIs.


But yeah, I third the Golf R suggestion, it was first in my mind when you mentioned your budget and needs. Been toying with swapping my GTI in for one when they come out......LOL


Not sure when the manual is going to hit for it, I have come to terms with my unsupported love of the MT and entered the modern era that has the DSG/Dual Clutch trans dominating real performance driving. Just remind yourself it's a manual.....with no clutch.

[Kiwi]

Forget the golf wait for the M2 you'll have a few more dollars saved as well. I don't understand if Golf is so great why are these owners in a BMWs.

[JTB]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

Along those lines ... Audi S3, it is DSG only currently but manual should be coming out

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1074696

I would have to say I like the styling better than the Golf. I do hope they do actually produce a manual.

[JTB]

Originally Posted by E46driver

Used E90 M3

Yes, a good option. Hard to find manuals and impossible to find without a sunroof. I actually had a deposit on a new one for awhile - European Delivery. Sadly, at the time, I could only get an AT for the delivery time frame, so I dropped it and grabbed an M5 instead.

If the right one comes along, it is what I am likely to do.

[JTB]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Forget the golf wait for the M2 you'll have a few more dollars saved as well. I don't understand if Golf is so great why are these owners in a BMWs.

Not a matter of saving, just a matter of spending what I consider a reasonable budget. M2 doesn't seem to inspire me - maybe once it is finally released, the reviews will make it more interesting.

[E46driver]

E90 M3 is just perfect for what your looking for. Thats it.

[Labeef]

Originally Posted by E46driver

E90 M3 is just perfect for what your looking for. Thats it.

I agree. Or even a e90 M3 sedan.

[Petros]

Originally Posted by Labeef

I agree. Or even a e90 M3 sedan.

Um, the E90 M3 IS the sedan! The coupe is E92 and vert is E93

[M-Powa!]

Originally Posted by Thumper333

I have a Stg 2 GTI, 280 bhp FWD on the factory clutch. 4000 miles Stg 1, 12,000 miles stage 2......over a dozen track days including Laguna Seca and it holds fine.

A clutch is not REQUIRED, especially for Stage 1. However, since the factory clutch quality is sketchy, it should be a thought that a clutch may be needed and that kept in mind and in budget.

And once you go Stg 1 you will want that extra little power and the flatter power band LOL

Plenty of guys with big turbo GTIs.


But yeah, I third the Golf R suggestion, it was first in my mind when you mentioned your budget and needs. Been toying with swapping my GTI in for one when they come out......LOL


Not sure when the manual is going to hit for it, I have come to terms with my unsupported love of the MT and entered the modern era that has the DSG/Dual Clutch trans dominating real performance driving. Just remind yourself it's a manual.....with no clutch.

Dang thumper is that you?

Yeah K04 is the best step up for the mk6. The fwd platform can handle it, only issue is you need a downpipe. With that being said I won't pass smog. I was looking at having the car registered at my families place in Arizona.

[Labeef]

Originally Posted by Petros

Um, the E90 M3 IS the sedan! The coupe is E92 and vert is E93

Ok.