All these posts lately got me thinking again... what is the best combo car for under $70K? I raised it up from $60K as there are several contenders $60K-$70K, and removed backseat requirement. Quite a spectrum to be sure, even with the criteria below. So ya got $70K... WHAT WOULD YOU BUY???

Here's the criteria:
-Can be driven HARD daily (definition- take it out on some country roads/hwy and "safely" test it's abilities)
-Reliable- standard maintenance = expected performance. Mods alter this
-Comfortable to commute daily- more than 50 miles a day
-Decent mileage- 23+ mpg hwy
-Some "functional" trunk space- I think 12+ cu ft would qualify
-Track is only place to truly test it's full limits
-Can do the above and not wind up in the shop for ECU/brakes/oil/coolant issues
-Will hold value- depreciation low so still maintains 60%+ TV after 2 years
-Although a "sports" car, doesn't need oil weekly, self-service, etc. ie live-in-your-garage maintenance

Have fun and let the Games begin...

 

It's a 70K car.
Removed this critieria: Decent mileage- 23+ mpg hwy

 

Corvette.

Do it.

 

Is-f...... Ftw..lol

 

Yeah.. you're right... 20 mpg...AND unless ice/deep snow SHOULD be able to be driven most of the year

 

911 c4s thats my pick, 60% are still on the road. Parts arent too bad since its no ferrari. with the c4s you get awd and an easier snow comute. mpg is real good its a 3.8 flat 6.

 

1. M3 sedan
2. CTS-V
3. IS F
4. M3 coupe
5. C63 AMG

 

I'm lovin' the choices!! I'll list my Top 5 soon....

 

C63
Audi S5

 

used m5
used 911 turbo

 

My rankings... to be fair, I also need a backseat...
1. IS-F
2. 911 C4S
3. M3 sedan
4. S5

Quite a gap, then...

5. X5/C63/5-series

Note: X5 was at one time #2.... reliability records knocked it down

Without the need for a backseat, there would have been a different outcome!

 

-Dodge Challenger SRT-8(AUTO) [40k/ 0-60: 4.7/13.0@110MPH 17 mpg city]

Lexus IS-F [65K/ 0-60: 4.2/ 12.6@114MPH/14 mpg city]

Nissan GT-R [73K/0-60: 3.2/11.6@125MPH/17 mpg city]

 

BMW 550i....

 

The F is the only car in this conversation that gets mileage like this. The 8 speed gear box that gets so much criticism for having too many gears allows this.

You've already seen the posts on the F thread....there are many of us who drive our cars year round. I'm guessing that there isn't any weather that you get in WI that is worse than what we experience up here.

I looked seriously at all of these cars, almost buying the C63 instead.
For me, the 911 and S5 (which I love) were out immediately as I need 4 doors. The X5 and 5 series were never a consideration, as we already have an RX and imo the 5 series is a different category of cars.

That leaves the M3 sedan, the IS F and the C63. All are incredible cars with their own positive attributes. I was too hesitant about the M3 as I am too familiar with some of the BMW reliability issues. I know that it's the fastest car on the track, but that wasn't the primary criteria I was looking for. The interiors are spartan compared to Lexus.

The C63 is a complete monster. If you've ever fired one up, you will know how incredible the engine sounds. I love the sound that the F makes when it cracks 3800 rpms, but the AMG is flat out scary. I was even entertaining giving up the reliability of the F for the crazy power of the C63. The depreciation of MB is awfully bad however. Unfortunately there were no C63's available when I needed my new car so I chose the F.

I know that you have done your homework on the F so I won't go into what you're getting with it. It ultimately comes down to what vehicle best suits your needs. I don't think there is a bad choice in this group, and as I've said before, owners of these vehicles are generally happy with the choices they've made as they know they have incredible super sedans.

 

Some of the picks mentioned here are over 70k.. unless you are talking used...

IMO, SUV != Performance && SUV != track, so the X5 would be out of the question.

Corvette is perfect, but it doesn't meet your resale value requirements.

C63 doesn't meet your gas mileage requirements, unless you tow it around.. he he

If you plan to drive the car 50+ miles per day, then I don't think the m3 nor any Audi would meet your reliability requirements.

So... I guess what you are hinting at in your signature is also what I'm hinting at for your combo car.