Time for a back seat...help
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,612
Likes: 493
From: brooklyn ny
Time for a back seat...help
My son is going on 5 months old and having a car with a back seat is going to become a necessity. I would love to keep my Corvette but sacrifices must be made eventually. I don't need the next car just yet but I am going to start to look at options. This is now my 3rd Corvette and unfortunately probably will be my last for a while 
The only other car I've owned in between my 3 Corvettes was a Cts-v coupe V2. That car was a beast and a ton of fun for the first few months then the automatic transmission bored me to death. I want my next car to be one I keep for a few years and enjoy.
I'm in no rush to trade in the Corvette as I definitely have some time at least till the end of the summer before getting into my next car. I would like to get some test drives under my belt.
I have a budget of around 45-50k. The only car that I seem to have an eye for is the bmw 650i grand coupe. I can get into a 2014-15. The car had an msrp of over 100k at one point so it'll be loaded with options. Also has a sports car look. I love a long hood . Power seems decent at 445hp and paired with the smg transmission seems like something I would enjoy.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this car over time? Any other suggestions in cars I should consider?
The only other car I've owned in between my 3 Corvettes was a Cts-v coupe V2. That car was a beast and a ton of fun for the first few months then the automatic transmission bored me to death. I want my next car to be one I keep for a few years and enjoy.
I'm in no rush to trade in the Corvette as I definitely have some time at least till the end of the summer before getting into my next car. I would like to get some test drives under my belt.
I have a budget of around 45-50k. The only car that I seem to have an eye for is the bmw 650i grand coupe. I can get into a 2014-15. The car had an msrp of over 100k at one point so it'll be loaded with options. Also has a sports car look. I love a long hood . Power seems decent at 445hp and paired with the smg transmission seems like something I would enjoy.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this car over time? Any other suggestions in cars I should consider?
Last edited by brooklync5; May 19, 2017 at 11:32 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 1,006
From: BOOMER SOONER
Have you tried the Chevy SS? It's an LS-3 powered sedan with a nice roomy interior and based on the old Pontiac G8 platform, made in Australia by Holden, and will soon be gone forever. It would be my top choice if I was in your situation.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
I don't know what you mean by "smg transmission" because the only transmission is an 8-speed ZF auto, which I believe is the same transmission used in the Jaguar F-Type. It probably is the best slush box out there. I thought I could be happy using the paddles, and it does have lightning fast paddle shifts. You don't hear complaints about ZF8s on the forums either.
However, as you described, I got very bored with it very quickly, which is one of the primary reasons I sold it and bought a manual C7.
Unfortunately, I can't think of performance sedan at the moment in your price range, other than perhaps a 3-series, where a manual is offered.
However, as you described, I got very bored with it very quickly, which is one of the primary reasons I sold it and bought a manual C7.
Unfortunately, I can't think of performance sedan at the moment in your price range, other than perhaps a 3-series, where a manual is offered.
Last edited by Foosh; May 19, 2017 at 11:46 AM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 571
Likes: 198
From: Ellicott City, MD
Me, I'd do a Camaro or Stang...if I had to, or better a third car. Been there and done that, except I couldn't get back to a vett for a very long time...still working my way back. But, YMMV and good luck to ya!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,612
Likes: 493
From: brooklyn ny
my son's safety is a priority. I could never put him in a beater.
Thanks foosh I guess I meant zf then. I don't know much about BMWs I've owned gm cars exclusively for 13 years. The only reason I'm leaning towards the 650i is because it if it's curb appeal. It also seems to have enough in the performance category to keep me happy. I've always been a fan of the 6 series since it's introduction. I cant see myself driving a 3 series.
I've been considering both the Camaro and mustang. Both are on my list of cars I may consider but still not sure about a 2 door.
I love many things about the SS all except it's looks. Thank you for the suggestion though.
I don't know what you mean by "smg transmission" because the only transmission is an 8-speed ZF auto, which I believe is the same transmission used in the Jaguar F-Type. It probably is the best slush box out there. I thought I could be happy using the paddles, and it does have lightning fast paddle shifts. You don't hear complaints about ZF8s on the forums either.
However, as you described, I got very bored with it very quickly, which is one of the primary reasons I sold it and bought a manual C7.
Unfortunately, I can't think of performance sedan at the moment in your price range, other than perhaps a 3-series, where a manual is offered.
However, as you described, I got very bored with it very quickly, which is one of the primary reasons I sold it and bought a manual C7.
Unfortunately, I can't think of performance sedan at the moment in your price range, other than perhaps a 3-series, where a manual is offered.
I love many things about the SS all except it's looks. Thank you for the suggestion though.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; May 19, 2017 at 09:44 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-please use the Multi-Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make your responses look like this!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 891
Likes: 418
Sad to see you go. My friend actually went from a 2014 vette to a 650i and while its a nice car, that car gave him massive problems. Keep in mind we are also in nyc. He blew out 9 tires in the span of 6 months. I dont know if he was just driving reckless or what but it did happen. That car also stopped working for whatever reason and has been sitting there for months.
The only reason why he traded it for a 650i was because his insurance rate was through the roof. 1k+ a month and the fact that he hates driving a manual.
My suggestion is to be careful when you buy these cars. Many of them have been abused
The only reason why he traded it for a 650i was because his insurance rate was through the roof. 1k+ a month and the fact that he hates driving a manual.
