I have a 996TT, that I will own forever, A 300ZXTT that I will own forever, but my 99 Carrera (Daily Driver) is getting too small for my children in the back. I can't think of anything that I think would be a decent trade option for a little more back seat room. Staying around 20K to 25K range. Any suggestions. Has to be sporty. I love my Carrera, but I knew this day would come. No SUV's or Minivan suggestions please. LOL...

 

How about a Audi, BMW, or Lexus? Do you want to stick with Porsche?

 

Has to be sporty. Looking at used WRX's, CTS's, A5's, Camaro, BMW. I'm leaning more towards a WRX right now, but open to anything with quickness and a little more room. I drove the Audi S5, which is more than I was thinking of spending, but I was not impressed at all. Hate the shifts and feels tooooo heavy. I'm open to any suggestions under 25K used car.

 

I like the Lexus IS 250, but it's too slow. Audi isn't doing it for me right now. The WRX is sporty enough, but weak interior. Infinity is an option, but they integrate everything so the stereo can not be upgraded. I hate that as I'm an audiophile. BMW is a maybe, but when I compare any to my Carrera, I just can't swallow a swap with a BMW that I've found so far. WRX is still my lead car, but not really the total package. Any specific model suggestions on any brand. Count out Ford. I hate those.

 

no cayenne? 335 or 135(back seat might be too small), evo x...

 

I have a Caliber SRT 4 that I like a lot, if you can stand front wheel drive. Nice 6 speed Getrag box, 285 hp, good seats, decent gas mileage. Hatchback makes it nice, too. Another thing I like is you don't see too many around. There was some kick butt stereo option for that car, too, but I don't have it.

 

Cayenne is not a sports car. I have a 330Ci, but not that exciting. What about a Camaro SS? 6.2L? Anyone have experience with that car?

 

Drive a 2004-2008 Audi S4 CAbriolet. Even better find a good deal on an RS4. That was my car before my 911 C4S and I must say I loved it. In some ways I likes it better that the 911. Ride Quality the biggest and the V8 had Torque everywhere..

 

RS4 would be great, but doubt I could find one for around 25k. Please keep em coming. I'm grateful for any suggestions.

 

The Evo GSR is now on the short list.

 

I can't believe this is even a discussion. The only option is 2006-2010 M5.

 

Just drove an M5, and it feels sluggish and bulky to me. I also hate the look. Stopping power is not to be desired. Has good HP, but the weight seems to be dragging it down. Still favor the Evo GSR, Camaro SS, and WRX STI. Any other suggestions? Thanks guys!

 

If the kids won't fit in the back of a 996, how long will they fit in the back of an Evo, Camaro, or WRX? That said, based on your stated preferences I don't have any suggestions.

Going in an entirely different direction, though, the 2006 Volvo V70R always looked to me like one of the great under-the-radar people movers. 300 hp, 6-speed stick, and AWD. All in a boxy wagon that nobody would look at twice. IIRC one sold recently on Rennlist that had been chipped and was around 360 hp.

 

Me and my friend are both 6'2" and fit in the WRX. I got in the back and had decent room. I hope my girls don't get taller than that. The headroom is the issue with the "sloped in the back" cars. I would not need this for any long distance trips because I do have a minivan for those trips. (wife's daily driver) The seats are really narrow in the 911 as you know, and zero headroom. I have not sat in the back of a Camaro SS yet. Leaning that way a bit for the HP and style. I do know the WRX has enough room and hold resale values well. I wish I could just keep what I have, but running out of room.

 

If you're used to German stuff, long term you probably won't be happy with the WRX. Great driving cars but cheap interior. The Legacy GT is essentially a detuned WRX STi (2.5L turbo motor) but nicer inside than the WRX. Maybe worth looking at.

If you like German, stay German. Here's where I'd be looking in the under $30k range:

RS4 - high quality interior, fast, can be had with a stick.
S4 - same deal as the RS4 with less fast
S6 - no stick but a Lambo V10. My former boss had one with a Milltek exhaust and it sounded like sex.
S8 - same as the S6 but bigger. I used a d2 S8 as a family car for a year, fantastic all around car.
RS6 - fast stock, can be made silly fast with a tune, slushbox only.
Jaguar XF - no stick, but the supercharged models are fast.
E55 AMG - much like the RS6, fast stock and can be easily made silly fast. Auto only.
C55 AMG - same story as the E55 but smaller.
CTS-V - the 2nd gen supercharged monsters are still above $30k, but you can find a super mint 1st gen. Basically a 4-door Z06.
G8 GXP - pretty much the same as the CTS-V.

You say you don't like Ford, but will consider the Camaro SS? The Mustang GT 5.0 is a better sports car in nearly every way, and doesn't have a massive blind spot like the Camaro. The Challenger is even worse. For your price range you should be able to find a track pack and Brembo equipped Mustang, potentially with Recaros as well.