2JZ GZE

So I am in a pickle guys...

I have a 2007 BB Ap2 and I love the car. I actually leased the car back in 07 and my lease will be ending on June of 2011. I know its more than a year away, but I'm trying to think of my options now.

After perusing the forums and getting a lot of useful information in the Car Talk forums (thanks guys), I decided that these could be my choices when my lease is up:

1. Purchase the Car, throw on FI and be done with it...
2. Lotus Elise
3. BMW Z4M Coupe
4. BMW Z4M Convertible

Here is my dilemma.

I love my Ap2, but I honestly feel that it is underpowered. I am coming from a pretty built IS300 (http://my.is/forums/3838829-post116.html and http://my.is/forums/f96/my-first-real-trac...7/#post4397403) and yes guys, I know that the S is not a straight line power power car, but I just need some more oooomph. So that is why I think FI would make it awesome. Yet I will be driving the same car. Maybe with FI I wouldn't mind? =) This would also be my cheapest option.

The Lotus Elise is smaller, lighter, less powered, yet faster (0-60), but it just looks so sexy. I mean it looks awesome! But I wonder if I would want more ooomph too?

The BMW Z4M Coupe seems like an awesome car itself and I've always wanted a BMW M series vehicle and this seemed to fit my budget. It's luxury and power!

The BMW Z4M Convertible would be nice since it is a convertible car, but its not that distinguishable from the regular Z4 convertible and it kinda looks "girly."

My ideal car would be a used Lexus IS-F or e92 M3, but I do not want to spend that much money on my next car.

My budget for my next car would be no more than $30,000. Do you guys have any ideas or suggestions? Any input would be appreciated. Honestly, I want something somewhat luxurious, with power, or just plain ostentatious (like the Elise). Let's discuss...

Thanks

Julian

Abdizzle

When I drove a Z4M the first thing that came to mind was S2000 on steriods but more refined.

2JZ GZE

How so? Could you please elaborate?

21k

exige or boosted s2000.

Benn-O

if you're talking about the new Z4M, i would go with that. but, fiscally the s2k FI would be a lil easier on the wallet. with s/c kits dipping in the 4g's.

i would pass on lotus. if you get into a wreck, it ain't going to be pretty.

my vote is the bimmer.

rockville

What about a 370Z or '11 Mustang GT. The Nissan shouldn't give up much in handling and the Mustang is going to have good power. You could also look at a used Corvette or Cayman/Boxster.

s2kPA

Cayman S

Out of the cars on your list:
Lotus Elise then Z4M Coupe.

Presto123

If maintenance isn't a worry for you then go with the Z4M Coupe. Lots of power and they are a pretty rare sight.

I know it's not your on list but i just have to... A used 05-06 C6 is definitely in your budget. If i was buying a car for 30K that would definitely be it.

Sabre

Elise - very difficult to get in and out. Minimal interior (makes the S look like a luxury car in a way), it still only makes 190HP. It's super light so it's faster off the line, but not by much. You'd want more oomph. an Exige would fix that particular problem.

Personally, out of your three, if you specifically got rid of the S, I'd do the Z4M Vert only because I love top-down.

rockville

I think the Z4 looks bad but I really like the coupe. I think that many be due to the coupe softening the "z" on the side of the car and because the Z4 soft top looks really bulky behind the side windows.

Another little plus to the C6, they are targas. So while you don't get the full top down effect, you do get something like it with basically no loss in space when you put the top back in place.