My suggestion is to be careful when you buy these cars. Many of them have been abused
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,612
Likes: 493
From: brooklyn ny
Thanks Ace... I'm not going anywhere just yet but will eventually have to. I drive a total of 8 miles a day Monday through Friday at an average speed of 25 mph lol so I'm not to worried about the rims and tires. BMWs do scare me a bit especially when out of warranty which is why I'm looking for other cars as well. There is something about the 6 series though that had always had my attention.
Last edited by brooklync5; May 19, 2017 at 12:28 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 891
Likes: 418
Sleek long body with such a nice looking ***. Hate the front though. Very luxurious inside. Quite the power too. Only issue is bmws are known for thier problems. Believe it or not many cars you see pulled on the side of the roads happen to be bmws more than any other brand. How about a jaguar f type? Not sure if they have a back seat or not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I'd look into the Audis. One w. a CPO, and ability to extend same for a couple years. Can be coupe or 4 door. If you're going BM route, I'd do the same: CPO, ability to extend.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
My son is going on 5 months old and having a car with a back seat is going to become a necessity. I would love to keep my Corvette but sacrifices must be made eventually. I don't need the next car just yet but I am going to start to look at options. This is now my 3rd Corvette and unfortunately probably will be my last for a while
The only other car I've owned in between my 3 Corvettes was a Cts-v coupe V2. That car was a beast and a ton of fun for the first few months then the automatic transmission bored me to death. I want my next car to be one I keep for a few years and enjoy.
I'm in no rush to trade in the Corvette as I definitely have some time at least till the end of the summer before getting into my next car. I would like to get some test drives under my belt.
I have a budget of around 45-50k. The only car that I seem to have an eye for is the bmw 650i grand coupe. I can get into a 2014-15. The car had an msrp of over 100k at one point so it'll be loaded with options. Also has a sports car look. I love a long hood . Power seems decent at 445hp and paired with the smg transmission seems like something I would enjoy.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this car over time? Any other suggestions in cars I should consider?
The only other car I've owned in between my 3 Corvettes was a Cts-v coupe V2. That car was a beast and a ton of fun for the first few months then the automatic transmission bored me to death. I want my next car to be one I keep for a few years and enjoy.
I'm in no rush to trade in the Corvette as I definitely have some time at least till the end of the summer before getting into my next car. I would like to get some test drives under my belt.
I have a budget of around 45-50k. The only car that I seem to have an eye for is the bmw 650i grand coupe. I can get into a 2014-15. The car had an msrp of over 100k at one point so it'll be loaded with options. Also has a sports car look. I love a long hood . Power seems decent at 445hp and paired with the smg transmission seems like something I would enjoy.
Does anyone have any real world experience with this car over time? Any other suggestions in cars I should consider?
Back to your question the 7 series 6 & 5 all now are the same way you will pay 70,k plus to over 100,k new in 2 yrs you can buy used from the dealer for about 1/2 of new. But when that car gets 100,k miles on it stuff starts going bad. motor parts, trans, elec stuff.
This is why I trade her car r sale every 3 yrs. Plus yes we do have a number of friends with are did have 7 are more the 535 bmw. I am tell you much over 100,k car repair's...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,917
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
Safety? I haven't seen an unsafe car, age wise, in decades. If you want to stay with only one car, by all means, do it. But you can get a perfectly safe car, and a pretty decent car overall, for $3-5K. Is it as much fun as the Vette? I sure hope not!
And, FTR, you are the most important safety feature your son has!
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike.
And, FTR, you are the most important safety feature your son has!
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,904
Likes: 315
From: Cedar Falls Iowa
I'd try to figure out a way to keep the Vette. If you were to keep the Vette what kind of budget could you come up with? Dumping the Vette and buying a used high end BMW seems risky unless it has a kick *** extended warranty.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 4,108
From: New England
I sold my family car (2016 Golf R) for a 2016 Vette and still need to drive the kids sometimes (even though my wife has a Honda Odyssey).
Keep the Vette and buy a used car like a Civic, Fit, Elantra, etc.
I picked up a 2015 Honda Fit EX with 19K miles on the odometer for $13K. Has a manual 6 speed transmission, sunroof, lane watch, good safety ratings, and tons of room in the back for a young child (or three). It's small and a hatch so is very practical and gets great gas mileage.
I would try to do something like that first as you will really lose the sports car feel with just about any family sedan.
Keep the Vette and buy a used car like a Civic, Fit, Elantra, etc.
I picked up a 2015 Honda Fit EX with 19K miles on the odometer for $13K. Has a manual 6 speed transmission, sunroof, lane watch, good safety ratings, and tons of room in the back for a young child (or three). It's small and a hatch so is very practical and gets great gas mileage.
I would try to do something like that first as you will really lose the sports car feel with just about any family sedan.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,654
Likes: 546
From: Chicago Burb
I have an X5 which I absolutely love. I often have to jump right from my Z51 to the X5 and it's not a let down. I only have the 6 cyl so not nearly the power but ride is similar (firm and sporty), still quick, and the tranny is amazing. Original owner paid 68k plus tax, I got it at 4 years old with 26K miles on it (florida car) for $28K. Had it 2 years now and with no warranty and no problems. The 8 cyl and diesels are not nearly as reliable.
