Replace a CTS-V with...... What?

[elwesso]

So as some of you may or may not know, about a year ago I bought a 2005 caddy CTS-V. Well a friend of mine really wants it, and I have the opportunity to sell it for what I paid for it, basically profiting nicely on the deal since I put about 18k miles on it. If the deal falls through, I'll keep the car since I have no payment on it, but if I can sell it easily for profit then I'll sell it.

So, I'm looking to replace that car with something else. Budget is between 15k-25k. I don't wanna stretch it must past 25k but if there was a *really* good reason I could probably justify it. Part of the reason I was OK selling the V was because my other car (the Q) is also a sedan. So, I think I want to replace it with a car that could be daily driven if you had to, but I'd probably park it over the winter. Basically looking for a summer daily driver. I've never owned a coupe, so I think I might want to look into that. I'd also like performance to be similar or better of a 2005 CTS-V..

I'm not really too concerned about the maintenance, after all if it breaks down or needs something I can afford to park it until I get around to fixing it.

Ive been looking at 2006-ish porsche caymans, as well as early 2000's 911s.. I've also somewhat considered a newer Z, BMW Z4 (or Z4 M), and so on.. I have a feeling I'd like the "idea" of owning a porsche, but not enjoy actually owning it. Heard a lot of mixed emotions especially about the 911s, seems like reliability is hit and miss. The cayman seems to be a pretty solid vehicle, although I don't know if I'm totally sold on the looks.

Any ideas?

[Jesda]

A late C5 or early C6 Corvette sounds like a simpler, arguably more dependable alternative to a 911 or Z4, but for the sake of change it might be nice to try something from Stuttgart.

[Bubba1]

Hard to argue against a Cayman, though you'd want the S version without a doubt. They might not be as attractive as a 911 but the real beauty is driving one. Wonderful drivers. The only downside to any porsche is the cost of repair. It will catch you off guard, but it's rewarding if you can afford them. I'm not sure if you'd necessary want one for a DD. older boxsters are the ones you hear horror stories about. The general rule with Boxsters is the newer the better.
I recently rode in an BMW M Z coupe. (looks like a mini wagon with uber wide wheels with more ballz than a Z3/4). If you can get beyond it's odd looks it's a very nice car, but like any German car.
it's sticker shock for repairs. Jesda had a nice suggestion with the corvette. You can get a nice C5 Z06 fairly cheaply now. And if your commute is highway, they have a really tall overdrive so they get decent gas mileage.

If you want to stick with a sedan to replace your CTS-V, you might think about an Infiniti M. Very stealthy, comfortable and reliable. you might also want to look at the europeans, Audi S6, S5, BMW 5 series. They're technological terrors but they are delightful and very comfortable.

[krash]

My cousin just bought an e46 M3 for $21k. His father-in-law and brother-in-law picked up some C6s for around $25k. Those are a hell of a lot of cars for under $30k

[elwesso]

Thanks for the replies. I don't want anything with an auto trans, so a manual is a must. I really don't want an Infiniti M, the only one I could go for is the M56 and I think that's out of my price range.

I do kinda like the idea of the Z06

I knew someone would suggest an M3, and I don't think I could own an M3 purely for the fact of who typically drives M3's. that's not my style.

[RicerX]

You can definitely land a C5 Z06 in that price range. Base C6 is also do-able.

08-ish 335i is a possibility. My buddy just picked one up in the Birmingham, AL area for $25k (4-door). With a Cobb Accessport and a couple other things you can get close to the M3s of that year.

You could also land an 07-08 HR 350Z and toss a GTM supercharger on it...........

[Rex]

So Wes, what have you seen on the road lately, that you thought was really cool?

Oh, and I'd suggest staying closer to the $15k mark (or less) and saving the rest of "wants".

I think Wes needs some Turbo Power.

[elwesso]

The main (2) things I haven't really liked about the ZO6 is that the corvette seems like a midlife crisis kind of car.. I'm not against it especially a ZO6, just kind of what I think of when I think of that. Also I'd have to find a coupe since the once with the targa tops (or T-Tops) seem to squeak like crazy and that drives me crazy..

I do like the 335i, I drove one when they were new and I really liked it. For that money though I could get close to a 2006 M5, V10 with a 6 speed would be awesome.. The gas mileage would stink but such is life. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the E28 and E34 M5's with preference to the E28 M5. I don't really think I want one of those now, maybe some day but not now, I'd rather have something newer so I'm not as concerned about age related issues (rust, suspension bushings, etc).

The more I look at the 350Z and 370Z the more I like it. It would get better gas mileage than the Q (dang near 30MPG seems like), and has good looks. I know it would be reliable and I could fix it easily, and finding one under warranty would be easy too...

An RX8 might be cool too, looking at the prices I could find a fairly new one. I've heard the key to those is driving the crap out of them, and that's definitely no problem....

[krash]

I knew someone would suggest an M3, and I don't think I could own an M3 purely for the fact of who typically drives M3's. that's not my style.

I have the same problem, kind of sucks because its a great car. I think the E30s escape that stereotype though.

C5 Z06 is a good choice. The C6's I was talking about were pretty much base models. You could also get an optioned out 350z in the high teens I think. A used 370z would be awesome but thats really pushing your budget

[Rex]

I like the idea of Wes in a 370Z, though I think they'd all be out of your price range. Though a well kept 350Z w/ 70k-ish miles could come in WAY under your budget.

Like this

[elwesso]

According to my research the difference in performance between the 2008 350z and 2009 370z is pretty negligible. 350z is listed at about 13.7 in the 1/4 versus 13.4 for the 370z. That difference is probably not worth noting on the street. I do prefer the look of the 370z over the 350z but you'll pay 5-8k more for that.

