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

E

ExplorerXLT95

New member
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...
 
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.asp?section_id=33&article_id=2420&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!
 
I like the idea of the S4, how about a 350Z? That would leave you with enough left over for a Corolla or Civic. :D 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?
 
RhinoNC said:
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!
Click to expand...



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
 
thevolvoguy said:
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
Click to expand...



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? :D
 
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
 
i have to agree with the corvette, although the svt cobra would be a nice second... if you want the 350z wait till next year when they come out with the twin turbo version:cool:
 
Oh, I missed the "nice looking" part of the criteria. Scratch the STi . . . I love my WRX, and am lusting hard after its big brother, but I'll be the first to admit that they're far from the most aesthetically pleasing cars on the road. </understatement>



Ear-to-ear grins to drive, though . . .



Good luck on the search,

Tort
 
Well, here's the list so far....



2003/4 BMW M3 (SMG preferably)

2004 Audi S4 (the new one that's not out yet)

2003/4 SVT Cobra

2003/4 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (not a big bowtie fan though)

2003/4 WRX STi

2003/4 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

2003/4 Nissan 350Z

2003/4 Volvo S60R

2003/4 Maxda RX-8

2003/4 Honda S2000



A few clarifications... Yes, the car does have to be new or have less than 1000 miles. Also, this is the order of precedence for choice: speed/quickness/handling, looks, price



Also, a question for thevolvoguy... Do they have a C70R?? I loved the C70 that Val Kilmer drove in "The Saint."



Please, keep the list coming people!!
 
What about the new Honda Element?

Speed....Uh...

Handling...well...

Quickness....Ummm...

Looks...oh, boy...

Price....PRICE! It's got PRICE!



Oh, nevermind.:rolleyes:

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