Okay, I know some have this question or a similar question in the past. Before someone says it's up to me, I am doing this to make sure that my list is as long and full as it can be.

I am ready to start shopping for my next car. I want another sports car. It doesn't have to be convertible, but can be. I don't go to the track, but I do enjoy spirited drives through canyons, on freeways, or where ever I can. I don't really like sedans. I'd prefer a sports car, sport coupe, or roadster. Performance is important. I will drive it everyday. I guess I am saying it can't be more raw than the S2000. My budget stops at $60k. I will start the list with a 996 C4S. Please give me your thoughts... or tell me what you would get.

Thanks.

 

BMW 550i six-speed manual.

 

c6 vette

 

G35 black on black fully loaded with sport suspension and aero package.

 

C6
CTS-V
Cayman S

I think another cool option would be a shelby kit car, you know the old early 60's body style? It will handle, go like hell, and be different than 99.9999% of people out on the road

 

with or without the maxi pad?

 

Considering your criteria; for every day useability and great resale it's tough to beat a new M3. Rather than a used 996 you get a new car with a 4 year warranty and 4 years of free maintenance.

Boxster S is another great choice, and you can get one for under $60K. SLK 55AMG is an interesting contender as well, although it's a hair over $60K.

What an awesome dilemma you're faced with

 

I second the Boxster S. Or Corvette.

 

brockLT1 has certainly hit on several of my picks, although I think mid-60k's before tax/etc. is where they fall. The new Vette is clearly the hands down winner for 'bang for the buck' in the price range. At the moment my personal favorite would be the Porsche Cayman S. I really feel for it when I saw it at the Detroit Auto Show and early reviews are good. The CTS-V is definitely a sedan, so scratch that. Kit cars, no matter how good, are still just that. I really love the Daytona Cobra Coupe that's assembled in Africa but cars like that just don't hold their value. Realistically, if you want to keep the out-the-door limit at $60k, the only choice in my mind is the S2000. I don't think the Boxster S is that 'different and better' to justify the price difference.

 

NSX
e46 M3
C6
C5 Z06
GTO (not sure about this, but you get a lot of change from a $60K bill)
Mustang GT500 (not out yet 475hp under $40K)
SLK350
Boxster/Cayman S

996 turbo (costs more than $60K)