Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Ok y'all, help me choose a sports car.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-30-18, 08:42 AM
  #1  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
Thread Starter
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default Ok y'all, help me choose a sports car.

I have a $50,000 budget. Must-haves:

-convertible w/power top.
-V8/V10/V12 either N/A or Forced Induction
-Reliable
-HID or LED Projector Headlamps (duh)
-Navigation
-heated/vented leather seats
-bluetooth and hands-free calling stereo system.
-RWD!!!
-0-60 under 5 seconds


Open to compromise:

-Manual Trans, or Sport Shift/Dual Clutch/Sequential.
-Targa top ok, but not preferred
-Hardtop convertible preferred, but not required
-Would be OK with a V6 engine if it felt sporty enough (Maybe an IS350C?)
-Would like woodgrain trim, or carbon fiber.
-0-60 under 4.5 seconds.
-Radar cruise would be nice.

don't care:

-keyless enter/go
-cd player (don't use them anymore)
-electronic nannies (as long as I can turn them off)
-sport-seats (don't care for crazy side bolsters, but I can deal)
-new/used doesn't matter, as I will be keeping it awhile.


So basically, what I am in the market for is a Touring/Sports car. One I can get in and drive around the country if I want and not be sick of being in it after an 8 hour stretch. One that is practical enough to drive over speed bumps at the mall. One that is reliable enough for road trips.

Considerations:

-Mercedes SL
-AMG SLC 43 Roadster
-Corvette (C6 or C7, C7 preferred)
-Mustang...i could be persuaded.
-Lexus SC430 (2007+) I have always been partial to this car, not sure why.
-Ferrari F355
-Ferrari 360 Spyder (if I can find one not thrashed, I may stretch the budget a bit).
-Jaguar F-type V8
-911 cabriolet, although the are EVERYWHERE here in TX.
-Lexus IS350C (because maybe...just maybe, I might like it if I drive it?)
-BMW M4
-Viper (drool)

Open to other suggestions of course!

Last edited by ArmyofOne; 10-30-18 at 10:22 AM.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 09:25 AM
  #2  
jrmckinley
Pole Position
 
jrmckinley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: fl
Posts: 3,093
Received 395 Likes on 268 Posts
Default

I'm not sure it checks every single box, but I personally wouldn't be able to resist an SL550. You could be in the 2014 or 2015 range given your budget. A timeless beauty IMO.


jrmckinley is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 09:26 AM
  #3  
jrmckinley
Pole Position
 
jrmckinley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: fl
Posts: 3,093
Received 395 Likes on 268 Posts
Default

How about leasing an LC500? $5k down and $1,100/month for 36 months comes out to about $40k. Invest the $50k making about 4 to 5 percent per year and you may not come out losing too much more than buying something at $50k and selling it for $30k in 3 years.
jrmckinley is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 09:28 AM
  #4  
UDel
Lexus Fanatic
 
UDel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ------
Posts: 12,274
Received 296 Likes on 223 Posts
Default

Used would get you much more car for the money so all my suggestions are used. Doing only a convertible limits your selection and in most cases effects rigidity and acceleration. Is a convertible really that important?

Corvette convertible.
8 cylinder Mustang or Camaro convertible.
911 convertible.
Viper
M3/M4
M6
RS5
Ferrari 355

UDel is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 09:28 AM
  #5  
swajames
Pole Position
 
swajames's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,572
Received 708 Likes on 443 Posts
Default

You may be able to find a 2014/2015 Jaguar F Type V8S for that kind of budget. It checks most of your boxes. Had no reliability issues with mine, but that's not always the case.

The V6 is nice too, but you want the V8...

The exhaust noise will shock you. It is sublime. And so loud under WOT you'll be surprised it's legal. It's a FANTASTIC sports/tourer.

Last edited by swajames; 10-30-18 at 09:33 AM.
swajames is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 10:13 AM
  #6  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
Thread Starter
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by jrmckinley
I'm not sure it checks every single box, but I personally wouldn't be able to resist an SL550. You could be in the 2014 or 2015 range given your budget. A timeless beauty IMO.


Thats a winner there! Are the AMG models in that price range too?

Originally Posted by jrmckinley
How about leasing an LC500? $5k down and $1,100/month for 36 months comes out to about $40k. Invest the $50k making about 4 to 5 percent per year and you may not come out losing too much more than buying something at $50k and selling it for $30k in 3 years.
I prefer to buy. I put way too many miles on all of my cars for a lease, and I like to be able to mod them as I please.

