Suggestions of a sporty ride at or less than $53K???

[ExplorerXLT95]

Basically, I would like you guys to name as many "sports car" type cars as you can possibly think of with a ceiling of $53,000...

I figure X number of heads are better than 1 and this way, I can begin re-analyzing my choices for my upcoming new car.

Basically, what are all the quick, and nice looking cars for under $53K that you can think of?? Any and all suggestions are welcome, as long as the car is no more than an absolute maximum of $55,000.

I'll start it out with the cars that I can think of...

2003/4 BMW M3 Coupe ~$52K nicely equiped
2004 Audi S4 ~$50K (price unknown; car to debut in August)
2003/4 SVT Cobra ~$38K nicely equiped

Let's hear em...

[RhinoNC]

Subaru WRX or the STi!

All wheel drive, great handling. 0-60 under 6 seconds. That's just the WRX. The STi is even sportier.

Check out the reviews of the WRX at Car and Driver. It made their 10 best list two years in a row:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

It was flawless in their 40,000 mile long term test.

They even put it up against an Audi S4 Quattro and BMW 330xi in a comparison. The WRX beat the BMW and came in second by only one point to the Audi.

Did I mention that WRXs go for $25000?!

One other anecdote. My next door neighbor is a Ferrari mechanic (what a great job). He showed me a WRX that he just modified a bit for a client so he could take it to the track. The client is an officer in the local Ferrari club and has Ferraris, a 944 that he races, a BMW, and he loves the WRX!

Annapolis is far enough north that you should appreciate the all wheel drive too.

I absolutely love mine!

[RhinoNC]

Oops. I forgot to put the link to the comparison in that post. Here it is:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

[IndigoGTI]

I like the idea of the S4, how about a 350Z? That would leave you with enough left over for a Corolla or Civic. The G35 coupe is a nice looking vehicle too.

Does it have to be new, because, you can snag a M5 for around $50,000, or even a 540i sport. Corvette? Boxster? Ever thought about the new Subaru WRX STi, or do you want a higher-end car?

[thevolvoguy]

The only thing I can think of that can take a WRX, M3, or S4 in nearly EVERYTHING is a Volvo S60R.

0-60 in 5.7sec with the Auto
or
5.1 with the stick

Register to see for your self today...

http://www.volvoRdrive.com/

The pics speak for themselves IMO.

[thevolvoguy]

Heres a good article about the R model.

http://www.swedespeed.com/features/r...ve/index.shtml

And another pic, of the interior.

[DetailGirl]

Originally posted by BlackRegal
Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe \ Nissan 350Z

Totally agree! Both very reliable cars on top of that!

[BradE]

03' Cobra. Has 390 Hp, and the handing is great. Can't beat almost 400 hp for under $35K.

[Iconoclast]

Originally posted by RhinoNC
Subaru WRX or the STi!

All wheel drive, great handling. 0-60 under 6 seconds. That's just the WRX. The STi is even sportier.

I absolutely love mine!

I agree the STI goes 0-60 @ 4.8 sec. Not many cars under $53,000 can match that. With the STI being $31,000 you can spend the savings on a $22,000 beater.

If you want something a little faster for about $45,000 get a vette. If you want style or comfort at the sacrifice of speed or handling go with the volvo or maybe an Audi TT.

I can't argue against an M3, what a car. Actuallly if I was definately going to spend $53,000 on one (new) car it would be the M3

[Intermezzo]

Originally posted by thevolvoguy
The only thing I can think of that can take a WRX, M3, or S4 in nearly EVERYTHING is a Volvo S60R.

0-60 in 5.7sec with the Auto
or
5.1 with the stick

The M3 can hit 60 in 4.7. I assume you're making reference to this since it's an exception to the rule that the S60R can "take" an M3 in nearly everything?

[TortoiseAWD]

I'm biased . . .

With $50k, I'd be looking at an STi and a boat-load of mods, and set aside enough for a used RS for wintertime. Fun fun!

Tort

[blackcaraddict]

this is a no brainer....BMW 540i sport 6 speed