svmtbman

So my lease is coming up later this year on my 2007 LBP S2K and I'm starting the mission of finding a replacement. There is a slim chance I may decide to buy out the lease but I'm really ready for something "different". My criteria for a new car are the following:

1. Rear wheel drive
2. Has a back seat
3. Manual transmission
4. As fast or faster than the S
5. Fun to drive!
6. a few more amities such as Bluetooth would be nice
7. Probably will not go with another convertible, although it's nice to put the top down on the S it's not that important to me
8. Want to keep the price under $45k

In looking around at what is available I've come up with the following cars to look at:

1. BMW 135i (Loved these since they came out although I know some people don't like the style of the car I love it)
2. Infiniti G37 Coupe (nice cars but the styling doesn't jump out at me)
3. Mustang GT (don't shoot me but the new 5.0 and 6 speed make it quite tempting)

Anyone here go from a S to any of these cars? What else do you think I should be looking at?

[DT]

RWD, 4 or 2+2, manual option, fun-to-drive sounds like a 135 or 335 or M3 (the last two available in coupe or sedand which is cool).

The Infiniti G cars are nice, but they don't do anything for me. They're just kind of vanilla, I'd do BMW over one (see above).

The new Mustang is solid performance-wise, looks pretty good, I'm not personally into Mustangs, they just don't push my buttons.

The fact a convertible is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition gives you a pretty wide range of options.

When you say "new" do you mean new to you, so it could be a nice CPO'ed type ride?

My other favorite sport/performance sedan is the IS-F.

svmtbman

I've considered a CPO 335i as well and would not mind a sedan. I just would not want to own a BMW that was out of warranty but if I could find a low mile CPO 335i or M3 I would consider that. I kinda agree on the G37, just a little to bland for me. My wife is shopping for her a new car right now and this is on her list as well so if she get's on that makes my decision easier. I like the IS-F as well but I enjoy shifting a manual too much.

omg516

Used 997 carrera? Possibly even a carrera s if you look hard enough for the right example.

galiff

335 6-speed. Very fun car. Functional with 4-door.

Disgustipated

Agreed with 997 911 (hopefully an S).

How about a slightly older CTS-V? You should be able to get a low mileage 2009 CTS-V 6 speed with a warranty for $45k or under. Comes stock with 550 hp, supercharged, rear wheel drive and I'm sure it's an absolute hoot to drive. It's basically a sedan version of the Corvette!

135i/335i are good choices, but also look at the Audi S5 coupe. Sexier styling than a BMW, comes in 6 speed... but AWD.

North Star

I'd be all over the Caddy!!!

S2Kevint

Vote for the CTS-V if you can find one under 45k

[DT]

Doh! Sorry about dropping the IS-F into my post, I was just thinking about interesting performance sedans and forgot about your manual requirement.

Saki GT

If you're looking at a 1 Series, might as well look at an S4, right at the top of your budget though.

CTS-V would be the deal imo.