[enguyenfa]

Personally, I'd go with a Z4M coupe over the CS. I currently have a CS and before that a Z4M, and I hate to say it but I made a mistake changing cars. The Z4M has an intoxicating sound and above all a raw exciting feeling that is felt at any speed. The CS on the other hand feels too refined and precise to me. Don't get me wrong those are great attributes, but as a fun car it's not what I'm looking for. Additionally, if you're looking to take the CS on the track I'd be very careful with the oil starvation issues.

[Efthreeoh]

I was looking at a '07 Cayman back in November 2014. The IMS issue kept me away from the '06 - '08 Cayman. LN Engineering is the best source to read up on the IMS failure issue with the Cayman engine.

I ended up buying a 23,000 mile '08 Z4 3.0si Coupe for $26K. It wasn't a a weekend car for me however.

Good luck with the decision.

[Bluewater328iT]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

I'm almost 6"3, so S2k not an option as I sat in one and barely fit

I'm almost 6'3" and almost any roadster is a tight fit, S2000, Boxster, Z3, Miata, etc. Z3 is not too bad. I worked in a dealership for a short time and got to drive all of those cars, some of them painfully, some of them just don't allow any movement once you are in. The Porsche 911 fits, but is another stratosphere of cost.

The E46 M3 coupe is a good choice, as is a restored E30 or E36. E36s are being snapped up like crazy for track cars. I've always liked the 318ti, and you see quite a few with an M3 transplant motor. The BMW Car Club is a great asset if you have a BMW and want to drive it on a track.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I was looking at a '07 Cayman back in November 2014. The IMS issue kept me away from the '06 - '08 Cayman. LN Engineering is the best source to read up on the IMS failure issue with the Cayman engine.

I ended up buying a 23,000 mile '08 Z4 3.0si Coupe for $26K. It wasn't a a weekend car for me however.

Good luck with the decision.

You got it right. Hard to beat an e86 coupe for fun, coolness and reliability. The cayman might have rhe slight edge in drving fun but the z4 looks way better than rhe 987 cayman and is more reliable.

I am on my second 981 cayman after a z4 coupe

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by shay2nak

Lotus Elise

Can't find a reliable Elise at that price point anymore.

[M3Ronnie]

Ford Fiesta ST. Fun car and cheap

[kchu221]

id go honda s2k

[GuidoK]

No brainer:
supercharged z4m roadster+ roadtrip:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1283855

[aerostar]

Get a brand new miata.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Can't find a reliable Elise at that price point anymore.

Bummer... The price has been going up on these recently.

[Nkc]

If it's going to be a weekend car, why not build a track car and start having some fun? With your budget, I'd go with a miata or S2000, preferably already set up with good mods. If you enjoy savings or free time to do things that don't involve driving then forget my advice because you'll lose both lol.

[gettinOld]

E36 M3..... plenty of clean ones at a good price point. Will have plenty of money left to maintain and mod as you please.

btw..... I have one for sale

[David70]

I considered a Cayman S and Z4M and went with the Z4M, mainly because it seemed less refined, I liked the far more unique look and the chances of seeing another one on a drive are close to zero. Not sure how it compares to the Cayman on luggage space but have no problem going on short/medium trips with soft luggage.

I have had the car 3.5 years and never had a repair and maintenance is minimal if not daily driving it.

[angelr]

I was faced with the same choice when my m3 was due for a replacement and made the same choice.

Originally Posted by David70

I considered a Cayman S and Z4M and went with the Z4M, mainly because it seemed less refined, I liked the far more unique look and the chances of seeing another one on a drive are close to zero. Not sure how it compares to the Cayman on luggage space but have no problem going on short/medium trips with soft luggage.

I have had the car 3.5 years and never had a repair and maintenance is minimal if not daily driving it.

[RobC2]

Originally Posted by pup73

Dare I say, my s2k is a more rewarding drive than my ///M2

It's my track car and weekend fair weather friend...I'm the original owner and it is still as exciting to drive as it was 11 years ago.

-c

EDIT- I just saw that you are a good bit taller than I....

I have had two. The first one I bought new and kept for seven years, which is the longest I have owned a car. I had another one for this past summer but just sold it. I am going to buy another in the spring, assuming I can find a good one. After two AP1s, I want to try an AP2. Great cars, and really quite unlike anything else in the price range.

[Mingwan]

It's been said a millions times already (and there's a reason for that), but an s2k would be a great choice, especially for what you're looking for. I'm over 6 feet tall, and I can fit in one. I know others that are tall that can fit in them, too. I think the reason some can fit while others can't(comfortably) has to do the proportions of their body.

I think an option for tall people that want extra room in that car would be to install a bucket seat to give extra headroom for the driver.

[Mr Pete]

S2000, for sure. Check the s2ki forums. AP1's, 20k Miles or so, I've seen one earlier this year for $20-22k. Cheaper, low mileage, stock, pristine examples pop up from time to time. I would eventually like to buy a S2000 some day.

[Never_Enough]

The answer is always Miata

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by AWGroceryGetter

S2000, for sure. Check the s2ki forums. AP1's, 20k Miles or so, I've seen one earlier this year for $20-22k. Cheaper, low mileage, stock, pristine examples pop up from time to time. I would eventually like to buy a S2000 some day.

I think these have a good chance of appreciating considerably in coming years as demand for Japanese stuff is on the rise. Assuming you don't beat the piss out of it or put on a ton of miles.

[TomD335xicoupe]

I can't believe nobody says 2002-2005 911 (AKA 996), you can easily find a very nice 911 those years in a coupe/cab/4 what ever turns you on.
Skip the 996 99-01 years. The 02 bump in HP and some cosmetics is a better car, if it is over 50 K mostly no issue with the IMS, and worst case that is about a grand to replace.
Like our cars make sure you buy from a club member PCA and IMHO get a car that has been tracked we usually take better care, buy better parts and have the car inspected prior to every event.

[-BEASTMW-]

Originally Posted by HyeWarrior

Impossible to find an unmolested S2K under $20,000. Absolutely amazing cars though. I still kinda wish I got one instead of my 135i.

Not true at all. I sold my completely stock 2002 w/70k in good condition 2 months ago for $13,900, in the Bay Area no less - which was $900 more than I had paid in 2013 with 47k. In fact, if I just wanted a fun car for weekends and the track, I'd be comfortable with only spending $10k.

[R N M]

Get the BRZ - amazing car and more fun to drive than M3 at less than 80mph.

I have 2016 F80 M3 and a BRZ.

Before i got the BRZ, E46 M3 was on my list but i was worried about reliability, maint etc. Plus hard to find a 10+ year old car in great shape. Im ocd about scratches, imperfections etc.
There is also huge aftermarket for BRZ if thats your thing.