[R N M]

Having the itch to buy a new fun car.
My budget is up to $75k.

Currently I have 2018 M3 CP and 2015 BRZ.
I plan to trade in the BRZ for whatever car i do get and M3 will stay.

My preference is to get NA V8 car with a manual.
Besides the American muscle cars - really not many options new.

Here are my top choices:
1) 2013 E92 M3 CP Manual
2) 2020 Shelby GT350
3) 981 Cayman GTS / GT4
4) 991.1 911S /4S / GTS
5) 1st gen Audi R8 - prefer V10 but very few out there
6) Ferrari 360 - Always a dream car of mine when I was younger but in my price range it would be F1 trans and scared of maintenance/reliability...
7) BMW E46 M3 - another car I always wanted when i was younger
8) Lexus LC500 - used around $70k is amazing value for one of the best NA V8s

If anyone owned GT350 and E92 M3 or any cars above - feedback would be great.

[Alfisti]

Sensible choice is lightly used 2019+ GT350.

Can make a case for 911 based on resale value holding but I assume you want NA as I do so 2015/16 latest.

I am in same boat but want a cab, if not for that i'd do GT350. Looks great, sounds brilliant and goes like stink.

[GenXer]

Porsche Porsche Porsche!
Unless reliability and practicality aren't your thing

[W///]

Originally Posted by R N M

Having the itch to buy a new fun car.
My budget is up to $75k.

Currently I have 2018 M3 CP and 2015 BRZ.
I plan to trade in the BRZ for whatever car i do get and M3 will stay.

My preference is to get NA V8 car with a manual.
Besides the American muscle cars - really not many options new.

Here are my top choices:
1) 2013 E92 M3 CP Manual
2) 2020 Shelby GT350
3) 981 Cayman GTS / GT4
4) 991.1 911S /4S / GTS
5) 1st gen Audi R8 - prefer V10 but very few out there
6) Ferrari 360 - Always a dream car of mine when I was younger but in my price range it would be F1 trans and scared of maintenance/reliability...
7) BMW E46 M3 - another car I always wanted when i was younger
8) Lexus LC500 - used around $70k is amazing value for one of the best NA V8s

If anyone owned GT350 and E92 M3 or any cars above - feedback would be great.

That's a pretty decent budget you got there, so I think that rules out a few cars out of the list.

I own an E92 M3 (6MT) and it's definitely a forever car for me. As I told someone in another thread, I think if you're looking at purely a weekend car, there are much better choices. Personally, I'd want to get something with 2 seats since you already have an F80. So this would apply to an E46 M3 as well.

Unlike a lot of people here, I like the low maintenance of a Toyota product (got a Tundra as a daily), so the LC500 is cool is many ways. I think the interior looks super special, but overall, I think the car is too compromised to be a weekend car. As a daily, sure.

GT4 would be really nice, but the tall 2nd gear is a real drag. It wouldn't be my choice, but I were in your shoes, chase your dreams and get the Ferrari, at least once

[R N M]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Sensible choice is lightly used 2019+ GT350.

Can make a case for 911 based on resale value holding but I assume you want NA as I do so 2015/16 latest.

I am in same boat but want a cab, if not for that i'd do GT350. Looks great, sounds brilliant and goes like stink.

It is really hard to find 991.1 S or 4S which had NA engine with manual.
Most of these are also in boring white, black, grey colors.

I prefer coupe lol

[spiceyxi]

Similar boat, but no manual requirement for me and probably spending a little less.

Any reason you aren't looking at a C7? With that budget you could pretty much look at any Trim. I have the Ftype R on my list, but the manual was only on the 6cyl version as far as I am aware. Probably impossible to find too.

I would love a Ferrari, but as you said the maintenance and reliability scare me. I think a strong case can be made for any of the Porsches or Audi R8 in terms of depreciation.

I am partial of the Cayman over the 911, but that is personal bias and limited time in a 911 probably.