A drop top Z might be cool too.

[krash]

From what I've read, the 370 shines brighter than the 350z does around corners. I haven't really driven the 370z enough to actually agree or disagree with that.

However, the 350z is plenty fun. It definitely has to have the "Z-hump" in the hood though:

^Thats a 2008 Grand Touring

[AZ89two4Tsx]

If I was in your position, and I had a four-door car as a backup, I would definitely go with a true 2-seater. Ultimately it'll be just....more fun.

S2000 (they're getting cheap, maybe turbo?)
M-Coupe
911
370z
C5
Supra

Those would be on my short list, and convertibles no doubt if you aren't gonna drive it in the winter. Have you looked at NSXs? Idk if those are close to your price range yet. They definitely have held their value over the years...

[elwesso]

NSX's are cool, but they're still requiring 30k for many of them. I really don't want something that old so I'm not having to deal with age related issues.. A C5 would probably be one of the most logical out of that list in terms of reliability and cost of repair...

I know the 03-04 Z's Ive been in felt epically cheap inside, and the paint seems to be horrid on any early 2000's nissan product. Why they all seem to have clear-bra's on them. I saw a few G35's brand new and it doesn't seem until about 2007 or 2008 that it started getting better.

[krash]

I know the 03-04 Z's Ive been in felt epically cheap inside, and the paint seems to be horrid on any early 2000's nissan product. Why they all seem to have clear-bra's on them. I saw a few G35's brand new and it doesn't seem until about 2007 or 2008 that it started getting better.

In my head I break the Z33 into two sub-generations. The '02-'05, and the '06-'08. The '02-'05 had some synchro issues and kind of a cheapish finish to them, like you said. Subtle changes in the '06-'08 made a huge difference in the exterior (IMO), and those are the ones that I usually see with the nice colored leather options. '06-'08 also has the "rev-up" trans and more hp and tq than the '02-'05.

I'm pretty certain you can get a C5 Z06 in your budget. C5 Z06 coupe is something I must own one day.

[simmode1]

If it were me, I'd be looking for a Nismo 350Z. Less of a maintnance headache than the euro choices but not as powerful. Vette is really hard to argue against, unless it's just not your style.

But I'd pick a Nismo 350Z over a 370Z based soley on the stitch welded chassis and resale value.

[bigbadberry3]

Evo or Sti?

[elwesso]

OH I forgot another requirement.. Whatever vehicle happens, I have to be able to fit a set of golf clubs in it.. I don't want to be "that guy" that has to carry my set of golf clubs. It appears it will fit in a Cayman..

[Rex]

I'm sure I'm starting to sounds like a broken record, but look at 2005 Audi allroad 2.7T w/ 6 speed or a 2006 Saab 9-2x Aero w/ 5 speed. Both will hold the clubs.

As I said earlier, I think Wes needs Turbo Power.

[krash]

Wes needs moar turbo, and this thread needs moar pics.

[orangeNblue]

Two bags of golf clubs will fit in the back of a Z...there's a picture right on the hatch that shows you exactly how to do it.....

plus I know of a really nice 08 Z for sale

[RicerX]

If it were me, I'd be looking for a Nismo 350Z. Less of a maintnance headache than the euro choices but not as powerful. Vette is really hard to argue against, unless it's just not your style.

But I'd pick a Nismo 350Z over a 370Z based soley on the stitch welded chassis and resale value.

The 370Z utilizes the same chassis welding as the Nismo 350. I would have to agree with you about the resale value, though, as the Nismo 350 were much more limited in supply over and recent model of Z save the 40th Anniversary 370.

As far as 350Zs go, the only way to go is an 07-08 in any trim. The HR motor is wonderful. I've driven both the 350 HR and my 370, and I'd be willing to say that the HR 3.5 is a bit smoother up top than the 3.7.

[elwesso]

Good to know thanks guys. I'll see how things pan out,I think I'm kinda between the 07-08 Z or an 06-07 Porsche cayman. I'll pay more for the cayman both in price and repairs but dang it would be sweet.

[Rex]

Wes needs moar turbo, and this thread needs moar pics.

http://img2.netcarshow.com/Audi-allroad ... per_01.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/438 ... 970f_o.jpg

http://www.pfadtracing.com/photos/data/ ... Z06red.jpg

Here's the type of allroad I think Wes would enjoy



Here's a 9-2x Aero with WRX seats

[Jesda]

Good to know thanks guys. I'll see how things pan out,I think I'm kinda between the 07-08 Z or an 06-07 Porsche cayman. I'll pay more for the cayman both in price and repairs but dang it would be sweet.

Y O L O

[elwesso]

I do like the all road although I think I'd rather have that as a replacement when and if the Q needs replacing. In fact I'd heavily consider that I would like the utility of a wagon.

[frapjap]

LS1 Miata?

[Rex]

I do like the all road although I think I'd rather have that as a replacement when and if the Q needs replacing. In fact I'd heavily consider that I would like the utility of a wagon.

I really enjoy mine. I went the "old mans route" and got the (timing chain) V8 with an AT. I'm looking for a good deal on a Thule or Yakima roof top carrier that holds 2 golf bags for the vacations when I need to carry a bunch of stuff along with the important things (clubs).

There are some Stage 3 2.7T beasts out there that will surprise you.

[gwoods]

You ALL missed the obvious choice.......1982 Ferrari 308 GTSI

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-Fer ... 20cbd307fd

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-FER ... 2c6879dc1f

[gwoods]

WOW 1990 Ferrari 348 TS with 38k miles on it for $30,000 and it looks brand new. do it!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1990-Fer ... 3a7a50ee60