Fun Daily Driver Around $35k..What would you have?
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Hey guys, I'm just starting my search for a fun daily driver. I am in no rush but I would prefer to have my vehicle IN my garage before winter is over.
I’m looking for a daily driver but after driving a Lexus SUV for a while I am ready to make a more 'emotional puchase'. I only put about 13 000 miles on my cars/year. I am pretty flexible with my price range but I would prefer to keep the purchase around 35K(CAD) [or 30k(USD) if I decide to swing south of the border where many of you are!] Whatever car I buy I’ll be running to the ground (6+yrs of ownership) so my main concerns are:
- Coupe (2 seaters acceptable)
- Relatively reliable (MUST be capable in snow when I throw winter tires on)
- Fun to Drive (prefer manual but would buy an auto if I got a good deal)
- Reasonable to maintain (fair on gas/insurance/yearly maint costs)
Cars in contention right now:
04+ E46 M3 (Timeless design with decent gas consumption)
![](https://bmwmregistry.com/media/E46M3ZCP.jpg)
Porsche Cayman (Don't think I'd make use of the S' extra power/brakes etc)
![](http://www.ssip.net/upload/porsche-cayman-side-1_145.jpg)
07+ E92 328i or 328xi (Sensible 3 series...335i seems like trouble down the line due to the HPFP issues and my lack of confidence in first gen turbocharged engines)
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VagH3b9TpaU/SJZtXl4p3oI/AAAAAAAAA2g/i4P_jOydTgc/s400/2635606196_53d907fd76.jpg)
I'm not a huge fan of the Nissan 350/370z Or the Infiniti G lineup so you can leave those out of your suggestions . Also I'd love an IS if they had an aggressive coupe version..alas they haven't built one yet![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
I know a lot of you share my passion for cars so feel free to share your insight.
Much Appreciated
I’m looking for a daily driver but after driving a Lexus SUV for a while I am ready to make a more 'emotional puchase'. I only put about 13 000 miles on my cars/year. I am pretty flexible with my price range but I would prefer to keep the purchase around 35K(CAD) [or 30k(USD) if I decide to swing south of the border where many of you are!] Whatever car I buy I’ll be running to the ground (6+yrs of ownership) so my main concerns are:
- Coupe (2 seaters acceptable)
- Relatively reliable (MUST be capable in snow when I throw winter tires on)
- Fun to Drive (prefer manual but would buy an auto if I got a good deal)
- Reasonable to maintain (fair on gas/insurance/yearly maint costs)
Cars in contention right now:
04+ E46 M3 (Timeless design with decent gas consumption)
![](https://bmwmregistry.com/media/E46M3ZCP.jpg)
Porsche Cayman (Don't think I'd make use of the S' extra power/brakes etc)
![](http://www.ssip.net/upload/porsche-cayman-side-1_145.jpg)
07+ E92 328i or 328xi (Sensible 3 series...335i seems like trouble down the line due to the HPFP issues and my lack of confidence in first gen turbocharged engines)
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VagH3b9TpaU/SJZtXl4p3oI/AAAAAAAAA2g/i4P_jOydTgc/s400/2635606196_53d907fd76.jpg)
I'm not a huge fan of the Nissan 350/370z Or the Infiniti G lineup so you can leave those out of your suggestions . Also I'd love an IS if they had an aggressive coupe version..alas they haven't built one yet
![Egads!](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/pat.gif)
I know a lot of you share my passion for cars so feel free to share your insight.
Much Appreciated
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To my knowledge they are
Bmw did their winter performance training with the E46 M
Porsche Caymans were used for similar classes
328xi is fantastic in the snow
I just have my doubts (maybe unfounded) about 400 torque in an american rwd sports car in winter.
Bmw did their winter performance training with the E46 M
Porsche Caymans were used for similar classes
328xi is fantastic in the snow
I just have my doubts (maybe unfounded) about 400 torque in an american rwd sports car in winter.
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Even if BMW did do winter performance training using E46 M3s, that is not a great winter car. I would only choose that if you are a very skilled winter driver.
A 328xi would probably be your best choice in the snow, but I really like Porsches so I personally would probably choose a Cayman out of the cars listed here.
A 328xi would probably be your best choice in the snow, but I really like Porsches so I personally would probably choose a Cayman out of the cars listed here.
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#8
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If you get the Cayman, the S is what you want...if anything the chassis feels like it can handle more and more power. Porsche handicaps it so the 911 can remain on top but the Cayman S is simply superb.
VEtte is a great choice.
M3 is another great choice and makes more "daily" sense with a big trunk and rear seats.
VEtte is a great choice.
M3 is another great choice and makes more "daily" sense with a big trunk and rear seats.
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Even if BMW did do winter performance training using E46 M3s, that is not a great winter car. I would only choose that if you are a very skilled winter driver.
A 328xi would probably be your best choice in the snow, but I really like Porsches so I personally would probably choose a Cayman out of the cars listed here.
A 328xi would probably be your best choice in the snow, but I really like Porsches so I personally would probably choose a Cayman out of the cars listed here.
If you get the Cayman, the S is what you want...if anything the chassis feels like it can handle more and more power. Porsche handicaps it so the 911 can remain on top but the Cayman S is simply superb.
VEtte is a great choice.
M3 is another great choice and makes more "daily" sense with a big trunk and rear seats.
VEtte is a great choice.
M3 is another great choice and makes more "daily" sense with a big trunk and rear seats.
I have time on my side, and I am fairly confident I can find a decent example of either car within the next few months
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Well I want to avoid a car that would leave me late for work in the morning/having to use another car because it's in service so often. (Basically I want to avoid any vintage cars/early Porsche 911s/early muscle cars or any other creative.....but not so sensible purchases)
I don't mind maintenance as long as it can be sorted out without interfering with my lifestyle (ie if there IS an issue it must be able to be sorted out in a reasonably short span of time.)
#12
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Caymen (either version) would be my choice, assuming top notch handling/steering/braking combined with fun to drive are important attributes. Having owned Boxster and Boxster S's both are very rewarding cars.
Last edited by IS-SV; 10-17-09 at 11:33 PM.
#14
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I would say get yourself a used late model 350Z or go all out and just get a new 370Z. You will fall in love and will be amazed at the kind of *** you will be able to kick on the streets. As a former Nissan freak I have to say I have massive respect for the durability and strength of their VQ motors. They are bullet proof and are lots of fun no matter what platform they are in
#15
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Since you seem to like BMW's have you considered the M5 or 540i Sport? There are also a few Mercedes AMG models that could be had for $35k; or you could get a very nice NSX, Supra TT or 300ZXTT for that money as well. I can't help but throw those out there as I love the classic Japanese hot rods! And they're very reliable if they've been kept up well-for $35k you could find one that has been.