4-doors? You can start with the new Chrysler 300C, Dodge Magnum or Charger R/T or SRT-8 Hemis.
If you can spend a little more there is the Cadillac CTS-V.

These cars, however, may not have particularly good build quality.

 

If 4 door is an option, definately wait for the new IS350.

If you can wait even longer, there's a likelihood the IS350 hardtop convertible maybe coming out late next year.

 

i was just about to say that, if 4 door, wait for the is350 and see what's up

 

my top 3 choices would be m3, g35 or nsx,,,,, i had the first two, loved them, i have always loved the nsx, sporty, reliable and hold their value very very well,,,,,,,, i love the porsches but i would be scared to drop that much money on a used one..........

 

$45k just for the car alone. the fun part is saving up and modding the car patiently.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback from everyone. This is why I stop by and look at the forums since about a year ago when I bought my RX 330.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m really not the type of guy that modifies a vehicle. I do, however, enjoy looking at the work people place into their vehicles.

I’m not looking for a car that has blazing performance. I just wanted something nice. It looks like I have found a car that has finally caught my eye. There’s a silver/gray 2002 BMW 330 convertible with about 35K miles selling for 35k. Any ideas whether this model is pretty reliable? I don’t know much about BMW’s. I have heard that they have electrical problems, but I don’t know if it’s true on the 3 series.

It really is between that and the SC430, but I’m leaning towards the 330.

With the money I’ll be saving, I’m thinking about going ahead and trading up my RX for a GX. Now, THAT’S a man’s car.

 

well between the 330 and the sc430, for sure i think the sc430 has a much better status and image. plus it's going to be more reliable for sure, i don't think anyone can argue that

and flip, gotcha, i wonder how much extra it would cost to make the car LOOKS like that too

 

For $45k maybe you can find a brand new leftover 05 GS430

 

The 3-series is recommended by Consumer Reports which means it has at least average reliability (their term is "good"). I subscribe to CR's online service - just looked up the reliability history and it looks like BMW got the 3-series' electrical issues generally taken care of by 2000. So a 2002 model should serve you well.

The 330 convert is a nice ride.

M.

 

man it would be really sad if a dealership still has one around

 

Have you considered the new Porsche Cayman? I think it looks great and with a 295hp flat six how can you go wrong. Then again, a 911 is hard to fault as a driving experience.