Considering these cars

[550Maranello]

Chaps,

As Dave mentioned somewhere in this forum I am looking for a car with a manual transmission. I am open as I don't have any particular make in mind and having a lot of fun. I found these great looking cars even though I don't like the Mini's real spoiler. The Mini and M3 are low mileage cars.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/301202986120?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141320633382?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This could be a bomb ready to explode but incredibly beautiful

https://www.bmwcca.org/ads/imola-red-95-bmw-540it-w-7ser-44l-m62b44-v8-e39-m5-6spd

M Coupe: the owner will take the BBS RF wheels - ugly as sin - and deduct $3K from the price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151326758964?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[550Maranello]

Audi UR Quattro, now eligible for importation to the USA, but where do I find one in good shape?

http://fourtitude.com/news/vintage-...-ur-quattro-20v-now-eligible-importation-usa/

 

[garnachavino]

Something like this perhaps? Similar era as a w124, four door sedan configuration, performance heritage, classic styling..

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?id=4787&form_display=51

An e28 M5 has/always been a "want", but never accomplished due to my no longer wanting to return to a third pedal.

 

[Glen]

Mini Cooper S is a fun car and I imagine the JCW edition even more so. I've spent a bit of time in my sister-in-law's '11 Cooper S with 6-speed manual and I like it very much. It spacious given the overall size but realize it's a small car. I can feel a bit of torque steer but it's not too bad. All in all, I prefer RWD and would probably not choose one for that reason alone.

BMW E36 M3's are cool cars. I think they offer quite a bit of performance in a tidy, compact package. Personally though, I'd pick an E46 330i over any U.S. spec E36, especially the ZHP version. You end up with similar performance in a more modern, newer chassis.

E34 BMW's are nice. They are more nimble than E39's and offer a sporty, visceral and more raw driving experience. If you want an E34, I'd look for an unmodified, stock 540i 6-speed...although might be hard to find. Other than that, I'd probably look at E39's instead.

The M Roadster has a unique look, not to my taste but lots of performance and fun.

UR Quattro? Not sure I'd want one as a daily driver...then again, I've never driven one.

 

[550Maranello]

Very nice car but ugly US bumpers, black is not for me.

 

[550Maranello]

I lost a 2003 540iT with the factory e39 M-Tech touring option and 77K miles, impeccable for $13K.

 

[Glen]

Since you're not looking for a particular brand/model, have you considered any of these:

Lexus IS300, early 2000's came with manual transmissions and 2JZ inline-6 engines
Lexus IS250, 2nd gen mid-2000's and later came with manual transmissions too

Infiniti G35/37, lots of options both sedan and coupe

Audi A4/S4, lots of engine choices from I4, TTV6, and V8

 

[garnachavino]

Lexus IS300, early 2000's came with manual transmissions and 2JZ inline-6 engines

2JZ with VVT-i is a very nice motor imho. Classic, smooth, and relaxed, but modern feel and response too coz of that vvt-i technology.

 

[Stevester 500E]

I vote for one of Glen's suggestions:
It has a little Euro Flavor to the body style and you can get it in a manual tranny comes with a peppy 2JZ engine.

Lexus IS300, early 2000's came with manual transmissions and 2JZ inline-6 engines

 

[8899]

My vote would be for either an BMW E34 or one of these from Audi: URQuattro Coupe, URS4 sedan, or URS6 sedan or avant.

 

[Stevester 500E]

If you buy an IS300, you might want this setup.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-TOYOTA-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a905f4c38&vxp=mtr

 

[alabbasi]

I have an 86 944 turbo which is a barrel of fun. Only 225hp but when the boost comes on, the thing is obscene.

 

[400Eric]

I'm not quite 53 yet but I outgrew manual trannies years ago. 70 huh? My hat's off to you!

Stay away from Audis! They are the least reliable Euro car out there.

Regards,
Eric

 

[DerFuror]

Oh, you kids & yer lust fer fancy high-powered hot rods. Slow down & enjoy the scenery along life's trail.

Buy this and free up some of my garage space.

 

[Bzliteyear]

I love my C4S and hope to keep forever, and if not, Boxster S are nice/cheap to own.
PL

 

[Klink]

I love my C4S and hope to keep forever, and if not, Boxster S are nice/cheap to own.
PL

Congrats, Buzz! And that's a nice fleet there. While I'm commenting, aren't the "R's" (especially the V8s) about the most under-rated interstate cars ever? Every customer of ours that actually bought one is now angry that they aren't bothering trying to sell them to Americans anymore...

 

[Klink]

Stay away from Audis! They are the least reliable Euro car out there.
Regards,
Eric

Next to BMW's. But then, when the Audi breaks it is even more difficult and expensive to fix than a BMW...

 

[400Eric]

Yeah, it's no secret around here that I'm not crazy about BMWs either.
There're fun to drive....... when you can.

Regards,
Eric

 

[KarlC]

550Maranello whats your thoughts on a 2007+ XK or XKR, have you considered one of these ?

If you like the look they seem like a good value, here is just one of many ........

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/4499741939.html


Most that own them seem to really like them still (I'm sure they have their issues but what newer brand does not?).......

http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk-xkr-33/ive-owned-my-car-two-years-121262/

 

[jhodg5ck]

how about another 550/575....??;-) If I had a spare 80K i'd love to own one w/ a proper gated box of course.

jono

 

[DRW]

Have you considered an '87-'89 porsche? The G50 trannies are solid & engines are bulletproof. They're lot of fun and a lot of DYI tinkering which pays off if you have the time and enjoy it. You'll never lose a dime if you keep it up. I'd steer clear of turbos. $.02.