[R N M]

Originally Posted by GenXer

Porsche Porsche Porsche!
Unless reliability and practicality aren't your thing

I’m thinking Maybe get new Cayman GTS but its a lot of $$$, might as well get GT4. The available colors don’t have any decent blue which sucks.

[SSW]

1999-2005 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo is my recommendation.

No IMS issue w/415hp for less than 1/2 the price of a GT3. Seen them going for around $40-50k which is a bargain compared to other models.

See, the following for a comparison between the various choices in this vintage:

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/1...-market-watch/

Personally, I've been on the look out for a "reasonably" priced 996TT but I'm actually quite happy w/my "ordinary" 2000 C4 Cab that I bought late last year for just $15k and if I find a TT, I'll probably keep both of them.

Life is good!

[R N M]

Originally Posted by spiceyxi

Similar boat, but no manual requirement for me and probably spending a little less.

Any reason you aren't looking at a C7? With that budget you could pretty much look at any Trim. I have the Ftype R on my list, but the manual was only on the 6cyl version as far as I am aware. Probably impossible to find too.

I would love a Ferrari, but as you said the maintenance and reliability scare me. I think a strong case can be made for any of the Porsches or Audi R8 in terms of depreciation.

I am partial of the Cayman over the 911, but that is personal bias and limited time in a 911 probably.

I drove a Corvette GrandSport and Z06 but its just not for me. Steering is a bit light and not as quick as i want, gauges look like they are from Malibu.

I drove Ftype R many years ago and it sounds epic. I originally had one on my list but they are very rare and finding one to my spec would be impossible. Not interested in getting new one.

[R N M]

Originally Posted by SSW

1999-2005 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo is my recommendation.

No IMS issue w/415hp for less than 1/2 the price of a GT3. Seen them going for around $40-50k which is a bargain compared to other models.

See, the following for a comparison between the various choices in this vintage:

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/1...-market-watch/

Personally, I've been on the look out for a "reasonably" priced 996TT but I'm actually quite happy w/my "ordinary" 2000 C4 Cab that I bought late last year for just $15k and if I find a TT, I'll probably keep both of them.

Life is good!

Ye i looked at 996 Turbo and I think its great “investment” car as you probably wouldn’t lose much on it. Not really wanting a turbo and that interior is pitiful.

[R N M]

Originally Posted by W///

That's a pretty decent budget you got there, so I think that rules out a few cars out of the list.

I own an E92 M3 (6MT) and it's definitely a forever car for me. As I told someone in another thread, I think if you're looking at purely a weekend car, there are much better choices. Personally, I'd want to get something with 2 seats since you already have an F80. So this would apply to an E46 M3 as well.

Unlike a lot of people here, I like the low maintenance of a Toyota product (got a Tundra as a daily), so the LC500 is cool is many ways. I think the interior looks super special, but overall, I think the car is too compromised to be a weekend car. As a daily, sure.

GT4 would be really nice, but the tall 2nd gear is a real drag. It wouldn't be my choice, but I were in your shoes, chase your dreams and get the Ferrari, at least once

I agree on your point and would like a more dedicated/raw performance car - 2 seater etc but not many great options for under $100k unfortunately. 991.2 GT3 would be perfect i think 😃

I recently drove a CPO 2017 MB AMG GT and it looks And sounds amazing. It feels like a GT car with lazy steering and it feels huge. Opposite of how a Porsche feels...

[Alfisti]

I hear you on grey/black/silver (don't mind white myself) for 911's.

[Darth One]

If we stick strictly to the requirements of NA, V8, manual, under $75k, your list really only should have E9x M3, GT350, and R8. Ferrari gated manuals are much higher than $75k these days.

Of the three, it’s not my style but i think the GT350 is your best bet. It’s new and current tech, most competitive performance-wise, and fits the budget.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Darth One

If we stick strictly to the requirements of NA, V8, manual, under $75k, your list really only should have E9x M3, GT350, and R8. Ferrari gated manuals are much higher than $75k these days.

Of the three, it’s not my style but i think the GT350 is your best bet. It’s new and current tech, most competitive performance-wise, and fits the budget.