Originally Posted by UDel
Used would get you much more car for the money so all my suggestions are used. Doing only a convertible limits your selection and in most cases effects rigidity and acceleration. Is a convertible really that important?

Corvette convertible.
8 cylinder Mustang or Camaro convertible.
911 convertible.
Viper
M3/M4
M6
RS5
Ferrari 355
I am not after perfect handling, nor complete and total comfort. I am a sucker for the top-down drive, and prefer the isolation of a hard top from the environment around me when I want the top up. Best of both worlds.

Originally Posted by swajames
You may be able to find a 2014/2015 Jaguar F Type V8S for that kind of budget. It checks most of your boxes. Had no reliability issues with mine, but that's not always the case.

The V6 is nice too, but you want the V8...

The exhaust noise will shock you. It is sublime. And so loud under WOT you'll be surprised it's legal. It's a FANTASTIC sports/tourer.
I had not considered the F-type. Great suggestion! I remember it on top gear! Sound was incredible.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 11:26 AM
  #7  
RNM GS3
Lexus Test Driver
 
RNM GS3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: New York
Posts: 7,259
Received 70 Likes on 52 Posts
Default

Get a used 2011-2013 E93 M3 - hardtop convertible.
You will need to do 2 things:
1) replace rod bearing - about $2,500
2) get an exhaust system

Best value available right now....these things will go up in value due to the NA V8.

A decent Ferrari 360 will be way over $50k.
Stay away from 355.

911 Vert will be tough to find in decent shape around $50k unless you are ok with 996.

Corvette is another good choice, they are doing epic discounts on new ones.

Last edited by RNM GS3; 10-30-18 at 11:31 AM.
RNM GS3 is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 01:00 PM
  #8  
bagwell
Lexus Champion
 
bagwell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 11,205
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Hehe....

bagwell is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 01:23 PM
  #9  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
Thread Starter
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default

My dad and I share that exact car bagwell. Im honestly ok with a regular vette vert, but i think i want something different since i can literally drive the pace car whenever i want.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 01:35 PM
  #10  
pbm317
Lead Lap
 
pbm317's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Virginia
Posts: 4,891
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by swajames
You may be able to find a 2014/2015 Jaguar F Type V8S for that kind of budget. It checks most of your boxes. Had no reliability issues with mine, but that's not always the case.

The V6 is nice too, but you want the V8...

The exhaust noise will shock you. It is sublime. And so loud under WOT you'll be surprised it's legal. It's a FANTASTIC sports/tourer.
I second this!! F Type V8 exhaust crackle is absolutely intoxicating.... Permagrin and never had any issues with our long term 2014 V8 S as well.
pbm317 is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 02:05 PM
  #11  
bagwell
Lexus Champion
 
bagwell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 11,205
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ArmyofOne
My dad and I share that exact car bagwell. Im honestly ok with a regular vette vert, but i think i want something different since i can literally drive the pace car whenever i want.
I know man, just messin with ya.

Have you driven a C7?

bagwell is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 02:15 PM
  #12  
Allen K
-0----0-

iTrader: (4)
 
Allen K's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 9,532
Received 793 Likes on 556 Posts
Default

Do you have any issues getting in/out of lower cars? I'd think that the Mustang GT would be a good mix of power and comfort
Allen K is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 02:34 PM
  #13  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
Thread Starter
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by pbm317
I second this!! F Type V8 exhaust crackle is absolutely intoxicating.... Permagrin and never had any issues with our long term 2014 V8 S as well.
I think i may go drive one. They are stunning cars.

Originally Posted by bagwell
I know man, just messin with ya.

Have you driven a C7?
No, but they look awesome.
Originally Posted by Allen K
Do you have any issues getting in/out of lower cars? I'd think that the Mustang GT would be a good mix of power and comfort
I do. The C6 is almost impossible for me to get out of. Getting into it is not so bad, but to get out i pretty much have to roll out onto the ground and do a push up its pretty comical.

the SLC 43 AMG I drove yesterday i did not have that problem though.

perhaps my biggest issue with the C6 is that it just beats me to death on the road. Not comfortable at all for longer trips.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 03:00 PM
  #14  
ArmyofOne
Dysfunctional Veteran
Thread Starter
 
ArmyofOne's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Van Alstyne, TX
Posts: 7,828
Received 160 Likes on 112 Posts
Default

The E class cabriolet looks nice. Not sure how sporty it is though. I love the interior.
ArmyofOne is offline  
Old 10-30-18, 04:19 PM
  #15  
EthanV
Lead Lap
 
EthanV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

EthanV is offline  


Quick Reply: Ok y'all, help me choose a sports car.



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:35 PM.