mosesbotbol

How about a new Lincoln Continental? In top engine format it supposed to be a beast. I bet there is good lease rates & finance options. Looks nice too.

vader1

2010 M3.

Mileage sucks, car doesn't.

I kind of like the G8 but the rest of the domestic options don't do it for me personally.

ChiHonda

RX-8 with LS swap lol.
Seriously though I'm looking for a family car with some power and handling myself. If you are willing to go non-American for a V8 Sedan with manual then other options are E90 M3, E39 M5 and Audi RS4. There are non-M BMWs too and the Audi S5. I think about those CTS-Vs but then I see the interior pictures and I'm out. The G8 GXP is getting collector prices--over $30k with a stick. A lightly used Chevy SS can be had for that.

CMK

Chevy SS is leaps and bounds ahead of the G8 in terms of interior quality, and it's a total sleeper.

mosesbotbol

I'd take a Jaguar XFR or XFR-S if going non-American. 500 HP, reliable, and well priced.

ChiHonda

"with a stick" I said If automatic then lots more options. The Jags are nice though. My dad has an F-Type. Cool cars.

klapamos

Budget is around 18K but would like to keep it under 15K. G8 appears to be a good option with great reliability.

QUIKAG

G8 is probably your best bet.

bkowa092

My vote goes to a first gen CTS-V. A good condition, lower mileage one can be had for $15-18k if you look hard enough. I drove one once for a brief period and instantly fell in love. The interior was fine (I drove an 05'), but the performance was amazing. I personally love the looks of the first gens, but I understand that is personal preference. They are just edgy enough that a car enthusiast knows they are something special, while the average person thinks they are just another grandpa-mobile. Merging on the highway and chirping the rear tires at 60 mph in a Caddy was a very cool feeling. Handling was good, braking was above average and the transmission was good enough. Overall a very fun car at a great price (415 hp/tq for $15k?).

TheDonEffect

Lol jag and reliable.

+1 for the g8, the charger rt makes zero sense in the same way fashion makes zero objective sense, but looking good had a tangible effect. Not saying the charger s fashionable like a bespoke suit but that you can't quantify it's value by looking at the spec sheet. I didn't get it until I drove a black one to vegas. Now I get it. In terms of operating costs nothing really unusual just keep it maintained and should treat you right. The 5.7l v8 is their bread and butter hemi.
The g8 is probably the better car, the charger has loads more personality. I'd rather drive the g8, I'd rather be in the charger.
And in a two ton glorified family hauler, why would you need a stick? Because race? Right tool right job.