[bahasad]

So my F30 lease is up in less than 3 months. I can't believe the 3 years with it went so quickly. To sum it up, I've been overall happy with the car. From the factory it left much to be desired, but with my upgrades, I think it is a good daily driver. I've had a few small issues, nothing major.

Asking for random opinions or thoughts on what I should buy. I am looking to get something faster for sure. I have a mustang that I will be trading in and downsizing to this one car. Requirements: car has to be fast, less than 40k, 2012-2014, prefer V8, reasonably reliable, not terrible fuel economy but >18 MPG. No leases.

1) Audi S4
2) F10 BMW 550i/Xdrive/750i
3) BMW M235i
4) E92 M3
5) Cadillac CTS V (2G)
6) Cadillac CTS V-sport (3G)
7) Chevy SS
8) C6 Chevy Corvette Gran Sport

My heart wants a C7 vette, but its unaffordable for now. Another thing I hate to admit but I liked with my mustang was that a lot of people would comment on what a nice car it was and talk to me about it whenever I parked. Never got that with my BMW, even though my BMW is modified.

I know this is a random list but I'm just curious what you guys think?

The logical choice for me would be to get a BMW 550I and modify it. That is what I'm leaning towards. But the Gran Sport really appeals to me emotionally and the BMW M3.

[oksymoroni]

The only one I can comment on is the F10. I had a 2011 535i and I didn't like it. I sold it 2 months ago and just got into an F30 which I'm loving after a few days of ownership.
F10 a great and comfortable highway cruiser but the driving dynamics are just out of whack. Steering is really light and the car just feels heavy no matter what driving mode you're in. And even though the F10 is much bigger than an F30 the interior space isn't that much more spacious. Granted I had a 535 and you're looking at a 550 which is definitely in a different league power wise.

[SteveinArizona]

Your list is all over the place with sizes ranging from a BMW 2 series to a full sized Cadillac. It is very hard to make recommendations given that spread. For example, all things being equal (which they never are) I would want a BMW m240i and would hate a Cadillac CTS because it is too big for my taste.

If you could give us a more focused list of what you are looking for, we could do a better job of making recommendations.

[jmg]

I'll go through each of your options with your criteria. It looks like you would like some attention as well.

1) Audi S4 - Subtle understated looks for the B8+. An under-performer compared to it's BMW and Mercedes counterparts. The B7 V8 can be had for cheap, but is a ticking time bomb. I've owned a 25th Anniversary of Quattro S4. It got lots of attention with the factory DTM kit and limited run of 250, but that was years ago.

2) I almost got a F10 550i and even test drove it. It's a big car. Plenty powerful, but didn't feel nimble. If you are looking for attention, you won't get it in the 550i. That being said, it was cushy and luxurious. The V8 was more than capable as a daily driver, but it is not a performance car, and has a reputation for being expensive to maintain and unreliable. Skip.

3) M235i - My buddy has one, great car. Fast. Not much of an attention getter outside of the 2-series and BMW crowd. Great driving dynamics, great looks.

4) E92 M3 - Still a crowd pleaser. Glorious V8 sound. Fast. This would be my choice in your price range, just have a maintenance fund.

5 & 6) I'm not into american cars, but these are almost 4k lbs. Too heavy.

7) Chevy SS - I actually like this car, someone at my office building has one. It's quick, but hindered by it's 3900+lb weight. Weight savings isn't cheap, and this is not an expensive car. Subtle looks, only enthusiasts would notice and only barely. I actually appreciate it's looks, reminds me of a Pontiac G8, which isn't a bad thing.

8) You want a real sports car? The C6 is it.

My choice would be a E92 M3. The C6 is probably the best bang for the buck, but we all know that there's more to a car than that. The C6 does nothing for me, despite my respect for it's performance. I wouldn't have that much fun owning one, but that's just me. I like german cars.

[theEZV]

ISF?

[Slickz]

Volvo S60 Polestar

[saaltonen]

Confusing lineup you have there, maybe some more info will get better results. From that list I really like the E92 M3 personally. Never been crazy about Audi S4's past a quick rush from a test drive, just meh. C6 build quality I could never get past. Like the M235i performance and size but the looks aren't quite there for me. Caddy's and Chevy SS fall into the same category as the C6 in my mind. F10 is too boaty for me, and I'm guessing you want sporty.

What will you be using the car for mostly?

[p30amg08]

m156, AMG

[BEM-S4]

Check out the C450 as well. Those tool a big hit in resale value with the "new" C43 coming out which is pure marketing bullshit rebadge.

[spuntyb]

If you just want a crappy car with a V8, you'd be silly not to get an SS. With a stick.