I'd do the R8 over a GT350 but are they really 75K?

[B Watts]

Lacking a manual but it does have a V10 - how 'bout a E60 M5?

Not a V8 but can get it manual and is tons of fun plus you can use the extra $$$ for goodies - M2 Comp

Here's one from left field if you're handy with some tools - Quadrifoglio?

Lastly, like other's have chimed - R8 or GT350. The GT350 gives you an experience not many other vehicles can provide.

[Josh-PA]

might want to check out an AMV8

They are absolutely beautiful, sound amazing and rare enough to be eye catching. If you're into 'verts even more attractive.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

I just went through the excercise, but was locked into a manual & convertible. I ultimately went the sensible approach and got a 2017 991.2 base cab, but the Aston tugged at my hearstrings more. I've heard horror stories about R8 maintenance costs from a friend who had one. The 911 is like the miata, its always the right choice.

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by R N M

Having the itch to buy a new fun car.
My budget is up to $75k.

Currently I have 2018 M3 CP and 2015 BRZ.
I plan to trade in the BRZ for whatever car i do get and M3 will stay.

My preference is to get NA V8 car with a manual.
Besides the American muscle cars - really not many options new.

Here are my top choices:
1) 2013 E92 M3 CP Manual
2) 2020 Shelby GT350
3) 981 Cayman GTS / GT4
4) 991.1 911S /4S / GTS
5) 1st gen Audi R8 - prefer V10 but very few out there
6) Ferrari 360 - Always a dream car of mine when I was younger but in my price range it would be F1 trans and scared of maintenance/reliability...
7) BMW E46 M3 - another car I always wanted when i was younger
8) Lexus LC500 - used around $70k is amazing value for one of the best NA V8s

If anyone owned GT350 and E92 M3 or any cars above - feedback would be great.

I just sold my Ferrari 360 and replaced it with an Alfa Romeo 4C.

PM me with any questions you might have - ther 360 was awesome and cannot say enough good things about that engine sound. Mine was an F1 - R&M was actually very reasonable.

It cost me about 4K per year

[King Rudi]

I'd go GT350, then R8.

I've seriously been eyeing Vantages. 10 year old Vantages, but still Vantages. Also been looking at C63's. Gut feeling is my next ride will be a C63.

[Alfisti]

You know what, the Aston is a legit option. Lovely to look at etc and the prices are reasonable.

[Darth One]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I'd do the R8 over a GT350 but are they really 75K?

I believe it's doable. You maybe won't get the most mint, late year example, though.

[W///]

Originally Posted by R N M

I agree on your point and would like a more dedicated/raw performance car - 2 seater etc but not many great options for under $100k unfortunately. 991.2 GT3 would be perfect i think 😃

I recently drove a CPO 2017 MB AMG GT and it looks And sounds amazing. It feels like a GT car with lazy steering and it feels huge. Opposite of how a Porsche feels...

I don't necessarily mind big GT cruisers as weekend cars as they can still be special. I just think for that kind of money, the LC doesn't have the performance to match its price tag. It will be slower than your F80 if you're ok with that.

Originally Posted by Alfisti

You know what, the Aston is a legit option. Lovely to look at etc and the prices are reasonable.

I was browsing through the forums while watching Hoovie's AM video. While the initial prices to buy are very reasonable, a clutch replacement on the AMV8 is $4k+ for just parts. Also saw a couple of threads about V12 rod bearing issues. As an owner of S54 and S65 powered vehicles, I don't have the patience to add another one of those

I think it's the case of when things are good, it's good. But when it's bad, it's safe to assume it'll be very expensive if it's not a common Ford part. Matt Farah said he dropped $2700 on handbrake cables for his Vanquish.

[R N M]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I'd do the R8 over a GT350 but are they really 75K?

The V8 version is definitely possible, V10s would be much harder to find and forget manual but i would increase budget for right car.

The R8 looks great still and interior has aged well imo.
I drove a V10 Spyder a few years back and loved the car.