I agree with the others, why not something like an e90 m3 for daily driving and then a c5 z06 or older P-car for weekend/track days? You can have the best of both worlds.

 

How about the CPO 335I instead of the M3. Add a 1K flash and it will be faster than the M3. Then you would have more left over to get a fun car.

john

 

I would never recommend a 335i, especially used. Too many problems. I've had trouble with injectors, HPFP, Vanos. Now occasionally going into limp mode again, but I'm turning it in next month anyway. Can't wait to get rid of it, although it does have good acceleration, when it works.

 

335i DEFINITELY not a great car.

 

I must admit, I haven't been following the 335i too closely, but this is the first time I've heard a type of experience like this.

 

They finally issued a recall for the fuel pump last fall I think, but some are still failing with some of the new ones. Recent recall for injectors. The increased the warranty on the fuel pump to 100k.

 

Why not the M5? It certainly has more room that the others AND M5s have depreciated quite a bit. In fact for 60k you can get one with less than 20k miles and CPO. I know it is a very heavy car for the track but that is OK if you are only doing occasional DEs. I have been thinking about turning the 996TT into a dedicated track car and getting a 2008-09 M5 for a daily driver. I never really liked the previous 5 series but in M5 version it looks great --- for curiosity what is it that you didn't like about it so that it is not on your list?

 

im sure OP has thought plenty of times while reading this "...because that's NOT what i asked about" in regards to other suggestions. So i appologize for the following... I also got to wondering, given the requirements in the original post, why no RS4 or E55/63. Sure, may not be AS fun around a track as any of your options, but im sure your kids will appreciate it more. especially if in an accident. And im sure both could give you a thrill on the way to work.

so thats my 2 cents there. Now between the cars you listed, probably GT-R, based on the blind assumption that it would be bigger rear seats for the kiddies.

 

I originally did not include the e60 M5, since I have already had two previously and fear getting bored quickly. I think the e60 is a great car, but actually prefer the e39 version, except for the top end pull and level of luxury is much higher. However, I thought the M5 would be too much a compromise in regards to handling based performance. I've also had a nicely modded e55 in the past and was seriously disappointed from its overall performance, except for its acceleration.

Then again the GTR and 996 turbos are a big compromise from a practicality standpoint.

Out of curiosity, which car do you think has the highest performance and practicality quotient for $60k? Are the M-cars the best at this or do the likes of the GTR and 996 turbo additional performance overshadow their compromised practicality?

Thanks again

 

Nonsense!

My car is the family car when the wife has the van somewhere else. I load all three kids up (15, 9, 5), and go to the grocery store to fill my 5gl jugs of water, pick up a week of groceries, etc...

That huge trunk is something I did not expect (fits a 10' canopy, fold up chairs, helmets, luggage, etc... all at the same time).

Storage in the car is not that big of an issue. It has a really fat ***.

 

Anyone would have to admit the GT-R is the best performance option. Nothing Porsche makes can touch it short of the GT2/3. Plus you can carry the kids.

I'd still rather have my kids take on a severe accident in a BMW or Mercedes and sacrifice ultimate performance.

Plus, for 60K, you can buy 2 great cars that are only 2 years old or even just buy one and save the money. That might be important since the economy is going to tank again in the next 6-12 months. And poor economic performance is what led to this whole thing anyway.


Jim

 

c63, cls55, e60 m5, m3.. rule out the coupes for carrying passengers..

 

My opinion is that, by a long shot, the 911 Turbo is a better performance car than the M cars....and also by a long shot the M3s are more practical everyday performance cars. I currently have the 996TT and previously had an e36 and an e46 M3s (and have driven e90 at the track). I am an instructor with BMWCCA and PCA so I really push the cars. Oddly I have kept them stock except for tires and brakes and the turbo is leagues ahead at the track. But it is rough on the street and has many compromises (storage room, passenger room, etc). I still love the car as a daily driver though but if you rarely take it to the track the M cars are more livable. MY conclusion is that the best set-up is a dedicated track car (so you can modify at will) and a good daily driver so you can get the practicality. If I can, I will mod the turbo for the track and buy an m5 as a daily driver but if the numbers don't add up, I will keep the turbo for the street and buy an e36 m3 for the track. If I had $60k, I would split it 40/20, and based on what's more important to you, spend the 40 on either the track car OR the street car. Otherwise you will never get the full performance at the track or will have compromises on the street.
I was very excited when I first read about the GTR since it is clearly a beast but was disappointed when I saw one in person - I just didn't feel it. I have never driven one either but for me there has to be an emotional connection with the looks, brand image, performance, etc and the GTR only has the latter.

 

Now, to really answer your question -

If you prioritize performance over practicality = 996TT

If you prioritize practicality over performance = M3

Those are the facts but you have to decide what is more important to you.

 

I was kinda joking about the mini-van. Not a listed option, but what i believe you need is a Cayenne Turbo. Descent people hauler and good power / handling. Good Luck!