[jeffc83]

As others mentioned, this list is all over the place. What are you looking for? This emotional shyte doesn't help matters, lol Happy to help without knowing what you are specifically looking for in a car: No to Cadillac/GM so now you are left with 2 brands. I hate Audi so now you're stuck with BMW!

Now on the BMW list, 3) BMW M235i or 4) E92 M3

[donkey]

Out of that list I would choose the E92 M3

[lkstaack]

You are not going to be able to make a reasonable decision until you define what your goal really is, and the criteria you want to use to make a decision.

[RaleighDawg]

Little off topic, but wanted to see what mods you had and how they worked with your lease. Are you going to remove them before turning it in or leave them there. I'm always interested in how doing things to leased cars works when it is time to turn it in.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by RaleighDawg

Little off topic, but wanted to see what mods you had and how they worked with your lease. Are you going to remove them before turning it in or leave them there. I'm always interested in how doing things to leased cars works when it is time to turn it in.

On paper, they want it back in stock trim. If you had a dealership install an OEM mod like bumpers, MPE etc, that's okay too, but you lose whatever money you put into that mod. Most people return to stock for both contract obligation and to sell those parts.

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

Your list is all over the place with sizes ranging from a BMW 2 series to a full sized Cadillac. It is very hard to make recommendations given that spread. For example, all things being equal (which they never are) I would want a BMW m240i and would hate a Cadillac CTS because it is too big for my taste.

If you could give us a more focused list of what you are looking for, we could do a better job of making recommendations.

Originally Posted by saaltonen

Confusing lineup you have there, maybe some more info will get better results. From that list I really like the E92 M3 personally. Never been crazy about Audi S4's past a quick rush from a test drive, just meh. C6 build quality I could never get past. Like the M235i performance and size but the looks aren't quite there for me. Caddy's and Chevy SS fall into the same category as the C6 in my mind. F10 is too boaty for me, and I'm guessing you want sporty.

What will you be using the car for mostly?

Originally Posted by jeffc83

As others mentioned, this list is all over the place. What are you looking for? This emotional shyte doesn't help matters, lol Happy to help without knowing what you are specifically looking for in a car: No to Cadillac/GM so now you are left with 2 brands. I hate Audi so now you're stuck with BMW!

Now on the BMW list, 3) BMW M235i or 4) E92 M3

Originally Posted by lkstaack

You are not going to be able to make a reasonable decision until you define what your goal really is, and the criteria you want to use to make a decision.

I understand the list is confusing - I know I threw together a whole bunch of different cars. To me these cars are the prime used car performance bargains around 35-40k now. I kind of wanted to see out of this list what would u guys get for yourselves right now, if any. Which is the most popular car.

My first priority is drivetrain performance. I don't track my cars but I drive spiritedly. Would prefer a V8 vehicle, but a forced induction 6 is also good (tired of 4-bangers). Second priority is exterior looks, I know its subjective. By that definition, the SS is out, but I threw it in there to see what yall thought of it compared to the other cars. Third priority is moddability - thats why I love forced induction vehicles and also the LS powered vehicles are good. Fourth priority is features.

I should say I will have a daily compact vehicle, so this will be a second car.

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by RaleighDawg

Little off topic, but wanted to see what mods you had and how they worked with your lease. Are you going to remove them before turning it in or leave them there. I'm always interested in how doing things to leased cars works when it is time to turn it in.

I'm taking the car back to stock - removing msport bumper, bms tune, intake, exhaust, and spoiler. Still have stock wheels. I'm going to be leaving the springs on. I don't think they will know/check for those.

Besides the m-sport bumper and springs, everything is easy to remove.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by bahasad

I should say I will have a daily compact vehicle, so this will be a second car.

Why not wait a bit until the F8X used prices go closer to $40k?

[rdeluna72397]

Originally Posted by bahasad

I should say I will have a daily compact vehicle, so this will be a second car.

If you already have a daily, imo get one of the higher end sports cars on your list. I beg you not to get the V-Sport btw, get the real V if you're gonna go cadillac. My dad has the 2015 V coupe. Fun car. From your list, I'd personally go E92 (not on your list but I prefer the w204 c63 over the m3), CTS V, or C6.

[sygazelle]

Kidding of course. Just having a little fun. Here is a nice 2003 540i with M-Tech package. It's a V8 and its under $40k. However, it misses on the rest of your specs. Only 1500 or so shipped to the US. Even fewer with 6 speed.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2310/overview/

[Michael Schott]

I'm with jmg on the E90 M3. What a sweet car and engine! Yes it will be expensive when something goes wrong.

The C6 is a nice choice but the terrible interior kills it for me.

Surprisingly the Chevy SS is second on my list. I haven't driven one but it has a great chassis and engine. I bet it's great fun. I also think it's a very well designed car. Clean and simple.

[RedKloud]

S5 Sportback.