tossing around some ideas for a fun dd ~$50k budget... i am only including the Lexus in there since i have one that has been reliable and rock solid... it doesn't have the power of the others on the list, but i know the quality...

which would you pick and why?

 

List?

 

i was updating the poll... it's there now..

 

I was about to post the same thing after reading down the post.

edit: apparently the update wasn't fast enough as it still wasn't there when I posted this

 

Srt
cts-v

 

Well since this has become CTS-Vzine as of late and I just bought one I vote CTS-V. Join the club.

 

i know you have been Mopar lately... and i normally wouldn't touch a Dodge/Chrysler product... but their designs as of late have been impressive... i was stuck in traffic next to an SRT Superbee and i was really impressed with the way it looked...

no one has any love for the Aussie made SS?

 

The SS looks great. I think though for what you get for the money there are better options. If they sold for a bit less could get behind them.

 

RDX! a

 

CTS-V gets my vote.

 

Cts-v

 

I'll get a Lexus GS and pick up a weekend toy.

 

Lexus RC350?

 

within a 50k budget? what would that be seeing as how the GS is close to 50 already decked out...

 

need 4 doors

 

Used Lexus IS-F? I like the Lexus sedans. They look, and sound amazing!

 

Oh I didn't even see the budget in your post. haha

I would get a used MK7 GTI and a brand new ND Miata with $50K.

 

If I had to pick from that list, I'd go Chevy SS. I love it, awesome character, performance, and exclusivity but the resale value is dogshit because no one knows they exist. The CTS-V is well known, a powerhouse, and the resale is epic especially on the wagon (bonus for manual wagon).

Advantage of the SS is that you can get one new (or just save money and buy a used one?) and it comes with most of the features of the CTS-V. Easy to mod LS motor can put power down for cheap and it'll come with a warranty. The later models come in 6MT and with magnetic suspension just like the Caddy.

IMO, I'd go with the V if I cared about resale (unless buying used) or if I wanted the wagon (which I do).

The Charger/300 are both awesome but they don't handle all that well. Great for cruising though, comfy and quality interior with power for days. Also, no more 300 SRT for the 2016 model year so you'll be getting leftover 2015's or used.

The Lexus is in a different class altogether and the Germans have some concerns with long term reliability. Lease if you want German.

IMO, try them all out and find out what works for you. Don't go on the opinion of a bunch of randoms on an internet forum.

 

If you go with a used German car, get one that has a solid service history. And I would recommend reading up/watching DIY videos to see what you're in for when it's out of warranty (if you keep it that long). Brake jobs, fluid changes, etc are just a little more involving/expensive (trans fluid especially since you have to change the filter). But oil changes, for instance, are every 10k or so, so some of it evens out. Or BMW...not sure how far back you're wanting to go, but for that money you could find a pristine e39 M5 (last truly great one imo). What about an e92 M3 (V8 and 4drs)? Whatever you do, I'd stay away from Audi unless you have deep pockets. Plus with all VAG's shenanigans...


CTS-V is a good option. Vette engine in a sedan, what's not to like. As long as the transmission is responsive...I don't know much about them. I'd drive the wagon though, just saw this one at a show recently, it was amazing.





I want to love the SS, but to me it just doesn't look as good as the G8 did. G8 interior was just so-so though. But if you like them and find one kitted to your liking/budget...why not.


I personally would stay away from FCA with their quality issues. I won't speak on the Charger since I have nothing nice to say about it lol.


If it were me it would be Lexus hands down. I'd try to find a used GS 350 F-sport. ISF is too small?


I notice you didn't list Infiniti...and I don't blame you.

 

my friend loves his '15 SS in 6MT form.

 

pre-owned M5?

 

Yeah, something like a E60 M5 would certainly fit in the budget and class of car.

Although in researching that car I found an interesting blog post supporting some opinions on why, if you are a bit more frugal/practicality minded, that a E60 535i can be made to be M5-like with not much more money and much less base cost.

Very interesting read:
10 Reasons The E60 535i Is Better Than The M5

 

Stock, they handle a lot better than people think, but they are large cars. And the SRT have an electronically adjustable suspension with 3 settings, like most higher end dedicated performance models.

That said modifying the suspension on them is easy and affordable. And can't be done with huge improvements while still having a compliant feel (not too harsh)

 

Agreed but they aren't in the same category as some of the others on here. I have a FCA vehicle so not knocking them at all. The overall quality and design is quite good though mine is not at all designed to go fast.

 

I know you're not knocking them.

And they aren't in the same category because they are much larger...but for street driving they'll hold their own. Taking them to a track...different story.

 

SS or CTS-V Wagon - Both are rare and will hold their value long term. (The G8 GXP still going for around $30k for a mint one) CTS-V sedan won't hold it's value as well because it's a Cadillac and there's tons of them around.

Plus LSx is reliable, fun, and has tons of aftermarket support.

If you are wanting more luxury, the Lexus is the way to go.

 

I voted SS, mostly for uncommonality. I rarely see any outside of a C&C type gathering.
6MT SS for sure.
Then CTS-V
GS
Mopar
German

 

What he said but I'm a little partial . Get a Vagon if you're looking for something to hold its value. V Coupes aren't bad either. Sedans will be getting cheaper now that the V3 is out.

My second choice outside of the LSx motor would be the SRT. If you need a daily with kids, that SRT Charger is hard to beat, especially the newer ones.

If you want a Lexus, pre-owned IS-F. You could also look AMG, but maintenance will be higher than anything else you listed, but you have to pay to play

 

2 s2000. Seat for 4 and 4 doors.

If you dont like that idea. then SRT 300C.

Saw one yesterday... looks very serious in gunmetal color.

 

Someone just sold a nice Is-F that was nicely modded.

 

for me the 300 is too gangsta, the CTS-V too angular (and too GM lol), the GS is a grampa car, and the SS is a possibility, albeit a low possibility. You have to go back pretty far to grab an M car CPO in that price range/body style. A 535xi with less than 20K can be had for $44K. I bought my 530 with 19K on it 8 years ago-it has 160K on it and is still solid as Sears.

 

There is nothing wrong with a Gangsta Dad.. gotta represent!

just dont put 22 chrome wheels with chrome tail light trims, then i think it is fine.

 

a slightly used RLX Sport hybrid with upgraded tires if you can find one...

I heard those are pretty fast.

 

That's basically a NSX sedan.

 

I voted SS because it's different. Also, I saw one at last year's car show. It was a very mean looking car, and the interior was nice too.

edit: as much as I like the CTS-V, I would put it as a second choice just because of CUE. Looks really cool, but...

<img>http://topismag.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2014-Chevrolet-SS-Interior.jpg</img>

 

I was not kidding. With the way it depreciates, it is not a bad buy at all, used of course.

 

Sorry guys but SRT 300 comfy af and has hella power (about 470 bhp) if ever needed, also styling looks pretty good

 

CTS-V sedan you can get in the $30's now for 2009-2010. They are reasonably reliable, too.

SRT 300 looks badassed, is fast, and the interiors have improved over the years.

Seriously, RLX Sport Hybrid. It's actually better than you think, and with the awful depreciation you can get a used one cheap.

But really, CTS-V. Join the movement....

 

I also vote 5-series, but the "something German" option suggests you'd rather be in something else?

FWIW, they're also by far the most common on that list, at least around here.

 

Q50 sport