OT: Which car would you buy?

It's probably silly to expect an unbiased answer to this question from this group but here goes...... Let's say you want to buy a car that will be used as a daily driver that would be competent on the track (DE events) without major mods. The main goal is to maximize the performance/cost of owenership ratio. By cost of ownership, I'm primarily focused on depreciation, repair, and maintenance cost. The acquisition cost can't exceed $45k. However, the lower, the better. Which car would you buy? 1) BMW M Coupe (the hard top version of the Z3 with the M3 engine) 2) 350Z with the enthusiast package 3) BMW M3 4) Boxster 5) None of the above (what alternative would you recomend)

Sounds like a mid-90s NSX would work. Low depreciation, reliable, good track cars, pretty exclusive.

E39 M5

Some might call me crazy , but a well prepped 02-05 Mustang Cobra would be a good choice. think about it cheap car to buy lots of after market parts out there and a real cheap car to repair.It has lots of HP and with todays After market parts could be a real track car.

One of the best things about the NSX is it's low cost of maintenance compared to other supercars. A fantastic car.

$45K...I'll definitely look into a 964RSA, a perfect weapon for street and track. This car will easily outdo all of the cars that you have listed.

start driving them all to figure it out. You could buy a used C6. 400hp about the same size as a 997..

For the lowest cost of ownership with great track car abilities I'd choose the M Coupe. They hold there value very well ( there's always a band of kids ready to jump on one), and they're pretty inexpensive. A real nice one can be had for 22-25k.

M3

M3 or C5/C6 Corvette

M Coupe 5.0 Mustang: would probalby be cheap to run but more expensive to set up the suspension at first. Still cheapest option Boxster S

For 45K you could get a nice Boxster S with M030 suspension. Very descent and fun daily driver, with excellent track capabilities. The Balace of the Boxster is amazing! And in my experience, the faster cars on the track are the well balanced, better handeling ones. Not the ones with the most horses.

1. 996 2. M3 3. 350z (best bang for your buck) 4. C5 Z06

Buy an already track-prepped 951 for $15K and run circles around the cars you're looking at, then take $30 and buy almost new A4 for a daily driver A4 with 6000 miles No depreciation on the track car and not much on the A4. Both pretty fun to drive.

Subaru STi? Four doors, good on the track and rel cheap. I don't think dep is a huge deal on the STi. Also, a little moding makes a monster.

I would go with a couple of years old M3. They are getting cheaper and are a hell of a car. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tony Westminster, Maryland USA 2004 40 Year 911 2000 Ford Excursion V10 1998 BMW 540 6 speed sport 1985 GMC Suburban (4" lift w/35" Super Swampers) 1980 Triumph TR-7 (367hp Buick GN powered) 2003 Yamaha Roadstar

I agree, I would also go for the M Coupe. 99-00 are in the 22-25k range but they have the 240 hp E36 M3 engine. With a $45k budget, you can get an 01 or 02 with the 315hp engine from the M3 E46 (E46 M3's have 333hp but the M3 coupe has a diff intake and exhaust, thus only 315hp). They hold their value extremely well (especially the 02's) they run about $35k and you still have $10k left over for track mods.

What year M3? I'm thinking M3 because I think they received some extended warranty a few years ago because of their engines blowing.

It depends on if you want to mod it or not. Also if you want to go used, well used, or new. If you want to get in and go, they are all good choices, but the 350 does have a bit of a harsh ride. Also consider your budget for repairs, if this is limited, consider the NSX, if you have not driven one, please do. If you have any twisting roads nearby, that thing will melt your heart. If your budget is up to 30k, and you have a budget for repairs, the 996 can be had for 30k or even less. I have yet to drive an M3, but can't wait to. My only concern would be that engine problem they had when they first came out with this current generation. Also, they are so high strung from the factory that the mods you can do are limited. If you are open to the Mustang, drive an 05 GT. It is fast and handles well. With a few bucks it can handle great. Honestly I will not tell you what I would buy. I would go out and test drive each one and find which one pulls the right strings for me. - Good luck and happy hunting!!!! BTW, sometimes the pursuit is much greater than the catch. Isn't it wonderful to think of all the different cars you can consider?

For some research, use http://video.google.com and search for the "Top Gear" archives.. they are top notch. I've spent the time over Christmas watching them ALL. Search for "Top Gear" and you'll get about 10 pages of stuff, much of it worth watching, and probably a good slice of info on each of these cars. Keith

If I go with the M3, I'll try to get the newest one I can afford.

I'd buy a Corvette before any of those.

You could pick up a Viper coupe from the '97 to 2000 era for that price. Cheap in maintenance and bullet proof engine. Race car for the street. The only issue would be gas mileage.

Also not a bad idea! I absolutely HATE the speed racer wing and hood scoop or I may have bought one already. If you can get past the styling it's a hell of a car.

I haven't been able to get past the styling. Is there an un-bodykit on the market?

M3 without a doubt, haha

M3 or Evo. NSX eats rear tires. Viper is not a good daily driver

I'm with you live. If they could stop making this car so "fugly" looking it would be a possibility.

The spoiler is the killer with the STI. You can get something more discreet - and you've got yourself a great car (sold one after 2 years to get a 996). Amazing daily driver, a blast in the snow and with a good set of pads and tires, it's a blast on the track.

Amen!

I'd go with the NSX...always loved that car and hear they're almost bulletproof maintence wise.

I just bought an 06 C6 Corvette while I am looking for a 993, and I have to say it is one hell of a car. You could probably buy a new 06 coupe for the $ you are talking about. Go drive one, I think you will be impressed. Still looking for a 2002 996 or a 993 coupe! anyone know of any? Thanks

M3, and I own a NSX