than M3 hands down. You can get one decently optioned for $70k

 

You do not suprise a man with a car unless you know exactly what he wants.

Oh hi! Here's you new car you just paid for and didn't get to pick out! My dad would flip a lid!!!

I'd probe him about Mercs and BMWs since he used to have a Merc.

Take him out to lunch near a dealer that has a few models of each and get his reaction when you go look at them.

New Caddy CTS Vsport is pretty sexy.



this reminds me of the "Jerry Sinfeld Caddy effect" awesome episode! only a small taste found on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc9-rYBOS5w

 

I am not trying to tell you what you should or should not do just how I would feel in that situation..

If I had enough money (assuming your step mom and father have pooled assets) to afford a 70k car but I was driving an 05 infinity, it would be for a reason. That reason could be many different things from saving for a boat,castle,Ferrari, etc or because I do not feel comfortable spending to much money on a car. If none of that is true you have to consider what some one would want in a 70k car. It is a huge decision and even someone buying it for themselves may not know what they want until they see all the options and test drive a few things. Something as simple as the color could make some one wish they didn't have the car.


If I was in the situation to buy some one a car like this I would be trying to figure out what they liked from them. Maybe you should see if an auto show is going to be in town before his birthday or put the purchase off a year so you can go to one and see what car he likes the best. Ask detailed questions so you know what he would want. If you cannot put it off tell him you are looking to buy a new car and take him to dealers to look at cars and see what he says. Their are tons of ways to ask some one what they would buy with out giving away the surprise. Maybe even a short term lease with the option to buy in-case he doesn't like it? I do not know if you can get a very good deal going with a lease though.


To answer your question though.
M3
M4
CLA45 AMG
C63 AMG
Charger/Challenger hellcat? I have heard people say that the interiors are just as nice as an E class and large enough for adults in the back, I don't know if I believe it though.

ZL1 rear seats to small?
GT500 rear seats to small?
Jaguar XF 5.0 SC
Jaguar XJ pushing the price a little
Audi RS5 Back seats to small?
Cadilac CTS-V
VW Phaeton
Lexus IS-F

Ten people could look at this list and pick ten different cars they think are the best though, it really depends on what the buyer is looking for.

 

hmm... the man owns a q45.. the lex on the original list was the only reliable one.. everything on everyone's list is as good as anything.. I think it's cute.. a gift is chosen, an given cause you feel something for someone.. sounds cool to me.. let her look at everything an pick out whatever it is she likes.. if she's asking you.. well.. then.. your picking it out.. and.. you know your dad.. I could buy my dad a old pickup truck.. any old pickup truck.. he would be like a kid with a toy.. I bought him his last car.. he liked it.. he would have rather had a truck..

if you normally buy your dad a tie.. just give him the cash and let him do with 70k whatever..

 

Thanks folks. I agree that it's hard to choose a car for someone, but she is buying it and wants to surprise him. I'm not going to tell her it's a bad idea. The reason he still has the Infiniti is because he is frugal. No other reason. He would love a sports sedan, but would never pull the trigger on one. For example, when I was a kid, he went to buy a Porsche. Drove the 911, loved it and came home with the 944. Thanks for the ideas. I was just making sure I wasn't overlooking other models and options.

 

There you go, a 997.2 Convertible.