Moving from 2014 Cayman S, what next?

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by baege

nice to know of a kindred spirit
what you suggest makes a lot of sense for keeping the flame alive
thing is...i dont even commute...i only drive about 100 miles a week...cant justify 2 cars at that usage
part of me thinks that i will have to simply compromise in the end and just get a car that is just ok to me...

Nuts. That nixes the concept.

My last crazy idea is a Z4M. Maybe look at a Z again?

The weekend/track car I still have after many many others have come and gone is my Z4M. But that one, well, it's special. Not practical, so forget that, but it's not a car that falls into the "ok" or "uninspiring" category.

The Z4M is by no means perfect, or electro-integrated iPhone/Android on wheels modern. But it makes make smile. Always. I've grown to love its quirks, because it's a challenge to drive well and dance with. When I get it right it rewards like no other--it's exhilarating! Because I have to work to extract that performance, so it's me plus the car not just the car. The work it requires provides the reward. It's fun. It's rewarding. So many "better" cars do the work for you. Which is boring. Flattering? Yes. Rewarding? Not so much.

Steering and connection to the road is on par or better that Porsche's top end offerings (in the /M). I added a BBK to bring those up to better spec, stock is a bit lacking in feel, and added a better suspension. Also, axle back, xpipe, headers, oh the sound! With those relatively minor mods it's simply a joy.

You can always rent or hire a hauler--vehicle or even a person if/when needed, and Amazon and other deliver. And you can get one for a fraction of the budget you've put out there, leaving plenty for hourly/daily hauler rental or personnel to pick up and deliver for you. Rent/hire. Even if not a Z4, that's a way to potentially take the practical out of the requirements list which would open options considerably.

That's my 2.5 cents. YYMD.

[Alfisti]

I am with the OP, every time i think about getting a nicer car I drive them and .... meh, for 80, 90, 100K i'd expect more.

[Dackelone]

What about a TT-RS ?

[fullstack]

I used to love cars and driving but I'm beginning to realize that, although I still can appreciate performance and I still enjoy looking at the cars that people on this forum have, I don't love it as much as I used to. The same thing was for cycling. I used to love cycling in my youth but now it's not as exciting anymore. Perhaps you have the same issue? In which case I think you should keep the car you have, change your mentality a little, love the car for what it is and try something new. Perhaps get a sports bike?

[1MOREMOD]

Yep getting old

[WanaM]

I guess you have no choice but to be patient haha.

[David70]

I don't really understand the title or what you are trying to get out of this car -

Can't find a car that inspires me

Are you a painter or a musician?

[WeekendWarriorz]

Find a Porsche GT3 and call it a day.

[ridin135]

Ferrari hands down, brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. Totally different experience then anything else out there. If you are looking for a car that is an event to drive this is for you. Would personally recommend a F430 but a 360 is still a great buy. Like you I loved my GT4 but it became quite mundane and boring to drive on the street.

[baege]

Originally Posted by 3rdPedalAddict

I used to love cars and driving but I'm beginning to realize that, although I still can appreciate performance and I still enjoy looking at the cars that people on this forum have, I don't love it as much as I used to. The same thing was for cycling. I used to love cycling in my youth but now it's not as exciting anymore. Perhaps you have the same issue? In which case I think you should keep the car you have, change your mentality a little, love the car for what it is and try something new. Perhaps get a sports bike?

i dont think that's my issue...i think i have still got that loving feeling...just cant find a car that ignites it....turbos and non manual trends are killing the modern market for me...

[baege]

Originally Posted by WanaM

I guess you have no choice but to be patient haha.

yup...i still have a dream that a 3000 lbish small manual car with a small normally aspirated multi valve v8 with good low end torque will appear on the automotive horizon

[baege]

Originally Posted by ridin135

Ferrari hands down, brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. Totally different experience then anything else out there. If you are looking for a car that is an event to drive this is for you. Would personally recommend a F430 but a 360 is still a great buy. Like you I loved my GT4 but it became quite mundane and boring to drive on the street.

maybe someday...

[WhatsADSM]

Try a lotus evora

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by baege

yup...i still have a dream that a 3000 lbish small manual car with a small normally aspirated multi valve v8 with good low end torque will appear on the automotive horizon

This does sound a lot like a 360 or F430. Just know that both are still from the dumb era that requires removing the motor for nearly any maintenance task. Probably even changing the radio station.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by baege

yup...i still have a dream that a 3000 lbish small manual car with a small normally aspirated multi valve v8 with good low end torque will appear on the automotive horizon

Then I suspect an Lexus LC500 or a new Vette is in your future... sounds like you are about the right age for either one.


http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sected-feature

or...

http://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/corvette



What about...

1. Porsche 718 Cayman
Price: $54,950 - $67,350

2. Porsche 718 Boxster
Price: $57,050 - $69,450

3. Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $56,445 - $70,445

4. Audi TT RS
Price: $65,875

5. Lotus Evora 400
Price: $91,785

6. Jaguar F-type
Price: $62,395 - $102,195

7. Audi TT / TTS or TT-RS
Price: $44,450 - $53,450

8. Alfa Romeo 4C
Price: $57,495

[Red Bread]

Isn't the LC500 about 4300 pounds and an automatic?

[eluded]

06 FGT. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

[rlmesq]

Buy a motorcycle. If you aren't an experienced rider, start with a Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 300, or some other small displacement sportbike. Invest in a good helmet, leathers (one piece), boots and gloves.

You can be all-in with a brand new bike and gear for around seven grand, which leaves lots of money to invest in trackdays. Learn to ride the wheels off the smaller bike before you consider a 600. A good rider on a 250 class bike can embarrass people on 200 hp liter bikes who have no idea how to use (or control) that much power.

[eluded]

Donor cycle

[baege]

So I think I have finally narrowed down my next car to these 3 cars.

2014-2015 RS5

2016 F type R AWD

2011-2012 S5 4.2 manual

I have come to appreciate that the track/twisty abilities of my 981CS are lost on me. I am more about crisp throttle response, low end torque, and great sound. This is why I tried the C7 (thought it would offer more of these than my cayman). Turns out I really didn't like the C7.

The C7 experience made me realize that compact size, good visibility and overall refinement also matter to me in enjoying a car.

I have tried about 15 cars in the last 3 months, and have confirmed that I don't want a turbo car.

So I have narrowed it down to the 3 above.

My thoughts:

f type wins on looks, low end torque and overall want factor, but loses on refinement, reliability and depreciation and non-manual.

rs5 wins on reliability, refinement, engine sound and smoothness (a more refined, complex sound and feels than the ftype which sounds a little truck like) but loses on low end torque and non-manual.

the s5 4.2 offers manual and refined engine sound and feel, but loses on looks and overall want factor and is older so probably less reliable

which would you have?

[paliknight]

if those are your 3 options id go with RS5. at least with a few mods and a tune itll be a rocket.

[No Boost]

Those aren't necessarily compact sized cars.