Thought exercise: Best sporty 4-door for under $50k new or used

[bren]

I like the ATS-V. Would definitely buy if it fit my needs - but I would pretty much go straight to a body shop to paint/wrap all the chrome. Ugh

[John V]

The latest Benzes look awful. But Benzes of the last twenty years or so have been pretty ugly.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by Plaz

Apparently the look is going over big in China: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=972523

[lemming]

current gen M3 (as long as the powertrain fits the bill for you).

although it's a little pricey for a daily driver. the main problem with any M3? it's not a sports car. it's like playing running in Gore-Tex Hiker Shoes. when you want //More motorsport it's only 'okay'. it still prefers to be living life (even in F80 guise) as a 3 series.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by lemming

current gen M3 (as long as the powertrain fits the bill for you).

although it's a little pricey for a daily driver. the main problem with any M3? it's not a sports car. it's like playing running in Gore-Tex Hiker Shoes. when you want //More motorsport it's only 'okay'. it still prefers to be living life (even in F80 guise) as a 3 series.

I think that comment could be applied to all BMWs. Their sportiest models at their sportiest specs are still touring cars at heart. A balance of practicality and a bit of everyday exhilaration. That sums up my 240 as well--the top going down is the most prominent source of transcendence when driving. Perfect for my needs.

I haven't really pushed it yet (because I work from home, the break in period is interminable), so it probably has a bit more to give in Sport+ mode (most nannies off and e-diff activated.) But in congested ATL, not sure where I can enjoy that. Top down, I can enjoy every pleasant day.

[FC]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I think that comment could be applied to all BMWs. Their sportiest models at their sportiest specs are still touring cars at heart. A balance of practicality and a bit of everyday exhilaration. That sums up my 240 as well--the top going down is the most prominent source of transcendence when driving. Perfect for my needs.

I haven't really pushed it yet (because I work from home, the break in period is interminable), so it probably has a bit more to give in Sport+ mode (most nannies off and e-diff activated.) But in congested ATL, not sure where I can enjoy that. Top down, I can enjoy every pleasant day.

Well, consensus is that the M3 is significantly more sporty and engaging than the vanilla 3ers. I feel the same.

Plus, I've got my Miata, which is easily the most fun car I've ever owned. So right, now a very late F80 is my penciled in answer.

[Jeff_DML]

My buddy is trying to swap his lease on his F80 M3. Not cheap but not sure what the going rate is.

Bren should like the config.

http://www.swapalease.com/lease/details/?salid=1122058

[Theo]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

My buddy is trying to swap his lease on his F80 M3. Not cheap but not sure what the going rate is.

Bren should like the config.

http://www.swapalease.com/lease/details/?salid=1122058

Why? He doesn't like it?

That can't be the stock ride height. I like the cloth. Not so much the DTC.

[bren]

Originally Posted by Jeff_DML

My buddy is trying to swap his lease on his F80 M3. Not cheap but not sure what the going rate is.

Bren should like the config.

http://www.swapalease.com/lease/details/?salid=1122058

Yep, looks about right to me. Though, I could do without the stupid tablet looking screen poking out of the dash - is that an option?

Of course, there's no chance I'm paying $900/mo to rent a car without a significant life changing financial windfall.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by bren

Yep, looks about right to me. Though, I could do without the stupid tablet looking screen poking out of the dash - is that an option?

..

no I-drive/nav is standard option on the US F80 M3/4