Yes but lotus parts do not buddy!

I second the BRZ advice.

It is an exceptional handling car.

I just purchased a BMW X6 for my daily work driver - if I did not drive so many miles per year it would have been a Nissan GT-R without a doubt. Huge bang for the buck and all wheel drive performance!

S2000 over boxster

Seconded, although the Boxster is a very fun car. I've had thoughts of getting a Cayman, but the S2000 really feels like plenty already. With a hardtop, the S is even kind-of civil on the freeway. I wouldn't mind driving a Cayman, but I'm scared it'll make me want one!

The only other car I really drool over is the first-gen BMW M Coupe. I almost got one instead of the S2000, but reliability concerns drove me away. I love the ride, performance, and looks though!

Well, also maybe a 911 GT3 at some (financially doable) point.

Wow, great input. I'll take a look at the S2000. They're a whole lot cheaper than the other choices. I actually haven't gotten to drive one yet.

370Z Nismo edition.

I just realized that the S2000 is another 4 cylinder. I"m sure it's a wild ride but I'm sick of getting run over at stoplights by people in Altima's with automatic transmissions. I want at least a six cylinder for better take-off performance. I want them looking at MY taillights when the light turns green.

Does anyone else face this annoyance? A 4 cylinder that just doesn't leave the line fast enough for your taste?

I pedaled a 2000 Boxster as my DD for 9 years, over 100k miles and never lost the grin.

Tell me more. Can I call you? I want to hear about this car. I seriously think it's my next car. Why aren't you still driving one?

Wade - pm sent with my contact info.

Briefly, I drank the P-car kool-aid for 23 years, going thru 2 944's and the Boxster - all as DD's. The brand is addictive! The reason for change was lifestyle change - I retired in 2008 and spent that year realizing the Boxster was not a good fit for my new activities. My '09 Xterra is my first SUV and a great fit for retirement. Also, getting back to work on the resto of my 240Z made me realize I only needed one sports car in my life and this was going to be the one.

Jim

Edited February 23, 201312 yr by jfa.series1

I just realized that the S2000 is another 4 cylinder. I"m sure it's a wild ride but I'm sick of getting run over at stoplights by people in Altima's with automatic transmissions. I want at least a six cylinder for better take-off performance. I want them looking at MY taillights when the light turns green.

Does anyone else face this annoyance? A 4 cylinder that just doesn't leave the line fast enough for your taste?

Nope. It's geared just right (amazing gearbox BTW) and I didn't buy the car to drag race.

My DD is a 4 cyl. I don't notice how slow it is until I hop into my 240Z and step on the gas. Seems a tornado compared to the DD.

As far as stoplight acceleration (aka drag racing...) a couple of interesting tidbits.

The hybrid Honda CRZ, 2013 model, has a "S" button that gives you maximum ELECTRICAL MOTOR boost during take-off for best possible launch performance. A neat way to bring a modestly powered car up to reasonable take-off performance, imho.

BMW's, of course, have "launch" controls but I'm told after you use them more than "X" number of times your warranty (at least on the tranny) is voided. Sounds like B.S., but my BMW aficionado buddy swears its so.

Using a battery + electric motor, flywheel, or a big rubber band for improved launch performance on underpowered cars seems like a no brainer. Getting tailgated by an SUV or big truck pulling away from lights is highly annoying.

the older bmw m series with straight 6 engines are beast though, although I believed they are less hp in us?

my brother got a 325 e36 with 200 hp, that's not an m3, but it was pretty fast ( topped almost 250 km/h gps ) and ****loads of torque.

or get a japanse straight 6 engine car like a skykine or supra and make it twin turbo