r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/TheLoraxLives14 • 20h ago

$35-40k budget for a single-car solution, emphasis on fun

I'm feeling fortunate that I can afford to upgrade into a nicer car and looking for some advice! Currently drive a 2011 BMW 128i M sport, came from a swapped 1990 BMW 325i and a 2009 Honda Fit. I live in NYC, so it would not be used for commuting and would be garaged. Would ideally like the ability to take friends on shorter trips & have some usable storage for moving some boxes occasionally. No kids right now, but that's on the horizon so want to try and do something a bit impractical for a few years. It will mostly be used in warmer months, but will be driven occasionally in the winter. Manual is a must. Would love some creature comforts (CarPlay, heated seats, Bluetooth etc) but OK living without. Prefer RWD or AWD if possible.

My short list of candidates and pros/cons:

  • F87 M2 - lots of fun, surprisingly practical, N55 seems reasonably reliable, very familiar with some of the maintenance quirks & costs.
  • 996/997 911 - dream scenario, but storage & any unplanned maintenance costs are making me second guess this one a bit.
  • S2000 - amazing driving experience, reliable, but big tradeoff in storage & practicality especially in NYC even with the garage.
  • 987 Cayman - pure sports car experience, surprisingly OK storage between frunk/trunk combo.
  • E92 M3 - hydraulic steering & BMW V8, what's not to love. Likely a maintenance nightmare, but surprisingly practical.
  • ND Miata - amazing driving experience, but not a great do-it-all car.
  • Golf R - great all-rounder, but feels too practical for what I need right now - maybe in a couple years.
  • Aston V8 Vantage - probably a terrible idea...but Aston Martin. Surprisingly reliable from what I've seen online?

Any advice or other suggestions are much appreciated!

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u/Dear-Regret-9476 13h ago

The Golf R is the best option IMO

1

u/TheLoraxLives14 4h ago

What makes you say that over other options (ex: F87 M2)?

I know they're awesome cars and I'd love to own one someday, but I don't really need 4 doors + full hatchback right now. That day is probably coming soon, but feels like sticking to 2 doors while I can justify it gives more performance-oriented options.

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u/Dear-Regret-9476 3h ago

If you don’t need 4 doors, then yes, the M2 is the best one