pushrod36 wrote:
New GT350 is just a hair over your budget.
Previous post pointed out that Elise prices are going up. Maybe one of those would be easy to get your money out of in a few years if you are bored?
Another idea is some pro-built pro-touring car that the owner is bored of. It won't be as good as the NSX, but it will be fun to drive on Sundays, go like hell in a straight line, consumables shouldn't be too bad, and it will probably hold value.
You said you're bored with 3-series, but it might be worth mentioning that E92 M3s are getting into the $30k range.
A pro-tourer would be hella fun, too, and since someone else has already bastardized a priceless classic, you won't feel too badly about driving it. 
E30 M3's are going up in price lately, too. I think 40k would buy about the nicest one out there.
Off-the wall, maybe not in the price range, maybe too PITA race-carish: Panoz Esperante
Other suggestion: Dodge Viper - way more exotic and loud than a corvette, still fairly drivable and livable (especially the hardtops and second generation), and stupid cheap these days.
The R8 is a really interesting idea. I'm not quite ready to cough up $80k. But it's tempting. That will be at the top of the list in five years, for sure!
The Pro-Touring idea is cool, but there is always something that needs attention with a car like that. I need something that's not going to overheat, etc., etc. I need something that's going to start and go every time.
amg_rx7
SuperDork
6/24/15 11:35 a.m.
NSX is the answer in this case. 
I would consider a FD RX7 other than NSX. Other than that nothings else comparable.
Between RX7 and NSX I would pick RX7 but I always preferred the FD.
E30 M3 for sure. Easy to live with, good at commuting and they're rapidly appreciating
Pantera would be awesome, but probably less reliable than a big stupid American muscle car.
I've bought ~$2500 60's cars that drove home and never left me stranded. If you were careful, and shopped well, I suspect a well-cared for and reasonably modified variant would be no less reliable than anything else on your current list. And, yes, you can get A/C. Hey, you're wanting something different...
Plus, the general reception you get from other drivers is exactly the opposite of the "P-Driver" problem.
I would have to go 996 Turbo. About as reliable as a Porsche can really be. Cheapest "Special" 911 on the market right now. Will totally kill the NSX in every category.
Strong second is the Elise. Much more fun to drive than the NSX if you can fit in it. $40K puts you in a nice one.
Both options are bottom of the depreciation curve and either flat or rising in price.
If one actually comes out at list GT350 too. I have a feeling they will hold their value well.
NSX was special in 91 when it was built but just like the MR2 I just sold, the 90's left it way behind.
This is no fun. Too much of a budget. I'm too used to folks asking for the same exact criteria for $4k.
I think I would hate to daily one, but I'm sure a clean low miles viper would be a good investment.
I second Mk Toyota Supra Turbo.
A Maserati Gran Turismo is a bit over your budget, and slushbox only, but it also has a Ferrari soundtrack for about half the price.
S2000CR with hardtop will likely hold value well.
I get the impression that you are interested in a classic, but hesitant because of reliability. How about the world's nicest P1800?
In reply to pushrod36: I'm kind of wary of newer Maseratis and the like because of complexity. You just KNOW that there is a $5,000 CEL problem in your near future. The S2000 doesn't move me enough to tolerate the NVH. And on the Volvo front, I already owned the GRM Volvo 122S. So been there done that, kinda.
In reply to bmw88rider: There is no way a Lotus of any era is going to make the cut. The 996 is in there, though. Most people disagree with you on the NSX--it is reputed to be just amazing even today.
In reply to AaronBalto:
I saw one yesterday and it still turned my head so hard I woke up with a neck cramp this morning.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:
Man, they've appreciated nicely In the last couple years.
In reply to AaronBalto:
Honestly, I think it will be hard for you to feel bad about it if you buy a NSX. I'm just having fun thinking about what I would want if I were in your position.
Not too long ago a friend and I were bench racing about what would be in our dream garage if we were limited to six vehicles. NSX was absolutely in mine. When Gordon Murray uses it as a benchmark you know it's good.
No worries, I found the Elise 100X more fun to drive than the NSX. I don't know if you have spent any time around them but if you haven't try one out. They are the most fun I've had in a car :)
Are you a definite no on the Evora? I mean...
tjbell
Reader
6/24/15 4:18 p.m.
Driven a beaten, 190k mile, 25 year old NSX, with more problems than I care to discuss, it put such a large smile on my face I still giggle about it
