[Run Silent]

As the title says - going to grab a new car for the wife and looking for some ideas that maybe I've not thought of before.

Here are the specifics:

a. Looking for something that stands out from the crowd, unique in a parking lot.
b. Price point is around $30K - $35K.
c. Must be 2012 or newer and less than 40K miles on it.
d. Needs to be moderately reliable as this will be a daily driver.
e. Prefer manual or DCT, but would consider an automatic if it was the right car.
f. Maint costs or upkeep costs are not really an issue, within reason.
g. Would prefer at least a minimal backseat to use in a pinch, but not required.
h. Must be fun to drive and enjoyable.

Some ideas that are currently on the table are a 2009+ Porsche Cayman but worried about it being too old, also 2018 or 2019 Alfa Giulia Ti 2.0T seems to be of interest. Another option was the Focus RS, but not very cool looking. The Miata RF was another choice, but worried about performance. Thought about the BMW M235 or M240, but she finds them boring looking.

[VisualEcho]

F-Type?

I mean, if you're not worried about maintenance and reliability.

[MrSmartyPants]

WRX/STi
BRZ
Lexus IS F Sport
C6 Vette

[cfm56d7b]

While there is no such thing as a recommendation for a perfect car, I think a used 435 Gran Coupe would be worth a consideration. Gran Coupe with N55 engine have been generally reliable and of course N55 engine will turn even a short drive into a memorable one.

[spazzyfry123]

Early M2?

[dreamingat30fps]

Fine... I'll throw it out there. Tesla Model 3 .

Depending on how far she drives might meet your needs. It's unique looking in its own weird way, in your price point for a used one, should be reliable, almost no maintenance, should be fun 0-60 and a back seat.

[Joekerr]

Originally Posted by Run Silent

As the title says - going to grab a new car for the wife and looking for some ideas that maybe I've not thought of before.

Here are the specifics:

a. Looking for something that stands out from the crowd, unique in a parking lot.
b. Price point is around $30K - $35K.
c. Must be 2012 or newer and less than 40K miles on it.
d. Needs to be moderately reliable as this will be a daily driver.
e. Prefer manual or DCT, but would consider an automatic if it was the right car.
f. Maint costs or upkeep costs are not really an issue, within reason.
g. Would prefer at least a minimal backseat to use in a pinch, but not required.
h. Must be fun to drive and enjoyable.

Some ideas that are currently on the table are a 2009+ Porsche Cayman but worried about it being too old, also 2018 or 2019 Alfa Giulia Ti 2.0T seems to be of interest. Another option was the Focus RS, but not very cool looking. The Miata RF was another choice, but worried about performance. Thought about the BMW M235 or M240, but she finds them boring looking.

Probably a little out of the budget, but what are used RS7's going for in the States?

Otherwise, maybe a used RS3 for something smaller?

I'd probably go with the Macan GTS over the Cayman myself, but not sure if those prices have come down to that territory, I'm not a huge fan of their SUV's to be honest. Fricking love their cars though!

[2000cs]

Does it need to be used in winter? If so, some of the lower sports cars may not clear road slush and ice (center of the lane).

A pickup truck obviously won’t meet your first criteria in your area. Unless it is hot pink.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Probably a little out of the budget, but what are used RS7's going for in the States?

Otherwise, maybe a used RS3 for something smaller?

I'd probably go with the Macan GTS over the Cayman myself, but not sure if those prices have come down to that territory, I'm not a huge fan of their SUV's to be honest. Fricking love their cars though!

Macan GTS are in the 50-60’s range. Macan S can be had for closer to the 40-50’s range depending on year, options, and mileage.

[2000cs]

Did you sell the Ferrari? Not on your garage list I just noticed.

[Conissah]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Otherwise, maybe a used RS3 for something smaller?

RS3 can be had around $35k, good choice. I vote ND Miata though, they usually dyno around 150 wheel and weigh a mere 2300 pounds. Definitely not the fastest thing out there, but the manual is unrivaled, and up there in the mountains, it'll be a BLAST.

[chassis]

A Mercedes AMG C63s just fits into the price range. Pre-2016.

[RickFLM4]

Whatever she wants. Most wives want SUVs. You’re lucky she wants a car.

Audi TT or S4, or 340?

[Smgs1992]

Bmw M4 can be had in that price range in those miles

[mc-m3]

Cayman should be doable with your criteria, here is a 2012 with 32k miles priced at $31.4k at a Porsche dealer. Even has a non-black interior
https://finder.porsche.com/us/en_US/Cayman-174228

[minn19]

Manual Golf R.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by Joekerr

Probably a little out of the budget, but what are used RS7's going for in the States?

Or a TTRS.

[Alfisti]

How hard is she driving it? Gotta say I am STUNNED how well our Stelvio drives, absolutely stunned. I mean it is still a SUV but it made the X3 feel like a boat.

[BMW F22]

How about a used M3? I do like the Golf GTI or Golf R. Audi RS3 are fast and looks good too. With all that said I am partial to Porsche so a Cayman S or Boxster S would be my choice. 2014 was when they came out with the refresh so 2014+ is what I’d go with, even if it ends up costing a few thousands over budget.

[King Rudi]

Originally Posted by Run Silent

As the title says - going to grab a new car for the wife and looking for some ideas that maybe I've not thought of before.

Here are the specifics:

a. Looking for something that stands out from the crowd, unique in a parking lot.
b. Price point is around $30K - $35K.
c. Must be 2012 or newer and less than 40K miles on it.
d. Needs to be moderately reliable as this will be a daily driver.
e. Prefer manual or DCT, but would consider an automatic if it was the right car.
f. Maint costs or upkeep costs are not really an issue, within reason.
g. Would prefer at least a minimal backseat to use in a pinch, but not required.
h. Must be fun to drive and enjoyable.

Some ideas that are currently on the table are a 2009+ Porsche Cayman but worried about it being too old, also 2018 or 2019 Alfa Giulia Ti 2.0T seems to be of interest. Another option was the Focus RS, but not very cool looking. The Miata RF was another choice, but worried about performance. Thought about the BMW M235 or M240, but she finds them boring looking.

Are we sure this is "for the wife?"

I know little to nothing about them, but I have a feeling this will change in the next couple of years; but I've been looking at used Aston Martins. Something to consider. Reasonably affordable depending on the series, year and mileage.

[leopard print]

You could get a newer model Cayman within your criteria.

A quick autotrader search pulls this up. I’m sure you could find better deals out there.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

[JasonCSU]

You already mentioned it, but the first car I thought of within that criteria is an MX-5 which could be found new at that price point as well.