It's time to start shopping for a new car. Since I have a 240Z, you know where some of my taste are. I've owned many cars over the years (I'm 50) but the ones I've enjoyed the most were my 240Z's, an '86 MR2 and a '05 330Ci. My current ride is a '07 Audi A4 2.0 Quattro. I've put 150,000 miles on this since new and I'll be giving it to my son when he goes to college in the fall. The A4 is a nice appliance, but I do want something that will be a bit more engaging; something fun to drive with great steering, stopping and handling. This will be my daily (but not only) driver and at my advancing age I do want some creature comforts. A manual transmission is mandatory. My budget is $30-$40k and I'm interested in going back to a coupe platform. Here's what is on my short list (and what I like/dislike):

Subaru BRZ Limited (handling, steering / daily livability?)

VW Golf R Coupe (Good ride & handling balance, very good at everything but not the best at anything / overactive electronic nannys, too "hot hatchback")

BMW 128 Coupe (BMW qualities / BMW quality)

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (feature laden, nice interior / most GT like of the group)

No longer under consideration are:

370Z

Camaro SS

Audi A5

I know that the BRZ is the most Z-like of the group and just an excellent handling car. The reviews are excellent but car reviewers typically don't live with a car day-after-day and I wounder if it's interior and ride will wear on my over time. I'm in the process of talking myself out of it to see if I come back to it.

Does anyone have a opinion that they could share? I'd be really interested in ownership experiences of the cars on my short list.

You might take a look at a Mazdaspeed 3, and its under budget.

Mazda builds drivers cars and loves manual transmissions.

Do NOT under any circumstances, opportunity or manner of thought go test ride a Datsun Sports Roadster.

That's it, it's all the warning I'll give, and if you know better you won't delve into it. Nuff Said.

You've been publicly warned.

E

As far as new goes, I've logged a little bit of seat time in the Scion FRS. I really liked its tossability and think of it as a Miata 1.5. It's bigger, looks better (IMO), more powerful, and way more comfortable than a Miata, but it still maintains that agile feel.

I've got an S2000 as well, and liken the FRS to an S2000 0.75. The FRS is not as razor sharp, good looking (again, IMO!), powerful, or raw like the S, but instead it is much roomier, more comfortable and way more liveable day-to-day. The FRS/BRZ bridges the gap between a Miata and S2000.

If you expand your search to older cars, the possibilities are endless! You're easily within budget for a used Porsche Cayman S and a used Boxter S goes for way less. Those are fantastic driver's cars. Maintenance is a bigger pain though. I'd consider getting a $25k Cayman S and keeping the rest of your budget for future maintenance.

The list can go on and on...

Edited January 9, 201312 yr by LeonV

#1 Lotus Elise

#2 S2000

#3 NSX

I found this article the other day and thought it had a good amount of information about the cars you are thinking about getting.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1207_high_performance_two_door_comparison/viewall.html

Chase

YOu know the Honda CRZ has some of the MR-2 qualities, sporty, hi gas mileage, Hondacar reliability, and with the hybrid you'll be AVERAGING 40mpgs should fuel again head over $4 a gallon.

It's not a true sports car by any sense but it sure looks good, and the price is right for a hybrid.

Put it in sport mode and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

#1 Lotus Elise

#2 S2000

#3 NSX

Not a bad list at all! I'd love to even drive an NSX.

I have flogged an Elise for a few laps around an autoX course, and although fun, it is nowhere near practical or liveable! Two >6' guys sit shoulder-to-shoulder in that thing. Plus, I don't fit unless the top is off.

Oh wait, I have a crappy video of the flogging (video or it didn't happen, right?)...

Go to 1:25 for take-off.

I love my Infiniti G coupe. But if you are looking at new it may be just outside your budget.

Steve

I just went through all of this.

While my choices are not as diverse are yours, my requirements were FUN, Four doors, Manual transmission, and NOT FWD.

I am a die hard Subaru guy. But the lack of interior refinement offered in the 2013 models did not agree with me. And when the refinement was there, (legacy models) a respectiable GT with a manual was not available.

Enter the golf R. This is probably the best all around DD I have ever had. Refinement, finishes, comfort, sportiness, handling, braking, power (and a lot more avaiable), slick 6 speed, etc. Such a great car. PM if you have any questions.

FYI, you can defeat all the nannies in 30 minutes now. The ESC code that the rest of the world gets is now available with nothing but a slight VAGCOM change. It is on the APR website and give us US customers full sport and off modes to the electronic nannies.

Can't help you with the hatchback comments. I love hot hatches.

FYI, you can defeat all the nannies in 30 minutes now. The ESC code that the rest of the world gets is now available with nothing but a slight VAGCOM change. It is on the APR website and give us US customers full sport and off modes to the electronic nannies.

Can't help you with the hatchback comments. I love hot hatches.

VAGCOM (now VCDS) is a great tool for customizing the VW systems. I've made several changes to the controllers on our Golf.