Update : Lotus Elise or Similar Car

[ROBsS4R]

I think the Hard top looks better and it handles better 

[Le Pirate]

those little hardtop m coupes are awesome.


you should get one!

[ROBsS4R]

Bump....

Anymore suggestions?

Someone has one for sale at my friends apartment Complex.

Its a 1999 Grey with 85k on it. Looks really clean but he wants way to much IMO. 22k

[metallimonster]

Someone already mentioned it but the new Audi TT with the 3.2 V6 and DSG transmissions are rockets.  The quattro makes them fun and very very fun in the snow.  I don't think an Elise would be that great in the snow.  The TT will do whatever you want it to and more.  Plus the interiors are awesome.  Just my opinion.  When I was working on them I they were one of my favorite cars to drive.  You can pick up an old body style (not the 08 for around what you are looking to spend).  Someone mentioned warranty problems but do you really expect a manufacturer to cover a clutch that has been burnt up?  Come on.

[ROBsS4R]

I didn't realize how heavy the M Coupe is.

Looks like I need a 2001 plus model since it has 75hp more than the previous years. Thats substantial.

The Audi TT is Nice looking vehicle also.

[Ash]

miatas are a blast... easily one of the most fun cars i've ever driven. it's geared so short that you feel like you're wringing it's neck without getting into "ridiculous speed".

+1

some of the most fun i've had is autocrossing miatas... very easy to control and rotate...

[Sause]

The M coupe's came with two different engines S52 (240hp) and S54 (315HP) i think 99 - 00 were S52 and 01 was S54.

the hard top stiffens the car up BIG time and it's faster than the m3 coupe.

very very cool car and pretty rare. I see them here and there. between that and an elise I'd go m coupe and then still have cash left over for something to pull my bike around.


the one caution with the m coupe is that the rear subframe's develop cracks. BMW repaired them under warranty and even strengthened them with the car was under warranty. If you purchase one make sure the the subframe was either repaired to strengthened before any issues occurred. If it was not I think BMW charges something like $5k

[junior varsity]

I've only ever seen two of those suckers. A Bimmer blue and the deep red color. Both just south of Nashville in the 'burbs.

[ROBsS4R]

In the Bay Area I see them every once in a while

Looks like I will have a problem finding one with the S54 engine

North America S52 engine: 2,180 built from 07/98 through 06/2000
North America S54 engine: 690 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002

I rather get a Lotus Elise over a M Coupe with the S52 Engine. 75 Hp is a huge difference between the S52 and S54

[ryandalling]

My father almost bought one... the service intervals were like 6k miles and the cost was enough to think twice. He stuck with the Z4... although, if he fit the Elise better... he probably would have taken it... doesn't fit the tall people that well. I still want one though. There was a recent article where somebody turned the Elise into a fully functional submarine, 007 style... you drive into the water and it functions beneath the surface as well. Looked pretty cool.

[DY]

My father almost bought one... the service intervals were like 6k miles and the cost was enough to think twice. He stuck with the Z4... although, if he fit the Elise better... he probably would have taken it... doesn't fit the tall people that well. I still want one though. There was a recent article where somebody turned the Elise into a fully functional submarine, 007 style... you drive into the water and it functions beneath the surface as well. Looked pretty cool.

Sweeet!




http://www.netcarshow.com/rinspeed/2008-squba_concept/

[DRKWNG]

Don't discount the S2000.  I traded my E46 ZHP in for one and it is one hell of a little car.  Got a lot more refinement than the Miata, but a lot more go as well.  There are a few roads down here in Hawaii that I have quicker times in the car than either of my motorcycles.  The car was actually built by Honda's racing dept, if that tells you anything.

[Smiling End]

My buddy went through the windshield of an M coupe.  The state police said they'd never seen anyone get thrown that far and live.  He just used the money from his setllement to buy a 2004 Porsche 911 Cabriolet.  It's freaking amazing. 

I know a lot has been said back and forth throughout this thread but when it's all said and done I'd still go for the Elise.  It's a truly unique car that seems really fun to drive. 

[ROBsS4R]

Hmm after watching this Top Gear episode I have mixed feelings about the Z4.

The Boxster S might be a option

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hySg3brDeM8

[ROBsS4R]

And here is the Boxster Versus the Z4 versus the S2000 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=M--kAu6XpKY

The s2000 looks like a winner also.