When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If I got an Ariel Atom I would need to sell my modified C5. I am not ready to sell the C5, maybe in a few more years but I think that car may be in the family for life. I feel it would hurt me less to sell the C7.
I am in agreement that lots of stuff on my list seem the same and am starting to think I need something that feels totally different. A while back I was convinced I was going to buy a Chevy SS with a manual, and after driving one found I hated it.
To be clear whatever I buy I will leave bone stock so the car has to hit the right buttons without having to mod it. Once you modify a car I feel it makes it more difficult to sell and I am not very mechanically inclined. For me leaving cars stock is the way to keep usability, flexibility & reliability. I already own a modified C5 that stalls when you run the AC and don’t really want to start a collection of modified cars that eat up a lot of cash and handcuff my ability to swap in and out of different cars.
I am not opposed to a used out of warranty low cost fun to drive ride as that would allow me to do other things. If I can find something inexpensive enough my thought is 2nd car and upgrade the C7 vert to a Z06 vert/coupe. Currently the C7 vert feels like enough car for me so I am not convinced I need a Z06. I don’t want to be one of those guys who is terrified to drive his Z06 hard. That would be the allure of a Focus RS (Z06/Focus RS might be a better pair than a C7/GT350). I have started eliminating vehicles that are not as good a fit.
Combos:
======
C7 vert / 911 GT3 (Have to look for a used one without CCB’s to afford)
C7 vert / Cayman GTS (Actively looking for a used one that fits my wants)
Z06 coupe / Boxster GTS
??? / New Corvette Z06 (New one waiting to see about thermal issues)
??? / New vaporware Corvette ZR1 (New one will have to wait a while and budget more $$$)
Z06 vert / Focus RS (Seems overpriced but if it hits the right buttons who cares)
Z06 coupe / New Vaporware Honda S2000 (New one they keep hinting they might build)
C7 vert / Shelby GT350
OUT FOR NOW:
==========
Cadillac CTSV (Bad handling Corvette that holds more people)
Nissan GTR (Not for me missing a feeling I am looking for)
Porsche Cayman GT4 (Impossible to find without sizable markup)
Shelby GT350R (Not paying the markup)
WRX STI (Houston Subaru dealers are terrible sold BRZ because of that)
About to purchase a truck to replace our old minivan in which case I will regain daily use of my modified C5 with the aggressive cam and straight piped exhaust that is what I drive at the track as my C7 vert won’t pass tech here at MSR Houston. The C5 has a visceral raw feeling to it that may help satisfy my need to drive something else.
I am also looking for a new sports car. I basically agree with your list. If i had a vette i would be looking for something turbo charged for a different driving experience.
So i recommend
M2/M4
718 cayman/boxster S
991.2 911
TT-RS or RS3
Or if you want something exotic under 100k...audi R8 or viper (but similar to vette)
You're missing the boat boys. This thing will put some lead in your pencil. This is the only Viper Racing Yellow GTS with an SRT vented hood from the factory. <4000 miles never tracked (I know hard to believe about one of my cars ) she is looking for a new home. PM me for a test drive but don't waste your time and mine with low ball crap and "I just wanted to go for a ride in one" If you want a thrill factor of 9.5+ try it.
I do have to say that the Atom will give you a stiffy as well.
I just bought a Shelby GT350, traded my M3 in for it.. it's a pure driving experience IMO, much like BMW used to offer. Sure the interior isn't as nice, but this car drives and gives you the feedback a drivers car should. I'm smitten.
All I have to say is, don't take my word for it, go drive one if you can find a dealer willing to do so. I've always kind of looked down on Mustangs up until I drove this.. it's a special car.
Test drove the 2016 Miata Club with BBS wheels & Brakes this weekend. Some of the track guys on this forum recommended I try it even thou it was not on my list. Was too similar to the 2013 BRZ limited I jettisoned in January. Vehicle seemed fine but did not hit any of my buttons.
The wife hated it. And I don't need another car the wife won't drive in as my modified C5 Coupe already fills that need.
Will now go and test drive by myself and once I find something see if it is wife approved as test driving with her was distracting.
You're missing the boat boys. This thing will put some lead in your pencil. This is the only Viper Racing Yellow GTS with an SRT vented hood from the factory. <4000 miles never tracked (I know hard to believe about one of my cars ) she is looking for a new home. PM me for a test drive but don't waste your time and mine with low ball crap and "I just wanted to go for a ride in one" If you want a thrill factor of 9.5+ try it.
I do have to say that the Atom will give you a stiffy as well.
The color is awesome! I am certain I would love this car. I doubt I can get my wife on board as the ride is going to be too stiff and loud for her.
Not sure that anyone cares. Opted to get a C7 Z06/Z07 convertible for now and it is a completely different driving experience than a C7 Z51. I do not believe I want to daily drive this beast as it requires more focus, discipline and concentration than I may have from day to day.
Haven't seen it mentioned, but how about a 90's model NSX? There are usually a couple for sale in the Houston area at any given time. They are also around half your budget or lower so that would leave room for fixes and upgrades as you see fit.
Not sure that anyone cares. Opted to get a C7 Z06/Z07 convertible for now and it is a completely different driving experience than a C7 Z51. I do not believe I want to daily drive this beast as it requires more focus, discipline and concentration than I may have from day to day.
10-03-2016, 12:13 AM
) she is looking for a new home. PM me for a test drive but don't waste your time and mine with low ball crap and "I just wanted to go for a ride in one" If you want a thrill factor of 9.5+ try it.
Men have just GOT to have their own toys...she has hers.
