I am parting out my Maxima and going to be looking for a new or low mileage used car. My Maxima has been great to me, but it is getting up there in mileage and doesn't do anything for me performance wise. I am looking to spend around 25K, but will go up to around 30ish.

I have looked at:
-350Z
-E36 M3
-00 C5
-Evo

I currently like the 350Z the best right now, but am willing to consider any suggestions. I would own a Vette by now, but can justify paying the amount of money they want on insurance (5k a year).

 

I was in a similar situation as you were. I wanted to spend ~30k for my new car, and I wanted a performance car.

My first choice was the Vette, but insurance rates killed it for me. The Z suprisingly had significantly lower insurance rates. I don't like the last-gen M3, as it's an old body style and performance stock is just okay.

I'm personally not a fan of the Evo and STi designs, so I wouldn't get one of those. The Evo is a nice car though, but I'd recommend the Z. I've been very happy with it in the year and a month I've had it so far.

 

In that price range, I'd say 350z.

 

I would get the 350z....lots of mods out on the market for that car....

 

I think The G35 looks better than the 350z, but also consider used S2000!

 

The coupe does indeed look better, but you won't get a G35c for less than 33k (probably closer to 35k).

They're coming out with a new interior for the G35 next year though, so maybe you can get a bargain around then.. hmmm...

 

I really wanted the Z....but then I realized it only has 2 seats....and very small storage space. I'd say try and get the new TL.

 

SRT-4

 

If you don't need a backseat, then a used 350Z might be a good choice. Prices are coming down on used ones finally (26-27K for track or touring if you look hard).

C5 vettes are coming down in price, but some sellers haven't put down the crack pipe yet. You know the C6 is coming out, I know it's coming out, but some C5 sellers are still in denial. Heck, you can get a new Z06 for about 42K now (more if you can negiociate well). Used C5's should be flooding the market as soon as the C6 comes out. I'm sure that they'll be some better deals this fall.

I don't like the looks of the e36s, and a e46 would put you out of your price range.

~meh~ Evo ?? I've never liked Mitsubishi, but that's just me. I'm a big fan of their Heavy Industries division tho' : ) http://www.mitsubishitoday.com/

Scoobie roos Sti has caught my attention tho'

What an Acura isn't on your list

 

Now that the STi is broken in, have the STi springs in as well....I'm not kidding when I say that the car is just about the most entertaining vehicle I have ever had.

I personally think the Z looks better than the G35C, especially with a nice set of Volks or the like.