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re: Pure driver cars these days…any recs?

Posted on 8/18/25 at 10:01 pm to
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
12194 posts
Posted on 8/18/25 at 10:01 pm to
Mustang GT350

Posted by RolltidePA
North Carolina
Member since Dec 2010
5108 posts
Posted on 8/18/25 at 11:06 pm to
quote:

I don't know why but I've always wanted an E46 M3.


They were great cars, I had one years ago around 2008. Had to unload it around 2011 because I was spending nearly $5k a year on repair and maintenance.

I looked into buying one not too long ago out of nostalgia. I decided against it because they aren’t holding up very well, tear subframe cracks and vanos issues that are all expensive to fix. The SMG version sucks and is the most common to find. Finding a clean 6 speed without the subframe cracks is a real challenge.

All that said; I loved that car. Just really needy and expensive to keep up with.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
19110 posts
Posted on 8/18/25 at 11:16 pm to
audi s6 avant that solves every problem you may have.
Posted by Nump
Down da Bayou
Member since Sep 2021
185 posts
Posted on 8/18/25 at 11:17 pm to
If you’re already comfortable with a Miata-sized car, and you want a manual, and you want something that handles like it’s on rails, you have to consider a Golf R, or at the very least a GTI. I think that up until this model year, you could still get both with a manual. Add a basic tune and you’re pushing 375 hp in the GTI and 475 in the R, with room to grow. Throw in the modest back seat and very usable hatch area, and it’s an excellent all-around car.

The only downside is that it looks like a GTI/Golf R. Not the sexiest vehicle. But it might be the most fun.
Posted by H2O Tiger
Delta Sky Club
Member since May 2021
7702 posts
Posted on 8/18/25 at 11:22 pm to
quote:

They were great cars, I had one years ago around 2008. Had to unload it around 2011 because I was spending nearly $5k a year on repair and maintenance.


A guy in my neighborhood has a clean 2005 Navy Blue Convertible. Gorgeous and well kept car but I can Imagine that the maintenance gets insane. My across the street neighbor has an M2, heavily modified 328i, and an old 2002. He is constantly working on those things.
Posted by holmesbr
Baton Rouge, La.
Member since Feb 2012
3910 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 3:17 am to
The GTI is the best daily driver you will find. Checks a lot of boxes more expensive options don't. Mk7 and newer are pretty reliable.
Posted by TSS_Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2013
261 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 4:53 am to



Unless you are dead set on import, I'm surprised the Vette hasn't come up yet.

- Weight distribution
- Mid Engine Car
- <$70K
- Stick Shift


Interestingly enough, I just watched a video the other day of a former S2000 driver specifically purchasing a C8 corvette for some of the same reasons. I assume your post is some form of glitch in the matrix....

Posted by FieldEngineer
Member since Jan 2015
2605 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 5:23 am to
quote:

my 2024 Explorer ST makes me realize I can never own a bike, as I can accelrate and go so fast. Under your budget, but will smoke almost everyone. Body roll is minimal, acceleration is going to beat everyone else on the interstate. Weight distro feels right, and I hit traffic circles and corners extremely well.


You learn something new every day. I had no idea mentally handicapped folks were ever allowed to drive.
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
94815 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 5:33 am to
I mean, you're going to have to firm up your budget. Is a M4 going to be too expensive?
Posted by 520460
Member since Apr 2017
132 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:28 am to
M3 or M4 with manual transmission. M2 manual would also work. My 05 S2000 was not my fastest car, but most fun to drive.
Posted by ATL Tiger 3
Atlanta, GA (Buford GA)
Member since Aug 2007
247 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:31 am to
new 400 Z Nismo . factory twin turbo. with manual gearbox
Posted by UltimaParadox
North Carolina
Member since Nov 2008
51572 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:34 am to
quote:

Lotus would have been a good option back in the day with Toyota engines but they decided to wuss out and make unreliable EVs. Their old F1 heritage is rolling in their grave.




2025 Lotus Emira comes in either a Toyota V6 or an AMG turbo 4
Posted by WDE24
Member since Oct 2010
54838 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 7:59 am to
911 997.2 Manual
Posted by cyarrr
Prairieville
Member since Jun 2017
4031 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:00 am to
quote:


I'm not a car dude and out of my depth in this crowd, but my 2024 Explorer ST makes me realize I can never own a bike, as I can accelrate and go so fast. Under your budget, but will smoke almost everyone. Body roll is minimal, acceleration is going to beat everyone else on the interstate. Weight distro feels right, and I hit traffic circles and corners extremely well.


Quick for an SUV, but that's quite a reach you made there.

Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
30041 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:20 am to
quote:

I don't know why but I've always wanted an E46 M3.

If I'm shopping for a fun car and don't have 911 money, that's what I'm buying.


We finally sold our Imola/Imola 2005 during COVID. We had owned it from new in 2004 and we both loved it but we just ran out of garage space and we rarely drove it any more. We got a VERY good price for it, but it was immaculate and only had 47k on the clock. It was likely our last manual car...

It is underpowered in today's world but it was a fun car, IMO one of the best looking BMWs ever made. Buying a used one can be a minefield because most of them have been through multiple owners now and you see a lot of deferred maintenance. We still hate we got rid of it but you can't keep everything forever.
Posted by CleverUserName
Member since Oct 2016
16347 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:27 am to
The M3 BMW is your answer.
Posted by Yewkindewit
Near Birmingham, Alabama
Member since Apr 2012
21626 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:31 am to
One of my sons has the 2024 Civic Type R. Now that car is great to drive and you can get on it! Right under $50K and it delivers.
Posted by Robin Masters
Birmingham
Member since Jul 2010
35072 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:32 am to
WRX
Posted by H2O Tiger
Delta Sky Club
Member since May 2021
7702 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:33 am to
I would have found a way to keep that thing, sure you got a great price on it though.
Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
23107 posts
Posted on 8/19/25 at 8:42 am to
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